How to Trim the Wings of a Lovebird

Keeping the flight feathers of pet lovebirds trimmed is an important safety precaution. With only the primary feathers trimmed, your lovebird can glide and land safely; however, it cannot reach the height or distance that would allow it to escape outdoors. Limiting a bird's flying ability also makes it safer around the house, where flying birds can hit windows, mirrors and in other ways come to harm.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Small towel or washcloth in a light color
• Cat or bird nail clippers or sharp, blunt tipped scissors

1. Study the general external anatomy of the bird's wing. Looking at the bird's left wing from the top in an extended position, the long feathers on the far left are the primary feathers. Directly above those are the primary coverts. Between the primary feathers and the bird's body are the secondary feathers. The primary feathers are what you trim.

2. Hold the bird in the palm of your hand with its back against your palm. You can also wrap the bird gently in a soft washcloth or small towel, especially if he is not used to being held and restrained.

3. Extend the wing, holding it with your fingers from behind the bird and with your thumb in front of the bird.

4. Clip the primary feathers below the primary coverts cutting evenly in a smooth line. On a lovebird trim about eight or 10 feathers, or all of the primary feathers.

5. Repeat for the other wing. Clip the two wings identically so the bird will be able to glide smoothly.

6. Release the bird and let him fly for a few minutes to make sure he is able to glide smoothly. If he isn't, adjust the trimming to make the two wings the same.

Tips & Warnings

• Have an experienced bird handler or a veterinarian demonstrate wing trimming for you before attempting it yourself. It will make the trimming experience easier for both you and your lovebird.
• If you use a towel to hold the bird choose one in a light color. Bright colors might frighten a lovebird.
• Try having one person hold the bird and another do the clipping, if it is too difficult to hold and clip at the same time.
• Do not cut the primary coverts. These are essential for feather growth, and cutting them could result in considerable feather damage and discomfort for your bird.
• Do not trim the secondary flight feathers. These are the ones the bird uses to glide and land.
• Do not clip a feather if you can see blood in the shaft. These blood feathers are not to be trimmed.