My cockatiel got his toe caught in a curtain and eventually lost his nail. I took him to the vet and everything healed well but now he seems to have another deformed nail or maybe scar tissue growing there. It is growing off to the side (it's growing at approximately a 30 degree angle outward and to the right - it is the long middle toe) because his toe is a bit misshapen. Is this something I need to worry about? Does a toe nail grow back? I'd appreciate any advice. Thanks.

Kelly C.

Kelly,

When a toe nail is clipped it does regrow, however, when a complete nail is lost, it doesn't usually grow back. Due to the loss of this nail, your 'tiel probably adjusted it's manner of perching, standing and walking. Some cockatiel's nails must be kept manicured to prevent them from hanging their nails, thus preventing this type of accident. We think you definitely need to have an experienced groomer or better yet, an avian vet, take a look at the deformed looking nail soon.