FINCHforum

I placed an order for supplies and got as samples nitrate sticks for cutting bird nails and use if they bleed. I use to use the powder. I wanted to see if I could get more sticks and called a bird shop. They suggested I go to a drugstore and just get a styptic pencil. I'd love opinions. My girlfriend uses flour or cornstarch. I won't do that. Lyn

flour works well.

Yep - flour or cornstarch is perfect. Just pinch a bit of flour between your fingers and hold it on to the end of the nail (or broken blood feather) for about 30 seconds or 1 minute. That will stop bleeding of nails or broken blood feathers.

Ok. Thanks. Will try it. Lyn

I use flour too. It works really well.

Boy, you guys really love your babies and do it inexpensively. You know all the ways without mortgaging the house. Thanks again. Lyn

Are you kidding - we did remortgage the house just to buy the birds! Nothing leftover afterwards for fancy stuff. So we just use what works.

PS - Flour works to stop dog's nails bleeding when they get trimmed too short as well.

sugar works as well

Thank you all. L, you crack me up cause really, we do, at least I spent alot of money in the beginning because I didn't know any better.

While on the subject, I bought a cage I love for pairing and it has a divider and everything you could want in a cage. I really want to buy another 3 or 4. Talk about spending money. Actually if I buy 4 it will cost under $100. I buy cages from a place that sells just to pay the bills. Trust me, I've seen the same cage for literally double the price. I gagged all the way to the car after seeing the prices.

I posted another post under behavior? I think. Can't believe I don't remember. If you could read and just give a one line answer I would really appreciate it. I'm stuck on what to do and need you professionals (compared to me). HUGS, Lyn

finchlover1 wrote:I posted another post under behavior? I think. Can't believe I don't remember. If you could read and just give a one line answer I would really appreciate it. I'm stuck on what to do and need you professionals (compared to me). HUGS, Lyn

**Running over to read the Behaviour thread now!!

hi
if you can find a small plastic tub like the ones they use for spices or baking ingredients like bicarbonate of soda,fill it up with flour or any powder that is cheap!have it ready when you are cutting nails and if you make it bleed all you have to do is stick the bleeding claw in the top of the tub till the claw is buried wait afew seconds and the bleeding should have stopped,this way it leaves you one hand free for emergencies

ken

Great idea!! Thanks. You guys are so inventive. Love it. Lyn

If the bleeding is not severe (nails and feathers), cornstarch and flour works, but if it is a cut I would use styptic powder, which you can buy at most pet stores that carry medical supplies for birds.

Just got in. Bought the styptic powder as a backup. I have another question.

My finches have never had their nails cut. I know how and have done it on parrots but I looked at the finches nails and every one of them has the quick to the very end of the nail. They are going to hurt.

What do you think of those perches, they are small, that will "file" the nails a little? I really don't want to hear a room full of finches screaming and nipping and being afraid of me everytime I approach them.

My societies are already skiddish. I've got to tell you I've never seen society's so skiddish.