Clipping Nails

Thanks all for your help. Believe it or not, even the vet had problems
clipping them. I was able to do a little more. I prefer to have the
vet do it because I'm afraid that she'll bleed and I heard that's very
dangerous.

mike <mjhusenet RemoveThis @adelphia.net> wrote in message news:<CFN378844770748843 RemoveThis @news1.news.adelphia.net>...
> On 19 Sep 2003 14:55:00 -0700 sweatinitout RemoveThis @aol.com wrote:
> > >
> I have a bluefront amazon who hates to have her winds and nails done also
> she likes to play a lot. every now and then I let her play in her pet carrier
> and she like to go visiting a lot. So when it time to go to the vet she does
> not knowthats where she is going.
>
> mike
 >> Stay informed about: Clipping Nails 

glenda wrote:
> Hi All,
>
> I have a 5 yr old YNA. I have been unable to bring her in to have
> nails and wings clipped because whenever I try to take her/him out she
> attempts to bit me. I also tried to use a stick to step up on but it
> doesn't work. The nail are getting very long. I have tried to clip
> while in the cage when he is on the side of cage but was only able to
> clip a couple of nails . Anyone have any tips on what I could do?
>
> Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I got some sandpaper wrapping for the perch from a pet shop. After
about a week, the claws weren't sharp at all, and by then the paper was
worn down anyway.

I also have a composite perch made from bits of shell (for chewing)
which is very rough. My guess is that if parrots are quite active and
do a lot of playing and clambouring about, their nails get more worn
down anyway.

If your parrot is difficult, spend more time with her, not less, and you
must get her out the cage, use a towel if necessary. I find giving my
parrot something like a peg or a pine-cone is far more exciting than a
finger to nibble on. And if you withdraw your hand your parrot will
associate biting with not getting pestered - you must break that
association by being persistent. Perhaps associate a bite with a short
time-out or a towel would be effective?

Calum
 >> Stay informed about: Clipping Nails 

Thanks for taking the time to respond. The sandpaper isn't bad for
the bottom of their feet?

I've been trying to spend a lot of time with him lately. Last night
when I took him out he bit me and then later at night he wouldn't step
up to go back in the cage for the evening. However, finally, he
stepped up on the stick.

I'm not going to give up !! :)


Calum <calum.bulk.DeleteThis@ntlworld.com> wrote in message news:<bksm04$llq$1@news6.svr.pol.co.uk>...
>
> I got some sandpaper wrapping for the perch from a pet shop. After
> about a week, the claws weren't sharp at all, and by then the paper was
> worn down anyway.
>
> I also have a composite perch made from bits of shell (for chewing)
> which is very rough. My guess is that if parrots are quite active and
> do a lot of playing and clambouring about, their nails get more worn
> down anyway.
>
> If your parrot is difficult, spend more time with her, not less, and you
> must get her out the cage, use a towel if necessary. I find giving my
> parrot something like a peg or a pine-cone is far more exciting than a
> finger to nibble on. And if you withdraw your hand your parrot will
> associate biting with not getting pestered - you must break that
> association by being persistent. Perhaps associate a bite with a short
> time-out or a towel would be effective?
>
> Calum
 >> Stay informed about: Clipping Nails 

"Mamabird" <iluvbirds.@directlink..com> wrote in message
news:gRqcb.2320$NX3.2031@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net...
> "AFG" <sweatinitout.DeleteThis@aol.com> wrote in message
> news:5f28da9b.0309241611.2e719fce@posting.google.com...
> > Thanks for taking the time to respond. The sandpaper isn't bad for
> > the bottom of their feet?
>
> It *is* bad for their feet. Please don't ever use sandpaper on your bird's
> perches!

I * thought* that was what I said lol. Was I speaking double dutch again
:0)
 >> Stay informed about: Clipping Nails 

Mamabird wrote:
> "AFG" <sweatinitout RemoveThis @aol.com> wrote in message
> news:5f28da9b.0309241611.2e719fce@posting.google.com...
>
>>Thanks for taking the time to respond. The sandpaper isn't bad for
>>the bottom of their feet?
>
>
> It *is* bad for their feet. Please don't ever use sandpaper on your bird's
> perches!

