wing clipping

[mumoftwo]

I would like to know how many feathers should be clipped and also how short they need to be clipped. The breeder clipper Ducky for us before we left, but she still flies. The very outside feather was left long, and only 4 I think were clipped, only an inch or so was taken off. should I clip more, how many and how short, I don't want her to fly off of my shoulder or something and hit a wall, or anything to hard. She has already bumped into a couple of walls, I want to fix this before she hurts her self. Any suggestions?

[Magnum]

I would like to suggest having your Avian Vet do this for you and show you exactly where to clip, and not to clip. Same with the toenails. I have had a few birds in my life, but I feel so much better letting my vet do this during the wellness exams.

[jonesy zoo]

If you have a bird that is hard to handle then I suggest you have someone to show you how to clip their wing a few times before you try to do it yourself. I also suggest that you have a helper to hold the bird as you do it. Use a thick hand towel and wrap the bird making sure he/she can breathe and making sure his/her wings and legs are held on a way that they are comfortable and feel secure. If you fold the towel around him/her like a baby doll you will be on the right track. then fold back the towel and expose the right wing (or left if you prefer). then pull out the wing, search and deal with any blood feathers, and then cut off the feathers from the coverts down. Pay attention to the diagram and cut the green coloured feathers.

If you are holding a baby bird be careful that you do not push on his/her crop so he/her will not have any of his/her food go into his/her mouth and have any chance of breathing it into his lungs- he/she will die. Another worry is not to cover his mouth and nostrils and not to hold his/her chest to tightly so he/she can breathe properly. Everything must be considered when you hold your bird. You (or your helper) may wish to hold the birds head still by placing your thumb on one side of his/her head and your first finger on the other. You should never hold too tightly- only enough to keep the bird from twisting enough to bite you if he/her wishes to do so. As you do this cup the bird from the back- not the front.

Always use sharp and clean scissors for a neat hygienic cut.- nothing worse than seeing ragged feathers for a few months! Be aware of your bird species needs. Some birds such as cockatoos and African Grays are irritated but half clipped feathers and it will make him want to pull and chew at his feathers- always ask for information for the species from your breeders or their vet

[Kaye]

Here is one of the best articles I've seen on how to clip wings. I suggest NOT trying to do it by yourself the first time, but taking her to an avian vet and having them show you how to do it in person. It can be difficult to hold the bird still, and you have to watch and make sure you don't clip a blood feather.. or too many..