Here is some useful information on proper grooming for your pet bird!  Any comments please email us.  Enjoy!

Nail Trimming

        Parrots need their nails trimmed once in awhile to prevent them from growing to long. This is a fairly simple procedure, but if you feel insecure, take your bird to an avian vet and ask him or her to show you how to do it. You can either use a nail clipper or nail file depending on what your bird prefers. Usually what I do is file Angel’s nails down till they are nice and smooth. Sometimes, I use a small toe brush to clean Angel’s nails and feet. Takes all the dirt and germs out (for the moment ;)). Be careful not to trim too much though, then they won’t be able to climb and might fall off their perch. Be careful not to hurt the blood vessel!

Bathing

    To keep your bird clean and healthy, you should bath or shower it several times a week. Every day does not hurt. Just like us, it's a personal thing whether they prefer a shower or a bath. Your bird may not love it, but it is necessary. You have to try different ways to find out what your bird prefers. Do not use soap or shampoo on your bird, it can harm the feathers and its sensitive skin. Baths and showers should be given early enough in the day so that the feathers have a chance to dry before bedtime. Angel usually takes his bath in the morning or if it is a hot day in the aftenoon.

Wing Clipping

    Wing clipping should only be performed by an experienced person or your avian vet. Illustrations from a book or web page are not sufficient enough. Have your avian veterinarian or breeder show you how to clip the wing feathers; you can ask to have him/ her trim the first wing while you are observing, and then trim the second one yourself under supervision while the vet is holding your bird. Do not attempt to trim the feathers on your own, always have someone to hold the bird for you, or you may end up injuring it. Always use sharp scissors that are specially made for the purpose. Household scissors are not good enough. It is important to have the wings clipped at all times all year around to prevent accidents. The bird should still be able to make emergency landings, do not trim too much. Broken feathers should be trimmed to prevent birds from picking at it.

Beak Trimming

    Under normal circumstances, your parrot should never require to have its beak trimmed. Make sure to provide enough toys to chew on and you will never have a problem. If the beak for some reason overgrows, take your bird to an experienced avian vet. Do not attempt to trim your birds beak on your own

Preening

    This is the best part, both for the bird and you! Especially Cockatoos are known to be real cuddle monsters. This is an important way of socializing with your companion bird. In the wild, or when kept in pairs, parrots preen each other a good part of the day. Bonus loves to be scratched pretty much EVERYWHERE. A good example of preening is when I cuddle Angel all over for half an hour to an hour, and he starts to pick at my eyelashes or a mole I have on my face! Lol!

Don't make the mistake to cuddle your Cockatoo to much in the beginning. Your bird will expect this from you every day.

    Tongue wiggling is very common with Cockatoos. They open their beak slightly and wiggle their tongue, making cute little sounds. It’s like the deepest show of affection they can give you! Growing feathers that can't be reached by the bird itself needs attention. Carefully massage the wax tube until it breaks. Be careful not to get to close to the growing part, or the feather will start to bleed!