Clip Tips
Wing clipping is a relatively simple
procedure that is extremely helpful in restricting a pet bird’s
flight. Having a reduced flight capability reduces the bird’s
independence and subsequently increases its dependence upon the pet
owner. Any bird that has freedom to move outside of the cage should
have its wings clipped for its own safety and protection.
It is not hard to do. It is not
permanent. The clip will only last until the bird molts and grows
replacement flight feathers. It does not hurt the bird at all
because feathers are like hair in mammals. They are composed of
protein and contain no nerve endings.
All too often I’ve talked to a
distraught pet owner whose pet has flown out the front door.
Usually the conversation included some comment like “I don’t
understand. He’s never flown off before. I guess he was startled
when the front door banged against the wall when the kids came
running in.” Even a tame pet can take off if startled by an
unexpected load noise or unusual event. Properly clipping the wings
keeps the bird from being able to gain loft and thus unexpectedly
escape.
The trick is to clip just enough of the
longest flight feathers to restrict the bird’s flight to downward
rather than upward flight. Leaving enough flight feathers to allow
for a safe landing prevent the bird from being injured by a heavy
landing.
Usually it takes two people to clip the
wings; one to hold the bird and restrict its movement, and another
to spread the wing and clip the flight feathers. An adept
experienced bird handler can usually clip the wings of small birds
like budgies without help. Beginners should work as a team.
Some people advocate clipping one wing,
while others prefer to clip both wing. Clipping only one wing on
the other hand causes the bird to veer of course in the direction
of the clipped wing. He’ll have lost his control and may end up
crashing into a wall on the side.
I prefer a two wing clip because it
gives the bird a better sense of balance. If he does try to fly
he’ll end up heading in the direction he intended but he won’t get
as far as he had planned. If properly done it won’t even look like
the bird’s wings have been clipped.
What you will need.
1. Hand towel
2. Sharp scissors
3. An assistant
4. Determination
5. Courage.
What to do.
Step 1- Restrict the bird’s movement by
draping the hand towel over your hand dropping it over the bird so
that you can grasp the bird’s head between thumb and forefinger. By
gently grasping either side of the lower mandible you control the
bird’s head movement while stopping him from biting. Wrap he towel
around the body, encasing wings and feet in such a way that you can
free the wings one at a time.
Step 2- Spread one wing so that it is
fully extended. To accomplish this, gently but firmly grasp the
“elbow” joint and spread the wing so that it is fully
extended.
Step3- Clip the primary flight feathers.
With the wing fully extended and looking at the top of the wing you
will notice that there are three layers of flight feathers;
primary, secondary, and tertiary. The primaries are the longest
ones and make up the bottom layer. These are the feathers to clip.
Using the sharp scissors the assistant simply snips 4 or 5 longest
outermost flight feathers. These should be cut just even with the
tips of the secondary flight feathers. Release the wing, and repeat
the procedure on the second wing.
What to watch for.
1-
Blood flight feathers. These are newly forming
feathers that are still growing. As a feather is growing it is fed
by blood flowing through its shaft. Once the feather is fully
formed the follicle closes off the blood flow and the shaft becomes
hollow and dry. You can tell blood flights because you can see the
dark red center of the shaft. If a blood flight feather breaks or
is cut it will bleed. Do not cut these feathers. If one is
accidentally cut it must be plucked to stop the
bleeding.
2-
Feet. Make sure that the feet are securely wrapped
in the towel to keep them out of the way of the
scissors.
3-
Overheating. This procedure shouldn’t take but a few
moments. The bird should not be kept wrapped in the towel any
longer than necessary so that it will not over heat.
Good luck!
