Unformed Wing on a Galah - HELP PLEASE

Jarvis25 · Jun 29, 2016

Hi,

Only just registered and in need of some pretty urgent advice

We went and selected a baby galah several weeks ago, visited 'her' several times and we collected 'her' last weekend (we don't know the sex), on getting her home we noticed one of her wings isn't right

I have attached a photo to try and show what I mean

It looks like it's where feathers are missing, we have spoken to the gentleman we got 'her' from, and we can return her, but she is such a beautiful little thing I'm already smitten! So if we can find out what has caused this and will she ever get full feather it might help our decision in what to do

ANY help would be hugely appreciated.

Thank you

plumsmum2005 · Jun 29, 2016

Hello and welcome.

Well it is difficult to see from your photo but any concerns should be brought to an Avian Veterinarian. They will be able to give you answers to your questions.

A parrot with special needs makes it no less of a parrot and more importantly more in need of a good home. If it turns out she cannot fly very well you will have to organise floor entertainment but RB2's love being on the floor anyway.

SailBoat · Jun 29, 2016

Please take a moment and update your information to include where in this huge World you are. General region is fine. The goal is to be able to provide information that is consistent with your location.

The age of your Galah:

It appears that your parrot is missing its Primary and Secondary Wing feathers 'in full' on the left side of your parrot's wings. This is extremely unusual. Basic growth pattern would be for a balanced grow-in of wing feathers of each wing.

As stated above, a visit to your Avian Vet ASAP would be very helpful in determining if your parrot's left wing feathers has been clipped (not considered humane) or if there is a medical reason (very rare) or possibly Genetic (also very rare).

The last time I saw this was on a Parrot that had been Imported (i.e. Importer Clip). Importing is not allowed in North America!

Your 'Breeder' should not have allowed you access to this parrot (i.e. Sorry this Parrot is not available).

What is the possibility that this Parrot was Imported and this Breeder is acting as a Trader?

So, in re-reading your Thread: It is my opinion that you have an Parrot with an Importer Clip. If you want to keep the parrot, see your Avian Vet ASAP.

plumsmum2005 · Jun 29, 2016

SailBoat said:
Please take a moment and update your information to include where in this huge World you are. General region is fine. The goal is to be able to provide information that is consistent with your location.

The age of your Galah:

It appears that your parrot is missing its Primary and Secondary Wing feathers 'in full' on the left side of your parrot's wings. This is extremely unusual. Basic growth pattern would be for a balanced grow-in of wing feathers of each wing.

As stated above, a visit to your Avian Vet ASAP would be very helpful in determining if your parrot's left wing feathers has been clipped (not considered humane) or if there is a medical reason (very rare) or possibly Genetic (also very rare).

The last time I saw this was on a Parrot that had been Imported (i.e. Importer Clip). Importing is not allowed in North America!

Your 'Breeder' should not have allowed you access to this parrot (i.e. Sorry this Parrot is not available).

What is the possibility that this Parrot was Imported and this Breeder is acting as a Trader?

So, in re-reading your Thread: It is my opinion that you have an Parrot with an Importer Clip. If you want to keep the parrot, see your Avian Vet ASAP.

@Sailboat you never fail! Would you be so kind to give me some more info?
What would happen to the bird if access denied? Is this to wait for clip to grow out or something else?

Importer clip is done on one wing only?
If imported for all the rights/wrongs, wrong/wrongs, dyt that this bird should have full bloods done at the AV?

SailBoat · Jun 29, 2016

@Sailboat you never fail! Would you be so kind to give me some more info?
What would happen to the bird if access denied? Is this to wait for clip to grow out or something else?

Importer clip is done on one wing only?
If imported for all the rights/wrongs, wrong/wrongs, dyt that this bird should have full bloods done at the AV?[/QUOTE]

For you, Always!

Access Denied: Medical inspection and testing, than held until test results are obtained. Commonly an illness is found in one or more of the parrots, especially since Access Denied is most commonly found in non pre-approved shipments. While held, the Importer is contacted and corrected documents are provided and/or fines are assessed. If medical issues are found, the parrots are 'deposited of' Otherwise, the Parrots are released to the 'Ship To' or are sold to an Approved Third Party and they distribute them from there.

Single Wing, Importer Clip: This is 'Old School' but still practiced from some Exporting Countries. Simple Fact; its faster, therefore cheaper. Most Highly Regulated Importing Countries no longer see this style clip as Humane, and commonly fine Exports who continue to use this style clip.

Importers Clip: Whether a single wing or both wings, a full Primary and Secondary cut can take up to three years to fully grow-out. Commonly 8 - 12 months to obtain limited flight.

