I get the bird store person to clip my bird’s toenails and beak because I am afraid of hurting her and don’t want the negative association. If you must do it yourself, stay tuned for my nail filing article but do that for the beak. Be sure to hold the beak firmly shut while you file or trim it because you don’t want to catch your bird’s tongue. Only clip off a small amount.

Also provide filing perches (birds do rub their beaks on them as well), lots of toys to chew on, and things to grind the beak on. Despite all my efforts, my bird just sits there and sharpens her beak, I think she likes to keep it extra pointy for the occasions she needs to bite someone.