Does my cockatoo need her nails trimmed?

[Ripstied]

I just brought Kili home. Her nails don't hurt me to hold her, they just seem very long. I'm used to seeing dog nails, though, and not parrot's, so maybe this is the way they're supposed to look. Any opinions? BTW, why are the pictures I post always need rotating?

 

[Allee]

Kili does need a nail trim. Do you have an Avian Vet check scheduled for your new friend, if so, the vet can give her the first trim for you. Her nails are grown out and if you clip a little too close, they can bleed profusely.

If you both feel confident enough, you can trim Kili's nails with a pair of large nail clippers and shape them with a nail file. Those nails are tough, human nail clippers may not be sturdy enough. I use a pair of nail clippers for small breed dogs for my U2. Have corn starch handy in case of bleeding.

After the initial trim, provide lots of perches of different textures and diameters. I would give her one pedi-perch, but in a place that she doesn't use it exclusively. Scratchy perches and pedi-perches can cause sore feet if used constantly. Normal activity and a good diet help to keep the nails filed down naturally.

 

[Ripstied]

Kili does need a nail trim. Do you have an Avian Vet check scheduled for your new friend, if so, the vet can give her the first trim for you. Her nails are grown out and if you clip a little too close, they can bleed profusely.

If you both feel confident enough, you can trim Kili's nails with a pair of large nail clippers and shape them with a nail file. Those nails are tough, human nail clippers may not be sturdy enough. I use a pair of nail clippers for small breed dogs for my U2. Have corn starch handy in case of bleeding.

After the initial trim, provide lots of perches of different textures and diameters. I would give her one pedi-perch, but in a place that she doesn't use it exclusively. Scratchy perches and pedi-perches can cause sore feet if used constantly. Normal activity and a good diet help to keep the nails filed down naturally.

Thank you so much! I tried to see pictures on line and couldn't find anything to compare to! I am out of town where I purchased Kili for 2 weeks till I bring her to our actual home in TN. I'm still researching an Avian vet back home. I wouldn't mind doing her nails myself, but if I'm going to take her in for her first check up, I might as well have the doc do the first trimming. If I get anxious, I may do it myself. It can't bee too much different from a German Shepherd's. They have the same black nails that you have to be careful to just cut the tip of.

 

[Flboy]

For sure first trim by the vet! Ours only charges 5 bucks for nails!

 

[Holly the U2]

nail trimming is about taking off the point, which to me looks like its been done, if they don't hurt you & doesn't hinder her from moving around id personally leave them alone,

 

[Scott]

nail trimming is about taking off the point, which to me looks like its been done, if they don't hurt you & doesn't hinder her from moving around id personally leave them alone,

Absolutely! I'd rather trim the very edge of sharpness more frequently than risk cutting too far and causing bleeding.

 

[Holly the U2]

I don't ever cut, I just use a file to take the point off