Visiting an Avian Vet: Since we have no idea where in this huge World the OP is from or the 'stated' age of the Parrot. NOTE: An Imported Parrot can be anywhere from six months to six or more years old. In addition, we have no idea what the health requirements are for Import for the same reasons. Or lastly, whether the Parrot was even properly Imported! As a results and for the safety of everyone, an Avian Vet visit with a full spectrum blood testing (I would recommend a 'Sick Bird' screen) is needed.

NOTE: The US no longer allows 'general' Import of Parrots!

Kiwibird · Jun 29, 2016

The picture is a bit blurry, but are there any feathers that are straight at the ends and not rounded? I would be shocked anyone still does it, but there is an old school method of clipping birds where they drastically clip one wing (all primaries and secondaries). I remember seeing a diagram of it in a VERY old parrot care book and thats exactly what it looked like. Clipping like that renders the bird utterly flightless and unable to even safely glide to the ground due to uneven wings. The tell would be straight ended feathers across the wing (from being cut with scissors). It is not uncommon for breeders to clip wings, but I have never heard of a (modern) breeder doing that kind of clip!

If that is the case, you should discourage flight entirely until the feathers grow back, which could take several years with that severe of a clip (if it is a natural deformity of the wing, you still need to discourage flight, just permanently). It is not possible for a bird to fly like that and is very dangerous for them to be trying. If there are no straight cut feathers, that would be one of the weirdest deformities I've ever seen. Your AV may be able to tell you more or it may be linked to other possible health concerns (just like deformities in humans can be linked to other things), so it's essential you get the bird checked out so any treatments or monitoring can be started ASAP. Having a flightless bird is not the end of the world. They will learn to be strong climbers and especially in a domestic home setting, it shouldn't affect much at all (can still be a social, happy, well adjusted bird, flighted or not). Making "bridges" they can climb over to reach play stands etc.. will help them be more independent and mobile since they can't fly. Best of luck and please name and shame if a breeder intentionally did that to a bird (and let them know that is NOT a good way to clip a bird, there are other methods that are much safer and much less life altering!)!

Kiwibird · Jun 29, 2016

This is a diagram of a parrot wing. The clip I am referring to would take off all the "bottom" feathers (primaries and secondaries) right up to the coverts. Imagine knocking a wing off an airplane, that's what that kind of clip does to a birds ability to fly- they spiral and have 0 control. It's such an old method, I couldn't even find a diagram on google images of it. Most breeders/owners who clip will clip evenly on both wings the primaries only (and some like myself, don't even take off all the primaries). In the context of an airplane, a normal clip would be like removing the ends of the wings. It couldn't get good lift anymore, but could still stay balanced and glide to the ground.

Scott · Jun 29, 2016

Welcome to the forum! That you are becoming bonded to your new Galah speaks volumes and is IMHO far more important than a potential non-life threatening abnormality.

Given "her" young age and the apparent wing asymmetry, I wonder if this may be caused by a birth defect rather than a clipping issue? An avian vet should be able to determine the origin of this issue and give you better guidance.

While many members understandably prefer geographic anonymity, a general location may help determine whether your Galah was native-born or imported. Most of our guests live in the U.S, and importation would be highly unusual as there is a broad base of Galah breeders widely distributed.

Jarvis25 · Jun 29, 2016

Hi!

Thank you for your replies

We are in the United Kingdom, and saw the baby pretty much from him taking her from the nest (seen both parent birds too), so we're 99.9% she isn't an import, and she is approx 12wk old (fully weaned)

The feathers are rounded and not as tho they have been cut, and she can 'glide' and when she is on the floor, she does spread her wings as tho she is ready to fly

As I mentioned, the breeder did say we could return her, so I don't think there is anything too untowards with the bird

Our main concrern is obviously if there are going to be other health issues, we already own an African Grey so are fully aware of the commitment a healthy parrot takes.

Thanks Anna, Mark, Eric (the grey) and Eva (the Galah)

Scott · Jun 29, 2016

Thank you for the prompt update! I would think a visit with an avian vet will help determine the origin of the wing asymmetry and give guidance on Eva's overall health. All necessary for the decision process!!

BIRDIGIRL · Jun 29, 2016

Congratulations on your Beautiful new addition to the family...hopefully the visit to the vet will be able to reassure you that there are no other problems other than a slightly deformed wing which makes your baby very unique indeed and also the fact that she has taught herself to glide fly with such a disability makes her an excetional girl who is obviously extremely intelligent and capable. Im looking forward to hearing lots more about Eva as she grows and bonds with your family. I have a feeling this girl is going to be very special indeed and will become the very heart of your family

MonicaMc · Jun 30, 2016

My question is... did the breeder clip her????

