We can perform wing clipping on some feathered friends, however it is a service that requires consideration. We recommend that you think about and discuss with your avian veterinarian the reasons you are clipping them, and what you hope to achieve.

There are many differing opinions on whether you should clip your bird’s wings and the best technique to use.

Wing trimming

What to Consider Before Booking Your Bird in For A Wing Clip

It is important to consider your bird’s environment and how not having the same level of flight might impact them. It is also important to note that once a bird’s wings are clipped, it will generally take between 3 and 18 months for the feathers to grow back, so think carefully before deciding to have this performed.

The Technique We Use to Clip a Bird’s Wings

There are many out-dated wing clipping techniques used which can result in significant damage to your bird’s physical and mental health. It is in the best interest of your pet bird that this procedure be performed by someone with experience.

At The Unusual Pet Vets, we generally use a technique that involves removing the back of the vane from between 4 and 10 primary flight feathers. This technique leaves the primary flight feathers long, and facilitates normal grooming and preening behaviour. It also prevents your bird from gaining lift and providing thrust to fly upwards.

Bird wing trimming
Wing trimming

The technique we use leaves the secondary flight feathers in place. These are responsible for a controlled landing, should your bird fall and need to prevent itself from injury.

Having no sharp edges on the primary flights (as you often have when traditional wing clips are performed) means that the bird does not generally focus its preening on the damaged, frayed edges of the feather. This has long been thought to be one of the triggers of feather destructive behaviour or feather plucking.

Booking Your Bird in For A Wing Clip

You can make an appointment online today for your bird’s wing clipping by selecting your nearest clinic from our Booking page. 

If you have decided to have your bird’s wings clipped, or would like to have a more detailed discussion about the pros and cons with one of our vets, make an appointment with your local Unusual Pet Vets team.

To make an appointment, give us a call or book online.

Wing trimming
Wavy bg testimonials

Testimonials

Informative Service

Very nice and informative service. Lovely vet practice, will definitely recommend to others.

Joanne Marsden

Wonderful and Knowledgeable

Wonderful and knowledgable vet. Took time to thoroughly check over my rabbit and answer all the questions I had. Would recommend to other rabbit owners.

Leona Hazel

Caring and Compassionate

Highly recommend, caring and compassionate no matter how small your pet. Thank you to the unusual pet vets for treating our very sick little mouse Moon, she came back to full health and is now enjoying life in a new home with new cage mates.

Kali and Co

Simply The Best

Cannot speak highly enough of the caring and lovely staff at UPV Osborne Park. Particularly to Dr Kelly for the wonderful treatment and compassion she displayed caring for my much loved
Bugz. Definitely recommend this practice. Simply the Best.

Stephen Waddell

A Great Vet For Exotic Pets

It’s a great vet for exotic pets, we would like to thank Dr Kiara and the nurses for all the help they have done for the bunnies especially when they have been unwell.

Gretel – Thankyou for all the tips and advice on what and what not to do with the bunnies.

We will definitely be recommending to all our exotic animal friends.

Jayde Darton

5 Stars All The Way!

Fantastic vets! Staff are so helpful and friendly. Vet’s are brilliant, they show so much love and compassion to our animals. 5 stars all the way!!

Nayre Manookain

A Huge Thank you

I just want to say a huge THANK YOU to the gang at Murdoch who helped my family and stimmy Cindy. It was a very stressful time and they assisted us with ease! Pricing was also more than reasonable which we were very grateful for. Thank you guys again, my noodle is now on the mend all to you guys.

Brook Oliver

Excellent Service, Caring and Professional Advice

Excellent service, caring and professional advice, and very good handling for our pet bird, on our first visit today at The Unusual Pet Vets, Jindalee. Very helpful, and they also provided further reading for us via email after our appointment regarding a few things we asked about. All staff were lovely and friendly – from the initial phone booking (you can do internet bookings too) to and including the consult. Thank you very much – we’ll definitely be back! Highly recommend.

Lisa Hack

Received the Best Service

Received the best service from Dr Sasha at the Sunshine Coast clinic. She taught me so much in such a kind manner and was very gentle to my Guinea pig. She then followed up by emailing further information on Guinea pig general care. Highly recommend!

Kate Hunter

Amazing and Caring Staff

Amazing and caring staff at the Ferntree Gully Clinic. Our baby rat was not well, and they always made time to help and support her. Very knowledgeable and compassionate. Would highly recommend and absolutely will use again. Thank you to everyone at Ferntree Gully for being there for us and Tabby.

Vicki Freedman