Snaped tail feathers??

[JonnyG]

I was wondering about the affect that snapped tail feathers would have on flying? The reason I ask is persie has now xsnapped his 3rd tail feather in the past month, he is young and very active so its not a massive surprise (he does them whilst fighting with his toys). Will it have a big impact on his flying? Also is it normal to snap them so often or is he just unlucky at the moment?

Jon

 

[Mayden]

Merlin has snapped tail feathers on his left side because his foot hangs back and catches them. It just means he has to alter his flight slightly so he doesn't fly sideways. The tail acts like a 'rudder' on a boat, helps them change direction and whatnot, a few broken ones shouldn't be too bad for him really.

As long as it doesn't keep happening and they grow back, no worries.

 

[lene1949]

I have never had a bird 'snap' off his tail feathers... I did have a quaker, who lost his tail feathers every year, while moulting...

Is your cage big enough? Is he moulting?

 

[JonnyG]

I have never had a bird 'snap' off his tail feathers... I did have a quaker, who lost his tail feathers every year, while moulting...

Is your cage big enough? Is he moulting?

The cage is huge, plenty big enough for him. He snaps them when playing rough with his toys. He has just started to moult so hopefully he shall get some new ones through. After watching him fly last night it seems to not be affecting him so im happy with it now, hopefully he wont snap no more...

 

[JamesC]

Tootsie, one of my blue crowns, took her entire tail off once. I was trying to guide her into her travel cage for a vet visit and I had my hand around her body and was partially holding onto her tail feathers. Suddenly she lurched forward in an attempt to get away cause she knew where she was going and every single one of them came off in my hand. I was VERY upset with myself for it happening. But after, she was able to fly just fine. I think the tail feathers come into play more at higher forward speeds. Maybe some balance at lower. But I didn't notice any affect on her flying around the room other than looking very comical after I got over doing that to her.

 

[Safira]

It happens. To some birds more than others. My macaw has snappes 4 of her tail feathers so she only has one real long one. I call her ratty tail now. She will molt soon though, so they will grow back.

 

[Remy]

I've noticed that young birds tend to damage their tail feathers a lot, but they usually outgrow it. They can fly without them, although maybe not *quite* as well, but I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[lene1949]

I have never had a bird 'snap' off his tail feathers... I did have a quaker, who lost his tail feathers every year, while moulting...

Is your cage big enough? Is he moulting?

The cage is huge, plenty big enough for him. He snaps them when playing rough with his toys. He has just started to moult so hopefully he shall get some new ones through. After watching him fly last night it seems to not be affecting him so im happy with it now, hopefully he wont snap no more...

Oh... OK... I suppose my birds use their other end to play with their toys... lol