In trouble

[Budman]

We had a vet who would deal in exotics and was 3 miles from my house. I would take my previous macaw to her for a checkup and nail and beak trim. She left the area,now the nearest one is 76 miles away. I just bought a 6 year old Blue and Gold who has never had his beak or claws trimmed. After her gets used to me I would like to trim them myself. I have done this with my previous bird but never with claws this long. Any guidence on how much to remove at a time?

[scabz]

I have no clue about the beak but I bought my macaw a swing and the part he stands on keeps his nails dull. It was around $30. but it really helps me out with the nail trimming. I hate using clippers on him.

[fluffy_stitch]

i had the same question not long ago and the advice that i got was to cut only 1 or 2 mm at a time:)

[nmrspindoc]

I saw somewhere an electric nail file, it was round and filed off the extra length. To be honest, on a larger bird, that's the only way I'd "clip" nails. It's scary enough on tiels...where you can see the vein. There's no way I'd do it on my CAG or U2.

Oh, and from what I've read beak trimming should only be done by a vet.

Good luck!

[CALVINS MOM]

A beak should NEVER be trimmed unless it is overgrown. As for the nails, you may find that you are better off filing them with a virgin nail file (the type that are used in a salon). You can purchase them at most drug stores - they are black in color. They go from fine, medium, coarse and extra-coarse. Get the coarsest one available.

I sincerely doubt he is going to allow you to cut his nails. It takes an expert to do this. Little by little, you can probably get it done. I agree to get a Sandy Perch or Cement Perch - get the jumbo size. I have not need to have my macaws' nails done in about 10 years since I use a cement perch. They really do work.

Is there a reputable bird store in your area? If you should do this, be sure to bring your own instruments and, if they towel the bird, make sure you bring your own towel. I have seen many stores use towels on birds and they merely go from one bird to the next. Not a good idea.

[Budman]

Thanks for the replies. On the Macaw I raised from 6 weeks old I used a dremmel tool with a flexable shaft. It worked great on the nails ( but I only took a little off at a time and kept them short. I would just trim the sharp tip of his beak. He was so tame he didn't mind any of it. Tjis bird is 6 years old and never really been handled. Althought yesterday was a break through, he took food from my hand. Concerning the perch that keeps the nails short, becareful with those becaause the abrasive is hard on the soft part of their feet, its like the sandpaper perches for parakeets, not the best idae.

[CALVINS MOM]

Originally Posted by Budman

Thanks for the replies. On the Macaw I raised from 6 weeks old I used a dremmel tool with a flexable shaft. It worked great on the nails ( but I only took a little off at a time and kept them short. I would just trim the sharp tip of his beak. He was so tame he didn't mind any of it. Tjis bird is 6 years old and never really been handled. Althought yesterday was a break through, he took food from my hand. Concerning the perch that keeps the nails short, becareful with those becaause the abrasive is hard on the soft part of their feet, its like the sandpaper perches for parakeets, not the best idae.

Thanks for your suggestion about the perches. I have been using them for over 15+ years and fortunately have never had a problem. :)

So glad he took food from your hand! We just held a seminar featuring Barb Heidenreich. You should purchase her videos. She is wonderful. Using a treat to train that people/hands are not a bad thing is the first of many baby steps. Are you familiar with her techniques? Most of my birds are rehomes who came with major baggage. Patience - it may take as long as 6 months for him to trust you - but he will. Here's Barb's website if you want to browse it. Good Bird Inc. Companion Parrot Training Through Positive Reinforcement

[Budman]

Thanks for the link,I will gladly get her DVD. Yes I figured it would take time. He's quite a talker and fortunately no bad words. I'm looking forward to growing old with him. My son who lives downstaires from us got a military from the same people. He is a beautiful bird and again not handled.

[CALVINS MOM]

That's really nice that you and your son rehomed these two. Best of luck!