how do you clip a lovebird's wing(s)?

Answer 1

Larger birds such as Amazons and Macaws need fewer primary feathers cut. Once the feathers are cut it is rare that they can fly, only glide down from where they are perched. Smaller birds such as cockatiels are much more difficult to keep from flying and will need to have the majority of his primary feather are clipped. Even then, the Cockatiel is capable of flight; he cannot gain much altitude, but can fly. Some people will advice you to cut the feathers of only one wing. This is dangerous advice. Both sides need to be trimmed so the bird is balanced. If he falls, or tries to fly off his perch, he needs to be able to glide down balanced, to prevent injury.

You will need someone to assist you in holding the bird and stretching out the wing. When you have gained experience and when you and the bird are completely used to each other, it is easy to trim the wings by yourself.

The tools you use need to be prepared and arranged before you begin. You will need a pair of sharp scissors that have blunt ends. It is so easy to accidentally stab the bird, your assistant, or yourself. You will also need a pair of needle nose pliers, a few paper towels, and a pair of toenail clippers. Make sure the equipment you are using is clean. Have a towel to help hold the bird. You must restrict the bird so that he is not injured, flapping around. Birds, especially large birds, can bite and bite hard. Give a Macaw a chicken bone to chew on if you do not believe me. They can take off a finger. You will need a cauterizing powder on hand to control any bleeding. One good cauterizing powder is Kwik Stop. If you have an emergency bleed, flour, or cornstarch can be used to control bleeding but is not as affective as Kwik Stop.

When working on your bird always act calmly, speak to him calmly, and move slowly. The idea behind the towel is to restrain him so that you can work on one wing at a time. Gently wrap the towel around him so that the opening is near the wing that you are currently trimming. Keep his face exposed so that he does not panic or smother. Remember the calmness that you employ now will determine your success at working on your bird later. Do not let him panic. Talk to him through out the procedure in a calm voice.

The person holding the bird in the towel should firmly hold him behind the head and with the other hand; hold the bird's lower body. The person cutting will gently stretch out the wing. First, examine the wing carefully for new growth feathers. Feathers once they are fully-grown are dead, like hair, and can be safely cut with no pain or bleeding. New growth feathers contain blood. These new feathers are known as blood feathers. Do not cut these blood feathers. The feathers, once cut will act as a straw and siphon the blood quickly out. Bird's bodies have little blood, so a bird cannot afford to lose much blood. If you do accidentally cut a blood feather or if he breaks a blood feather accidentally you must act immediately. Use the needle nose that you prepared before hand and pull the entire shaft of the blood feather, from the feather follicle. Pull the feather straight out. Immediately apply pressure with the paper towel. If the bleeding is not controlled with direct pressure, get your bird to an avian vet immediately. If you are afraid to pull out the blood feather, you should not be trimming the bird?s wings. Please leave it to a professional. It MUST be pulled out immediately.

The feathers that you are trimming are the outside feathers or primary feathers, in a small bird you will want to trim most of the primary feathers. In large bird five to nine feathers is sufficient. Examine your bird carefully, any blood?

Since you have the bird confined, it is a good time to trim his nails also. Get a good strong pair of nail clippers. Examine the nails carefully, looking to see where the vein ends in the toenail. Clip above the vein. Do not clip anything off except for the tip. If you do have some bleeding, control it with Kwik Stop. Clip a small amount, frequently. The vein will eventually recede with each toenail clipping.

Answer 2

All birds have 2 sets of feathers. The primary and the secondary. Cut the set on the outside of the body only and leave the set toward the body alone. Cut the first 5-6 feathers on both sides equally. This is easily accomplished by wrapping the bird in a towel and doing one wing at a time. If the bird is very tame, it might let you hold it and cut them. Remember not to let the bird outside on your shoulder even with the wings clipped because the bird can still escape. Clip as feathers regrow in about 6 months.

Answer 3

I have 5 lovebirds and have NEVER clipped their wings. Why do you find it necessary to do so. My lovebirds have free-time (4 hours) in which they are allowed to fly around to excercise. They are trained and know which room(s) they are allowed to be in. I find no advantage to wing clipping. It is not for their health, nor to make them prettier. If you really need to contain them or control them, then leave them in their cage which can be cruel. Mine also know when it's bed time and will go to their cage by themselves.

Answer 4

Have a pet store that grooms birds do it. NEVER attempt to do it on your own if you dont know how. I learned how and groom my own birds.

The pet store should cut the first 6-8 primary flight feathers, clipping the wings doesnt make it impossible for the bird to fly the bird just has to work harder and use more energy to do so. and they tire after a few feet.

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I hope this helps

Answer 5

Never clip a birds wing by yourself always get a vet to do it for you.

Answer 6

take it to a pet shop that specializes in birds to have the wings clip

Answer 7

You spread the wings out and trim the ends with scissors. Be careful not to trim too far back or you will make it bleed. I used to work at a pet store and did that all the time.

Answer 8

if u clip a love birds wings it wont act like a love bird it will be mean my grandmother did that and she had to get rid of it

Answer 9

If you don't know how, go to a vet that will see birds and they can do it and show you how for the next time!!!