How to Use a Drill on a Parrot's Nails

Pet parrots need their toe nails trimmed usually about once a month. Birds that have long toe nails are at risk of having their feet deform permanently, so it's a good idea to not let it go too long. A Dremel drill is a little rotational motor that works with different sized bits for multiple purposes. You can use it to drill, grind, sand or polish. It's perfect for drilling parrot toe nails.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Mardel Laboratories Stay Blood Coagulant
• Dremel drill
• Toe nail clipper
• Towel

1. Hold the parrot with a towel for comfort and safety. Place your fingers around the parrot's cheeks while at the same time you hold the bottom of the bird in the towel. Leave the chest area free so that the parrot can breathe. Prepare for your bird to make a lot of noise over this.

2. Examine the parrot's nails. The tip on the nail is pointy. It is sharp enough to puncture your finger.

3. Trim the tips of the nails first. Use a regular toe nail clipper to trim the nails. Cut off the sharp tip, but not too far back, just the end. If you cut too far back and the nail starts to bleed, you'll need to use a special blood staunching chemical like Mardel Laboratories Stay Blood Coagulant. You can find these at any pet supply store.

4. File the nails down with the Dremel drill. The parrot will curl his foot into a ball. You'll have to pry his foot open from underneath. Use the drill at it's medium speed to smooth out any sharp edges. The slower speed will help you have better control over the drill.

Resources

• Mardel Laboratories Stay Blood Coagulant

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