Article: If you've never clipped a bird's wings before, this is vital. A veterinarian or veterinary technician should guide you through the process. A bird's first wing clipping should always be conducted by a veterinarian. Take your bird to a local avian vet and have them show you the correct clipping process. After the initial clipping, you may be able to clip your bird's wings again. However, if you feel uncomfortable or uncertain, have a vet clip your bird's wings. It's not worth the risk of injuring your bird. To trim your bird's feathers, you need to be able to see what you're doing. You also need a quiet room to keep your bird calm. Find a room in your home that's both well-lit and quiet. This is best for your bird's safety and comfort. You should also choose a room that you can close off, without any open windows or doors. You do not want your bird to get out during the clipping process. Have all your supplies ready before you begin clipping. The process will be stressful for your bird, and you do not want to prolong it by scrambling for materials. You will need the following: A pair of small and sharp scissors A thick towel If possible, find someone else to assist you with the clipping process. Birds will resist having their wings clipped. You will need to wrap your bird in the towel to keep it still during the clipping process. You will use the towel like a baseball mitt to grab the bird. Do not put pressure on a bird's chest. Birds do not have diaphragms, so any pressure on the chest could prevent breathing. If someone else is holding the bird, have that person use one hand to hold the bird's body. The person should use their other hand to gently hold the bird's head between their thumb and forefinger. This will prevent biting. It is very important you know which feathers to clip. When clipping a bird's wings, you should only clip the primary flight feathers. Gently spread the bird's wing apart and locate these feathers. Your bird should have two sets of overlapping feathers on its wings. The smaller feathers that overlap the larger feathers should not be cut. The larger feathers stemming from the smaller feathers are known as the "primary flight feathers." You will be trimming the first six primary flight feathers. Make sure you do not trim them so short you cut into the shorter, overlapping feathers.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Talk to a veterinarian. Find the right environment. Gather your supplies. Restrain your bird. Identify the primary flight feathers.
Article: Stress releases hormones like cortisol that can make you hungrier and can cause cravings for sugary, high-fat foods. Your fast and weight loss goals can cause stress, leading to an increase in cortisol. Try relaxation strategies such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or a hobby to help you lower your stress. Try coloring. Go for a stroll in nature. Journal your thoughts. Read a book. Talk things out with a friend. Listen to calming music. Snuggle with a pet or family member. If you spend time around food, you'll think about it for the rest of the day. For example, avoid going out to lunch with friends while you're fasting. Similarly, tuning into a TV show about baking will spark cravings. Replace activities that revolve around food with other activities that will occupy your mind. Focus on your faith through prayer, reflection, reading your Quran, and attending religious services. Play a game with friends, such as a board game. Read a book. Ask to hold your work meetings in the boardroom or in someone's office. A goal of Ramadan is to be charitable and think of others, so volunteer to help those in the community. You can help a nonprofit, support people through your mosque, or visit those in need. Make meals for others. Visit with the sick. Donate your skills to a charity. Bring items that you no longer use to those who are in need. Ramadan is a holy holiday, so it makes sense to spend plenty of time in prayer. You can also use prayer as a way to keep your mind off food while deepening your faith. If you start to think about food, turn your thoughts to prayer. Consider keeping a prayer on you to read when your thoughts are muddled. This way you can still engage in prayer even if you're feeling distracted. You are encouraged to read your Quran during Ramadan, and doing so can help you remember why you are celebrating Ramadan. Instead of your thoughts being consumed with your desire to eat before fasting begins again at sunrise, you can reflect on the teachings and your beliefs.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Try relaxation strategies to minimize stress. Avoid food related activities, places, and TV programs. Volunteer to help others. Spend more time in prayer. Read your Quran instead of overindulging after sundown.