How To Clip A Small Bird's Wings: 12 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Clip a Small Bird's Wings PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Last Updated: October 15, 2025 Approved

PDF download Download Article
  • Beginning the Clipping Process
  • |
  • Clipping Your Bird's Wings Safely
  • |
  • Avoiding Accidents
  • |
  • Video
  • |
  • Tips
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. In addition, Dr. Elliott is a freelance veterinary copywriter specializing in taking dense topics and making them easy to digest. Her clients include The Webinar Vet, PetPlan US, TIME, and other top-ranked blogs. She also works with Improve International as a developmental editor for veterinary textbooks. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 87% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 229,815 times.

Small birds are common as pets and belong indoors for safety purposes. You may want to clip your bird's wings to prevent it from flying out of your home. However, there is much debate about whether wing clipping is ethical because it deprives birds of flight, increases likelihood of accidents and can even lead to behavioral problems. Therefore, it's best to reflect on the debate and speak with a veterinarian before proceeding. If you wish to clip the wings on your own, it's highly advised to do so only after receiving instructions from a veterinarian. You could seriously injure your bird if you attempt to clip its wings without professional guidance. To start, identify the right wings to clip. Clip one wing at a time while restraining the bird. Also, take precautions to ensure the bird's safety.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Beginning the Clipping Process

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Talk to a veterinarian. 1 Talk to a veterinarian. If you've never clipped a bird's wings before, this is vital. A veterinarian or veterinary technician should guide you through the process.[1]
    • A bird's first wing clipping should always be conducted by a veterinarian. Take your bird to a local avian vet and have them show you the correct clipping process.
    • After the initial clipping, you may be able to clip your bird's wings again. However, if you feel uncomfortable or uncertain, have a vet clip your bird's wings. It's not worth the risk of injuring your bird.
  2. Step 2 Find the right environment. 2 Find the right environment. To trim your bird's feathers, you need to be able to see what you're doing. You also need a quiet room to keep your bird calm. Find a room in your home that's both well-lit and quiet. This is best for your bird's safety and comfort.[2]
    • You should also choose a room that you can close off, without any open windows or doors. You do not want your bird to get out during the clipping process.
    Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Gather your supplies. 3 Gather your supplies. Have all your supplies ready before you begin clipping. The process will be stressful for your bird, and you do not want to prolong it by scrambling for materials. You will need the following:[3]
    • A pair of small and sharp scissors
    • A thick towel
    • If possible, find someone else to assist you with the clipping process.
  4. Step 4 Restrain your bird. 4 Restrain your bird. Birds will resist having their wings clipped. You will need to wrap your bird in the towel to keep it still during the clipping process.[4]
    • You will use the towel like a baseball mitt to grab the bird. Do not put pressure on a bird's chest. Birds do not have diaphragms, so any pressure on the chest could prevent breathing.
    • If someone else is holding the bird, have that person use one hand to hold the bird's body. The person should use their other hand to gently hold the bird's head between their thumb and forefinger. This will prevent biting.
  5. Step 5 Identify the primary flight feathers. 5 Identify the primary flight feathers. It is very important you know which feathers to clip. When clipping a bird's wings, you should only clip the primary flight feathers. Gently spread the bird's wing apart and locate these feathers.[5]
    • Your bird should have two sets of overlapping feathers on its wings. The smaller feathers that overlap the larger feathers should not be cut.
    • The larger feathers stemming from the smaller feathers are known as the "primary flight feathers." You will be trimming the first six primary flight feathers. Make sure you do not trim them so short you cut into the shorter, overlapping feathers.
  6. Advertisement
Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Clipping Your Bird's Wings Safely

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Start from the wing tip. 1 Start from the wing tip. When you begin cutting, snip the feather closest to the wing tip. You will be working inward as you trim.[6]
    • Clip the primary flight feathers about a quarter inch below the shorter, overlapping feathers.
  2. Step 2 Cut one feather at a time. 2 Cut one feather at a time. Trim the first six primary flight feathers, moving from the wingtip towards your bird's body. Make sure to trim a quarter inch below the overlapping short feathers. Do not cut into these feathers, as this can harm your bird.[7] [8]
    • Clip only one feather at a time. Clipping a bird's wings takes concentration and precision. If you try to clip all six feathers at once, you could end up going too fast and harming your bird.
  3. Step 3 Watch out for blood feathers. 3 Watch out for blood feathers. Blood feathers are newly formed feathers. If cut, they will bleed. Blood feathers are waxy and pinkish in appearance, and also have a visible blood vessel running through them. Examine each feather to make sure it is not a blood feather before clipping.[9]
    • Blood feathers need to be protected. If you notice a blood feather, you should also avoid trimming the full grown feather next to it.
    • If there are a lot of blood feathers present, it is probably too soon to clip your bird's wings. Try putting off clipping for a few days.
  4. Step 4 Trim an equal number of feathers from each wing. 4 Trim an equal number of feathers from each wing. You want your bird to maintain equilibrium. Make sure the number of feathers trimmed on each side is equal. While a bird should not be able to fly, it should still be able to glide and sit on its perch. Trimming the wings unevenly could prevent balance.[10]
  5. Advertisement
Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Avoiding Accidents

