Nails too long?

Hello all,

Just wondering how you know when your tiel's nails are getting too long? Fred is my first tiel so I am unsure when to get him to the vet for nail check.

I tried to get a picture but he runs around too quickly. LOL



And then a cute one fe good measure.

Does he have a pedi perch. I use one and in a year I've never had nails get too long.

He has one part of his perch that has the sandpaper type stuff and two other real wood perches. So he is fine? I am such a nervous ninny about my pets and he is my first cockatiel so I "extra" worries.

I just really want to be a great bird mommy.

Those nails look great. In fact, it looks as if the sharp points have been taken off recently.

Raven has a sand covered manzanita perch in his cage that both he and his buddy Griffin use, but I don't see it doing much to trim the nails. Raven and Griffin are different sized birds too, so it doesn't have anything to do with being the wrong size. Raven's nails need to be clipped sometimes. Some people do claim their pedi perches work.

There are several types of 'abrasive' perches on the market. Some birds have developed sores or painful thin spots on the bottom of their feet if the material is too abrasive, and the bird uses the perch often. I can see this happening quite easily especially in a small bird. Sandpaper perch covers are generally not recommended.

Many birds will not need trimming at all. A cockatiel is light enough that even if the nails had points it wouldn't dig into your skin. For reference, the way your bird's nails are now is good (even a bit longer would be fine).

Oh my thank you SO much!!!! We have only had him a week and I think he was very well cared for before we got him. I am glad they are good and I will try to quit fretting about him so much. LOL

Raven respectfully my son just got scratch marks from Jet landing on his bare shoulder and his little points hurt a little when he sits on my head or is on bare skin. I always wear t-shirts when Jet is out.

Pawner I think I see a hint of yellow in his wings.I also see yellow behind his head, on his feet and in his tail so he is split to pied.

Short and simple.... if the nail is long enough to raise the end of the toe off of a flat surface, the nail is too long.

Awesome. Same as my other pets. That gives me so much security! I am so happy I found this group. You are all so helpful. I was excited but so very anxious about adopting this guy. Everyone here has been so helpful.

Thank you Monica . .I had also at times wondered how long was too long. Now I know what to watch for.

I agree with Julie that the nails look to be in GREAT shape (and length)!

Here are some illustrations. In order to truly determine if they're too long, the bird must be placed on a hard surface.

Take a look at the flagstone perches, very nice! Simple to make too!