Trimming nails of an untame cockatiel

[Jadey678]

Hi,

My cockatiel needs one of his nails trimming, however he is not tame and therefore does not let me hold him to trim his nail(s).

I am really anxious of upsetting him, especially as he has been really responsive with general training lately. I do not want to hurt him (if I somehow manage to find a way to cut his nails), and undo any progress we have made and the trust we have built thus far.

Any advice would be appreciated. Sorry for my inexperience!

Jade.

[Eric&Rebecca]

Nail trimming should not be necessary in such a bird. Why does it need trimming? They are sharp and longer than you think but they shouldn't need trimming. If you offer a wide variety of perches of different widths and natural woods your bird will probably never need trimming.

Also I wouldn't try it yourself, you can cut too far back and the bird could bleed so maybe get an avian vet to show you first.

[Strawfrawg]

I'm with Rebecca, that you should be shown how to trim by a vet...or at least an experienced cockatiel owner. My tiel's nails were like needles sometimes despite having cage accessories that should have worn them down, so I sympathize. When he would prick my skin the spot would swell up and itch like a mosquito bite and it was pretty miserable, so a lesson in clipping was in order. It isn't something you can be told how to do, though. You have to be shown, and better yet, watched the first time you do it as well. A kind vet/tech may be willing to show you for free or for a minimal charge, though hopefully you take you bird in for routine visits anyway. Good luck.

[Eric&Rebecca]

You can have them blunted... this means they just trim the very tip of the nail (like smaller than a pin head!) just to stop this. I do have this done to my eldest cockatiel occassionally because they do become quite unbearable but I only do this every 6 months or so as he keeps them fairly well filed on his perches. Java and hardwoods are good for this with varying diameters.

DO NOT use sanded perches, they are very bad for their feet and do nothing to file the nails.

I would wait to be honest and work on taming your little guy/irl before you try doing any of those things. I'm afraid the nips and scratches are just something you'll have as war wounds. For taming pleas referto Michael's guide on how to get your new bird out the cage.

[Pajarita]

I agree with Rebecca 100% on everything she said.

[laducockatiel]

Nail trimming should not be necessary in such a bird. Why does it need trimming? They are sharp and longer than you think but they shouldn't need trimming. If you offer a wide variety of perches of different widths and natural woods your bird will probably never need trimming.

Also I wouldn't try it yourself, you can cut too far back and the bird could bleed so maybe get an avian vet to show you first.

Yep, I agree. Definitely don't try trimming yourself, you might scare your Tiel and you could injure him/her. Java perches are great and they are natural.