How to Clip a Parakeet's Toenails

Parakeets have four claws, or toenails, on each foot.

Parakeets do not usually need their toenails trimmed. As long as they have a cement perch, their claws will naturally be shaved down slightly every time they stand on it. However, if they refuse to stand on the perch and their claws start growing into a circular shape, you will need to manually trim them.

Things You'll Need

• Washcloth
• Bird claw trimmers
• Styptic pencil

Instructions

1. Carefully grab the parakeet with the washcloth. This will keep it calm and prevent you from being bitten.

2. Gently flip it over so that you can reach its toenails.

3. Using the clippers, trim just the very tips of its toenails. If you cut too deeply, it will bleed, and you will need to dab the bleeding toe with the styptic pencil.

4. Place it back in the cage.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep an eye on your parakeet for the first 24 hours after clipping its claws. If it seems to be favoring one foot, something may have gone wrong and it will need to go to the vet.

References

• Budgie Place: Clipping Toenails
• Lisa Shea: Bird Claws and Feet