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Lava rock

Pam slusser

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I have a macaw that is terrified of getting nails clipped the last time he was clipped he fought so hard he ended up with a broken wing I could have lost him Thank God he pulled through with the help of a good vet but now it's clipping time again and I asked about different things that would clip nails so I bought the perches that are supposed to help but he needs clipped the vet I go to wanted to sedate and I said no so He's still not clipped.It was suggested to me to try a lava rock but I want to check with others on this situation,can anyone help me with this?
 

April

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I'd try a Flagstone perch from SeriouslyNutz. I have several and they are a huge help in keeping the nails blunter and to gently trim them. @Macawnutz is the owner and could help you find the perfect one.
 

April

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I know some folks will also try to file the nails with a nail file while they are grabbing onto the cage bars. It can be a slow process but it's not very stressful generally.
 

Toy

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If you wrap him up like a burrito in a towel you should be able to do his nails without harming him. If not then I suggest a cement perch or swing. My Macaw has this one:
1642717987168.png
I'd suggest the XL size. This site has it: Polly's Roll or Swing - X-Large 2"d x 10"L - UPCO Pet Supplies Note: Depending on how rough your bird is with it you need to check the end screws & tighten them occasionally.
 

Wardy

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Agree with @April flagsone perches my conures nails are mint thanks to them also great for there beaks cracking perches as well.
 

Mizzely

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Even with stones some birds just have nails that grow too long!

You could try using a nail file instead of clippers to slowly wear them down.
 

Hankmacaw

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Don't be afraid of sedation for your bird. My very sickly GW macaws have been anesthetized both for surgery and for short treatments probably 100 times over the 25 years I had them. there was never any problems and they seemed to feel great once they came out of it.

Your vet will probably give your bird a nasal whiff of anesthesia which will last 15 min or so then when he is ready for the bird to come out of it he will give a reversal agent. Your bird will act like he is drunk for 5 to 10 minutes and it's all over. My Female would lay flat on her back and wave her feet in the air during recovery - can give you lots of laughs.

For her anesthesia was mandatory, because she just wouldn't behave, so she got to go nite-nite. It made the whole thing so much easier on her.
 

Sparkles!

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Drugs!!

Use them, they’re a God send. Injectable, inhaled, taken orally- whatever your vet prefers.

In this day and age there is literally zero reason to be against them, because there are so many safe choices that fit every situation.
 

Sparkles!

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My Female would lay flat on her back and wave her feet in the air during recovery - can give you lots of laughs.
My Scarlet would bicycle on her back too! Always had me snorting! :laughing1:
 
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