I have heard that if you trim the feathers around the vent of breeder birds they will be able to breed better and have bigger clutches. Is this true? And if it is does anyone have any tips for not causeing more harm than good? Also what about nail trims do they need them for grip(while mating)or will they puncture the eggs? If anyone can shed some light on this for me I would be thankful. I have been breeding finches but they are easy to breed. Thanks Dave

unless you are breeding big buff show birds their is no need to trim vent feathers as for nails they should not be to long as they have been known to puncture eggs

Some breeders will trim the hen's toe nails between clutches as they do grow longer when she is sitting.