Fingernails getting pretty long

luvmybirds
Brand New Budgie

When I play with my three budgies, Lemon, Blueberry and Snowball, I am happiest.

Posts: 42

Fingernails getting pretty long Jul 30, 2020 15:20:24 GMT

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Post by luvmybirds on Jul 30, 2020 15:20:24 GMT

Hello there!

I was playing with Lemon the other day and I noticed that his fingernails had gotten really long. I'm not sure if that's a good sign but my main concern is that his nails are possibly going to break. Blueberry once broke a nail and it looked like it hurt a lot so I dont want that to happen. Normally, I would just go to the vet for a trim but I still don't feel safe doing that because covid-19 cases are rising in my area again. I don't know how to trim budgie nails and I don't even know which tools to use so if anyone can tell me what to do then that would be great! I don't even know if I really should be trimming nails by myself which is kinda sad.

Anways, thanks in advance! I don't know what I would do whiteout this forum.

Also, sorry the picture is not very good, Lemon was trying to bite my phone case as he is curious about everything right now.

Hezz
Staff Member

Posts: 34,083

Fingernails getting pretty long Jul 30, 2020 20:30:36 GMT elysianblight likes this

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Post by Hezz on Jul 30, 2020 20:30:36 GMT

Please leave Lemon's claws alone, they look fine, not overly long. Birds' claws are not meant to be short stubby things like a dog's.

The best way to tell if a budgie's claws need a trim is to see whether the claws lift any of the toes off a flat surface when standing. Occasionally you will get a claw that curves in more than it should, or curves the wrong way and these might need to be trimmed for the bird's health. Otherwise leave the claws alone.

We are not Vets, Avian or otherwise. If you have any serious doubts about your budgies' health an appointment with an Avian vet should always be your first point of call.

RIP Bluey 4/12/05 - 31/03/12 RIP Fluoro 22/09/12 - 28/12/12
RIP Smudge 1/03/10 - 8/07/15 RIP Sparky 24/04/11 - 03/10/17
MIA Misty 22/09/12 - 20/10/21 RIP Mango 03/12/13 - 20/05/23

luvmybirds
Brand New Budgie

When I play with my three budgies, Lemon, Blueberry and Snowball, I am happiest.

Posts: 42

Fingernails getting pretty long Jul 31, 2020 14:27:03 GMT via mobile Hezz likes this

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Post by luvmybirds on Jul 31, 2020 14:27:03 GMT

Jul 30, 2020 20:30:36 GMT Hezz said:

Please leave Lemon's claws alone, they look fine, not overly long. Birds' claws are not meant to be short stubby things like a dog's.

The best way to tell if a budgie's claws need a trim is to see whether the claws lift any of the toes off a flat surface when standing. Occasionally you will get a claw that curves in more than it should, or curves the wrong way and these might need to be trimmed for the bird's health. Otherwise leave the claws alone.

Okay, thanks a bunch!