Defective Claw Growth in Birds

Abnormal growth of a bird’s nails is called a nail growth disorder. This is expressed in deformed or too-long claws. Sometimes the abnormalities occur in combination with other abnormalities in the plumage and are then symptoms of diseases. However, the disorder can often be traced back to incorrect posture.

Symptoms

A bird appears distorted in pain, it can no longer step properly, it only hops, it is no longer possible for it to walk. The claws look deformed, are long, not straight, and partly hardened. The disease can occur on one or both legs and shows various malformations of the claws.

Causes

Unfortunately, as with most clinical pictures, no definitive remote diagnosis is possible. The causes of the misalignment can be of different types.

Wrong attitude

Claws that are too long in particular are often caused by incorrect posture. If the bars in the cage are too thin and smooth and there are branches, the otherwise natural wear of the claws on the bark is missing. Because birds always experience claw wear in their natural habitat, they have not evolved any other mechanism to control claw growth, resulting in deformities and adhesions.

Other Causes

Another trigger can be a misalignment of the feet, which causes the claws to grow into each other and become too long. Here the phenomenon often only occurs on one side, namely on the disfigured foot. Disorders of the liver metabolism are also possible causes of the disease. They are triggered by infections with circoviruses. Even rarer, but also possible, are claw growth disorders caused by inbreeding and spontaneous changes in the genetic material. Finally, malnutrition in the animal can also lead to the growth disorders described.

Treatment

In any case

Regular trimming of the claws, every three to eight weeks depending on the species, can prevent painful adhesions. It is best not to have the smooth, thin bars described above in the cage. The birds should have natural branches and twigs available. One should make sure that the branches are not too thin. If your front and back toes touch you when you grab it, you should swap for a thicker branch.

In case of ongoing illness

If the claw growth disorder is caused by a disease of the liver or another organ, further therapy must be carried out. This differs individually depending on the bird, cause, and organ, but can be done with medication or a change in diet, among other things.

Forecast

The prognosis for this disease is usually very good, as the claws can be brought under control by simply cutting and changing the cage.