Many people clip their bird’s wings to make sure they don’t escape plus it makes taming them much easier. Trimming or clipping the wings can save a lot of birds from flying into windows, mirrors, toilets, frying pans and especially cactus plants.
There are many bird owners that prefer not to clip the wings. Parrots that are allowed to fly definitely get more exercise. This also benefits them psychologically as well. There are some people that believe in letting their birds fly wherever they want even outdoors. However, this is not advised and not recommended for the average bird owner. If you decide you want to clip your bird’s wings you can either do it yourself or take them to a vet. It’s easy to trim a bird’s wings after you become accustomed to it. It also can save you a lot of money in vet bills plus less trips to the vet. If you want to learn how to do it yourself, watch someone who knows what they’re doing a few times before doing it yourself.
The first thing you will need are a small pair of blunt scissors, a lightweight towel and someone else to hold the bird if you don’t want to hold them yourselves. The other person should place the towel on the back of the bird and hold them firmly but gently by the back of their head. Don’t cover the bird completely with the towel or squeeze them because that will cause their air sacs to collapse and they could suffocate.
Be sure to trim all the primary feathers. The first group is right before the wind bends approximately half way. Never trim or cut the secondary feathers, which are the feathers past the bend closer to the bird’s body. Trim both wings exactly the same length for balance. Extend the wing by gently grasping the edge. Never touch the tip of the feathers. Before trimming take a close look at the wing to be sure it’s not still growing in.
The “blood feathers” are usually swollen and are a purplish color at the lower shafts. This is a sign they is a reservoir of blood in them. If they are cut or broken, they will bleed profusely. The bleeding usually stops by itself. However, if it doesn’t you can stop the bleeding by apply gentle pressure or using cornstarch. After the bleeding stops, quickly remove the shaft of the feather. If the shaft remains, it will start to bleed again later. If you can’t stand to remove a feather, a vet can do it. If you can do it either you or your helper should restrain the bird and remove the feather. Get as close to the bird’s body as you can using a pair of pliers or tweezers. Gently hold the area towards the base of the feather so when the feather is removed it doesn’t tear the bird’s skin. Remove the feather in one movement. After the feather is removed, the bleeding will automatically stop.
After the bird’s feathers have been trimmed, be sure to keep perches low over carpeted areas until the bird adjusts to their newly trimmed feathers. Until they adjust, birds will sometimes crash to the floor, which can result in knee or head injuries.
Many birds also need their nails trimmed regularly. If their nails become overgrown, they will snag clothing or they will have difficulty in walking or climbing. To trim their nails you will need a pair not guillotine or notched style nail clippers. You can find these in any pet store. If the nails are overgrown only snip off the tips. The vein is visible especially in bird’s that have light colored nails.
Wait approximately two to three weeks before trimming the nails again. This gives the veins time to recede so you can trim the nails with nicking the vein. If while trimming the nails you nick the vein, you can stop the bleeding by using styptic powder and applying it with your finger. Styptic works by using a chemical burn process so be sure you never apply it to an area where the bird can get to it and taste it.
If you have a bird that has a beak that has grown long and it is hard for them to eat or groom themselves give them something hard to chew. This wear down the tip as they chew.
For birds such as budgies, an overgrown beak means a serious medical condition for example an enlarged liver. In this case, you should consult your vet.
Beaks should only be trimmed when everything else fails. Your vet may advise on using a sanding tool, however, that will terrify your bird. You can also try to clip the beak. When clipping the beak only slightly and barely trim the area to avoid hitting the vein. If the beak bleeds, it can be difficult to stop and the open beak can be prone to infections.