How to Care for a Bird's Nails

Overgrown nails can be painful for birds and make it difficult for them to stand on their perch. It is important to take care of them and trim the nails on a regular basis. When trimming the nails, you must be careful not to clip the quick, which controls the blood supply. Make sure you read all of the instructions for caring for your bird's nails before you begin.

Things You'll Need

• Sharp trimmers Bright lamp Towel Styptic powder

Instructions

1. Purchase a package of styptic powder (see Resources). It is made in a liquid as well, but the powder works the best. This is necessary to have before you cut your bird's nails in case it starts to bleed.

2. Get a friend and give him a hand towel and instruct him to wrap the towel around the bird to restrain it. This is necessary so that the bird doesn't move. Otherwise, you may accidentally clip the bird's quick.

3. Turn on an extra light or bring over a lamp. You need this to see through the bird's claws. You will be able to see where the quick is so that you won't cut it. Seeing this will show you how far up you can trim.

4. Trim a little at a time from the point backward until you get close to the quick. Then stop.

5. Use the styptic powder immediately if you cut the quick or notice any bleeding. It will cause the spot to clot up so the bird won't lose too much blood.

Tips & Warnings

• Have your vet or pet groomer demonstrate how to trim your bird's nails before you try it.

• Allow your bird to take a break in between trimming each foot. You don't want the bird to get too upset.

Resources

• Styptic Powder