Wing Clipping

Clipping wings is often recommended for birds who are let out of the cage in their homes, and those that travel with their owners. A bird with clipped wings is less likely to become injured in a household accident, and cannot fly away and become lost.

Wing clipping should only be done by owners who are experienced in handling birds. New bird owners should visit a veterinarian the first time their pet’s wings are clipped to see how the procedure is done for the specific breed.

Generally, clipping involves cutting the "primary" flight feathers. These are the feathers that are the furthest out on the bird’s wings. (If the bird’s wings were thought of as the human arm, the primary flight feathers would be between the elbow and wrist.) Clip four to ten primary feathers per wing (depending on species) with a pair of blunt scissors. The primary feathers should be cut to the point where they are just a little longer than the covert feathers next to them.

The more primary feathers clipped, the more restricted the bird’s flying ability. Birds that share a house with a dog or cat should be allowed to keep more primary feathers. This will allow them to make short flights to safe perches around the home.

Make very sure that all feathers clipped are completely grown out, and are no longer connected to the "blood shaft" that provides nutrients to growing feathers. Cutting a feather that is still receiving blood will cause the bird pain.

Be sure to clip both wings. Clipping only one wing will cause the bird to lose balance when fluttering, and can result in injuries.