Trimming your
Caged Bird's
Claws & Beaks
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Caged birds live in a very "geometric" world, in contrast to
their wild counterparts. Most of the surfaces they perch on
(perches, cage bars, etc) are very smooth and regular. Consequently,
the claws and beaks of pet birds tend to overgrow, and the surfaces
of their beaks also tend to become rough and irregular.
In a wild bird's natural environment, this problem never arises
because wild birds are very active and wear down their claws on tree
bark, rocks and other abrasive surfaces. Most caged birds need their
claws trimmed periodically in spite of gimmicks often employed to
keep them shortened. Sandpaper perch covers, for example, do not
prevent nail overgrowth but they do cause irritation and excessive
wear of the soles of the feet. Sandpaper perch covers should not be
used.
An emery board, nail clippers or cautery instrument can be used
to shorten the claws of smaller caged birds. A rapidly rotating
grinding stone is used to trim the claws and to shorten, shape and
smooth the beaks of larger birds. The results are very professional
and satisfying. You should not attempt to trim the beak of your
bird. If you do attempt to trim the claws, you must have something
on hand with which to stop any bleeding. These clotting aids are
called styptics. Recommended styptics include Kwik-Stop (Animal
Research Co), silver nitrate sticks, and ferric subsulfate (Monsel's
solution).
If bleeding occurs while trimming the claws, do not panic.
First, carefully restrain the bird. Next, squeeze the toe just above
the claw (tourniquet effect). Then apply the styptic to the bleeding
claw. Alternate the last 2 steps until the bleeding has stopped.
Always seek veterinary help when your bird is bleeding or has bled.
Bleeding always represents an emergency situation. Corn starch or
flour is a common household item that can be applied to bleeding
claws or other wounds to help with blood clotting and to stop
bleeding. The steps outlined above are first-aid procedures only and
are not a substitute for veterinary assistance.
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