Nail Disaster

[jgerardo]

I want to share my experience. I have had my grey Luna for almost 1 1/2 year. It's been great I bought him as a 2 month old and he has grown so much. He came clipped from he breeder so I did not worry about grooming. Not until much later he needed a wing trim and nails needed to be clipped. I took him to a bird shop in Anaheim, CA where they actually do it for free. I took him there but I felt like they were too rough on him. So I watched how they did it and tried it myself. I bought special clippers and even bought styptic gel (thank God i did) I clipped his nails and did an ok job. Few months down the road his nails felt like knives again. So I clipped his nails again. But this time when I clipped his back toenail I realized i cut too much. I saw red trickling down the foot. Soon the trickle became a constant flow. I panicked but I remmebered the styptic gel my family helped and we were able to treat the wound. I took him to the vet by then the bleeding stopped and he was such an angel to them despite the trauma. I felt so guilty knowing I was the cause of the trauma my baby received. If you do not know what you are doing leave it to those who do know. It is not worth causing problems to your bird. Just wanted to share my scary experience with everybody

[Greywings]

I use a small battery power dremell that way you take off much less nail at a time so you have more control. It sounds as if he is not holding you responsible now forgive yourself.

[Acappella]

Dorian lets me take the very very tips of some of his nails off. I still take him to get them properly trimmed because once he moved just as I clipped and I hit the quick. I had styptic on hand and he didn't sulk, but he didn't have to. I felt so guilty. I agree, if you lack confidence or experience, leave it to the pros.

[SRSeedBurners]

Yep - dremel is the way to go. You can take bits off until you feel you are at just the right spot. With our Caique I will dremel off small bits each day until they are just the right length. Taking too much off his beak at one time causes him to sulk. I actually think the quick in their nails withdraws as you continually shorten the nail. Clippers are one shot and your committed.

[Greytness]

I haven't ever had to trim Maalik's nails and he's now 18 months old. He uses his pedicure perch all the time, simply because it's the one set right in front of his food bowl. So he's on it countless times throughout the day. You might want to give one a try and see if it helps.

 

I have 9 birds altogether and haven't once had to trim any of their nails, thanks to these perches.

[Brat Birds]

The first time you draw blood is very disconcerting. I have done it so many times. I still feel horrible, but don't beat myself up about it. When I just had Tiels I could use an ice cube to stop the bleeding. That is what I used for our Shelties too. With my Grey, it didn't work that well so then I did get the septic powder. That seems to work well for everyone.