Q&A for How to Clip a Parrot's Wings

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  • Question
    What else can stop bleeding if applying cornstarch doesn't work?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Blood loss from a clipped feather can be severe, even life-threatening. One tip is to hold the feather stump at 90 degrees to a bar of soap, and then push the feather deep into the soap, so the latter forms a plug (like a cork in a bottle). If this doesn't work, contact a veterinarian urgently. The feather may need to be cauterized in order to stem the flow, but do not attempt this at home.
  • Question
    Is it cruel to clip wings?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    This is much debated but in my personal opinion, yes it is. Birds with clipped wings are deprived of one of their basic needs: flying. This is like hobbling our legs so we could never walk anywhere. Also, birds with clipped wings still try to fly, but crash land which risks them becoming injured.
  • Question
    Why are birds' wings clipped?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Wings are clipped in order to stop them from flying. The argument in favor of wing clipping being that it allows the bird to spend time out of the cage but without the risk of them escaping. However, there are other more humane ways to do this. Intelligent birds, such as parrots, can be trained to a recall, much like a dog.
  • Question
    Can you cut a parrot's nails?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Yes, if the nails are overlong. But always take care to visualize the living part of the nail, the quick. Be sure to cut below the quick so that you don't cut into it and don't hurt the bird or make the nail bleed.
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