James Harris, DVM
Space pedicures to let vein recede
 I heard that when a bird's nails are very overgrown, you should clip just a little bit at first, then wait a week to clip some more. This gives the blood vessel a chance to recede so you dont cause bleeding. You can clip a little, wait a while, and clip again, repeating the process until the nail is the length you want. Does this actually work?
-- Louie Tomasi, San Francisco
 Yes, it works! If you are lucky enough to have a bird with light-colored nails, you can see the blood supply as a red line down the center of the nail. Do not cut into this line. The line will recede gradually as the nail is trimmed.
James Harris, DVM is owner and medical director of the Mayfair Veterinary Clinic in Sandy Bay, Tasmania, Australia. He founded Montclair Veterinary Hospital in Oakland, Calif., and has served as medical director and chairman of the board for the International Bird Rescue Research Center in Berkeley. Dr. Harris' numerous professional honors include California and National Bustad Companion Animal DVM Awards.
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