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Have two people present if possible. 1 Have two people present if possible. It is not impossible to clip your bird's wings on your own. However, it can be very difficult. This is especially true if your bird is difficult to handle. For safety purposes, try to have another person present to assist you.[11]
  2. Step 2 Act quickly if your bird escapes. 2 Act quickly if your bird escapes. In rare cases, a bird can escape during the clipping process. You can prevent this by keeping all doors and windows closed, and working in a closed off room. In the event your bird escapes, act quickly.
    • Immediately put your bird's cage in the yard. Open the cage and put a bowl of food inside.
    • Put fliers up around town. You should also call local veterinary clinics and animal shelters to report you lost your bird. Include any ID information, like a microchip or a leg band.
  3. Step 3 Have a blood feather removed if you cut it. 3 Have a blood feather removed if you cut it. Blood feathers will not stop bleeding on their own. If your bird bleeds continuously, it can die. A blood feathers needs to be removed with pliers and this should be done by a professional to prevent further harm to your bird. You should take your bird to the vet to have this procedure done if you clip into a blood feather.
  4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • If you have a particularly skittish or feisty bird, take your bird to the vet for clipping. You do not want to accidentally hurt your bird. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Clip a Parrot's WingsHow toClip a Parrot's Wings Clip a Cockatiel's Flier FeathersHow toClip a Cockatiel's Flier Feathers Trim Parrot ClawsHow toTrim Parrot Claws Clip Chicken WingsHow toClip Chicken Wings Treat Injured CockatielsHow toTreat Injured Cockatiels Keep a Parakeet Safe Out of Its CageHow toKeep a Parakeet Safe Out of Its Cage Help a Bird with a Broken WingHow to Help a Bird with An Injured Wing Gain Your Parakeet's TrustHow toGain Your Parakeet's Trust Trim Rabbit ToenailsHow toTrim Rabbit Toenails Care For a Bird That Has Hit a WindowHow toCare For a Bird That Has Hit a Window Chase a Bird out of an Enclosed Porch or a HouseHow toChase a Bird out of an Enclosed Porch or a House Trim a Bird's BeakHow to Naturally Grind Down a Bird’s Beak Care for an Injured Wild Bird That Cannot FlyHow to Care for an Injured Wild Bird (and When to Give Them Food or Water) Cut a Rabbit's ClawsHow toCut a Rabbit's Claws Advertisement

References

  1. http://www.parrotparrot.com/lovebirds/tutorial-on-trimming-wings/
  2. https://www.petfinder.com/pet-care/bird-care/trim-birds-wing-feathers/
  3. https://www.petfinder.com/pet-care/bird-care/trim-birds-wing-feathers/
  4. https://www.petfinder.com/pet-care/bird-care/trim-birds-wing-feathers/
  5. http://www.parrotparrot.com/lovebirds/tutorial-on-trimming-wings/
  6. http://www.parrotparrot.com/lovebirds/tutorial-on-trimming-wings/
  7. http://www.parrotparrot.com/lovebirds/tutorial-on-trimming-wings/
  8. http://www.parrotparrot.com/lovebirds/tutorial-on-trimming-wings/
  9. http://www.parrotparrot.com/lovebirds/tutorial-on-trimming-wings/
More References (2)
  1. https://www.petfinder.com/pet-care/bird-care/trim-birds-wing-feathers/
  2. http://www.brisbanebirdvet.com.au/Portals/brisbanebirdvet/pdf/BBV_Procedure-for-Correct-Wing-Clip.pdf

About This Article

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Co-authored by: Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. In addition, Dr. Elliott is a freelance veterinary copywriter specializing in taking dense topics and making them easy to digest. Her clients include The Webinar Vet, PetPlan US, TIME, and other top-ranked blogs. She also works with Improve International as a developmental editor for veterinary textbooks. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. This article has been viewed 229,815 times. 83 votes - 87% Co-authors: 30 Updated: October 15, 2025 Views: 229,815 Categories: Birds Article SummaryX

