Chewing on the end of clipped wings

by Carla
(Honolulu, HI)

I have a 10 month old Hahn's Macaw who started chewing on the end of feathers that are clipped on his wings. He leaves the other feathers on his wings and the rest of his body alone. He's been moulting for the last several months but hasn't lost any of his flight feathers. Any ideas? He's on a good diet, has lots of toys, get out of his cage regularly. Should I take him in to get checked? Thank you.

Comments for Chewing on the end of clipped wings

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Jul 02, 2008
 Cockatiel problem
by: The Vet

If the blood work was normal, then there should be no reason to withhold antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications. It is not likely due to damaged blood feathers, however, trauma can cause this and it sounds like he has trouble flying and injuring the wing. This is more serious than a broken blood feather.

Meloxicam and Metacam are the same drug, just one name is generic and the other is a brand.

I am not convinced this is cancer and certainly a biopsy should be done before amputation.

I think that your bird should be on antibiotics and Metacam.

Dr B
Dec 29, 2007
 Parakeet chewing feathers
by: The Vet

This typically happens when feathers are clipped and left too long to poke them in the side with the sharp cut edges. It can also happen if they are cut too short.

Dr B

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