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CrystalSwan
Joined: 24 Apr 2009
Posts: 3
Location: SE Minnesota |
 Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2009 5:37 am |
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My husband and I have had India Blue peacocks for over 23 years. Our first male is still living at the ripe old age of 26. We don't allow our birds to roam free because of coyotes, neighbor's roving dogs and a kitten eating redtail hawk. 
Here's the problem, Romeo (the ancient one) has 3 toenails which have gotten really long and are curling under from not being as active as he used to be. I'm afraid about how to go about clipping them without hitting the quick (?) and causing him to bleed. We have a bottle of powder which is used on dogs in case clipping the nails causes bleeding. Does that stuff work?
They all go bonkers if a stranger comes into their pen so I'm thinking having the country vet try might be more damaging than if we try it. They don't mind us so much. No bouncing off the walls anyways. He's so frail now, I'd hate to give him a heart attack.
Any suggestions? |
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featherhead
UPA Forum Moderator
Joined: 08 Nov 2007
Posts: 869
Location: Louisville KY |
| Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2009 6:44 am |
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Hi CrystalSwan
Nail trimming is routine on many domestic birds. My old male also needs to have his beak trimmed back every fall. You might consider getting a dremel tool for these jobs if you're not comfortable using cutters. I bought a cordless one because it's not as noisy as the electric versions. Yes, styptic powder can be used on bird nails. The grinding tool lets you take off a tiny amount of nail at a time and you should be able to see the quick when you get near it. It will be a tiny black dot in the center of the nail.
Here's a good article about trimming bird nails. It will be much easier for you and Romeo if you wrap him in a large towel before you begin. Good luck, and let us know how it goes, okay?
http://birds.about.com/od/grooming/a/nailtrimming.htm
_________________
Be the change you want to see in the world. |
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CrystalSwan
Joined: 24 Apr 2009
Posts: 3
Location: SE Minnesota |
| Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2009 4:21 pm |
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Hi Featherhead!
Thanks so much for answering my question. The dremel sounds a lot safer than the snippers. Which tip are you using?
I snip our little dogs' nails and if she yips I jump higher than she does but we just get right back at it and so far we've both survived with no blood or limbs lost. I guess the Peacock has me spooked because his are so big. But it needs to be done and I think I'm the best one for the job! Careful & loving, yup, that's me.
I also make mountains out of molehills as a side job.  |
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featherhead
UPA Forum Moderator
Joined: 08 Nov 2007
Posts: 869
Location: Louisville KY |
| Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2009 4:47 pm |
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Hey CrystalSwan
I use the cone-shaped attachment. I was far too nervous to trim Big Bird's beak for the first time. It's something I'd never done and it scared me senseless. Big Chicken (me) had my vet come over and show me how. Geez, it took like 15 seconds. Big Bird didn't even CARE. How embarrassed was I? Let's not go there. And my vet just smiled. Many people use side cutters or dog nail cutters and are comfortable with them, so you'll find a method that works for you.
_________________
Be the change you want to see in the world. |
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CrystalSwan
Joined: 24 Apr 2009
Posts: 3
Location: SE Minnesota |
| Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2009 4:12 am |
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I've been there done that with the vet as well.
Thanks for all of your help!  |
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