Birds Gotta Fly? (why wing trimming is so important)

What is more beautiful than watching a bird fly across the sky on a clear summer day?  We all enjoy the graceful flight and admire the creatures that can fly so freely.  That is one of the main reasons that so many of us love to keep birds as pets.  We want to be close to these beautiful and intelligent creatures and make them a part of our families.  I have always loved birds and frequently see them as my patients here at Warren Woods Veterinary Hospital.

Those of us who have a pet bird love to see them fly inside as well, but there are many dangers in our homes for the flying pet bird. They include, head trauma from flying into windows, ceiling fan collisions, cooking accidents causing burns, and accidental escape out an open window or door.  I have known several birds that flew away when their owner accidentally walked outside forgetting that the bird was on their shoulder.  I even had one parrot patient that was taken down by a hawk while he was enjoying a day out on the deck with his owner.  Fortunately for him, his human was right there and was able to wrestle her bird away from the hawk.  He survived, but sustained a significant chest wound. 

Recently, I was told a story of a parrot experiencing brain trauma as a result of a severe weather alert siren. The couple was enjoying breakfast with their parrot sitting on the breakfast table, eating eggs off of their plates.  Suddenly the weather siren that they keep in their kitchen started blaring a severe weather alert.  The siren was so loud that the parrot startled and flew off the table straight into the kitchen glass door.  He hit the door hard enough that he was almost knocked out, splitting his tiny forehead open and was unable to stand.  The couple hurriedly scooped him up and rushed him to our recommended emergency clinic, where he fully recovered without any lasting effects.

When we adopt a pet bird we expose them to the built in hazards of human living so we must consider their safety.  Be sure to get a proper wing trimming and never take your bird outside without cage restraint.  Even with a wing trim they can catch a gust of wind and be lifted out of your reach or even into the next neighborhood.  

Our experienced veterinary team will help you by trimming your pet’s wings properly to keep him or her safe from flying accidents.  Trimmed wings can save your bird’s life.  

Call us at 586-751-3350 for questions or assistance.

Do you have a story that relates to this topic?  Please share it with us here on our blog in the comments section.  

Dr. Julie Cappel