wing clipping

[new guy on the block]

Hey all,
As a breeder, i have been asked frequently how to clip a birds wings, so here goes, its really simple.

If you gently outstretch your birds wings, you will notice that there are two main layers of feathers.

All you have to do is cut the first ten feathers in the first layer (these are the flight feathers) from the end of the wing to the same length as the feathers in the second layer.

Please remember, that if gloves are not nessicary, do not use them as they can cause stress and loss of trust between you and your bird.

Wing clipping is illegal in some Australian states

And finally, if there are any users who do not agree with the concept of wing clipping, please realise that there are some circumstances in which there is no other option due to medical and safety reasons. I would apreciate it if users opposed to wing clipping would refrain from sending abusive messages or comments as has happened in the past. Thanks

[Greycloud]

I have to correct you on the means in which you clip. You never clipp the first 10 feathers! The first 5-7 feathers only is what should be clipped. You don't want your bird dropping like rocks. I, also bred birds for over 15 yrs and worked at a zoo in charge of animal husbandry.
So again, each wing the first 5 feathers and never more than 7. Thanks.

[Joel]

I personally am glad that wing clipping is illegal in some Australian states. I wish it was illegal in all states and countries, everywhere.

I also wish that people who have medical issues, that do not allow for them to keep a bird fully flighted and safe, would choose another type of pet instead of handicapping a parrot/bird. For those that already had a bird before they developed their medical issues, I wish they would re-home their bird to someone who can keep it safe while at the same time allow it to be all it was meant to be. Best possible while in captivity anyway. Contrary to what some people like to believe, most birds if not all will adapt just fine to their new life. The human should just get over it regarding having to rehome when necessary and just be concerned about what is best for the bird, not for their own selfish desires.

I hope all breeders advise their potential new clients about what is best for the birds themselves, rather than be more concerned with lining their pockets with greenbacks instead. They can do this by giving them printed literature about the benefits of full flight and they can give them links to Internet sites that deal with this issue. They can also inform them how to safety proof their home for a bird or safety proof a single room at least. They should always turn away a customer if they feel the customer will not do their best to provide what is best for the birds.

JMO.

[Greycloud]

I do not understand your statement about people with medical issues. What does that have to do with wing clipping?

[kali]

Originally Posted by Anaconda

I personally am glad that wing clipping is illegal in some Australian states. I wish it was illegal in all states and countries, everywhere.

I also wish that people who have medical issues, that do not allow for them to keep a bird fully flighted and safe, would choose another type of pet instead of handicapping a parrot/bird. For those that already had a bird before they developed their medical issues, I wish they would re-home their bird to someone who can keep it safe while at the same time allow it to be all it was meant to be. Best possible while in captivity anyway. Contrary to what some people like to believe, most birds if not all will adapt just fine to their new life. The human should just get over it regarding having to rehome when necessary and just be concerned about what is best for the bird, not for their own selfish desires.

I hope all breeders advise their potential new clients about what is best for the birds themselves, rather than be more concerned with lining their pockets with greenbacks instead. They can do this by giving them printed literature about the benefits of full flight and they can give them links to Internet sites that deal with this issue. They can also inform them how to safety proof their home for a bird or safety proof a single room at least. They should always turn away a customer if they feel the customer will not do their best to provide what is best for the birds.

JMO.

These kinds of posts are why threads get locked.

[Joel]

Why? Aren't personal opinions allowed?

[new guy on the block]

not people with medical issues, some people myself included own birds with medical issues which flying can worsen.

also, greycloud, as much as i respect your opinion, i also have bread and worked with birds for over 15 years and hold a certificate four in captive animal studies. in a zoo, i imagine you were looking after more difficut to keep species which would not be expected to be in the care of someone who does not know how to properly take care of that animal.
this was not a species specific thread but mainly aimed at australian cockatoos
thank you

[new guy on the block]

opinions are allowed, i meerly do not wish to be abused over the issue as there are many users who do not accept peoples right to choose wether their companions wings are clipped

[Joel]

Oh, I now see what you meant N.G.O.T.B. The way you originally stated what you said could have been taken in the way you meant it or in the way I took it. Yes, if a bird itself has medical issues that require clipping, then of course clipping should be done if no other way to keep it safe.

My opinion on clipping birds due to the human having medical issues still stands though.

[new guy on the block]

kali, well pointed out, i missed the end of that comment.

i do realise that there are breeders out there whom are only interested in lining theid pockets. however i feel that the tone in which that comment was written was a personal attack and wist to inform you that i would never sell a clien short and ensure that they are provided with all the information they need. i also ask questions and occasionally do a follow up with clients before finalising a sale. in the future i suggest that you take into accout that not every breeder fits into your narrow minded steriotype before finalising a comment not only so that threads arent locked before other readers have a chance to voice their opinion but also because , to be frank, youve made a fool of yourself. thank you