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SAFETY
FIRST: THE ISSUE OF WING
FEATHERS
Parrots are birds. They
have wings, and if there are a sufficient number of feathers on the
wings, birds can fly. This
becomes a safety issue in indoor habitats where stoves, fireplaces,
mirrors, ceiling fans, windows, doors, and toilets are permanent
residents. Drowning is the
most common cause of death in flighted indoor birds.
Most veterinarians and behavior consultants in the United States
have observed that companion parrots live longer and experience fewer
accidents if their wing feathers are trimmed at least twice yearly.
After a few visits and a little training, a careful owner can
usually learn to maintain wings, nails, and, occasionally, beaks. This might be recommended in bold, not shy, companion
parrots. Each bird’s
grooming needs must be suited to its disposition.
A professional groomer or veterinarian will usually know what a
particular bird needs. However,
if the groomer’s notion of an appropriate trim doesn’t suit the bird
or the owners, then the bird might suffer uncomfortable complications
until wings regrow. This
can be been easily prevented by communicating exactly what should be
done before feathers are trimmed. Refer
to Barron’s GUIDE TO COMPANION PARROT BEHAVIOR for suggested wing
trims specific to the particular type of bird, the bird’s age, and
flight ability.
Feathers are trimmed enough to restrict, but not completely
prevent, flight. This is
beneficial and compassionate. Never
forget that even radically trimmed birds can be blown away by a gust of
wind. Wings are trimmed
symmetrically. Use the
least invasive trim necessary. Only
primary flight feathers are trimmed, for only primaries enable altitude,
other wing feathers are for protection, maneuverability, or braking.
DIFFERENT
TRIMS FOR DIFFERENT BIRDS.
Most sensitive, inexperienced, or poor flying birds require only
minimal wing trims. One
half to two-thirds of feather length outside the coverts of the six end
flight feathers are trimmed. This
is especially good for cautious birds.
This trim protects new feathers as they grow, and ensures
maneuverability to the floor in case of a fall.
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SUGGESTED TRIM FOR POOR FLYERS
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Many accomplished flyers can barely be grounded.
These birds must be trimmed shorter and more feathers must be
trimmed. Trim all flight
feathers about one-fourth to one-half inch outside the coverts.
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SUGGESTED TRIM FOR GOOD FLYERS
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RECOVERABILITY.
A good wing trim is recoverable.
Be careful not to have to bird’s flight feathers trimmed too
short. If they are trimmed
shorter than the layer of feathers growing over their bases, they may
have difficulty regrowing, as each feather grows in without the
protection of feathers on each side.
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This trim provides adequate support
for regrowing primary feathers
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A too-short trim allows feathers to
break or be knocked out as they grow in
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MAINTAINING
THE WING TRIM.
A minimal trim must be frequently maintained, as the bird can
regain flight with only one long new feather.
Don’t expect to take your bird outdoors without a cage.
Even birds trimmed invasively can almost always fly outdoors.
Even a severely trimmed pudgy Amazon can be blown away on a very
windy day. If a companion
bird’s wing feathers are untrimmed, it must be trained to fly
dependably to humans upon request.
Only harnessed birds should be allowed outdoors outside a cage or
carrier.
If your bird flies away, go after it.
It’s the right thing to do.
TOENAILS.
Baby birds should be allowed to have sharp toenails (so that they
won’t fall), but an adult parrot’s nails shouldn’t raise the ball
under the end of the toe up off a flat surface.
Some birds may be socialized to allow a favorite person to file
the tips off toenails with an emery board during the towel game.
Tiny little human nail clippers may be used on small birds.
For birds the size of a Quaker or larger, grind toenails with a
cordless Dremel. Heat
produced by the grinding stone cauterizes the blood supply, minimizing
the risk of bleeding. If
bleeding is experienced during nail grooming, it can be stopped with
Qwik-stop coagulating powered.
BEAK.
Most companion parrots require little nor no beak maintenance.
Occasional beak deformities worsen with growth and require
reshaping. Almost all beak
grooming should be done only by a professional. A Dremel should not be used on small birds because the
vibration of the tool could injure or kill the bird.
Occasionally, very cooperative parrots allow gentle beak filing
with an emery board during towel play.
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