We can perform wing clipping on some feathered friends, however it is a service that requires consideration. We recommend that you think about and discuss with your avian veterinarian the reasons you are clipping them, and what you hope to achieve.
There are many differing opinions on whether you should clip your bird’s wings and the best technique to use.
It is important to consider your bird’s environment and how not having the same level of flight might impact them. It is also important to note that once a bird’s wings are clipped, it will generally take between 3 and 18 months for the feathers to grow back, so think carefully before deciding to have this performed.
There are many out-dated wing clipping techniques used which can result in significant damage to your bird’s physical and mental health. It is in the best interest of your pet bird that this procedure be performed by someone with experience.
At The Unusual Pet Vets, we generally use a technique that involves removing the back of the vane from between 4 and 10 primary flight feathers. This technique leaves the primary flight feathers long, and facilitates normal grooming and preening behaviour. It also prevents your bird from gaining lift and providing thrust to fly upwards.
The technique we use leaves the secondary flight feathers in place. These are responsible for a controlled landing, should your bird fall and need to prevent itself from injury.
Having no sharp edges on the primary flights (as you often have when traditional wing clips are performed) means that the bird does not generally focus its preening on the damaged, frayed edges of the feather. This has long been thought to be one of the triggers of feather destructive behaviour or feather plucking.
You can make an appointment online today for your bird’s wing clipping by selecting your nearest clinic from our Booking page. The Unusual Pet Vets has clinics located in Western Australia (Osborne Park, Murdoch Clinic), Queensland (Jindalee Clinic, Sunshine Coast Clinic), and Victoria (Peninsula Clinic, Ferntree Gully Clinic).
If you have decided to have your bird’s wings clipped, or would like to have a more detailed discussion about the pros and cons with one of our vets, make an appointment with your local Unusual Pet Vets team.
We offer free wing-clipping with a health check consultation, or it can be performed on its own for a small fee. To make an appointment, give us a call or book online.
