Trimming Wings
Items needed:
- A sharp pair of scissors.
- Leather gloves. (Possibly)
The best way I find to clip a bird's wings is to have someone help you, but this is not required, it just makes life easier on larger birds.
Grasp the bird lighty but firmly so the bird is unable move, but let the bird move it's head. Most birds if they are hand raised will not bite you enough to bring blood, but it is possible to experience a small pinch. If you suspect that the bird will break skin, then wear gloves, if unsure wear the gloves anyway. Remember the gloves alone will scare the birds so use them if it is required. If you are alone grasp the bird in such a way that you are able to spread the wing yet maintain control over its movement. DO NOT hold the bird's head or neck during this process. A light grip around the bird's breast and back is preferred.
Once the bird's wing is extended, you may begin the trim. Remember that if you cut too closely the bird will bleed through the end of the cut feathers, commonly referred to "Blood Fearthers." To avoid this, you will notice the layered pattern of feathers. Cut the longest feathers to the length of the next layer "shorter" feathers. For pet birds I reccommend cutting both wings. The common rumor that cutting only one wing works only on chickens, however on these tropical birds they can still achieve controlled filght with only one wing.
If the bird does experience some bleeding, if not excessive leave the bird alone and it will clot soon. If the bird appears to be bleading excessivly you cut too far down, carterise the wound if possible, and/or take the bird to a vetranarian for medical help to stop the bleeding.
Remember if you only cut the last "layer" (only one feather not a combination of several layers of feathers), you will not normally experience any bleeding.
After you trim the bird's wings, that was scary for him! Give him or her to treat and hold them to calm their nerves! They may be shook up, but I find a Dorito ® calm's their nerves and they soon forget anything happened and lay into eating that great treat you just gave them.
Back to, "How to Tame a Bird" page.
Get your own Free Home Page