-- Anna Lee, Brooksville, Fla.

Overgrown nails are usually to blame for this problem. Nails can reach three-quarters of a circle or more, and when they do, they catch on the cage wires or other objects. The bird struggles to free itself and voila, a broken or missing nail. In the wild, birds wear down their nails on branches and other surfaces; overgrowth is rare. Caged birds often need to have their nails trimmed to keep them short enough to prevent them from catching. On rare occasions dietary deficiencies and liver disease can result in poor nail health, or an infection can cause the nail to fall off. Your veterinarian can evaluate your bird and its diet and give it a nail trim.

Which brings me to a final note to this issue's column. Properly addressing avian health problems always starts with a thorough examination by a qualified veterinarian, as I often point out in my answers. If you currently don't have a veterinarian that specializes in birds, you may be able to find one near you by e-mailing the Assoociation of Avian Veterinarians at aavctrlofc@aav.com. Include in your e-mail your state and zip code and request contact information for the three AAV members closest to you. In addition to the United States, the AAV directory includes veterinarians in 42 other countries.

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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