Wing clipping
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2008-07-09T05:15:20Z
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/* Controversy */
:''This article relates to birds. For clipped-wing [[aircraft]], see [[Wing]].''
{{POV|date=December 2007}}
'''Wing clipping''' is the process of trimming a [[bird]]'s primary flight feathers ("primaries") so that it is no longer fully-flighted.
==Technique==
Wing clipping is usually performed by [[avian veterinarian]]s, pet store employees, breeders, or the birds' owners themselves, and clipping is also endorsed by some [[avian veterinarian]]s.
Techniques for clipping the wings vary primarily in the number of feathers cut and the amount of each feather left behind. In all cases, it is the primary flight feathers that are cut, and an equal number of feathers are trimmed on each wing to avoid causing the bird to become unbalanced in flight. The most common clip involves trimming the primary flight feathers below the level of the primary coverts (usually removing about 1/2 to 1/3 of the length of the flight feather. This clip is quick and simple to do, but leaves exposed cut ends that occasionally may cause a bird to chew on the cut feathers. Another method of clipping involves cutting the flight feather above the level of the coverts, so almost the entire feather is removed. This clip does not leave any exposed cut ends, but as more of each feather is removed, fewer feathers should be cut.
To keep a bird from being fully-flighted, clipping is properly performed after every [[moult]], but only on feathers which have finished growing. The [[blood feather]]s which are still growing and still have an active blood supply should be avoided. Blood feathers will have a white or purplish sheath visible around the base of the feather. Care should be taken that the groomer is experienced in wing clipping and understands that different species may require differing numbers of feathers clipped. Parrots have ten primary flight feathers on each wing, and it is rarely necessary to trim them all to prevent extended flight. Many heavy-bodied parrots may need as few as 3-4 feathers per wing trimmed.
Proper wing clipping allows a bird to fly short distances, and to glide or flutter down gently and make a safe, controlled landing if dropped from a short height. Experienced wing clippers usually only take one or two feathers from each side at a time and see how well the bird can fly before taking more feathers. If a wing is clipped too short, or if the wings are clipped unevenly, a bird can injure itself badly by falling or making an uncontrolled awkward landing.
By restricting flight, wing clipping may help prevent indoor birds from risking injury from ceiling fans or flying into large windows. Social pet birds (such as [[parrot]]s) may also be clipped both to restrict independence and to make them tamer and easier to manage in order to encourage them to socialize with their owners. Some parrots that show aggression to certain people or other birds may be clipped to prevent attack.
Clipped birds should not be taken outdoors unrestrained, as even clipped birds have been known to fly away when spooked outdoors.
It is generally considered very important for a young bird to be allowed to fledge (learn to fly) properly prior to any wing clipping. Breeders and owners usually find that a fledged bird, even after being clipped, will remain more confident and active than an unfledged bird. Learning to fly also helps a bird learn how to land safely, an important skill even in clipped birds.
Some people feel wing clipping is a cruel or unhealthy practice as it denies a bird of its most natural way of getting around and obtaining exercise. Although clipped birds can and should be encouraged to do wing flapping exercises, this does not provide the same exercise as flight. Others feel that for birds that can climb well, a proper wing clipping is a necessary safety practice for birds in many situations. Companion parrots do not have to escape from predators or fly to find food. The [[kakapo]] parrot, native to islands originally free of mammalian predators, became flightless in response to a predator-free habitat.
==Controversy==
Opponents to wing clipping make the following arguments against the practice:
* Pet birds that cannot climb well, including finches, doves, most softbills, and some handicapped parrots generally should '''never''' be clipped, as clipping reduces their mobility too much.
* While clipped birds are less likely to fly out open doors or windows or into surfaces, they are more prone to some other household dangers, such as being stepped on or being injured by other household pets.
* Most flighted parrots can easily learn to avoid windows and mirrors in the home. However, for the first few times a parrot flies in a new place, windows should be covered or made more visible.
* Most pet bird species are highly adapted to flight. Some species may fly miles a day searching for food in the wild. Flying is the best form of exercise for birds. Denying pet birds the opportunity to fly may also contribute to sedentary behavior, obesity and related health problems.
* Clipped birds sometimes appear insecure and less confident, perhaps from their inability to escape from percieved predators. Over-clipped birds may have balance problems and fall easily, contributing to insecure or fearful behavior.
* Clipped birds may be more likely to break a bloodfeather on the wing, as new and growing bloodfeathers do not have full length feathers next to them to provide support. Broken bloodfeathers can cause significant blood loss. Pulling broken feathers (sometimes necessary to stop bleeding) is painful, and can cause permanent damage to the feather follicle.
* It is very easy for an inexperienced groomer to overclip a bird. Birds that have not been clipped properly and have had their wings trimmed too short may not be able to land safely. Over-clipped birds can be badly injured if they fall from a perch or attempt to fly.
* With some simple training, most tame flighted birds can be as easy to handle as clipped birds.
* Wing clipping may create a false sense of security. Clipped birds, if spooked, are still capable of a short, powerful burst of flight.
Advocates note that a properly done clip only trims the feathers and not the wings themselves, and is painless and temporary, lasting only until the next molt. Many owners choose to clip a bird's wings initially while taming it, and then allow it flight with the next molt. Some owners may also choose to just clip enough to slow their bird down, without preventing flight.
Whether or not one clips their birds' wings is an individual decision. Both choices may have risks; however both properly clipped and full-flighted birds are also capable of living long healthy lives as pets if measures are taken to provide safety and adequate exercise.
==See also==
*[[Pinioning]]
==External links==
* [http://www.birdsnways.com/wisdom/ww19eii.htm Wing clipping information and instructions]
* [http://www.parrothouse.com/pamelaclark/feathersandflight.html Feathers, Flight, and Parrot Keeping (pros and cons of clipping)]
[[Category:Birds]]
[[Category:Aviculture]]
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