|
Clipping is recommended primarily for safety reasons, as it
helps to prevent many types of accidents. Clipping is also promoted
as a means to assist in taming and training a bird. Birds can find very
creative ways to get in trouble in our homes and clipping is definitely
recommended for any bird allowed to play freely outside their cage.
Many birds have met their end by drowning in toilets, breaking their necks by
hitting windows or mirrors, flying into ceiling fans or escaping out an open
window or door.
It is recommended that baby birds should be allowed to fledge
before their first clipping or they may never be able to learn to fly.
The objective of clipping your bird's wing feathers is to cut
enough feathers to prevent lift and speed during flight but also, to leave enough
to allow your bird to safely and gently glide to the floor.
Clipping is not painful, cruel or dangerous if done properly.
Before attempting to clip your bird you must know:
-
How to safely restrain your bird to prevent injury or
suffocation. Proper restraint prevents harm to both the bird and the
groomer.
-
How to perform the procedure properly for your species of
bird. Typically, lightweight bird species such as cockatoos or
cockatiels will need to have more feathers trimmed than heavier bird
species (greys, eclectus, macaws). Ask your vet for guidance.
-
What to do in the event of an emergency.
If you are unsure how to safely restrain and clip your bird's
feathers we recommend that you either seek out professional grooming or have
your avian vet demonstrate the proper techniques. Improper clips can lead
to damage of the chest and tail as the result of falling.
Clipping Procedure Overview
First of all, clipping is usually a
two person job where one
person safely restrains the bird while the second does the actual grooming. Be
sure to perform this task in a well lighted room.
The process can be very stressful to your bird so be prepared to work quickly
and have all the necessary supplies on hand before you start.
-
Assemble needed supplies - towel, scissors,
clotting agent,
tweezers.
-
Gently wrap the bird in a towel and recline your bird
onto its back being careful not to apply excessive pressure to his chest.
-
Gently reach inside of the towel and extend the wing to
expose the feathers.
-
Examine the wing for the presence of blood feathers as
noted by a dark blue colored shaft. Avoid cutting blood feathers.
If a blood feather is cut be prepared to take appropriate
first aid measures.
-
Cut the number of feathers as recommended for your
species. It is common to leave the 2-3 outer primary feathers intact
for cosmetic reasons and to trim the next 5-6 feathers in a smooth line just
below the coverts.
-
Never cut the secondary feathers.
-
Always point the sharp end of the scissors away from your
birds body.
-
Repeat the procedure for the second wing. Clipping
only one wing creates an imbalance that may lead to injury.
 Print
Version
|
|
