what causes parrot to lose his nail s?

by Akira Riverstone
(Gloucester, VA, USA 23061)

Our Senegalese -- unknown age since he flew into our NYC apartment about 15 years ago -- has been falling on his perchesonce or twice every other day or so during the past month or so. We do not have a good ornithologist vet nearby. We live in Tidewater Virginia, 23061.

On inspection, we note that he has lost two nails on his right claw which we assume is why he loses his footing. He seems otherwise healthy -- clear eyed, a little less noisy than usual, but active, and eating heartily.

We have piled crumpled papers on his very large cage floor so he doesn't hurt himself when he drops. But it is a little difficult for him to extricate himself after he falls. And the other day, he may have hit himself on a feeding bowl on the way down and seemed dazzed for a moment.

He has always been difficult and, in fact, until recently would sometimes attack while his feeding bowls were being changed. So it is not possible to inspect him closely without causing further trauma.

Any suggestions?