I'm thinking of adopting a Blue and Gold Macaw I came across. I already have one, we have had for 23 years.

My question, The new Macaw's nails are extremely long. Some nails have curved almost all the way around.I know the nails should be clipped back slightly to the blood vein but with the nails as long as they are it would take forever to get them back to where they should be.

Is there a procedure for removing much more nail?
Is this a procedure that only a Vet should under take?

I don't want to over stress the bird any more than required.A trip to the Vet is extremely stressful.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: armored,

Let me suggest adding to the thread title

“Paging Screamingcockatoo and MarsAttacks…”

They are the resident bird brains… brains on birds.

We trimmed bird nails when we owned the pet store. Anything other than a simple trimming we referred to an avian vet.

Hi,
I’m a cvt that specialized in exotic birds. You’ve had a macaw for 23 years. I think you’ve got this, depending on the health of the bird in question.
I would not clip all the way back, and I would not clip all the nails at once. If the bird climbs the side of his cage, you may consider doing a toenail a day.
Remember, don’t make a drastic change that may affect grip/balance. If his wings are recently clipped, then it becomes more problematic. Little changes are best with elderly birds.

ETA: i’m assuming this is an elderly bird - if it is young bird, it definitely needs a trip to the vet because that could indicate liver issues. And, naturally, you’ll want to quarantine for a month to protect your 23 y.o. Best of luck- we need pics!

Another thought: we were in transit when I responded so I didn’t read as closely as I otherwise might have- I am also assuming that this bird is not easily handled (otherwise it’s current owner would have addressed this long ago) which is why I suggested clipping a nail/day as it climbs around. Someone baiting with treats so it’s distracted while you trim with a dog nail clipper should work. No pain involved and the treat should outweigh any real concern by the bird. And if the nail is as curled around as you say, clip half the circle off. It’ll still be a touch long, but not as dramatic a grip change for the bird as if you took it all the back to the vein, and it would be hard to see that with those black nails. This way you’ll be able to get a sense of where the quick is without fear of trimming too far and give it enough time to work on building back that grip.
I don’t know if you can handle it, or cradle him for a trim..if that is the case though, then I’d trim all the nails 1/2way..iow, the nail shouldn’t go far past the bottom of the perch when he stands (shouldn’t hook or catch on the perch when he moves). Then lower the perches in the cage for a day or so while he readjusts to the new grip-ability if need be. This is a more dramatic change, but IF he’s tolerant of being handled, I’m willing to bet that might be your only chance for a bit while he builds trust, and this would be far less stressful than trying to grab him up every day. Kind of depends on how bad they are and if they’re causing serious problems to his mobility and /or bumbling him.
When I worked with the larger parrots, I’d help owners train their macaws to tolerate trims, and they did very well IF they weren’t hurt or frightened in the process.
Again, a lot depends on the age, health and attitude of your potential new companion.
****Of course, take into account how bringing this new friend in will change your relationship with the existing parrot. Your 23 yr old may be the perfect guide to the newbie, showing him the ropes and how trustworthy you are…

This message has been edited. Last edited by: irreverent,

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Thanks for the very informative post.