Cockatiels are beautiful birds, and these birds are stunning as pets. But as a responsible owner, taking proper care of the Cockatiel is a must. And this care includes cutting and trimming the nails of the bird.
So, how to cut and trim overgrown Cockatiel nails? Grab your Cockatiel in your hand. Use a pair of sharp nail clippers and locate the blood vein properly. Make sure to maintain the shape of the nail when cutting. And finally, treat the bird for its good behavior.
In this guide, we will talk about how to cut and trim Cockatiel nails perfectly. Not only that, but we will also discuss tips and tricks along with other relevant topics in this article. So, continue reading till the end!
Importance Of Cutting Overgrown Cockatiel Nails
When the Cockatiel nails start to grow, it affects their movement and regular activities. The long nails affect their walk by putting pressure on the nails. Not only that, but these nails also get caught in cages, carpets, and so on. Abnormal breakage or nail ripping will cause immense pain to your dear bird.
How to Cut and Trim Overgrown Cockatiel Nails?
Cutting overgrown Cockatiel nails is important to keep up the swift movement of the bird. Overgrown nails are prone to ripping and breakage, and this can cause severe pain and discomfort to the Cockatiels. Let us take a look at the steps on how to cut and trim the overgrown Cockatiel nails.
1. Hold The Cockatiel Securely
The first step of cutting or trimming the nails is securely holding the Cockatiel in your hands. Use a towel or mitten to grab and hold the bird in place. The body of the bird is very sensitive to touch, so make sure that you do not apply much pressure. However, ensure to hold both the body and wings of the bird to prevent it from escaping easily.
2. Locate The Blood Vein
The next step is to make sure where the blood vein is. Once the bird is secure in your hold, take a flashlight and shine a light under the nails. You will notice the blood nail and the starting point of the nail.
3. Make The Cut
After locating the blood vein, take a sharp nail clipper to make a swift cut. While pet nail clippers are a great option, using human clippers is the best. Cut the nail in a slanted manner where the top part of the nail is longer than the inside part.
This way of cutting will give the nail a sharp and smooth look. Make sure to avoid the blood vein, as it can cause the bird to bleed. Repeat the process with all eight nails of the Cockatiel.
4. Give Your Bird A Treat
Once you have cut all your cute bird’s nails, it is time to give them a sweet treat. This treat makes the Cockatiel feel good and relaxed, as nail cutting can be stressful on the bird. Give them their favorite food and allow them to enjoy their food freely.
3 Tips On Cutting And Trimming Overgrown Cockatiel Nails
Cutting the cockatiel nails can be quite difficult. However, a few tips can make the process easier and safe for both the owner and the bird. So, check out these tips!
Use A Mitten or Towel
Using a mitten or towel when holding the bird is important. Cockatiels have sensitive bodies and do not like to be held. And these birds do not hesitate to put up a fight when held. The towel or mitten will give the bird a sense of comfort and save you from nail scratches.
Use Styptic Powder
Hurting the blood vein when cutting the nails of the Cockatiel is quite common. But there is nothing to panic about. Take a small amount of styptic powder on a Q-tip and apply it lightly over the bleeding. This will help to stop the bleeding in a short amount of time.
Take Breaks If Needed
When cutting or trimming the nails of your Cockatiel, make sure to take breaks when needed. Cockatiels are naturally vocal birds when held in grasp. But if the bird starts panting, breathing heavily, or struggling too much, make sure to take a break.
Allow the bird to rest by putting it back in its cage. Let it calm down, and try to cut the nails once the Cockatiel is back to normal.
FAQ
You probably have some more queries left. We have got some of the common ones answered here.
Yes, you can trim the nails of your Cockatiel at home. Make sure to follow the entire process properly and pay proper attention to the blood vein position. Take the necessary precautions to keep yourself and your bird safe from injuries.
A few Cockatiels have dark nails, which makes it hard to locate the blood veins. In such cases, the positioning is inaccurate even after shining light under the nails. Many owners prefer to file the nail instead of cutting it to avoid injury to the blood vein. However, filing the nails is a time-consuming process.
Cutting your Cockatiel’s nails at home does not cost any money. However, many owners are scared of cutting their nails on their own. In cases like these, getting the nails cut by a vet is the best option. Cutting a Cockatiel’s nails by a vet should not cost more than 10 to 15 bucks.
Conclusion
As a pet owner, you must ensure your Cockatiel’s proper health and care. And cutting the nails before they grow too long is essential to ensure that your bird can move freely without risk of injury.
While you may use the special bird nail clippers, human clippers work just as well, if not better. Nonetheless, be extra careful with the blood veins. Make sure to follow the steps mentioned when you cut or trim the Cockatiel’s nails. Furthermore, ensure that your bird is calm and comfortable before you bring in the nail clippers.
