It is helpful to know that in a normal molt feathers are usually shed symmetrically so that if a blood feather is encountered at a specific location on one wing, you will likely find a blood feather at the corresponding location on the contralateral side. If this occurs, advise the client to bring the bird back in a couple of weeks to finish the trim, and to treat the bird as fully flighted until that time. Occasionally, a blood feather on a wing may become injured while catching a bird. The damaged feather should be shown to the owner, and if possible, removed in front of the owner to illustrate how to deal with a broken blood feather. The blood feather should be grasped with an appropriate sized hemostat and, holding the wing, pulled straight out in the direction of growth.
Moderate pressure is applied to the follicle with a sterile gauze sponge.
In cases where the follicle continues to bleed, hemostasis may be achieved using a hemostatic agent gently applied with a cotton-tipped applicator. During trimming, the bird should be restrained and the wing held gently and firmly, supporting the humerus. Be sure that the person holding the bird, whether it is your assistant or the owner, does not apply undue pressure on the body of the bird. Clients tend to be more tense in these situations and may hold the bird too tightly. Wing clipping is an essential part of avian medicine, and, as avian veterinarians, we should strive to perform a professional service to pet bird owners.