If you decide to clip your pet bird’s wings, the good news is that they will grow back. The bad news is that it’ll take some time and, if done incorrectly, could affect their balance and ability to perch. While wing trimming is simple to do, there is a specific length that must be maintained to avoid problems. To help you do what’s best for your avian companion, we learn about the pros, cons, and frequency of feather clipping in this guide.
What to Know Before Clipping Your Bird’s Wings
While many bird owners clip their feathered friends’ wings to prevent them from flying away, feather trimming requires careful consideration. If you cut the wings too short, it will affect the normal development of future feather growth. New feathers may not form properly or fall out. In parrots, poorly clipped wings can lead to stress, and eventually, these birds may start plucking their remaining feathers.
Birds that attempt to fly with uneven wings can crash into objects and sustain injuries. While a bird’s wings will grow back, trimming done the wrong way simply causes unnecessary problems. For young birds, their developing wings help them with balance and flight to escape danger quickly. Without the correct wing length, it can stunt their growth and affect their confidence. Many avian keepers are unaware that giving their bird a really bad haircut increases the risk of behavioral problems and injuries.
Can You Clip Your Bird’s Wings Yourself?
You can clip your pet bird’s wings yourself, but you must keep the feathers a specific length to avoid physical problems. Once your bird is relaxed, wrap them in a towel and gently hold the target wing outside of the towel. Even if your bird has a calm personality, I prefer wrapping them to prevent sudden movements that could lead to a mishap with scissors! If you notice your pet is stressed, keep the session short. It is better to leave the trimming for another day than have a stressed bird. It is a good idea to watch a few online tutorials and to ask a relative or friend for assistance if you struggle to keep your bird still.
Alternatives to Trimming a Bird’s Feathers
Before you decide to clip your feathered companion’s wings, there are alternatives to consider. Teach your bird to come when called, ensuring they come back if they escape or push certain boundaries in flight (such as attempting to fly into another room). Target training is excellent for parrots because it encourages them to hop onto a specific perch or fly onto your hand on command. It is a great form of mental and physical enrichment using treats for birds.
To secure your home, add mesh screens to windows and doors, allowing you to keep these entryways open without the risk of escape. This ensures that they experience the joys of flight inside the house. The ability to fly is also a form of exercise, strengthening their muscles while ensuring that they maintain a healthy weight.
Lastly, if you’re unsure of how or where to trim the wings, rather ask your avian vet or an experienced professional for assistance. This way, it guarantees the integrity of the wings and encourages healthy regrowth.
How to Clip Your Bird’s Wings
Cutting the wings of a pet bird is not as simple as grabbing a pair of scissors and snipping their feathers. You first have to familiarize yourself with the bird’s anatomy, and that means identifying their primary and secondary flight feathers. The primaries are found on the outer edge of the wing, while the secondaries are connected to the bird’s forearm on the inside. You’ll need to clip the halfway point of the first five primary feathers. It should be even and without any rough or jagged edges that may irritate the bird’s skin.
The purpose of targeting the primary wings is to minimize the thrust they use to become airborne. They should still have enough of the wing to land gently and safely. Wings that are cut too short prevent birds from gliding, causing them to tumble from high surfaces, increasing their risk of injury. Always use sharp scissors to cut through the cuticles quickly and easily.
Feather Regrowth Could Take Months
Once you’ve clipped your pet bird’s wings, it takes anywhere between six to 18 months for the feathers to return. In some cases, it can take longer. The new feathers generally come through during the molting season. Ultimately, the rate of regrowth depends on the bird’s age and species. Cockatiels tend to experience faster feather regrowth than other small parrots, whereas budgies can regrow their feathers within four months.
In young birds where the wings have been incorrectly clipped, the new feathers may not develop properly or break off as they regrow. It is imperative to follow the correct practices when trimming feathers to avoid damaging the wing.
Should I Clip My Bird’s Wings?
Clipping your pet bird’s wings is necessary when you want to stop them from flying. If you fear for their safety, whether the risk of escaping from the house or flying into objects and injuring themselves, feather trimming is recommended. Birds that do not respond to recall training usually have their wings clipped. Feather trimming can take place every three months or with each molt cycle. It is important to check the growth of the wings if you don’t want your bird to fly.
Before you take a scissor to your pet’s wings, watch a few online tutorials and ask a friend or family member to help you. If you’re too unsure, ask your veterinarian to show you how to cut the right feathers so you’re equipped to trim them next time.
