lovebird clipped wing

[sync_]

i have a lovebird aged almost 1 now with some wing issues. to sum it up, i was against clipping her wings as i find it unethical, but the bird isnt technically mine and my sister gave my nan permission to do it. i think my nan butchered the clip, and the bird seems to struggle to fly very long distances. im wondering if this is going to be a vet issue or if theres a chance her wing will grow back. thank you for any advice!!

 

[LaManuka]

i have a lovebird aged almost 1 now with some wing issues. to sum it up, i was against clipping her wings as i find it unethical, but the bird isnt technically mine and my sister gave my nan permission to do it. i think my nan butchered the clip, and the bird seems to struggle to fly very long distances. im wondering if this is going to be a vet issue or if theres a chance her wing will grow back. thank you for any advice!!
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Welcome to the forums, @sync_, but I'm sorry about that single wing clip that was done to your girl. If anything you might want to consider clipping the other wing so it is a bit more symmetrical. Single wing clips can be dangerous as the bird has little control in the air, and can end up sustaining injuries to feet, legs or keelbone if they crash to the floor. Perhaps a vet visit is in order, they can even up the wings for you. They will definitely grow back once she moults next time.

Alternatively, you could consult your avian vet about the possibility of having a feather implant done on the clipped wing. Not every avian vet does it so it might take a bit of shopping around to find one. I've had it done on two of my birds and their power of flight is restored straight away! Here's my princess parrot, Peachie, who had a wing clip done by a previous owner. Here is her before ...

.... and during the procedure, you'd hardly even know she'd had it done, the job was so good!

Here's a video by an avian vet I know here in Australia that goes into more detail about the feather implanting process, and about how to trim wings in general as well...

 

[DonnaBudgie]

The wing implant is an amazing procedure! Some would worry about the anesthesia.

 

[DonnaBudgie]

I agree that clipping the other wing to match would make her more coordinated and less likely to be injured.

 

[rheashard2]

I agree. It may also be the simplest solution.