Budgies in the wild wouldn't be able to have there nails trimmed so how do they keep there nails at a good length and is it possible to re-create that type of thing in a cage so they can naturally stay at a good length? I'm only just starting again with training Molly and noticed today her feet need a bit of a trim and I don't want to have to grab her. I have trimmed a birds/ cats/ dogs nails before so I know to keep away from the pink vein like thing in the nail. I have natural perches in Molly's cage but is there a certain way budgies in the wild do it?

Edited October 8, 200816 yr by Neat

They use trees and branches etc... Just make sure Molly has a few different sized natural perches and she shouldn't need nail trimming. I've never needed to trim any of my birds nails, and that is all I use.

I do I change her perches weekly and try to get different thicknesses and textures to exercise her feet but the front ones are looking a bit long.

Edited October 8, 200816 yr by Neat
change exersize to exercise

I have NEVER had to trim my budgies nails

I do I change her perches weekly and try to get different thicknesses and textures to excersize her feet but the front ones are looking a bit long.

 

They do use their nails to climb around etc... how long is long? My birds have pretty long nails too... but they are not a problem. They are meant to have longish nails. Maybe post a photo before you get too concerned

Edited October 8, 200816 yr by maesie
added more

Well maybe I won't have to

I have a bird and no matter what he always has 1 longer toe nail then the rest ...

I think that is more of a pet thing because when I took Merlin in to the avian vet after Pretty died for a check up he clipped wings and nails but I have never personally clipped them. I would say too long is when they can not properly perch, I am sure I could take a tip off of them but why. If you do it is would be a 2 man job and make sure you have the stuff that stops bleeding immediately because budgies can bleed out fast and nails are the worst to get to stop. I personally would leave them.

I have one who's nails get so long they curl and she has perching issues, gave her a cerment perch and she looks after them fine.

 

Elly I agree with the pet concept. Everytime I take a bird to the vets they trim their nails (and charge you for it) most birds are good about keeping their nails trim it's the older birds you have to watch.