Betty M. wants to learn more about pet bird nail trimming.

I don’t know how much I should trim my AG’s nails. They are all black. I trimmed one nail too much, and it took a long time to clot.

I used the clotting gel which didn’t help much. Thanks.

Dear Betty

How do you know that your Greys nails need to be trimmed? Is it because when it is on you and they are sharp and pointy? If that is all then it is not a reason to cut the nails.

Birds need their nails to be able to safely perch and climb. 

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Zach K. is concerned about the noise his macaw makes,

We live in an apartment with a noise ordinance and have recently adopted a macaw. He sometimes starts screaming when people are home but in a different room than him. Is this something that we can train him to not do? Is it maybe a sign of anxiety? Or is having a macaw in an apartment with a noise ordinance a recipe for disaster?

Sorry to say Zack, but it is the latter statement. 

Macaws do not belong in apartment buildings unless your neighbors are also large bird owners, have noisy dogs and kids or don’t want the attention of the police themselves.

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Lou K. has a cockatoo that hates water. What can I use on her try skin areas that she scratches too much?

 

Dear Lou

It is not uncommon for birds who have not been exposed to showers or baths early in their lives to be afraid of or unwilling to bathe when they are offered, especially with cockatoo care.

 

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Carol G. is concerned with her parrotlet’s foot,

Hi, My parrotlet has been scratching her foot to the point where she has a deep cut along the side of her toe.

The vet gave me Hibitaine to rub on it but doesn’t seem to have helped much.

She sits most of the day with her toe in her open mouth almost like she is trying to keep the area moist.

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Rebecca A. relates,

We are the (at least) fifth home for an older yellow-nape amazon.

The only information I have from the couple that took him in before us is the previous owner died of old age, he doesn’t like outdoors, and his name is “Brindle”, and he bites… a lot. That was 4 years ago.

He is now a healthy 743 grams (appropriate for his larger than usual size frame, according to his avian certified doctor) DNA-sexed male, microchipped, well socialized, loves classical music and opera, has arthritis in his shoulders and jaw, “walking bird” who trills and plays with family and dogs.

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