Please respond. Concern about drooping wing

[mpr86]

Hi everyone,

 

While visiting our grey at the store a few times, I noticed that the wings are sort of drooping on both sides towards the end of the wing by the tail (pictures attached). This was the case for most of the time I spent at the store, about 45 mins. However, there were a few instances where her wings were taught but only for a few minutes. Her hatch date is some time in February so that would make her about 4 months old. I dont know if this is a condition due to her age, but I am very concerned by this. In addition, her stance isn't fully upright all the time, instead she slightly leans forward.

 

<br><br>Post edited by: mpr86, at: 2008/06/07 21:46

[lovemyGreys]

I dont actually see a problem from the pictures you have posted.None of my 4 greys stand bolt upright.Have the wings been clipped ? Any concerns you really need to discuss with the store before you bring her home.

[mpr86]

Yes the wings have been clipped. Every employee I've asked about the wings says that it is a normal condition because she is young, or tired. However, almost all the other greys' wings seem more tightly shaped (but clipped as well).

[casper]

I was just wondering if the bird was clipped as well? My grey is about the same age and his flights are a lot longer in length. Is this what concerns you?

[mpr86]

Well, what concerns me is that it seems a little droopy or expanded downward in that area in comparison to the other greys. When your grey stands upright, is the level at which the lowest flight feather rests, at the same height in relation to the leg (assuming clipped wings)?

 

Could it be the way the wings were clipped? Maybe they were clipped a little too short?

[casper]

mpr86, both mine are fully flighted so I cant make any comment on the clip. I have just studied the pictures and dont see anything that looks worrying there after just having a look at my two. Sorry I cant be of any more help. Caroline

[lovemyGreys]

I'm afraid i agree with Caroline, looking at the pictures nothing looks untoward with the baby, my only concern would be the wing clipping at such an early age,babies should be allowed to fledge & build up their muscles before a wing clip is carried out

[judygram]

I agree with Tracy and Caroline, I don't see a problem with the wings in the pictures.

[siobha9]

I can't see a thing wrong with her either.... but I must say she is gorgeous! When are you thinking of bringing her home?

[Dave007]

Almost every picture you've got there is of the bird standing on something and grabbing to keep balance. Just looking at those eyes tells me that the bird is extremely young and the bird shouldn't have been clipped yet. That's a common stance for any bird that's just starting to learn balance.

 

Any time a grey is clipped when that young causes the covert feathers to hang lower because all the flight feathers as they reach the tip aim upward thereby causing a natural lifting of the covert feathers. Those covert feathers will eventually regain their proper place on the bird but only after a long length of muscular build up. There is no exact amount of droop between birds. Some have more, some less. Concerning your bird, it's on the less side. Don't clip anymore until the bird's wings grow in so he can build up strength and muscle and coordination. That'll take about 6 mts.

 

PS--you notice that droop cause there's no long flight feathers there. In other words, the bird's wings make it look top heavy--Flight feathers evenly spread that upward.

[dblhelix]

Looks normal to me from the pics. Love the grey tipped tail feathers on the babies! Was any fledging allowed? Quite young to be clipped. How many flights are clipped off? Very pretty bird.

[mpr86]

Hopefully within this upcoming week we will bring her home.

[mpr86]

Thanks for all the responses guys, I really appreciate it!!

[BMustee]

I don't see anything wrong with the wings. The babies at my store and my grey at home will hold their wings like that from time to time...more with the young birds.

 

As for the wing clip...it looks like a longer clip, sometimes called a baby clip. I do prefer to let birds learn to fly before they are clipped but a pet store is no place for a baby bird to be flying free. At my store, there are bins with puppies and a bird would be torn to bits within seconds of landing in one. We also have a breeder pair of Hyacinth macaws in a large cage in the bird department. If a baby bird was to land on their cage it would loose it's legs in a heartbeat because the Hyacinths are wild caught and VERY nasty...esp the female. There are just too many dangers in a store to let them fly. My best advise is to let a few of the flights grow in and allow the grey to learn how to fly and land with grace before it is clipped again.

[mpr86]

I dont know if any fledging was allowed or how many of the feathers were clipped...will visit her tommorow and see if I can find out.

[kitt79]

I agree with just about everyone -- she looks normal to me.

 

And unfortunately, BMustee is right. In a pet store you certainly don't want your big expensive bird flying clumsily around banging into things or heaven forbid into another animal that may injure it. It might be best for them to learn to fly early, but not in that environment.

[danmcq]

Looks normal to me too. It she seems to be very well attrached to you already from the handeling I see in the photos.

 

A week is not far off and you'll really be in for a treat then. :-)

[judygram]

Mpr86, we look forward to seeing some more pictures when you get your baby home, this is so exciting when you first bring home your baby grey and I know you can't wait. :lol:

[Tycos_mom]

Your baby is beautiful I just know you on stiches waiting to bring her home. you will have so much fun with her have you decided on a name yet

 

[pixiexoxo]

Just look at the "melt your heart" eyes on that cutie! :lol:

Gorgeous lil girl you've got there! Bet you're sooo excited about getting her home!!

 

Good luck and looking forward to seeing some more of your baby

 

Amy xx