My cockateil eats sandpaper?

Question
Hi Dianna,

I have had my bird for a few months now,he is a very happy and sometimes friendly bird (when he wants to be). I am a little worried about him, although he eats his regular food of mixed seeds and fruits with his favorite treats. He loves to eats the sandpaper that i lay at the bottom of his cage.He tries to eat bits of the paper when i am not watching, the minute i see him he races back to his perch like nothing is wrong. It is funny to watch but can this be normal?  

Answer
Hello Pascal and thank you for your post.
Cockatiels are, by nature, ground feeders and they will pck at anything on the ground.  Do not use sandpaper on eith the bottom of the cage or on the perches.  This can not only be toxic to your bird if ingested, but it can cause your bird's feet to become raw, sore, and bleeding.
The best thing to use on the bottom of the cage would be newspaper (black and white), plain white paper, or a brown paper shopping bag.  
If you're looking to help keep your bird's nails trimmed, get a cement perch to put into it's cage.  He won't spend all of his time on it, but he will use it and it's easier on his feet.

Good luck and God Bless.
Dianna