Pet Starling Getting A "Mommy Hug" & a Beak + Nail Trim

This is an instructional video on one method of trimming a bird's beak and nails. This method can be used safely on hookbills as well. It is important to remember that the rotation of the grinder/dremel/manicure tool creates heat, so you should never stay on one spot too long. If this is the method you decide to use, you should do it once a week, or at least "pretend" to do it once a week, and that way the bird gets very used to the noise and the routine and quickly learns that it is painless! And, of course, treats afterward also help!

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• FlipShare

[92benno92]

Can I clip my birds nails with a normal clipper?

[mjfonzi]

@92benno92 You can, but you risk clipping the blood vessel in there, which would be painful for the bird and could be dangerous if the bleeding is not stopped quickly. That's why a prefer any kind of grinder - you can go slow, and check your progress, and the bird will pull his/her foot when they start feeling it.

[PattyDung]

That's a relatively scary, heat-producing, high-vibration and slow way to do it. I clip my 15, 11, and 6 year old European Starlings' upper beaks with a small diagonal (NOT scissor-action) "wire cutter" (human nail clipper might also work). The upper beak is cut to about 1/8" longer than the length of the lower (after the lower has broken off naturally). It takes 3 cuts: left, center, right. It is a 1-person job.

[mjfonzi]

@blowgunking1994 She was about a day old. Wonderful pet.

[mjfonzi]

@blowgunking1994 A friend brought her to me from his cat's mouth! She was about 1 day old. She is truly amazing. Check out my other video of her talking. Very affectionate baby.