December 17, 2021
Cockatiel nails
What is the best way to “dull” the toe nails of a young cockatiel (approx. 8-9 months old)?
Also, my young cockatiel (8-9 months old) seems to be afraid of the bright sunlight. Is this normal?
Question:
Answer:
Hi Diane,
Pet bird nails do tend to get too sharp before they get too long. I would recommend starting off with a nail trim by a professional. Some use clippers and some use a dremel, as Dr. Tully mentioned. There are grooming perches that can help keep the nails from getting as sharp in between trims. You should buy the concrete type or the ones with a rough surface, but not any with loose grit or sand. And the perch should be larger than what the bird normally uses, because you want the nails to touch the rough surface. The perch should be placed where he uses it to step to another perch or a food bowl. A grooming perch should never be the primary perch or the highest perch. With many birds, they work really well, and some birds don’t use them enough to have any effect. All you can do is try one and see how it does.
As for the sunlight, it may simply be too bright. When the sun is in a different position depending on the time of year, it can look different enough to alarm a bird, or maybe it is too bright or too hot. Also keep in mind that cockatiels and all parrots are prey animals, so the direct sunlight may make him feel insecure and basically in the spotlight where he would be easy prey for a predator. Try a sheer on the window or maybe a plant between the window and the bird – something to diffuse the light some and make him feel less exposed.
Thank you for asking Lafeber,
Brenda
