For the first time, it is very difficult for the cockatiel owner to take best care of their feathery friend. Owner has to learn many things and have vast knowledge about their friend. Most owners feel nervous while trimming the nail of the cockatiel. In this article, I will explain the simplest procedure of trimming the nails of a cockatiel. As the health of your cockatiel is the first responsibility. You should clip the nails and wings of cockatiels to keep them safe, healthy and active.
For comfort and good health of cockatiel, you should trim their nails. Extra long nails leads to various problems in walking, climbing etc. It increases the chance of injuries. Proper trimming of nails improve the natural ability to walk. In this article, essential tips are cover that owner must know to promote good health to them. Proper tools and patience are vital while cutting the nails of cockatiels. Make the nail trimming procedure easy to prevent your parrot from stress.
In this article, I will tell you:
- Why is trimming of cockatiels’ nails important?
- What are the effects if you don’t cut cockatiels nails?
- How to check that cockatiels nails are long?
- How to trim cockatiels nails?
- What should the owner do if bleeding starts?
- Frequently asked questions
Let’s start without wasting time!
Can Wild Cockatiels Trim Their Own Nails?
Yes, wild cocktail trim or file their own nails. They trim their nails by nature. When they walk through different rough surfaces their nails get covered with dirt. But, when they walk on a branch or walk against a very rough surface, they trim out their nails.
Why Trimming Of Nails of Cockatiels Are Important?
The answer to this question is subjective. The most common reason is the safety of the owner or the caretaker of the cocktail. The overgrown nails break down in clothes cages, perches, furniture, due to stucking. It is very painful for the cocktail to get broken nails.
When Will Cockatiels Need A Nail Cut?
Whenever the nails overlap the toes your cocktail needs a nail cut. Long nails cause difficulty while walking. Most cocktails need a nail cut after every 2 months. Overgrown nails lead to joint pains that make it difficult for cockatiel to walk.
What Are The Effects, If You Don’t Cut Cockatiels Nails?
As a owner, you should take care of the health of your cockatiel. If you don’t cut the cockatiel’s nail, then it will suffer from joint pains in toes. They get scratched on their body parts by themselves due to long nails. It will be difficult for cockatiels to walk due to long nails.
How to Check That Cockatiels Nails Are Long?
When your cocktail is walking on a plane surface, if the nails overlap the toe, then, nails are too long. Cockatiel should keep its nails flat while walking on surface without touching nails. Whenever, the nails overlap toes, then it needs to trimmed out.
How To Trim Cockatiels’ Nails? Step-wise Procedure!
For many cockatiel owners, it is quite difficult to cut the nails of their cocktail for the first time. If you are more conscious, then it is better to first watch the videos of the vet 2 to 3 times and then start by yourself. If you want to cut the nails of your cockatiel, it is easier to take to an avian vet.
As a cockatiel owner for 8 years, here I will tell you how to trim the nails of your cutie pie in step wise procedure.
Step 1
You should start by keeping everything ready. It is better to bring the cockatiel from the cage. The most common step is to shut all the windows and doors to keep your cockatiel safe. For a hand tamed cockatiel, it is better to cut or trim the nails during night. At night, it will not resist.
Step 2
You should handle cockatiel with one hand and check nails with another hand. Instead of holding by your hand, you can use a towel to keep your cockatiel and prevent it from hurting. If you have any servant or helper, then, he or she will wear gloves to keep the cocktail in hand.
Step 3
While trimming the nails of the cockatiel, it is better to keep the feet of the cockatiel in front of light. Cocktail nails have blood vessels inside it, that you shouldn’t cut. If the nails of cockatiels are pale, then blood vessels can seen. You should be very careful while trimming the nails of your feathery friend.
Step 4
If you see blood vessels, then you shouldn’t trim the nails more than 16 inches. As a cocktail owner, you should cut the sharp point of the nail using the nail clipper. Your hand should made a downward angle of 30 degree, while cutting the nails of cockatiels.
Step 5
While trimming the nails, you should keep cockatiel calm by singing music tones. Don’t take more time in trimming the nails, because it causes stress in cockatiels. You should work as fast as possible to prevent your parrot from stressful situations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which Tools Are Needed to Trim Cockatiels Nails?
The tools needed to trim cockatiel nails are bird nail clippers or human nail clippers of small size. You must have Styptic powder to stop bleeding, if you extra remove the nails. It is for a precautionary measure. Small towel is vital to restrain the parrot species. You should seek the help of your helper in holding your cutie pie while cutting the nails.
What Should You Do If Bleeding Starts?
If bleeding starts, due to the extra removal of nails. Then, you should apply styptic powder, flour and any cornstarch to the bleeding nail. It helps in stopping the bleeding. Gentle pressure is helpful in applying powder to stop bleeding. Never apply any benzocaine or anesthetic product that are dangerous for cockatiels. If bleeding continuous immediately take your cutie pie to the veterinary doctor.
What Is The Required Nail Length Of Cockatiels?
The required nail length of cockatiel is 1.5 cm. It should be long enough to provide a grip. But not long that they curl and interfere while perching. The tips should be pointed but not sharp. If the nails start curving, affecting the cockatiel’s ability to perch, then they need trimming.
How To Trim Cockatiels’ Nails Naturally?
As an owner, you should train your cockatiel to trim cockatiels nails naturally. Some of the ways are:
- Always provide rough perches like natural wood and sandy perches. It helps wear down nails.
- Encourage climbing activity of cockatiels. More movement naturally file the nails.
- Rough-textured toys like ropes, lava stones and shredded toys are helpful in trimming nails of cockatiels.
Final Verdict
As a cockatiel owner, you should take care of the health and comfort zone of your parrot species. It is better to trim the nails after 8 weeks. Restrain the cockatiels by using nail clipper, styptic powder and towel etc. It is better to seek the help of any expert, while trimming the nails of cockatiels. If bleeding starts due to extra removal of the nail, then apply styptic powder. Make the process smoother and faster to prevent cockatiels from stress and depression.
If you have any question, ask me in the comment box, I will reply to you soon. Thanks for reading!
Related Articles |
- Parrotlets Parrots – All About Parrotlets
- Canary Bird – Wonderful Bird
- Parakeets and Types – 14 Affectionate Types
- Types of Pet Birds – Hidden Information
- Blue Eyed Cockatoo [All About this Bird]
I’m Amna, and I absolutely adore birds, especially parrots. I’ve been immersed in the world of these colorful feathered friends for over 10 years. While I’m not a bird doctor, I’ve gathered a wealth of knowledge on how to care for and understand them.
My experiences extend to various bird species like parrots, macaws, cockatoos, canaries, and finches. In addition to my personal adventures with birds, I’ve dedicated time to volunteering at a local bird rehabilitation center.
My true passion lies in sharing what I know about parrots and birds with you. Through my articles, I aim to share the information you need to provide the very best care for your avian companions. So, let’s embark on this journey together and make your feathered friends’ lives as joyful and healthy as possible!