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Feathered Upkeep
Pet Age Staff //January 7, 2019//
Listen to this articleThe word “grooming” might bring to mind images of fur or paws. But not all grooming involves dogs or even cats. Grooming is also vital to enabling birds to keep their nails, wings and beaks healthy and well-kept.
Avian specialist Dr. Laurie Hess provided some crucial bird grooming tips in “Bird Grooming 101,” the Trends & Products article published in the January 2017 issue of Pet Age. According to Dr. Hess, wild birds use their flight feathers to get around and keep their nails worn down by landing on rough branches and rocks, but pet birds in cages don’t have these experiences. Thus, pet birds often develop overgrown nails and may become injured while flying indoors.
“Retailers would be wise to remind bird owners that regular grooming is critical to help keep their avian companions out of trouble,” Dr. Hess wrote.
It’s important for retailers to carry a variety of grooming tools that cater to bird’s needs, as well as provide customers with tips on properly maintaining their bird’s attributes. For example, Dr. Hess mentions that there are safe ways to trim birds’ nails, which will depend on the bird’s temperament. So, finding the right nail trimmer works with the bird’s temperament is the best and safest method for proper grooming. And she also recommends that retailers advise their customers that nail trimming has better results when the procedure involves more than one person, regardless of the method employed.
These grooming products offer bird owners a selection of tools to keep their bird’s feathers clean, their beaks strong and their nails well-trimmed. And while many grooming products are safe and effective, accidents can happen. These products are also useful and important first aid tools. Retailers and groomers should carry and sell these products as part of a complete bird first aid kit, as well as educate their customers on how to handle these tools so their birds can remain safe, healthy and content.
Pacific Perch Beach Walk
Prevue Pet Products Pacific Perch Beach Walk is a natural foot exercise perch for a bird. The tapered diameter and uneven shapes encourage healthy foot exercise while the hard sea shell coating adds texture to naturally groom beaks and nails. Each Beach Walk perch is made of 100 percent natural ground seashell providing calcium to your bird as it chews. Tough and long-lasting, Pacific Perches attach directly to your cage and are available in assorted colors. Pacific Perch Beach Walk perches come in small, medium, large and extra large. Bolt-on attachment fits most cage sizes.
Safety Pumice Perch
Wild birds are exposed to a variety of textured surfaces that keep nails and beaks conditioned. Safety Pumice Perches give a pet bird the comfort grip for its feet and the textured surface needed for keeping nails in a healthy state of trim. They also are non-toxic and safe, with no sanded surface to harm a bird’s feet. Come in S, M, L and XL, appropriate for birds of all sizes.
Penn-Plax E2 Cutttlebone
The E2 Cuttlebone by Penn-Plax Bird Life is a healthy, eco-friendly bone that helps keep bird beaks trim. Enriched with oyster shells, Omega-3, honey and vitamin B1, it provides supplemental calcium and minerals to pet birds. It uses far less cuttle than traditional bones. It’s available in 2-pack and Value 6-pack options.
Dremel 7300-PGK
The new Dremel 7300-PGK is designed to be easier to use, more efficient and gentler. Appropriate for a medium- to large-sized parrot, the product’s clear attachment was designed to help avoid cutting nails too short or causing any pain to the bird. The tool features a quiet motor and won’t crack, splinter or break the bird’s nails. It also captures nail filings, and its simple hinged construction allows for easy cleaning and assembly. In addition to the Dremel 7300-PGK, both the grooming attachment and accessory kits can be used with the Dremel 7300-PT grooming tool.
Kaytee Pro-Nail Trimmer
The Pro-Nail Trimmer is a professional quality nail trimmer designed for small animals and birds. It is perfectly sized to make quick and precise cuts to help prevent nails from breaking or snagging. It measures four inches long with an easy grip handle and finger rest.
ClotIt Natural Blood Clotting Powder
ClotIt is a non-staining, blood clotting powder made up of all-natural minerals designed to rapidly stop bleeding in minor to severe external wounds. ClotIt is not a harsh styptic and is non-stinging. It does not stain or clump and has an unlimited shelf life. It is available in single use packets; 1-, 2.85- or 5-ounce applicator; and a full Retail Pet First Aid Kit.
