Beak and Nail Trimming

Beaks should never be trimmed or cut unless overgrown due to malocclusion or underlying health problems (Figure 1). Beaks can be
safely shaped or shortened using a rotary tool such as a dremel. In smaller birds, an emery board can be utilized instead (Figure 2). Beaks
have a vascular supply and can bleed if shortened excessively causing much pain.

Figure 1.
This budgerigar has an overgrown beak secondary to Knemidocoptes sp. infection.

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Figure 2.
Same bird as in Figure 1 during beak trimming. Clippers or a dremel with wheel disk may be
needed to transect the overgrown portion of the beak with severe elongation to minimize the
potential for thermal injury from extensive dremeling; extreme care should be taken while
doing this to avoid splitting the beak. A shaping tool as shown is used to approximate normal
occlusal surfaces.

Nails can be trimmed using human nail clippers, a dremel, emery board, or a disposable cautery unit. Care should be taken not to cut
or file the nails too short or bleeding is likely. Styptic powder or silver nitrate sticks can be used if bleeding occurs.

AUTHOR
Jennifer Graham