Wing Trimming

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To be safe, all caged birds should have their wing feathers

trimmed.  The decision to deny a caged bird free, unrestricted

flight (as in the wild) is subconsciously made by each bird owner

at the time the bird is made a captive pet in the home.  Wing

trimming merely makes this confinement safer for the bird.



The flight feathers of BOTH wings should be trimmed.  If the bird

takes flight for any reason, its descent to the floor is

balanced and relatively controlled.  Trimming the feathers on

only 1 wing results in a precarious and unbalanced descent to the

floor, often injuring the bird.  Another disadvantage is that

many birds with only 1 wing trimmed can fly as soon as 1-2 flight

feathers have grown out on the trimmed side.



Some bird owners prefer not to trim the wings of their smaller

caged birds (parakeets, cockatiels) because their flying brings

the owner great enjoyment.  These small caged birds have a

smaller turning radius in flight than the larger ones.

Consequently, the smaller birds can usually safely fly about

most homes and apartments.  One other advantage of not trimming

the wings of these small birds is that it allows them to escape

when in danger and threatened by any pet cats, ferrets or dogs

in the home.  However, generally it is best to keep your pet

bird's wings trimmed at all times, except for the specific

circumstances detailed above.



Trimming the wings is like trimming your fingernails.  If

performed properly, the bird will experience no bleeding or

discomfort.  Trimming the wings makes taming the bird easier and

usually shortens the time for taming.  Furthermore, this

procedure changes the bird's appearance very little.  Have an

experienced veterinarian or veterinary technician perform this

task and teach you how to do it properly.