Poor Bu - did the vet totally mess up???

[jonahsmom]

I took Bu in for a check up and the vet thought his beak needed a little trimming (which I didn't really think so, but I took his advice). So he clipped it with the same clippers he used on his toenails (which he clipped nicely and thank goodness because they poked holes in my hands LOL) and poor Bu bled. I was expecting a dremmel...but I guess not. And he clipped his wings....or should I say wing? He only clipped one side? He barely clipped the inner feathers on one side and left the outer ones. Am I wrong in thinking that clipping one side is way wrong? I would think he would be off balance and that would cause injuries?

Now I'm torn between cutting the other side myself or leaving it as is and when it grows back not putting him through clippings again. I would really rather have him clipped for his own safety (ceiling fans, dogs, doors opening at horrible times, etc) but I'm sad about the way his wings were clipped by this vet that was recommended to me. I wasn't expecting just one side. I should've spoke up (dumb) while I was there but I was kind of upset about the bleeding beak and just wanted to leave...

Should I clip his other side myself so it matches and he is at least balanced or should I just let them grow out? He probably only cut about 1/2" off the feathers that he did cut.

 

[Spiritbird]

Yes a bird that is clipped on one side cannot fly correctly, even with the clip birds can normally fly a little bit. Was this an avian vet? Birds need a sharp beak and nails but not so they go into your skin. I file my birds nails after she got used to it. I just use a metal Emory board. Began training her with one nail at a time each evening. Now she actually lifts her foot when she sees me with the file in hand.

 

[greycloud]

I agree. You never clip just one wing. This is so old school of thought. And beaks do not need to be trimmed unless there is something wrong causing extra growth. Giving the bird woods to chew on will help this.
As far as the other wing, unless you have experience let a bird groomer or avian vet do it. And please, find another vet.

 

[dishgal1]

Yes a bird that is clipped on one side cannot fly correctly, even with the clip birds can normally fly a little bit. Was this an avian vet? Birds need a sharp beak and nails but not so they go into your skin. I file my birds nails after she got used to it. I just use a metal Emory board. Began training her with one nail at a time each evening. Now she actually lifts her foot when she sees me with the file in hand.

By all means he needs the other side clipped. An off balance bird could really get hurt. Please remember they can still fly so you might not want to run ceiling fans unless you have very tall ceilings. We have given up ceiling fans.

 

[jonahsmom]

Yes he is supposed to be an avian vet. I've already made the decision to never ever again ever go back to him. I'm so disappointed and sad I put Bu in that position.

 

[friedsoup]

I couldn't imagine a vet or anyone squeezing a birds beak until it cut through how painful that had to be for your bird. I agree never see that vet again and make sure you steer everyone you know away from him. You were right it should have been done with a dremel and just tipped unless it is grossly over grown.

 

[paulhanlon]

I am shocked that an avian vet would even squeeze a birds beak and then to only clip one wing I would never go to or recommend this vet to anyone and I think for the safety of your bird you should clip the other wing aswell as it will knock him off balance and cause injury if he only has the one cliped.

 

[dishgal1]

That poor baby. I can't imagine his beak bleeding. How painful that must have been. Not all vets are created equal. Definitely find another one.

 

[jonahsmom]

Thanks guys. He doesn't seem to be particularly traumatized. I sure was!!!!! I didn't like our other vet - bedside manner, price, general demeanor - so that's why we tried this vet that a friend of ours suggested. But we'll go back to the guy I don't necessarily like personally all that much, but that seems to know what he's doing. I can suck it up for the good of my fids. We'll be getting his other side clipped to match the other side. I don't want him falling for sure. And I'm going to have the vet show me how to do it. Bu does let me hold his wings out, so I'm confident he'd be more comfortable having it done at home. And he's constantly rubbing his beak on things and chewing everything up like a good little guy, so I really don't think beak trims will be something he'll ever have to go through again. That's the part I feel worst about because I told the vet I didn't think he needed to have it done. I should've been more firm but I trusted his advice. The only part of the visit that I'm happy with is his nails. It doesn't hurt to have him on me anymore. His nails were so long - it could NOT have been comfortable for him either.

I feel it was a lesson learned...I'm sad it was at Bu's expense though. Poor fid....

 

[Lintini]

I am so sorry you had that happen to you and Bu, I couldn't imagine the whole beak with nail clippers happening.

 

[antoinette]

What a traumatizing thing to endure, both Bu and yourself.
I would never recommend that vet to anyone ever.
Rather go back to the old vet, (ignore the bedside manner etc). He seems to know what he is doing.
At the end of the day, you are doing what is best for Bu

 

[wulfie]

I personally would report the vet, never have I heard of ANYONE using clippers on a beak!

 

[dishgal1]

I honestly don't believe you will find an avian vet that you will totally agree 100% with. I would definitely not use this vet again but the other
one's bedside manner may not be to your liking but if you feel more confident with him I would definitely use him. I don't agree with everything my vet says either but I like the way he handles my birds and dremmel for toenails -and wing clips he always asks how much you want to limit their flight.
Sorry for your emotional experience with this guy. And poor little Bu...and his little beak. When all is said and done if you don't feel right about something just say NO.....it is your bird after all regardless of who you go to.

 

[Molcan2]

Ugh! That is awful! Clippers on a beak?!? WHY!!! Never should the beak be 'clipped' if it is shortened it should be drimmeled back, mostly the sides and a little off the tip. You cat just clip the tip and its done. The entire beak has to be taken down a little for a proper trim. The wings should NEVER be clipped unevenly, this could cause serious trauma to your bird should he loose his balance. Instead of gliding down he will fall like a rock. Be very careful until the feathers grow out, should he fall he could fracture breast bones, internal injuries. Just be mindful of whats going on when hes out. My vet has never used clippers, he has always used a drimmel.

Even if you don't like the other vet there should be others to choose from? I wouldn't suggest going to ANY place that you are uncomfortable with (never settle for less than what you want, there is some sort of reason that mad you leave the last one). Maybe you just haven't found the right one. Was this vet board certified (I would gather that they weren't)? I would find out who in your area (by area I mean within a 2hour driving distance, unfortunately you may have to travel to find a good one) is avian board certified. Don't rule out Universities either, usually thats a good back up to have.