Clipping budgerigar wings
I was very lucky to be in the company of one of the countries leading Avian vets.
The question discussed was “should birds wings be clipped”
Kevin had a wonderful power point presentation of mutilated birds that had self harmed because of wing clipping.
When the new feathers begin to re grow the bird in its natural way continues to preen its self. Because of the new feather growths unnatural formation, and coupled with the preening these new feathers become sharp.
The sharp feathers then irritate the bird’s breast when the wings are lowered down .Now we have a bird that is not only picking at its wings but it is developing a sore on its breast.
From this moment on the bird then begins to self mutilate continuously; this is not a pretty sight.
In the vets own words do not clip bird’s wings.