Although the majority of parrots are clipped as babies, they are mentally and physically healthier if they are allowed to keep their wings well past fledgling.

Articles

Galahs are supposedly prone to obesity.... one thing to help combat obesity? EXERCISE! But oh wait... if she's clipped, she can't get proper amounts of exercise....

I'd honestly be tempted to get her imped, which is the process of using full feathers from other birds graphed onto the clipped/damaged feathers, to give an "au natural prosthetic" wing. In other words, it can give a clipped bird the ability for flight.

But that's me...

plumsmum2005 · Jun 30, 2016

MonicaMc said:
My question is... did the breeder clip her????
Although the majority of parrots are clipped as babies, they are mentally and physically healthier if they are allowed to keep their wings well past fledgling.
Articles
Galahs are supposedly prone to obesity.... one thing to help combat obesity? EXERCISE! But oh wait... if she's clipped, she can't get proper amounts of exercise....
I'd honestly be tempted to get her imped, which is the process of using full feathers from other birds graphed onto the clipped/damaged feathers, to give an "au natural prosthetic" wing. In other words, it can give a clipped bird the ability for flight.
But that's me...

Yes hear what you are saying and I have a RB2 so know about they are prone to obesity BUT if she has a wing problem it is not the end of the world and we have a member who has a female with a similar problem and she is OK, it is managed. In fact her owner probably does better than I do with mine who can fly (if he so chooses!!) I hope the OP does fill in some of the gaps for us (or isn't afraid to) because I am sure we would all like to know this bird's story.

Anansi · Jun 30, 2016

My initial thought was that it was one of those cruel one-sided clips designed to traumatize the bird into a psychologically ingrained fear of taking flight. But the OP pointed out on the preceding page that the wing feathers are rounded and don't appear to have been cut at all.

If this is the case, it would likely point either to a disability she was born with or the symptom of an as yet unrevealed sickness. Only a good avian vet will be able to say for certain at this point.

Anna and Mark, given that you have another parrot, I hope you have maintained quarantine. This should last between 60 and 90 days. And an avian vet checkup should be scheduled as early as possible.

As others here have already mentioned, if she was indeed born with a disability she can still have a very full life going forward with you.

Monica, I've read a few articles on the "imping" process to which you've referred (though I'm certain the process went under a different name in said articles, but the description sounds the same). I don't, however, know anyone who has either used them on their own birds or knows someone who has. Are you familiar with anyone who uses this process? Or do you use it with any of your birds?

I ask because I'm very curious as to whether this process works as well in reality as it seems it might. And I also wonder about the long term comfort level of such grafts.

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

Jayyj · Jul 1, 2016

I think this is one where you'd be best off taking the bird to the vet - a new bird check up is a good idea in any case and you can talk through your concerns. It looks like a one sided clip to me but it's hard to see much in the picture and a vet would know instantly.

One sided clips are unfortunately not uncommon in the UK, and my local shop does it to all their birds, leaving just the first couple of primaries on one wing for aesthetic purposes (wing looks unclipped when folded). They say it's better in that the birds can be out and about in the shop without any risk of them flying off.

However, the key to the one sided clip is that the bird can't fly at all - if they try they might be able to get a few feet but they'll quickly lose balance and come back down to earth with a thud. The idea is they try a could of times, realise they can't do it and adapt to being flightless. The difficulty with this is that parrots are prey animals with a strong fight or flight reflex to threats, so a nervous bird will take off out of instinct when frightened, and then there's a risk of injury each time they crash. My galah was exactly like that and I will always remember how she looked after a crash, winded and frightened on the floor. Her feathers grew out in our first six months together and she can fly now up to point but it's clearly something she's scared of doing and she certainly doesn't get any pleasure out of flying.

MonicaMc · Jul 1, 2016

Anansi said:
But the OP pointed out on the preceding page that the wing feathers are rounded and don't appear to have been cut at all.

And I've had people tell me that their birds are aggressive and bite. I ask if the bird is *really* aggressive or if they are afraid? And point out the differences between fear and aggression. They come back and tell me that the bird is afraid. This instantly changes their mind set on working with their birds and gets the person to slow down with their advances.

Yes, I read that, too. And there are the "quill clips", which cuts the feathers off at the quill, so there are no unsightly and annoying edges on clipped feathers. This also leaves the covert feathers in tact. So who's to say that the primary and secondary feathers were not cut at the quill? Take another look at the photo.

https://postimg.org/image/cee6rw8kn/

If the feathers were clipped too short, imping might not be a possibility, though.

