If a remige (primary or secondary) is broken, what is the best course of action?

When a remige, whether primary or secondary, is broken, the best course of action is to repair the feather by imping. Imping involves using a small piece of a compatible feather and inserting it into the broken shaft of the feather, which effectively stabilizes the remige and allows it to function properly until it can naturally molt and be replaced by a new feather. This procedure helps restore the flying capabilities of the bird and minimizes any additional stress or injury that could occur from leaving the damaged feather untreated.

Choosing to wait for natural molting, pluck out the feather stump, or leave it alone without intervention can lead to various complications. Natural molting can take time, and during this period, the bird might experience difficulties in flight. Plucking the feather stump may cause unnecessary discomfort or pain to the bird, hindering its recovery. Simply leaving the feather alone might result in imbalance during flight or lead to further injury, as the broken feather could get caught or interfere with the bird’s ability to navigate effectively.

Utilizing imping not only aids in the immediate recovery of the individual feather but also is aligned with proper husbandry practices for maintaining the overall health and performance of the bird in falconry.