FINCHforum

Regarding Nail trimming. How often do the Gouldians require nail trimming ? What is your experience with doing nail trimming on your finches ?

JerseyGuy

I always have things ready on the table, before catching the bird that I want.
-small nail clippers (human type)
-stop bleed powder (or plain flour, corn starch) just in case, in a small dish
-cotton balls, kleenex, etc.
-a tiny container of olive oil

I catch my birds with my right had (I'm right handed) then quickly transfer to my left hand.

I grab a hold of a foot between thumb and forefinger, separate the toes, and snip the tip off the desired nail. If it needs more, I'll snip more (always on the side of caution, as in better too little than too much).

If by chance I get a small bleed, I dip that toe into the powder, then press the tip with a cotton ball or kleenex until the bleeding stops.

When done, I take a dab of olive oil, and give their feet a little massage, all over the foot and between the toes and around the nails.

Job completed, I place bird back in flight.

Do birds ever stop squirming during this process?
Some do and some don't. I have a few that play dead in my hand, and others that bite or attempt to chew on my finger.

Good luck

_________________

I posted this a little while ago in regards to a Canary, but it applies to all my finches (Gouldians as well).
~Elana~

JerseyGuy
Hi there. You can always go to a petco or a petshop. Buy a perch that is especially design for naIl trimming.
You can put it in their cage for a week and a half then take it out and when you notice your gouldians nails long again put it back in. Do this periodically or when needed.

Where is the best place to find a 'nail-trimming perch'?

You have to be careful with those rough perches, they can create sores on the bottom of the birds feet if the bird has to use it too much. Always offer a smooth perch besides.
If there is a variety of perches and surfaces for your bird to go on you shouldn't have to trim nails often at all. Some of mine I never have to trim and others maybe once or twice a year.

debbie276 wrote: You have to be careful with those rough perches, they can create sores on the bottom of the birds feet if the bird has to use it too much. Always offer a smooth perch besides.
If there is a variety of perches and surfaces for your bird to go on you shouldn't have to trim nails often at all. Some of mine I never have to trim and others maybe once or twice a year.

Currently I have 2 Manzanita perches in the cage only. I just ordered a small nail-trim perch to add. I doubt they will use it often, they actually prefer being on the one Manzanita perch, but do fly to the other to use and there is a food cup by each perch.

It differs between birds. Some of mine have claws that grow much faster than other birds. And others seem to wear at the same rate it grows, so not need triming. So I have to monitor the birds, and when I see that the claws have gotten too long, I catch them and trim the claw.