Experts warn wing clipping can harm pet birds' health and behaviour
Deliberately trimming a pet bird's long flight feathers — commonly called wing clipping — is being promoted in short social-media videos, but avian specialists say the practice is no longer recommended because it can cause both physical and psychological harm.
A Mandarin narration in a Douyin clip posted on 31 October 2025 urges new owners to 'just give it a trim' as soon as a parrot arrives. The footage shows scissors cutting the primary flight feathers of a small green-and-yellow bird; similar how-to clips and endorsements have since appeared on Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, Weibo and other platforms.
'As soon as your parrot comes home, don't overthink it — just give it a trim.'
What experts say
Colin McDermott, clinical assistant professor at Hong Kong City University's veterinary school, told AFP that wing clipping is not recommended for pet birds. He explained that flight is normal behaviour that keeps muscles toned and helps maintain a healthy weight. Restricting flight can therefore lead to muscle loss, weight problems and increased stress.
Michelle Campbell-Ward, associate professor in wildlife and avian medicine at the University of Sydney, said clipping was historically used in aviculture under the mistaken belief it made birds safer. She noted that avian health experts today generally advise against routine wing clipping because it can create welfare issues and lead to physiological and psychological problems.
Risks and complications
- Poorly performed trims can prevent a bird from gliding or cushioning a fall, increasing the risk of head, keel or other traumatic injuries.
- Damage to growing feathers (which contain blood-rich shafts) can cause significant and potentially life-threatening bleeding.
- Uneven or excessive clipping on one wing can disrupt balance and flight control, increasing crash risk.
- Limiting flight has been linked to behavioural problems such as feather chewing and self-plucking, as well as anxiety and reduced quality of life.
Safer alternatives and practical advice
Veterinarians and welfare groups recommend these safer approaches instead of routine wing clipping:
- Provide a bird-proofed indoor space for supervised flight to allow exercise and mental stimulation.
- Work on recall and handling training so birds learn to come when called and tolerate interactions.
- Consult an avian veterinarian before making any permanent changes to a bird's flight capacity; any trim done for medical reasons should be performed by a qualified professional.
- Avoid DIY feather cutting: improper technique and accidental damage to growing feathers can cause severe harm.
Groups such as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) also warn that improper clipping can impede normal feather regrowth and cause balance problems if wings are clipped unevenly. Experts urge owners to prioritise safe housing, training and veterinary guidance over routine wing trimming.
If you own a pet bird: Talk to an avian veterinarian about welfare-friendly ways to manage behaviour and safety, and be sceptical of how-to clips that promote immediate wing clipping as a first response.
