I started by stroking their toes when they were hanging off the side of the cage, telling them what a nice boy/girl they were. Then I added a quick pinching motion on the tip of the nail and said snip snip, so they got used to the pressure. Next I showed them the file and let them examine it. Then I touched their feet with it and began by just taking one or two strokes. This was done over a period of weeks. It takes time but it is worth it to me because it doesn't stress them out. If they don't want it done at a time when I bring out the file, I just leave it for another time.
If you are thinking of Lucky, you may need a heavier file like the one in the picture as a regular nail file may not be strong enough.
Last edited by Dragonlady2; 12-13-2016 at 05:28 PM.
Mare (12-18-2016), Quakerella (12-17-2016)
Oh, thank for this suggestion. I really don't want to take her back to the vet and experience this ever again! I am going to give this training a try.
Also, I wanted everyone to know that she is almost back to 100% normal. She still isn't flying circles around the room yet, but she is starting to be able to make adjustments in flight. And she is now (starting yesterday) flying across the room (about 12 feet) from her cage to play stand. And she's shouting for me again. After the vet, she lost all trust. I think she felt totally molested and I was the pimp!
We are still working on regaining trust...she will step up now, but only after a lot of coaxing.
Dragonlady2 (12-17-2016), Lady (12-18-2016), plax (12-17-2016), Quakerella (12-17-2016)
Dragonlady2 (12-17-2016), Lady (12-18-2016), plax (12-17-2016)
Good news! I'm happy to know Tinkerbell is coming back to normal
Dragonlady2 (12-18-2016), Lady (12-18-2016), plax (12-18-2016), Quakerella (12-18-2016)
Yay glad to hear this news. I know what it is like when they lose some trust, but I know you'll work hard getting her back to her old self and it will come.
Dragonlady2 (12-18-2016), Mare (12-18-2016), plax (12-18-2016), Quakerella (12-18-2016)