Parakeet wing does not lie flat to body

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Parakeet wing does not lie flat to body

by Nicole
(NYC)

Parakeet with wing flat to body

My friend gave me my first Parakeet a couple weeks ago. He was six weeks when I received him. We both noticed one of his wings was messed up when I first received him but she was told one of his wings was over clipped. It's been a couple weeks and the wing looks almost dwarfed compared to the other one. Other than that, he acts completely normal. He is a little timid, but he is finger trained, sings to me, preens normally, plays, and eats well. I just want to make sure he isn't in any pain. I attached a picture of his wings.

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Parakeet wing does not lie flat to body

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Nov 23, 2011

Parakeet wing does not lie flat
by: Anonymous

It sounds to me like he has been over clipped on one wing & I doubt very much it will grow normally again. I suspect this was done misguidedly in the thinking this tames them quicker & that is rubbish.
You do not say if he can fly but I'm thinking he can't?
There would be no harm in your taking your little friend to your Local Avian vet to have it checked over though. Please do let me know the outcome.

Nov 22, 2011

Parakeet wing does not lie flat to body
by: Linda

I immediately saw the problem. One wing is cut up too far, and yes he is in pain all the time. There is nothing you can do for him except let the natural molting process take care of this.

Next time he has his wings clipped, make sure Avian Vet does it so they can show you how, and make sure only the 4-6 long primary flight feathers are trimmed like on the other wing. These are the long feathers at the ends of each wing, and they are all that needs trimming. To trim up any higher results in birds who fall like a rock and get injured. The higher cut job also causes chronic pain in wings.

So, be careful when he is out of cage because with one wing cut correctly and one cut wrong, he may fall too hard. Make sure he always has something to make a soft landing on like rugs or carpet.

Once he molts and new feathers start coming in, allow them to all come in and then take him to an Avian Vet to get a checkup to make sure he is doing well and to have his wings clipped. Remember ONLY the 4-6 primary flight feathers on the ends of each wing. This type of trim allows him to glide to the floor, keeps him from flying away from you if door is open and will cause him no pain.

Thanks for writing,
Linda

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