how do i cut a cockatiels feathers to stop him from flying?

Answer 1

I would NOT cut seven or eight of the primaries off of your cockatiel. While this may be the proper trim for a larger more flighty bird, a cockatiel will simply crash to the floor and possibly hurt itself if it attempts to take off. I would only trim 5 of them MAX! This gives them the ability to safely glide to the floor if they are spooked from their playgyms.

I once trimmed all seven of my cockatiels primaries and a hawks outside the window spooked him from my shoulder to the ground and he broke his wing and a few blood feathers in his panic. He is now permanently crippled from flight as he landed on what would be the equivalent of out elbow joint and the bone could not be set and repaired. The wing has healed in a comfortable, but unnatural position that doesn't hinder life, but I hate knowing that it could have been prevented had I not trimmed all his feathers.

Also, some people suggest leaving one or two primaries at the end uncut, which is not very beneficial to the bird. Since these feathers areleft unprotected by the birds body, they are very prone to break and bleed if they glide or fall onto the ground. I have included a website below that shows the correct way the feathers should be trimmed.

That youtube video is a great way to trim the birds wings. It shows not only how to handle a tame bird who doesn't mind getting hiw wings clipped, but also a bird who is a bit more difficult when it comes to wing feather trims. Toweling is the least stressful way to trim a difficult bird's wing feathers. While there are many different ways to trim feathers, I'm pretty sure that well known bird Sanctuary and many of the Avian enthusiasts whom I have befriended cannot be wrong about one of the proper way to trim wing feathers.

Answer 2

The first 7-8 primaries need to be trimmed on BOTH wings (or the bird will spiral and crash), up to the level of the secondaries. You need to watch for blood feathers--these are new feathers that will bleed if cut. A bird groomer or vet can show you how. Also, you have to be careful restraining birds--they don't have a diaphragm to help them breathe, so pressure on their chests can kill them. Here is a website with pictures to give you an idea:

http://www.acstiels.com/Articles/BasicCare/wing.html

BTW, that youtube video is WRONG and that is a terrible way to trim wings!

Answer 3

If you are not sure on how to cut the feathers,then Go to a Avian bird vet or a pet store that cuts birds feathers.

Answer 4

There is a certain place on the wings and if you cut it in the wrong place the bird can bleed. Have a vet show you where you need to cut the wings of your bird. Have a vet do it to be on the safe side.

Answer 5

You can cut them its easy

http://www.africanlovebirdsociety.com/pets/questions/trim_flights.html

I know it says lovebirds but its the same thing for all birds


I went vets for my cockatiels wings to be cut and he cut them to short STUPID VET
He charged me £10 nine years ago and she has trouble with them ever since She bleeds when she preens herself.
Now I do them myself

Answer 6

You want to stop a bird from flying?!!!

How would you like it if I cut your legs off?

Why dont you just go buy an ornamant instead? or a new handbag?

Answer 7

u have got to cut only one side , of his feathers.
look at his feathers, cut below the blood line , blue color is blood, if your unsure take him to the vet , let a vet tec cut him

Answer 8

Go to this link where you will find all of the instructions you need, including sketches! It's excellent!

Answer 9

your best bet is to go to an avian vet and let them show you how.

Answer 10

never ever do this PLEASE it is bad.Get a professional to do it.

Our bird had its wings cut by someone before we got her and now she is a "nut bird" when you get near her.