To clip a small bird’s wings for the first time, make sure to go to a veterinarian who can do the first clipping and guide you through the process. If you feel comfortable doing the next clipping, wrap your bird in a towel to keep it still. However, make sure to avoid putting pressure on its chest, because that can prevent your bird from breathing. Next, starting at the wingtip, clip the first 6 primary flight feathers about 1/4 inch below the shorter, overlapping feathers, one feather at a time. Then, trim an equal number of feathers from the other wing. For more tips from our Veterinary co-author, like how to avoid injuring your bird, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Russian Spanish French Dutch
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 229,815 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Mimi Naji

    Mimi Naji

    Jun 28, 2017

    "The info overall helped. My little brother recently got a budgie, and he loves her to pieces! He was worried about..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Co-authored by: Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Co-authors: 30 Updated: October 15, 2025 Views: 229,815 87% of readers found this article helpful. 83 votes - 87% Click a star to add your vote Mimi Naji

Mimi Naji

Jun 28, 2017

"The info overall helped. My little brother recently got a budgie, and he loves her to pieces! He was worried about..." more Wyatt Mandrell

Wyatt Mandrell

Jan 3, 2018

"I was reading The Swiss Family Robinson and I read about how the father clipped the geese wings and It made me..." more Blue Sky

Blue Sky

Jul 18, 2016

"Thank you, very helpful. You see, I'm going to buy a budgie and hide it from my family. I need it's wings..." more Chn-Lee Van Wyk

Chn-Lee Van Wyk

Jan 3, 2017

"This was explained very well, and the images always help to provide a better, clearer understanding. wikiHow, you..." more Laura Johnson

Laura Johnson

Dec 7, 2016

"I just got my 3 parakeets and was needing to know how to clip them. This is great, thanks." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

What Bird Am I QuizWhat Bird Am I QuizTake QuizCould You Win a Fight With an Ostrich? Fight Skills QuizCould You Win a Fight With an Ostrich? Fight Skills QuizTake QuizFinish the Phrase QuizFinish the Phrase QuizTake QuizWhat Piercing Should I Get QuizWhat Piercing Should I Get QuizTake QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizWhat's My Fourth Wing Dragon QuizWhat's My Fourth Wing Dragon QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Clip a Parrot's WingsHow toClip a Parrot's WingsClip a Cockatiel's Flier FeathersHow toClip a Cockatiel's Flier FeathersTrim Parrot ClawsHow toTrim Parrot ClawsClip Chicken WingsHow toClip Chicken Wings

Trending Articles

Can We Guess If You're Single or Taken?Can We Guess If You're Single or Taken?Guess My Deepest Secret QuizGuess My Deepest Secret QuizWhat's My Personality Based on My Song Choices QuizWhat's My Personality Based on My Song Choices QuizWhat Emojis Mean Sex?What Emojis Mean Sex?Why Can't I Sleep QuizWhy Can't I Sleep Quiz5 Different Types of Butts: Find Your Shape5 Different Types of Butts: Find Your Shape

Watch Articles

Impress a Girl on a First DateHow toImpress a Girl on a First DateWhat Are Tear Burns on TikTok and What Causes Them?What Are Tear Burns on TikTok and What Causes Them?Wear a HoodieHow toWear a HoodieChiffonadeHow toChiffonadeMake a Fabric RoseHow toMake a Fabric RoseConfront a BullyHow toConfront a Bully

Trending Articles

Can We Guess How Tall You Are QuizCan We Guess How Tall You Are QuizAm I Good at Flirting QuizAm I Good at Flirting Quiz"Guess the Imposter" Word Game: Categories, Strategy, & How to Play"Guess the Imposter" Word Game: Categories, Strategy, & How to PlayWhat Does Your Rice Purity Score Really Mean?What Does Your Rice Purity Score Really Mean?The 55+ Best ‘Guess Who’ Questions for a Hilarious GameThe 55+ Best ‘Guess Who’ Questions for a Hilarious Game Play the Concentrate Game (For A Little Scare!)How to Play the Concentrate Game (For A Little Scare!)

Quizzes & Games

What Does My Dream Mean QuizWhat Does My Dream Mean QuizTake QuizWould I Survive A Battle in the Warrior Cat Universe QuizWould I Survive A Battle in the Warrior Cat Universe QuizTake QuizSuper Abilities QuizSuper Abilities QuizTake QuizAm I Smart QuizAm I Smart QuizTake QuizWhat’s My Perfect Hair Care Routine?What’s My Perfect Hair Care Routine?Take QuizHow Will I Die QuizHow Will I Die QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Pets and Animals
  • Birds
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --594

Tag » How To Clip A Parakeets Wings