Dremel vs. nail clippers?

I took Avery in last week for her wellness check (she passed with flying colours!), and when they clipped her nails they used a dremel instead. I've never had them shortened with a dremel before, and I'm rather regretting the use of one. They completely blunted her nails, resulting in her having difficulties even sitting on my shoulder or landing on her textured wooden perches. She refuses to go on any clothing material because she just slides right off if there's any shifting. While it's pleasant for me when she sits on my hand, I feel so guilty knowing she has difficulty even climbing up my shirt anymore.

I have an appointment for Shiko in two weeks to have his wellness check done and get his nails clipped, and I'm not really sure I want them to use the dremel. Is it possible for them to keep some edge to the nail for climbing and gripping while using one? Or should I ask them to completely forego the use of one? Has anyone noticed a really strong difference or have a preference between the two?

On a side note, Avery was featured in my university's newspaper this month! I don't have any pictures yet as it's not published, but I'll post them when they're up. Here's some pictures to make up for a long post for a simple question

Shiko & Avery enjoying their birdy birthday cake last week:





Avery looking fabulous at the chipper age of 2:



Shiko looking handsome at the age of 1, and lovingly downwards at his girlfriend:



The fids being very happy to see mom and dad after a long day without us:



You can also see how very blunted Avery's nails are in that last picture.

I LOVE the Dremel. Most vet offices and places that groom use one. The clipper leaves sharp edges, and larger birds can even splinter if the clippers aren't super sharp. Also the Dremel spins so fast that it actually cauterizes the blood (if it should go a little to far) as opposed to clipping too far where blood drips out and you need messy styptic.

I've been thinking of getting a smaller Dremel for years, just haven't gotten around to doing it!

Chantal, I agree with Julie about much preferring the Dremel over clippers. However, I believe Avery's nails were definitely done much too smoothly, and the poor baby is now slip and sliding all over the place because she can't get a proper grip. (Yes, it's clearly visible in the last photo you posted)

Give it a week or so, and she should be fine then.

BEAUTIFUL photos you posted! Thank you for that. Looking forward to seeing the article about Avery in your Uni's paper when it comes out.

Both Shiko and Avery look stunning!!

Thanks for the replies ladies I was unaware about clippers splintering large bird nails ! I liked how easy it was to use the dremel on the birds. Avery was such a champ when they handled her that they didn't even need a towel. She didn't bite or fight hard, just squawked for mom every now and then. If it's possible for them to leave more of an edge to the nail for gripping, then I think I'll stick with the dremel based on your responses for Shiko.

I honestly think the vet was just a bit overzealous about using it... I go to the university clinic where there's a lot of passionate exotic vets and students, so there's always at least 5 people in the room at a time. Avery LOVED the attention actually, haha! She posed very regally for the camera, too, I couldn't help but laugh. But yes, the vet who did it waltzed in midway through as she's an experienced avian vet, and she was very obviously about to go on mat leave. So she did a second check up, did her nails, and discussed her care and everything all over again. Even gave Avery a nice smooch on the head on her way out, haha! I'll just request that they don't be so passionate about blunting Shiko's nails when I go in on the 19th, poor bugger would be lost without the ability to climb all over mom and dad

I'm surprised that such an experienced avian vet dremelled down so far. Usually it's just the opposite. They normally do so little that I wish they went further.

Congratulations to Avery too !

I was surprised as well. She was seriously just ridiculously excited to do the check up... I've never seen a vet be so excited to do a fecal sample and wellness check, haha. I'll just be very clear next time to be very, very careful on how blunt the edges are. Kind of like when you get your hair cut, I guess! She also kind of took over the appointment from the other avian vet, which is who I normally see.

I'll send your congrats over to Avery when I get home. I bet she'll ruffle her feathers up and give me a look that says, "well, what else did you expect? I AM amazing, after all!"

Lol that Avery! Can't wait to see pics in the newspaper she's beautiful... But don't tell her I said that, sounds like she already knows hehe