Budgies in the wild forage and perch on many rough surfaces like hard ground, rocks and a variety of tree branches. Nest building will also see the budgie tearing off suitable materials for nest building. Foraging for food, digging the ground and breaking open hard materials will trim down their beaks naturally. These are all some examples of how budgies trim their nails and beaks naturally.
Many pet budgies are not completely tamed to enjoy being held on a human hand. Momo will only perch on my hand and does not like being touched or held. He still likes the freedom to fly off at anytime.
With that in mind, I have decided not to catch him for nail or beak trimming. I set up a food and drink station in his free flight room. I scatter seeds and small millet seeds on a rough surface. He needs to land there and walk around foraging. I use the rough side up of the floor tile and Momo goes there daily for food and water during his free flight time.
It is a slow process, how ever it gets the job done. A small piece of floor tile, rough side up could also be placed inside the cage for the budgie to forage on.
After a few weeks, Momo's nails and beaks are well managed.
This method reduces stress for the human and the budgie. It also reduces injury and cost very little.
