There are a number of Veterinary Practices and "procedures" which are occasionally done on Avians which The Oasis Sanctuary finds completely unethical and inhumane.

They include but are not limited to the following:

Pinioning: Pinioning is a procedure which permanently removes a bird’s ability to fly. Most commonly it is done by either removing a portion of each wing, shortening it and removing the area where the flight feathers would grow. Or it can be done by putting a metal ring through the wings and "handcuffing" the wings behind the bird’s back so that he may never stretch his wings. To keep your bird from flying away it is very simple to trim it’s wings. this must be done regularly, but like a haircut is not at all painful to the bird. "Permanent" solutions are inhumane.

De-crowing, De-Barking or Voice Removal: This procedure is occasionally performed on "screaming" or noisy birds. It is a VERY serious surgical procedure with serious risks involved. The vast majority of birds who have this surgery done do not survive! Instead, for a screaming bird, we suggest behavioral modification, or a companion bird to keep your bird company. If these things do not work, we encourage the owner to either accept the calling or place the bird in a situation where the vocalizing is acceptable.

Surgical Sexing Without Anesthetic: At the Oasis we prefer DNA sexing for birds. However breeders occasionally find it necessary to surgically sex birds to ascertain whether the sexual organs are in good condition. Whenever ANY invasive procedure is done on a bird, even considering the risks of anesthesia, for the comfort and well-being of the bird, it is necessary to use Isoflurene. Birds, of course, feel pain, as do we. To cut through the abdominal wall and insert a laproscope while the bird is strapped to a table is disgusting, torturous and medieval! In our opinion it is also physically and psychologically damaging to the bird and must be stopped.

We strongly suggest that people NOT use the services of a Veterinarian who utilizes any of these practices in other than life-saving situations.