Senegals Nails

[Tiggr]

Hello guys
i have questions regarding my lil angels nails, she sits with me alot and pretty much treats me like her own personal playground, which is totally fine with me, the issue i have is that her nails are incredibly sharp, i have little, quite deep cuts all up and down my arms and hands,im not sure if her nails are perhaps too sharp and maybe a little long, they are all about the same legnth, about 8mm, she has several pedi perches which i was told she needed to take care of her nails but im not sure what the regular size is, am i just bieng a whiner or does something need to be done?

regards Tiggr and Lil miss Bea

[Wayne361]

You need to have his nails trimmed. You can search on this forum how you can do it yourself or take to someone who does this. Micheal has a good video on his blog on how to do it yourself.

Wayne

[marie83]

I don't really know how long the nails should be on that species but sometimes the nails can be short and sharp, in which case they need filing rather than trimming otherwise your just going to cut into the blood vessel. If your unsure get a vet or groomer have a look at them first, if the nails are a light colour you should be able to see the blood vessel by holding the foot up near a light. I've found bright natural daylight best for this so by a window is ideal.

[Michael]

Micheal has a good video on his blog on how to do it yourself.

Actually I don't. I don't suggest for first timer beginners to do it themselves. The general consensus is that you should have someone who knows what they are doing do it for the first few times so you can learn. However, I am strongly reconsidering this position because I have found that most "professional groomers" are AWFUL and can do more harm than good to your bird (trauma, illness, overcut, etc).

So for the time being, the only advice I can give is to either have an avian vet preform this or a well regarded/recommended groomer.

[Wayne361]

Micheal has a good video on his blog on how to do it yourself.

Actually I don't. I don't suggest for first timer beginners to do it themselves. The general consensus is that you should have someone who knows what they are doing do it for the first few times so you can learn. However, I am strongly reconsidering this position because I have found that most "professional groomers" are AWFUL and can do more harm than good to your bird (trauma, illness, overcut, etc).

So for the time being, the only advice I can give is to either have an avian vet preform this or a well regarded/recommended groomer.

Hi Michaeal....for the very reason that you stated "most professional groomers are AWFUL" I have taken it upon myself to perform this task/duty. Your video has helped out a lot. I realize that every parrot/owner relationship is different, but since I am able to handle my quite well i have been working on desensitising him to clippers...(touching toes/nails, slight pressure/reward etc.) to the point where i can trim nails. I think a bit of common sense by the owner also has to rule. I only cut off very sharp point/tip, thus ensuring that I wont get into bleeding/pain issues. I realize that it will have to be performed more often in this manner but it allows the bird to become more comfortable with procedure. I realize that this is not for everyone and feel your pain in recommending it to others. If procedures are not done in proper sequence, or methods, there is great risk to injury/death of bird and/or damaging the bird/human relationship.


Someone also mentioned filing the nails...i think I might look at this option as well and see if it serves the purpose going forward, thus reducing chance of accidently making a clipping mistake.

Wayne

[Eurycerus]

Actually I have a comment/question. When I got my Senegal the only thing the lady said was "Her nails are due for a trim". So being a diligent parrot owner I set up a trim by the local parrot shop. Two weeks later her nails were trimmed and she couldn't grip anything well!!! She no longer could climb up the fabric chair or maintain a steady stance very well on her perch. I've seen her fall and I feel terrible. It's getting slightly better but still! Her nails were so dull that she couldn't grasp properly anymore. Is there a way to trim nails without having this problem?

[Tiggr]

Thank you again guys for all your help, this site is an awesome place to find everything i need to take care of bumblebea to the best of my ability, her nail issue is now sorted, i took her to the groomer and she kinda went balistic, so i decided to have a go at filing them myself, anyways, to my surprise, she actually likes having her nails done, just lays in my lap and lets me get on, whole thing took about 20 mins and we are both much happier (i look less like ive been mauled everyday), this little fire cracker amazes me every single day

[machme]

Hi guys yes i clip my parrots nails once was hard to do as he dont like to be handle and he will bite. I put him in a small towel turn him over but one nail bleed so use vaseline on cotton bud to stop bleeding then when thay needed doing again i took him to my vet thay said as he so nervous thay gave him some gas told me he might not come out of it so i was vary worryed so i might have to try do again my self as dont want to put him in that stress. I just clip the point/tip like wayne said if any one lives near ilford essex and can hold him for me that be good help iam new to this site join 14 august pete.

[marie83]

Hi guys yes i clip my parrots nails once was hard to do as he dont like to be handle and he will bite. I put him in a small towel turn him over but one nail bleed so use vaseline on cotton bud to stop bleeding then when thay needed doing again i took him to my vet thay said as he so nervous thay gave him some gas told me he might not come out of it so i was vary worryed so i might have to try do again my self as dont want to put him in that stress. I just clip the point/tip like wayne said if any one lives near ilford essex and can hold him for me that be good help iam new to this site join 14 august pete.

Hiya, what vet did you use? gassing a bird for a minute or so isn't that high risk as long as there are no other health issues. Thats not to say there isn't a risk and I do think it should be avoided where possible.

Follow Michaels taming, training and socialisation articles, that will help with the stress. If you don't already have an avian vet get one, there are loads to choose from (compared with the rest of the UK) down south. Some of the best vets in the country are located in London from what I've heard.
A good vet should be able to show you how to trim the nails properly without putting the bird under but you do need to work on training him to accept being handled in any way first otherwise you will probably end up having a bad accident with him. Until such a time you can handle him however you like without a struggle get someone experienced to do it.

[machme]

Hi thanks for your massage i use a vet called Animal Ark in goodmayes uk essex thay do all kind of pets i took this parrot on when my girl friend pass away he be long to her that was 204 so i had him all that time i try to tame him but not work out. I dont no he pass before she had him so thanks for your help pete.