By Bird Vet Melbourne

12/25/2010 Wing clipping - my opinion by Dr Phil Sacks -Bird Vet Melbourne

Wing clipping is NOT generic. Each wing clip procedure we do is adapted to the bird patient and different - done for a particular species and then for a particular bird depending on its weight agility, agility etc.
If done before a bird first learns to fly, some birds will not be able to fly later in life, even when normal new feathers are moulted through. Full Wing clipping is not a procedure to be taken lightly, we see serious problems associated with heavy wing clips on a regular basis. Because of concerns about welfare issues associated with these risks, in Victoria , there are regulations that make it illegal to clip a bird’s wings except under the guidance of a bord veterinarian experienced in avian issues . I do not advise owners to attempt wing clipping.
1) Most pet birds will benefit from a light (mild or gentle) wing trim
2) A light wing trim helps enormously with initial training and socialization – this enables your pet bird to come out the cage at every opportunity – and ultimately makes for a better bird pet and a better quality life for your animal.
3) A wing clip is NOT usually done to stop a bird from flying. The wing clip is done to decrease flight –so that the bird can get a good workout flying shorter distances. I like a pet bid to be able to fly at least parallel to the ground .
4) A wing clip does not guarantee that your bird will not fly away – once the clipped feathers molt out – and new full feathers re grow your pet may well be able to fly away.
5) There are pros and cons to wing clipping.


Heavy wing trims in birds result in :
* severe injuries from crash landings (particularly damaged chests, cuts near the vent and broken bones),
* Broken bones
* phobias and feather damaging behavior.
* blood loss from cutting developing feathers,
* inability to escape predator attacks