Church Street Veterinary Hospital, Mudgee
Animal Information > BIRDS

• Can I clip my bird's wings?
• Do I need to trim my bird's nails?
• Does my bird's beak need to be trimmed?
• What should I feed my pet bird?
• Why is my bird pulling out its feathers?
• Does my bird need any vaccines?
• How can I tell if my bird is sick?
• What sort of cage should I get for my bird?

Can I clip my bird's wings? [top]
The reason for wing clipping is for the bird’s own safety, so they do not hurt themselves on fans or light fittings, escape out of windows, or damage their environment. Also, birds become more reliant on their owner, which help with taming and training. There are several different methods of wing clipping, and it is best to consult us for advice on the best method for your bird, or to have it done for you. Normally, the feathers at the end of the wing are clipped, leaving 2 or 3 at the tip for appearance. Enough needs to be clipped to stop flight, but to allow the bird to slowly flutter to the floor if they fall or are dropped. It is possible to clip the feather too short, resulting in bleeding, which can be difficult to stop. The wings will need to be clipped 6 –10 weeks after a new moult, as the clipped feathers will regrow.

Do I need to trim my bird's nails? [top]
Nails grow constantly and are kept short by rubbing on abrasive surfaces on perches and sticks in the cage. If this does not occur, many pet birds develop long nails that can cause problems. It is a good idea to have us trim the nails, although it is possible to do at home. You can see how far the blood extends in light-coloured nails, so you can clip the nail beyond the pink part or ‘quick’. Since it is impossible to see where the blood supply ends in dark-coloured nails, you need to have a clotting agent on hand in case of bleeding, or have us trim them for you. Clip a small amount at a time to minimise the chance of bleeding. Providing natural twigs and branches of differing abrasiveness and shape help to wear the nails. Do not use sandpaper on the perches as this is ineffective for wearing down nails, and encourages sores on the bottoms of the feet.

Does my bird's beak need to be trimmed? [top]
The beaks of most birds also grow constantly and therefore need constant wear by feeding, grooming, and rubbing against abrasive surfaces to maintain their correct shape. If your bird’s beak appears overly long to you, it usually does need trimming. The normal activities of feeding and grooming tend to keep the beak in shape, but if the normal growth and wear pattern is disturbed, it will require maintenance. It is advisable to have us clip the beak. Toys that your bird chews or grips in its beak help to wear it naturally.

What should I feed my pet bird? [top]
In the wild, birds eat a wide variety of plants and grasses as well as seeds. As availability changes with the season, they obtain their balanced diet of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals, from a wide range of different sources. We try to give as balanced and varied a diet as possible to our domesticated birds. Unfortunately, not all commercial diets provide this. A balanced diet is the best way to ensure optimum health for your bird. Clean all food and water bowls daily, and offer fresh water, seed, and fruit and vegetables daily. Different breeds of birds have different dietary requirements, so it is best to contact us or your pet shop for advice on the best diet for your bird.

Why is my bird pulling out its feathers? [top]
There are many reasons for feather plucking. There may be a physical reason such as infections involving the feather, external and internal parasites, heavy metal poisoning (from chewing metal objects, or paint), malnutrition, internal diseases and cancer. Psychological problems can also lead to feather plucking - such as stress, boredom, overcrowding or environmental change. The action often becomes a habit, which can be difficult to break even once the primary reason is removed. Different species of bird self-mutilate for different reasons (parrots are especially prone to feather plucking), so consult us to examine your bird thouroughly and discuss your bird's diet, housing and environment.

Does my bird need any vaccines? [top]
There are no vaccines required for pet birds. However, regular veterianary examinations are a good idea to make sure your bird stays healthy and happy. Your vet can advise you on the correct diet, environment and care of your bird to help prevent diseases, such as parasites, nutritional and psychological problems.

How can I tell if my bird is sick? [top]
Birds can disguise signs of illness until they are very ill, so subtle changes in your birds appearance and behaviour can alert you that your bird is sick, and needs veterinary attention. A bird that is unwell will generally appear quiet and fluff its feathers. It may be sitting on the floor of the cage, or sitting (rather than standing) on its perch. Discharge from the nose, shivering, mouth-breathing, a change in the cere (the area around the nostrils), feather and skin problems, weight-loss and changes in the amount or colour of droppings, or the presence of worms, are all indications of illness in your bird. ‘Tail bobbing’ or head nodding indicates difficulty breathing and is associated with severe illness. Consult us immediately if you notice any changes in your bird's health, before the problem becomes serious.

What sort of cage should I get for my bird? [top]
When it comes to bird cages, the bigger the better. Since they spend a lot of time flying in the wild, a cage must be big enough to provide opportunity for exercise and entertainment. Your bird should be able to fly from perch to perch, and stretch its wings without hitting the sides. A long, rectangular cage is much better than a tall one since birds cannot fly directly up and down. Try to avoid having perches directly below one another as this results in soiling with faeces.

The cage should be made from metal, as they are easier to clean and disinfect. Bamboo cages may be suitable for canaries and some finches but budgies, lovebirds, and larger birds can quickly chew through wooden cages.

A minimum size for cockatoos is 90cm x 90cm x 120cm, and for African Greys and Amazon parrots – 60cm x 90cm x 120cm.

Recommmended minimum cage size for budgies, finches and canaries is 30cm x 30cm x 60cm, and 60cm x 60cm x 90cm for cockatiels and lovebirds.