Long toenails on baby birds are necessary for good balance and grip, but long, overgrown toenails on an adult bird can be painful to you when you are holding your bird, and dangerous for the bird. Nails that are too long can get caught in cages, toys, just about anything. The correct positioning of the foot can be affected if nails are left too long and overgrown. An adult parrot's nails shouldn't raise the ball under the end of the toe up off a flat surface. If the foot positioning is not correct, perching and walking becomes difficult and the likihood of injury becomes greater.

Providing your Quaker's cage and play areas with a variety of natural perches and surfaces can help cut down the frequency that you have to preform nail trims. A variety of perches and surfaces helps keep your Quaker's foot healthy overall, properly excercising the foot, which helps to prevent arthritis.

Many bird owners make use of cement and sandy perches to maintain nails. Positioning of theses perches in cages and on play areas is very important so that they can be effective, without affecting the health of the foot, Some birds will chew and ingest particles from cement or sandy perches, causing possible crop impaction. Please visit FEATHERED FUN SAFETY FIRST to learn more about the use and placement of these particular types of perches.

Some Quakers will "trim" their own nails by "clipping" them with their beak, clipping off excess, yet sharpening them to their liking. Chewing on the nail or foot is quite different. Excessive chewing can be habitual, due to stress, as a self comforting behavior, or as way to remove residue on the foot that should not be present. Whenever possible, make a point of washing your hands before handling your bird, and provide toys that promote safe chewing. Foot toys, toys which can be picked up and easily manipulated, are also occupying and distracting.

If you've never trimmed a bird's nails before, it's a very good idea to allow your veterinarian or experienced avian groomer teach you how to properly and safely trim your Quaker's nails. Discuss various trimming tools, as well as what blood clotting aid you should have on hand. Yes, bird's nails can bleed when trimmed, which is why it is very important to understand the fundimental make up of the avian nail.Some bird owners are not comfortable trimming nails. Your avian vet or experienced avian groomer will be happy to accomodate your Quaker.