Clipping bird nails...Is it really required?

Question

I own two cocatiels, one 10 (Omg! It's been that long!?) year old male gray and one 6 year old female gray.

Ok, I've never in my life had my birds nails or wings clipped; yep, I'm all for that born natural, stay natural--unless it can't be helped. They stay in this HUGE cage together with baring and such that are alright for their feet. I don't use that sandpaper stuff on the bottom, just regualr newspaper that they can't reach because of the floor baring, nor do I use sandpapery stuff for their bars.

Alright, I've been staying with a relative for awhile for personal reasons for the past few months and my birds have remained home where I come visit them every week.

A week ago I came back home and, while playing with the female, noticed that her toenails had grown overly long. I looked at the male's nails and noted that they were the normal size they've always been. She seemed not to notice them or be bothered by them; so I wondered, "What the heck is up?"

I voiced my puzzlement to a relative who stays with them and this person also seemed to find the female's elongated nails a puzzle.

I left still wondering and debating whether or not to take my bird to the vet to get her nails clipped for the first time...

Here's where the real weirdness comes into:

I came back a week later (today) intent on taking the bird to the vet to find that her nails--other than two that still seem kinda long--were reduced to their normal length.

Question: IS it necessary to clip a bird's nails? And if yes, why doesn't my male ever need his clipped AND why did my female's--other than the two--seem to clip themselves?

I'm just confused about it. Asking a vet may be smart but I just want your insight on the matter--if you have any.

Thanks for reading and hopefully for any useful information.

Answer 1

Yes you do need to clip birds nails but you can buy perches from pet stores that can file your birds nails which is an easyer option.

Answer 2

if you have any wood or cement perches that could have helped. maybe the males favorite perch was the roughest one, and the females was the smoothest? that could have made the females nails grow more. and yes, clippings are needed as soon as it hurts to hold your bird. i agree with the firs answer, it s very easy to get caught in something when your a bird with super long and sharp nails, and it can be uncomfortable when perching. imagine if you never clipped a humans toenails? it would be painful walking around having your toenails scraping everywhere, chipping in stuff, and getting all tangled in stuff like socks, shoes and other clothing. its best for your bird and that's all that matters.

Answer 3

In the wild birds keep their nails conditioned on natural perches, rocks and other abrasive surfaces.  In captivity, if we don't provide those surfaces then yes we do need to groom them (i.e., clip their nails).  Sandpaper perches and surfaces only cause irritation and it's good you don't use them.  It's also good your birds are fully flighted because they have access to more variable surfaces around their areas (your home) to keep their nails conditioned.

We clip nails monthly around here because we handle our birds daily and even though they're all fully flighted they don't wear their nails down enough to prevent sharp points or growth.  It's easy to do your own nail trims with the right tools and you shouldn't need an avian vet to do it for you (but if you're uncomfortable doing it yourself then by all means have the vet do it).  I wouldn't recommend anyone but an avian vet to trim beaks though.

As for the abnormal growth rates, I would look at diet and activity first as a cause.  Hope this helps.

Answer 4

It is necessary for most birds.  If you don't clip nails and they need it, the bird could become caught on a perch, a nestbox, a rope fiber, nesting material, or anything else that a long nail could hook itself around. A bird whose nail is caught could end up dangling upside down, and if he/she cannot extricate itself, it could die. Bird could also become injured trying to free themselves. If the injury results in blood loss, it could be fatal. Therefore, nail-trimming should not be put off.