Do curling nails mean my Gouldian is old?

[lyswood]

Well, I just got up the nerve and finally caught Cosmo, the newer bird, whose nails were trimmed when I got him several weeks ago. They've already grown and are curling out a little bit like Kramer, the first bird's were. So obviously it's not a sign of being old, like Cos' breeder told me - this bird is 2 years old and he swears by it.

Anyhoo, I was able to catch him after a few minutes - was about to give up because I worried about stressing them too much - but I caught him so he was in my hand facing the wrong way. I tried to still manoever his little foot to try a trim, but he got squirmy and I got scared and I put him back. Sigh.

Meanwhile, Kramer, the first bird - his nails are not curly anymore and they look like a great length. I only have one small cement/sand perch in the cage - he does tend to sit there more often while Cosmo sits on the fatter perches (which could be the culprit for the longer nails) - I'm wondering if that has "fixed" Kramer's nails. I moved it so it's more in their flight path in the hopes that Cos will do the same - they seem to like it there.

I'm a wreck though - whew. They're silent - not a peep! I think we're all stressed!!! Cos is preening and pecking at his millet, so hopefully he's not too stressed. Not sure when I'll be brave enough to try again - one nail looks like it might be poking his other claw a little and I hate to think it could be hurting him. Ugh!

[h2olilee]

Actually, Hubby brought up a point earlier about the liquid bandage. We have each tried putting it on finger cuts and it stings like the dickens!! Won't this hurt the birds too?

I was thinking this exact same thing! I wouldn't want to hurt them.