How to Cut a Feather

Birds have many kinds of feathers that help them stay aloft.

Pet owners cut their birds' feathers to prevent them from escaping enclosures or flying into unsafe areas. Although trimmed feathers prevent a bird from flying, birds can still safely glide in cages and outside areas. Owners should only cut the wings of psittacine birds, such as parrots, parakeets and cockatiels. Bird owners do not need to cut the feathers of other types of birds, such as finches or canaries.

Things You'll Need

• 2 pair work gloves
• Assistant
• Towel
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Put on the gloves on and have your assistant do the same. Catch the bird and gently wrap the towel around the bird's body. Have your partner grip the bird's head with one hand and its body with the other hand to restrain it. Turn the bird so its back faces the ground.

2. Fold back the towel and gently pull out one of the wings. Look for the primary flight feathers, which are the longest feathers on the inside of the wing. Locate the primary flight covert, or the short, overlapping feathers above the primary flight feathers.

3. Cut the bird's primary flight feathers, starting from the tip of the wing. Start from the third primary flight feather and cut the next five to seven feathers. Trim the feathers until they reach the ends of the primary flight covert.

4. Wrap the towel over the cut wing and trim the other wing. Cut the same feathers on each wing so the bird will maintain balance and look symmetrical. Place the bird in its cage and discard the ends of the trimmed feathers. Wash your hands.

Tips & Warnings

• Catch and restrain the bird quickly so it will not become stressed. Trim feathers in a quiet room with plenty of light. This will keep the bird calm and manageable. Do not cut more than one feather at a time or the feathers may look uneven.

• Do not press on the bird's chest while holding it. This can prevent it from breathing. Avoid cutting blood feathers. These feathers are pink and have visible blood vessels in them.

• If you cut a blood feather and the bird does not stop bleeding, it will need veterinary care immediately.

References

• Penn Veterinary Medicine: Psittacine Reference Ranges
• Animal Sheltering: How to Trim a Bird's Wing Feathers
• Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Feather Structure