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Birds--General/clipping wings

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Expert: - 8/1/2006


Question
How often should I clip my lovebirds wings?

Answer
Hi, Missie.  Thanks for posting.

Your lovebird's wing flight feathers should be clipped whenever they grow long again.  You should be able to see how long the flight feathers are by fanning the wings out and checking the longest feathers on the end.  If these feathers are grown out past the second level of feathers, then they are too long.  Also, if your lovebird can gain altitude when it free-flies, the flight feathers need to be clipped.  You can also tell if the flight feathers are too long by looking at the area where the wings sit on the back.  If you see long feathers growing down close to the lovebird's tail, they need to be clipped.  There's a section relating to clipping feathers with some links on my website if you want to visit:

http://www.angelfire.com/falcon/birdinfo/index.html

The links with pics should help you understand what I've tried to explain above.

Chrys  

Birds--General

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Chrys Meatyard

Expertise

I`ve been raising/breeding/handfeeding/selling parrots for over 20 years (parakeets/budgies, cockatiels, 6 subspecies of conures, parrotlets, amazons, lovebirds, etc.). I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England. I can provide advice in raising healthy birds, handfeeding/weaning babies, some health problems (although I'm NOT an avian veterinarian), nail/beak/wing clipping, general husbandry, etc. I also have experience with racing/showing homing pigeons. I cannot diagnose specific illness over this website. If you suspect your bird is ill or if you have an emergency, contact an avian veterinarian or emergency pet clinic ASAP.

Experience

Experience: Over 20 years raising parrots and over 13 years raising pigeons. Organizations: Currently, American Racing Pigeon Union and American Federation of Aviculture. Prior member Miami Valley Bird Club, Southern Ohio Pigeon Association, National Cockatiel Society, Miami Valley Sportsman's Club, others. Publications: Monthly newsletters of bird clubs.

Publications
I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England.

Education/Credentials
American Federation of Aviculture, completed Level I course, Fundamentals of Aviculture. Keeping/breeding parrots and other birds for over 20 years.

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