This I did not know. How can you tell? Why would they sell it in pet
stores?
 >> Stay informed about: Clipping Nails 

oldmolly wrote:
> "Calum" <calum.bulk DeleteThis @ntlworld.com> wrote in message
>>I got some sandpaper wrapping for the perch from a pet shop. After
>>about a week, the claws weren't sharp at all, and by then the paper was
>>worn down anyway.
>>
>>I also have a composite perch made from bits of shell (for chewing)
>>which is very rough. My guess is that if parrots are quite active and
>>do a lot of playing and clambouring about, their nails get more worn
>>down anyway.
>>
>>If your parrot is difficult, spend more time with her, not less, and you
>>must get her out the cage, use a towel if necessary. I find giving my
>>parrot something like a peg or a pine-cone is far more exciting than a
>>finger to nibble on. And if you withdraw your hand your parrot will
>>associate biting with not getting pestered - you must break that
>>association by being persistent. Perhaps associate a bite with a short
>>time-out or a towel would be effective?
>>
>
> So you say that people should not respect their parrots moods and force
> them to be handled whatever theirmood? If the bird is tired or feeling
> unwell or has raging hormones, you should force it to submit to being
> handled or punish it if it tells you it needs to be left alone??
> You are a moron.And people like you *deserve* to get bitten.

oldmolly,
You clearly were raised to have no manners. Shame on you and your
parents. Just because you are unlikely to meet me in person (although I
do live in north cambridgeshire), does not give you the right to call me
a moron. If you want me to get bitten, you are pretty sick. Think
about whether that is a normal thing to wish. Do you swear at other
drivers, or are abusive to phone operators because you aren't
face-to-face??? There's no excuse for such a lack of decorum.

To address your point, that is not at all what I said. Clearly your
parents did not teach you to read either, why not do a lookup of the
Principle of Charity before jumping to conclusions, or are your internet
skills limited to firing off abusive messages? Nothing about what I
said indicated that you should force yourself upon a parrot. If he's in
a bad mood, leave him to it. If he's biting too much, (and I'm sorry to
disappoint you, it's only playfully and he's never drawn blood), yes, we
do put him in his cage to calm down. You may disagree with me, but only
a psychopath would wish someone harm for making a mistake or expressing
an opinion different to their own??

But if you can't get your bird out of its cage when you must (e.g. going
to the vet), you just have to towel it. A moron would phone the vet and
say "Ah gee, I can't get the bird out the cage, can I have an
appointment next week instead". If he has to go back to his cage
because we're opening the doors, or guests are arriving, in he goes, and
he respects that in the same way we respect him.

Calum & Olly
(sitting happily puffed up on my shoulder. Sorry, no blood drawn today,
I'll be sure to phone you if he does.)
 >> Stay informed about: Clipping Nails 

AFG wrote:
> Thanks for taking the time to respond. The sandpaper isn't bad for
> the bottom of their feet?

It could be if you used it permanently I suppose. But you only need it
for a week, and it was only on his stand so he didn't sleep on it. My
experience was a good one: feet healthy, nails blunt, bird happy to land
on it. I wouldn't recommend prolonged use - you don't need to.

> I've been trying to spend a lot of time with him lately. Last night
> when I took him out he bit me and then later at night he wouldn't step
> up to go back in the cage for the evening. However, finally, he
> stepped up on the stick.
>
> I'm not going to give up !! :)

I might get shouted down for saying this (oldmolly), but I think your
parrot needs you more than he lets on. They are really social, and need
friends, family and a partner just like you or me. He might feel
outside the group, and just can't be himself. With a lot of patience,
make it clear to him that he is "one of the group", in spite of being
small and feathery. Parrots love fuss, it's much easier to fuss a
parrot outside the cage I guess, which is why I said you should take him
out.

As oldmolly said, toweling is a last resort, perhaps I did not make that
clear. Parrots are creatures of habit, and need to get used to stepping
on and off without biting. Practise makes perfect. Parrots like biting
everything, so turn it into a game instead! My parrot loves being sung
or read to. Friendships take time.

It sounds like you're doing fine, expect ingratitude, but eventually
hard work will be rewarded many times over.

Calum



>
> Calum <calum.bulk.TakeThisOut@ntlworld.com> wrote in message news:<bksm04$llq$1@news6.svr.pol.co.uk>...
>
>>I got some sandpaper wrapping for the perch from a pet shop. After
>>about a week, the claws weren't sharp at all, and by then the paper was
>>worn down anyway.
>>
>>I also have a composite perch made from bits of shell (for chewing)
>>which is very rough. My guess is that if parrots are quite active and
>>do a lot of playing and clambouring about, their nails get more worn
>>down anyway.
>>
>>If your parrot is difficult, spend more time with her, not less, and you
>>must get her out the cage, use a towel if necessary. I find giving my
>>parrot something like a peg or a pine-cone is far more exciting than a
>>finger to nibble on. And if you withdraw your hand your parrot will
>>associate biting with not getting pestered - you must break that
>>association by being persistent. Perhaps associate a bite with a short
>>time-out or a towel would be effective?
>>
>>Calum
 >> Stay informed about: Clipping Nails 

"Calum" <calum.bulk DeleteThis @ntlworld.com> wrote in message
news:bkus25$8hr$1@newsg1.svr.pol.co.uk...
> Mamabird wrote:
> > "AFG" <sweatinitout DeleteThis @aol.com> wrote in message
> > news:5f28da9b.0309241611.2e719fce@posting.google.com...
> >
> >>Thanks for taking the time to respond. The sandpaper isn't bad for
> >>the bottom of their feet?
> >
> >
> > It *is* bad for their feet. Please don't ever use sandpaper on your
bird's
> > perches!
>
> This I did not know. How can you tell?
It gives them bumblefoot.

