Things You'll Need
- Bird, human or small dog nail clippers
- Coagulating agent, such as styptic powder
- Wet cotton swab
Instructions
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1
Restrain your small bird by firmly but gently grasping the bird with its back and closed wings against the palm of your non-dominant hand. Hold the head between your index and middle finger while your ring and little finger softly close around the bird's body. Larger birds may require a second handler to gently hold the bird's head and legs while you trim the nails.
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2
Grasp one of the bird's legs between your thumb and either your middle or ring finger, depending on which is more comfortable for you and your bird.
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3
Extend one toe and trim off the sharp edge to just below where the "quick" -- the blood vein -- begins with your clippers. You will be able to see the vein clearly in white nails; in dark nails, trim just enough off the tip to dull the edge without nicking the bird.
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4
Continue cutting the rest of the nails and release your bird back into its cage to rest and de-stress.
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