How to Groom the Nails of an African Grey Parrot
African grey parrots make intelligent, responsive pets but they require a lot of care and attention, including grooming. You must trim your bird's nails occasionally to prevent him snagging the nail on something and possibly breaking his toe. Nail trimming also prevents you from getting a nasty scratch when you handle your parrot. A bird grooming parlor or vet will perform this task for you, or you can learn to do it yourself.
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Instructions
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Make an appointment for nail trimming with your vet. Explain that you wish to be shown how to do it yourself in the future. You must be taught by an expert before you begin cutting your parrot's nails or you risk injuring your pet.
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Restrain the parrot by wrapping him in a towel or securing him in a bird holder when his nails need trimming again.
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Talk to your parrot quietly throughout the grooming session to reassure him.
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Use the nail trimmer to cut off the tip of each nail to the length you watched the vet cut them before. This should ideally be just before the "quick," that is the blood vessel that runs inside the nail.
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Dab the nail with styptic powder if you accidentally draw blood and be sure to cut less off the other nails.
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Tips & Warnings
Use pet nail trimmers. Human nail trimmers are not strong enough for African grey nails.
If you are uncomfortable about trimming your parrot's nails, or he gets frightened, get a professional to do it each time. A bird grooming parlor rather than the vet may be cheaper.
References
- Photo Credit African Grey Parrot image by mickkid from Fotolia.com
