If you think your avian friend's beak is overgrown, have him or her checked and trimmed by a veterinarian or well trained professional avian handler. The need for nail trimming varies greatly with species, size, diet, general health, activity level, and environment. Many active birds will keep their nails at the proper length and rarely need trimming. If you think the nails are too long, they are interfering with normal perching, or causing any skin damage, it is time for a trim. Ask your veterinarian or professional avian handler for help.
Some people use sand paper perches to keep the nails worn.
A thorough physical exam should check all your avian friend's body systems- just like an exam for a dog or cat. With the proper equipment, a veterinarian can even listen to the heart and air passages of all but the smallest birds. Microscopic stool examinations are also routinely performed. Back to Top Dr. Robyn Hauser has practiced companion and exotic pet medicine and surgery in the Pacific Northwest since 1994. She shares her home with two spoiled cats and a large Chuckwalla lizard who teach her about the importance of pets as treasured family members on a daily basis.