IT SEEMS TO QUITE A FEW OF OUR CUSTOMERS, DECIDING TO TRIM THEIR BIRD’S FEATHERS POSES A DILEMMA……LET’S LOOK AT THE PROS AND CONS AND LET YOU DEIDE WHAT IS BEST FOR YOUR BUDDY…..

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First of all…..proper wing trimming will allow a bird to fly BUT NOT gain altitude or speed. For safety reasons, not all of us have the homes to accommodate a free flying bird…….and all of the free flying poo……Cooking areas, fireplaces, heating units, windows, ceiling fans, open toilet bowls, soapy water filled kitchen sinks, doors opening and closing and the tops of doors (a great place to perch and see the world) but so easy to slam shut!.....Birds love sitting in furniture and so do we…..hopefully not on top of them….

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Now, why should they NOT be trimmed?.....Well, I am sure they love to fly since they have wings….and they get wonderful, needed exercise……and they have the ability to flee a predator……and it must be fun….BUT…..is this worth the risk of the above safety issues? It is your bird, so you need to decide……

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Speaking of feathers, Another problem we are called upon to help with is what to do with are BROKEN BLOOD FEATHERS…..

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A blood feather is a feather in the process of growing…..it still has a nerve and blood supply. Occasionally, a blood feather will break and bleed profusely…..this feather must be pulled out completely or it will continue to bleed and blood loss will occur. So what do you do? Have on hand some styptic powder, flour, sugar or corn starch…..these can be used to help stop the bleeding until you can get the feather pulled out.

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FIRST: WRAP  YOUR  BIRD IN A TOWEL TO PREVENT FLAILING AROUND AND GIVE YOURSELF BETTER CONTROL……..Find the source of the bleeding……pour some hydrogen peroxide on the area (this removes the old blood  ) and you will be able to better see where the bleeding is coming…….Remember birds can feel your stress so be as calm as possible……SECOND:Using a pair of tweezers, a hemostat or a pair of needle nose pliers, grasp the bleeding feather and pull it out…..always holding onto the wing as not to pull on it, only on the bleeding feather….apply some styptic powder and /or use direct pressure for about 3 minutes (no peeking) …….THIRD: Keep your little guy warm and calm……watch for bleeding and always consult your Vet if necessary…..Now take a deep breath for a job well done…..

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Hope this helps a bit and remember, you can always call us for assistance!