clipping nails???

[Deb]

I have a Blue Front Amazon that I've had for about a month. He's doing very well with us. Friendly, likes to be with people. Let's us touch him most of the time without any problems.
My question is what is the best, easiest and safest way to clip the nails?? His are getting very long and sharp. He spends a good deal of time on my shoulder and it's starting to hurt.

 

[Riley's mom]

Hi! If you have never done it before, I would suggest going to your vet and have them show you first. Believe it or not, the most important person in the nail clipping process, is the person holding the animal. Black nails are tough because you can't see where the "quick" is unlike the lighter nails. But in either case, if the bird or animal pulls just the slightest, you can have problems. Always have a bottle of "kwik stop" handy when clipping nails just in case there is a bleeder. Hope this helps.

 

[Beatriz Cazeneuve]

I agree with Riley's mom that you need to learn from the vet how to do it but not on the Kwik Stop, that thing hurts like the devil! Use flour instead.

 

[DustyDusky]

I definately agree with what they told you. I clip my own birds nails myself but it can be quite tuff. I am a VET Tech Student so part of my studies is learning how to do it myself. My Bird has an issue with being restrained so i generally wrap him loosely in a towel to keep him from biting me and have him hold my finger with his feet to help me position his nails. I use basic human nail clippers to cut his toes.

Before trying it on your own I definately recomment seeing a vet. They will show you how to restrain your bird properly and how to know when you have cut far enough.

 

[ScottinVentura]

I will freely admit that I'm a wimp with nails. I do it the easiest way - I write a check to the vet every few weeks to do it for me. And that way she also sees him regularly and can spot something I might miss. It costs me $25, and I think of it as money very well spent.

 

[antoinette]

Great advise from ScottinVentura MONEY WELL SPENT and the above posts.
Great day

 

[Spiritbird]

I agree with all who responded to this question. It is too risky unless you have been trained. Bird could have bleeding that may or may not stop and they do not have much blood in their bodies.