WING CLIPPING

Should I have my bird's wings clipped?

Windy City Aviary is pro-wing clipping and we believe that it is not only humane, but necessary. A bird is at the mercy of it's environment. They can fly into walls, furniture, windows and ceiling fans, all of which might result in an injury or death. Baby birds should not be clipped until they have learned to fly as it gives them confidence and enables them to properly develop their chest muscles, teaches them balance and enables them to learn how to turn and to land safely. Birds have very light, fragile bones which can easily be injured by a clumsy landing or a fall. The purpose for clipping a bird's wings is not to prevent flight completely but to ensure the bird is unable to achieve or sustain upward flight and to prevent escape.  It is not desirable to produce a bird who will free fall and potentially cause harm to itself.  Birds allowed out of the cage and especially those left unsupervised may come across many dangers in the house or simply get to places they are not welcome.  After a wing clip, birds may flutter to the floor but quickly learn they are unable to go anywhere.  Some tend to be more reliant on the owner and less aggressive with their wings clipped.

Is wing clipping cruel?

No.  Safety for the bird in its environment must be the prime consideration.  A clipped bird will still flap its wings while holding onto the perch or cage for exercise. Flights into ceiling fans, windows or mirror may be more devastating than a wing clip.

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 do.  It is very important that you discuss wing clipping with your veterinarian and establish a method that is functional and aesthetically appealing for you and your bird. Be very careful when clipping, not to trim a blood feather, a feather that is still growing and receiving a blood supply from the body. You can recognize a blood feather by the blood in the shaft. If cut they will bleed and can become an emergency situation. The only feathers which should be clipped are the primary flight feathers. These are the ten long feathers on the outermost part of the wing. Start at the 10th primary (the one furthest from the body) and progress inward.

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