>Why would they sell it in pet
> stores?
Because pet stores like to make profits. If you are under the illusion that
pet stores only sell things which are safe and good for pets, you are
deluded :0(
 >> Stay informed about: Clipping Nails 

"Calum" <calum.bulk RemoveThis @ntlworld.com> wrote in message
news:bkv4cl$gnd$1@news8.svr.pol.co.uk...
> AFG wrote:
> > Thanks for taking the time to respond. The sandpaper isn't bad for
> > the bottom of their feet?
>
> It could be if you used it permanently I suppose. But you only need it
> for a week, and it was only on his stand so he didn't sleep on it. My
> experience was a good one: feet healthy, nails blunt, bird happy to land
> on it. I wouldn't recommend prolonged use - you don't need to.
>
> > I've been trying to spend a lot of time with him lately. Last night
> > when I took him out he bit me and then later at night he wouldn't step
> > up to go back in the cage for the evening. However, finally, he
> > stepped up on the stick.
> >
> > I'm not going to give up !! :)
>
> I might get shouted down for saying this (oldmolly), but I think your
> parrot needs you more than he lets on. They are really social, and need
> friends, family and a partner just like you or me. He might feel
> outside the group, and just can't be himself. With a lot of patience,
> make it clear to him that he is "one of the group", in spite of being
> small and feathery. Parrots love fuss, it's much easier to fuss a
> parrot outside the cage I guess, which is why I said you should take him
> out.
>
> As oldmolly said, toweling is a last resort, perhaps I did not make that
> clear. Parrots are creatures of habit, and need to get used to stepping
> on and off without biting. Practise makes perfect. Parrots like biting
> everything,
What on earth makes you say that? I rarely get bitten by any of my 90 odd
birds. Either because they simply never want to bite me, or because I take
care to read their body language and avoid any which are feeling
particularly crabby or aggressive. I respect them and they respect me.
 >> Stay informed about: Clipping Nails 

"oldmolly" <oldmolly1 DeleteThis @ntlworld.com> wrote in message news:<kXIcb.4390$%G1.342@newsfep4-winn.server.ntli.net>...
> "Calum" <calum.bulk DeleteThis @ntlworld.com> wrote in message
> news:bkv4cl$gnd$1@news8.svr.pol.co.uk...
> > AFG wrote:
> > > Thanks for taking the time to respond. The sandpaper isn't bad for
> > > the bottom of their feet?
> >
> > It could be if you used it permanently I suppose. But you only need it
> > for a week, and it was only on his stand so he didn't sleep on it. My
> > experience was a good one: feet healthy, nails blunt, bird happy to land
> > on it. I wouldn't recommend prolonged use - you don't need to.
> >
> > > I've been trying to spend a lot of time with him lately. Last night
> > > when I took him out he bit me and then later at night he wouldn't step
> > > up to go back in the cage for the evening. However, finally, he
> > > stepped up on the stick.
> > >
> > > I'm not going to give up !! :)
> >
> > I might get shouted down for saying this (oldmolly), but I think your
> > parrot needs you more than he lets on. They are really social, and need
> > friends, family and a partner just like you or me. He might feel
> > outside the group, and just can't be himself. With a lot of patience,
> > make it clear to him that he is "one of the group", in spite of being
> > small and feathery. Parrots love fuss, it's much easier to fuss a
> > parrot outside the cage I guess, which is why I said you should take him
> > out.
> >
> > As oldmolly said, toweling is a last resort, perhaps I did not make that
> > clear. Parrots are creatures of habit, and need to get used to stepping
> > on and off without biting. Practise makes perfect. Parrots like biting
> > everything,
> What on earth makes you say that? I rarely get bitten by any of my 90 odd
> birds. Either because they simply never want to bite me, or because I take
> care to read their body language and avoid any which are feeling
> particularly crabby or aggressive. I respect them and they respect me.

When I took him out the other night, it appeared that he was in a good
mood. He was talking to me and I was talking to him and then for
apparently no reason (As he was saying HELLO BEAUTIFUL) he lunged at
my finger to the point where there was blood.