Anansi said:
Monica, I've read a few articles on the "imping" process to which you've referred (though I'm certain the process went under a different name in said articles, but the description sounds the same). I don't, however, know anyone who has either used them on their own birds or knows someone who has. Are you familiar with anyone who uses this process? Or do you use it with any of your birds?

I ask because I'm very curious as to whether this process works as well in reality as it seems it might. And I also wonder about the long term comfort level of such grafts.

Actually, I do. I know someone who has a scarlet macaw that kept breaking the feathers on his left wing every single time one tried to grow in. Right wing was perfect! They decided to try imping to allow his feathers to grow in so he could become fully flighted. Well, he got flight with those imped feathers! And managed to regrow in his own feathers in time!

I think there was a galah that was also imped, but there were no updates on the bird's progress....

I'm sure you may have come across these before, but I'll repost for others. And looking at Youtube videos, I recognize one person, but I'm not sure if I recall her bird or not.... it's been years since we've spoken!

https://theparrotuniversity.com/imping-parrots

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4aJR3XGQfg"]Confiscated African Grey Parrots in Congo prepared for release - YouTube[/ame]

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8hIpD_2lpc"]Imping Procedure - YouTube[/ame]

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynu7VFSVNas"]Imping Procedure-first flight - YouTube[/ame]

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bpx-9JzU9Rg"]Macaw Flying with Imped Wing Feathers - YouTube[/ame]

Anansi · Jul 1, 2016

MonicaMc said:
...Yes, I read that, too. And there are the "quill clips", which cuts the feathers off at the quill, so there are no unsightly and annoying edges on clipped feathers. This also leaves the covert feathers in tact. So who's to say that the primary and secondary feathers were not cut at the quill? Take another look at the photo.

https://postimg.org/image/cee6rw8kn/

Good point, Monica. And you're quite right. A quill clip of the primary and secondary feathers could definitely account for the rounded look of the feather edges visible to the OP.

MonicaMc said:
...Actually, I do. I know someone who has a scarlet macaw that kept breaking the feathers on his left wing every single time one tried to grow in. Right wing was perfect! They decided to try imping to allow his feathers to grow in so he could become fully flighted. Well, he got flight with those imped feathers! And managed to regrow in his own feathers in time!

I think there was a galah that was also imped, but there were no updates on the bird's progress....

I'm sure you may have come across these before, but I'll repost for others. And looking at Youtube videos, I recognize one person, but I'm not sure if I recall her bird or not.... it's been years since we've spoken!

https://theparrotuniversity.com/imping-parrots

Confiscated African Grey Parrots in Congo prepared for release - YouTube

Imping Procedure - YouTube

Imping Procedure-first flight - YouTube

Macaw Flying with Imped Wing Feathers - YouTube

Thank you for the links, Monica. I'd seen the article before, as well as the video of the limping process, but none of the others with the recipients of the limping process taking flight. Very interesting.

Kiwibird · Jul 1, 2016

MonicaMc said:
Anansi said:

Yes, I read that, too. And there are the "quill clips", which cuts the feathers off at the quill, so there are no unsightly and annoying edges on clipped feathers. This also leaves the covert feathers in tact.

Click to expand...

I understand that "back in the day" people did not know as much about birds nor their psychology, health and in general had a different perception of how animals fit into our lives, but honestly, what kind of barbarian would ever do such a thing to a bird in this day and age? Seriously?! The mind boggles

MonicaMc · Jul 1, 2016

Kiwibird said:
I understand that "back in the day" people did not know as much about birds nor their psychology, health and in general had a different perception of how animals fit into our lives, but honestly, what kind of barbarian would ever do such a thing to a bird in this day and age? Seriously?! The mind boggles

Done right, the quill clip is actually a good clip. It's main draw-back is that it doesn't leave any support for new feathers growing in... but on the flip side, there are no sharp edges that could irritate the bird's side, or annoy the bird when the feather simply "ends" while the bird is trying to preen it.

I would expect that if the feathers were damaged, we would see those damaged feathers or the current feathers would appear damaged. I just can't help but think this was a bad clip job and would need to see better photos to be sure. Or it could be something else....

ScooterMcTavish · Jul 4, 2016

If your bird is anything like Rhubarb, and the condition is genetic, I'm sure it can still enjoy a long, healthy life.

Rhubarb is clipped, but does use his wings when hopping from floor to furniture or furniture to person. That being said, he loves to root around in his fun box (a big plastic tub full of torn paper, pellets and treats) and run around the house like a bloody road runner.

In fact, he is so busy, I have a hard time imagining him getting fat, even though he is clipped.

Unformed Wing on a Galah - HELP PLEASE

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