Nails

pennyw74 · Snr Member Joined: Jul 25, 2007 Posts: 34

I think my kakariki's nails are too long but I have read that they do have longer nails than other parrots.

I have taken a photo.

Do I need to cut the tips off them?

Niamhf · New Member Joined: Feb 22, 2015 Posts: 4

Hi Penny,

They do look a bit long however with the nail being black I would be reluctant to cut them unless experienced as you don't want to cut the blood supply. If you can take him/her to an avian vet to get them trimmed. Alternatively if you got him in a pet shop they may also provide the service.

Steptoe · Site Admin Joined: Oct 06, 2004 Posts: 4550

Yes kakariki claws , do appear to long when compared to other parrots, espec of similar size.
We have never had to trim kakariki claws.. yes sulphur crested and some other very large parrots...
We have had rescued kakariki given to us in the past, that for some reason had extra long claws..longer than pic above... I was considering trimming while observing for a few days.
As these birds recovered with good care diet over a week or so, they also chewed at their claws, eventually having them break off themselves.

This has happened on several times over many yrs
Those claws in the pic do appear a little long, but also very thin right up to the base.
This could be a diet issue.. trace elements. phosphorus/ calcium/ vit C/ iron.
kakariki require a high protein/iron (meat) and consume over 6 times veggies than seed by weight.. and that doesnt include meat/ fruit.