Would those pastel cement perchs bad bad as well? I used it when I
first had him but then heard they were bad for their feet as well.
 >> Stay informed about: Clipping Nails 

"AFG" <sweatinitout.TakeThisOut@aol.com> wrote in message >
> Would those pastel cement perchs bad bad as well? I used it when I
> first had him but then heard they were bad for their feet as well.

(sigh) did you actually *read* any of the posts??
Sandpaper is bad, cement perches are good. We went through this topic on
your first post when I said the same as I have just said now. Where did you
hear that cement perches were bad, in what way are they supposed to be bad?
Don't believe everything you 'hear', especially when those doing the telling
don't know squat.
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"Calum" <calum.bulk RemoveThis @ntlworld.com> wrote in message
news:bkv0i7$aki$1@news7.svr.pol.co.uk...
> oldmolly wrote:
> > "Calum" <calum.bulk RemoveThis @ntlworld.com> wrote in message
> >>I got some sandpaper wrapping for the perch from a pet shop. After
> >>about a week, the claws weren't sharp at all, and by then the paper was
> >>worn down anyway.
> >>
> >>I also have a composite perch made from bits of shell (for chewing)
> >>which is very rough. My guess is that if parrots are quite active and
> >>do a lot of playing and clambouring about, their nails get more worn
> >>down anyway.
> >>
> >>If your parrot is difficult, spend more time with her, not less, and you
> >>must get her out the cage, use a towel if necessary. I find giving my
> >>parrot something like a peg or a pine-cone is far more exciting than a
> >>finger to nibble on. And if you withdraw your hand your parrot will
> >>associate biting with not getting pestered - you must break that
> >>association by being persistent. Perhaps associate a bite with a short
> >>time-out or a towel would be effective?
> >>
> >
> > So you say that people should not respect their parrots moods and force
> > them to be handled whatever theirmood? If the bird is tired or feeling
> > unwell or has raging hormones, you should force it to submit to being
> > handled or punish it if it tells you it needs to be left alone??
> > You are a moron.And people like you *deserve* to get bitten.
>
> oldmolly,
> You clearly were raised to have no manners. Shame on you and your
> parents.
Both arseholes and both dead thank goodness.

> Just because you are unlikely to meet me in person (although I
> do live in north cambridgeshire),
Hm, how strange a whois of you says you live in Yorkshire. Where in North
cambs are you that is near to Leeds?

>does not give you the right to call me
> a moron.
I can call you whatever I choose.

> If you want me to get bitten, you are pretty sick. Think
> about whether that is a normal thing to wish.
Um, hey stupid, where did I say "I hope you get bitten".?


>Do you swear at other
> drivers, or are abusive to phone operators because you aren't
> face-to-face???

I even swear at people face to face sometimes. However, please point out
where in my post I swore at you.

> There's no excuse for such a lack of decorum.
Oh yes there is, you have already pointed out my excuse. I wasn't raised to
have manners.
>
> To address your point, that is not at all what I said. Clearly your
> parents did not teach you to read either,
Wow, you must be psychic, my parents *didn't* teach me to read. My teachers
did. I could read well by the time I was 5 years old.

>why not do a lookup of the
> Principle of Charity before jumping to conclusions,
Why should I? Where have I *ever* said I was charitable?

>or are your internet
> skills limited to firing off abusive messages?
What have my internet skills or lack of, got to do with anything??

>Nothing about what I
> said indicated that you should force yourself upon a parrot. If he's in
> a bad mood, leave him to it.

I expect the bit where you said "you
must get her out the cage, use a towel if necessary. " sort of intimated
that you should *force* the parrot to come out of the cage even if it
doesn't want to.Why else towel it?



>If he's biting too much, (and I'm sorry to
> disappoint you, it's only playfully and he's never drawn blood), yes, we
> do put him in his cage to calm down. You may disagree with me, but only
> a psychopath would wish someone harm for making a mistake or expressing
> an opinion different to their own??
Once again plonker, where did I wish harm on you. God I wish people would
learn to *read* before they posted.
>
> But if you can't get your bird out of its cage when you must (e.g. going
> to the vet), you just have to towel it.
You didn't mention anything about a vet, nor did the OP.


>A moron would phone the vet and
> say "Ah gee, I can't get the bird out the cage, can I have an
> appointment next week instead".
You are correct. I have heard people say just that.

>If he has to go back to his cage
> because we're opening the doors, or guests are arriving, in he goes, and
> he respects that in the same way we respect him.

Oh give yourself a pat on the back then.
>
> Calum & Olly
> (sitting happily puffed up on my shoulder. Sorry, no blood drawn today,
> I'll be sure to phone you if he does.)
>
Go ahead. I can swear at you on the phone then.
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