Parrot - Wing Clipping

Should I have my bird’s wings clipped?

Birds fly! It is an important behaviour and one that, ideally, they should be allowed to perform. However, in captivity this can cause problems.

The advantages of wing clipping are:

1. Safety - the bird can’t hurt itself while flying.
2. Damage - the bird is less able to damage the home making it a more desirable pet.
3. Security - the bird can’t escape.
4. Freedom - increased safety and security enables owners to take the bird out of the cage or the house more often.
5. Training - the bird is more dependent on the owner thus making it more amenable to training or behaviour modification.

The disadvantages are:-

1. No clip totally removes the ability to fly. Many trims will actually increase the chances of injury.
2. If a pet has to be 'modified' to fit in to the home, is it the right pet anyway?
3. As stated above no wing clip will totally deflight all birds. They will also moult out clipped feathers and grow new ones. The period when they have reduced flight often induces complacency in the owner resulting in doors and windows being left open when the bird can fly again!
4. Clipping reduces freedom as it creates an 'invisible cage'. Many believe that birds need to fly in order to fulfil certain behavioural needs. Birds can be trained to come back; they can also be trained to a harness both of which will enable the bird to be taken out. Wing trims are not totally reliable and clipped birds will be much more vulnerable if they do escape.
5. Health. A clipped bird may well be less fit and more prone to obesity than one who is fit and flying. Many appear to start feather chewing after a bad clip.

In summary, birds should not be wing trimmed as a management tool unless it is clear that they will have a much happier and more extensive life if this is done. It is more suited as a short-term tool to assist in training and/or behavioural therapy. Therefore it is always best, if having the wings clipped, to combine it with advice on training and behavioural management.

IDEALLY, ONE CLIP SHOULD BE ENOUGH – AFTER THIS THE BIRDS SHOULD BE TRAINED!

How are wings clipped?

There are many ways to clip a bird’s wings and numerous opinions about the pros and cons of each method. There are techniques that involve one wing or both wings, clipping the feathers at the end of the wing or leaving 2-3 at the end for better appearance. Some methods alter the appearance of the bird more than others. It is important to remember that no method totally deflights the bird and that, ideally, the bird should be able to glide to the floor in a controlled manner NOT plummet! It should not be done on birds before they have fledged properly as they will have problems learning to fly properly at a later age. It should also be done carefully feather by feather. Cut ends of feathers should be covered by the overlying covert feathers otherwise the protruding cut ends may act as a focus for feather chewing. It is also important to remember that wing trimming is not a permanent measure but will grow out as the bird moults.

Can I do it myself?

Perhaps, but care must be taken and it is advised that your veterinary surgeon show you exactly how to clip and which feathers to cut. Always be mindful that new pin or blood feathers will bleed quite badly if accidentally cut.

It is probably better to discuss the issue with your vet to ensure the best advice and procedure for you and your bird.