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Birds--General/cockatiel biting nails

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Expert: - 8/2/2006


Question
We fond a cockatiel a few months ago and just recently it started to bite its nails.  He's bites them so far down that he gets to the vein and starts to bleed.  He's done this a few times now and we can't get him to stop.  Could this be a result of an illness or an irriation to the nail?  This is the first that we are dealing with cockatiels and don't really know much about them.

Answer
Hi, Katie.  Thanks for posting.

I don't know...I've never seen this in any parrots in 17+ years I've been raising them (or anyone I know who raises parrots).  You might ask one of the other experts on this site and see if they have any experience with this.  I've seen parrots chew on a nail if the nail has broken off, but never seen/known of a parrot to actually bite it's nails.

Sorry I can't help here.

Chrys  

Birds--General

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Chrys Meatyard

Expertise

I`ve been raising/breeding/handfeeding/selling parrots for over 20 years (parakeets/budgies, cockatiels, 6 subspecies of conures, parrotlets, amazons, lovebirds, etc.). I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England. I can provide advice in raising healthy birds, handfeeding/weaning babies, some health problems (although I'm NOT an avian veterinarian), nail/beak/wing clipping, general husbandry, etc. I also have experience with racing/showing homing pigeons. I cannot diagnose specific illness over this website. If you suspect your bird is ill or if you have an emergency, contact an avian veterinarian or emergency pet clinic ASAP.

Experience

Experience: Over 20 years raising parrots and over 13 years raising pigeons. Organizations: Currently, American Racing Pigeon Union and American Federation of Aviculture. Prior member Miami Valley Bird Club, Southern Ohio Pigeon Association, National Cockatiel Society, Miami Valley Sportsman's Club, others. Publications: Monthly newsletters of bird clubs.

Publications
I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England.

Education/Credentials
American Federation of Aviculture, completed Level I course, Fundamentals of Aviculture. Keeping/breeding parrots and other birds for over 20 years.

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