Why should you clip your bird’s wings?

You should clip your bird’s wings for his own safety.  Clipping wings, actually clipping flight feathers,  prevents him from getting loft.  Without loft he won’t get caught in a ceiling fan or fly out a door and into the treetops.  Nor will he fly into your windows or mirrors.  He can still be out of his cage and have fun if his wings are clipped.

What supplies will you need?

Before clipping your bird’s wings, you will need a towel, small scissors (sharp), and Quik Stop or corn starch.  The towel is to wrap your bird in, as most birds are not fond of having their wings clipped.  The Quik Stop or corn starch is necessary to stop bleeding  if you clip a little too close.

Which feathers should I clip?

There are three layers of feathers.  You ONLY clip the flight feathers, the outermost layer of feathers.  NEVER clip the second or third layers. Not only will you hurt your bird, but he may bleed to death.

How do I clip my bird’s wings?

First, wrap the towel around your bird.  Then hold your bird so you can spread one wing.  Carefully clip the first 4 or 5 flight feathers up to the beginning of the second layer.  Then spread the other wing and clip the same amount of flight feathers on that wing.  Your bird will be able to skim, but he won’t be able to get the loft needed to fly away if a door is open or to run into a ceiling fan.