Keeping Nails Trimmed

Captive finches generally need periodic nail trimming; because, unlike their counterpart in the wild, they are not landing or perching on rough textured surfaces that would naturally aid in keeping nails short. For this reason, pet finch owners generally use regular finger nail clippers as to trim their pets nails as illustrated in the article referenced on the right. Additionally, it is recommended that you consider getting your pet finch either: (1) a perch with a unique shape and surface; and/or, (2) sand perch covers, as illustrated.

This is especially true of Waxbills, as indicated in an article written by Ian Hintz

CLIPPING NAILS- How to do it 

The link above is to the "Just Bengalese" Website. This website has the best color illustration of how to avoid clipping the blood vessel inside the nail. The danger in clipping nails, is that if the cut is made too short , it can expose the vein that runs partially into the nail. This can occasion bleeding.

If you keep your finches in a large flight or aviary that is made of "screen", then keeping nails trimmed is critical. Quoting an article entitled: Building Finch Cages and Flights by Jayne Yantz published in BirdTalk Magazine , "If screen is used, birds' nails must be trimmed regularly. Long nails can become caught on the screen resulting in injuries to the birds."

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