Wing clipping advice needed

[dhalpern]

Pete is flying all over the place so I think for his safety, and my sanity and his bonding training I need to clip his wings. I've never done this so the question is, should I attempt it myself, got to the vet? I have a friend who knows how to do it and has offered to help.

 

[Oknuma]

clipping isnt hard but you do have to make sure you get it right.
I always suggest that first timers get it done at their avian vet first to learn how best to do it

 

[Bokkapooh]

Here is a site to see:

Use VERY SHARP hair cutting scissors or paper cuttng scissors (but it must not be dull!)

Cut only between 4-7 flight feathers on EACH WING.

Cut 4 one each wing at first and then wait 5 days for him to settle in and for your to determine how much more should be clipped. With larger species of birds only 2 flights should be clipped on each wing and then waiting several days to determine if more need to be clipped. Do NOT clip ALL the feathers you want to be cut, this is NOT how it should be done and is very stressful and traumatizing to a bird.

The point of clipping is NOT to get the bird to not to fly, but to have a controlled flight. A bird who cannot fly or glide or move around with his wings, is an unhealthy bird. He should still be able to flap around a bit, but it should be controlled. Flight is the #1 best exercise for a bird. Playing with toys and moving around doesn't come close to flying.

After several days with 4 flight feathers clipped on each wing, and you think more should be clipped, clip 1 more on each wing. See how he does, is he still beaming around the room like a torpedo? If so, clip 1 more on each wing, and one more if needed. I personally wouldnt do more than 5 for a small bird such as a plet. For bigger birds I think no more feathers than 4 on each wing should ever be clipped. As again the point of clipping isnt about getting a bird land bound, but controlling their flight, so when they attempt it, they dont go far, and its not out of control, chasing the bird aorund the room, type of thing.

Here is a site that should how clipping should be done, it has pics:

Parrots - Clipping Parrots Wings - Learn how to clip parrots wings

This site has steps on how to clip:

How to Clip a Parrot's Wings | eHow.com

If you need more info, go to google.com and type in :clipping a parrot's wings" Or "How to..."

Thoughts on wing clipping:

http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/small_hookbills/64036

 

[Brigidt36]

I vote for going to an avian vet to have it done. Good luck.

 

[dhalpern]

Mercedez

thanks SO Much for all the great advice!
I did it sucessfully with your help. He didn't mind at all and we are both much happier!
David

Here is a site to see:

Use VERY SHARP hair cutting scissors or paper cuttng scissors (but it must not be dull!)

Cut only between 4-7 flight feathers on EACH WING.

Cut 4 one each wing at first and then wait 5 days for him to settle in and for your to determine how much more should be clipped. With larger species of birds only 2 flights should be clipped on each wing and then waiting several days to determine if more need to be clipped. Do NOT clip ALL the feathers you want to be cut, this is NOT how it should be done and is very stressful and traumatizing to a bird.

The point of clipping is NOT to get the bird to not to fly, but to have a controlled flight. A bird who cannot fly or glide or move around with his wings, is an unhealthy bird. He should still be able to flap around a bit, but it should be controlled. Flight is the #1 best exercise for a bird. Playing with toys and moving around doesn't come close to flying.

After several days with 4 flight feathers clipped on each wing, and you think more should be clipped, clip 1 more on each wing. See how he does, is he still beaming around the room like a torpedo? If so, clip 1 more on each wing, and one more if needed. I personally wouldnt do more than 5 for a small bird such as a plet. For bigger birds I think no more feathers than 4 on each wing should ever be clipped. As again the point of clipping isnt about getting a bird land bound, but controlling their flight, so when they attempt it, they dont go far, and its not out of control, chasing the bird aorund the room, type of thing.

Here is a site that should how clipping should be done, it has pics:

Parrots - Clipping Parrots Wings - Learn how to clip parrots wings

This site has steps on how to clip:

How to Clip a Parrot's Wings | eHow.com

If you need more info, go to google.com and type in :clipping a parrot's wings" Or "How to..."

Thoughts on wing clipping:

Thoughts on Wing Clipping

 

[southerninak]

My little Squirts wings are clipped ,but he still flies . Luckily he does not fly up too high. I did not clip them . I'm not sure if my friend had him clipped or the pet store they bought him from.

 

[Trice]

I have Missy and Baby's wings clipped every three months . They are fine with having them clipped.

 

[drop]

Probably be best to go to the vet for the first time, until you feel comfortable. Please specify that you want to start with a light clip, I have seen some pretty severe clips even by vets Not saying yours will do this, but always safe to explain exactly what you would like. If your friend is comfortable, she could help you too.

IME Parrotlets are kind of "heavy bodied" for their size, they are stout little parrots, it is easy to take off too much and they will drop like a rock. I clip a friend's Parrotlet for her and only the first four are necessary for her, so she can get around but just can not gain too much altitude or too much speed.

I would personnally start with four feathers like Mercedez also suggested, and go from there if her flight is not restrained enough for your situation. Also, she may "grow into" her new clip and you may see her starting to fly better after a few week as she adjusts, so don't just assume that she may not fly a certain distance because she could not make it in the beginning.

Hope that helps.

 

[spookylicorice]

I would HIGHLY recommend going to a vet or bird specialist to get this done. After trying to clip my parrotlet's wings once by myself I can safely say I will never, ever try it again! Not only did I pretty adequately manhandle her and •••• her off, but she was so small and did so much biting that it caused both of us more trauma than was necessary! Many places will do it for free, so cost shouldn't really be a deterrent. Your bird WILL thank you!

 

[GreenParrot]

I vote for going to an avian vet to have it done. Good luck.

I vote for the same as well. You can also take him to his breeder to get him clipped if you got him from a breeder.

 

[Stevo]

Post #5 above - the wings have already been clipped.

 

[dhalpern]

Update - I was able to do it myself with no issues, the bird was calm and cooperative and all is well

 

[southernbirds]

YouTube - How To Clip A Birds Wings

For future information.