To clip or not to clip....

Ladyluck · Aug 6, 2012

Just as the title says...I'm getting an adult DYH Amazon and I'm wondering if its necessary to have his wings clipped? How many leave them full flighted?

MaraWentz · Aug 6, 2012

My Erin was clipped when I first got her at a year and half but only because she was bonded to another parrot and practically wild- she couldn't stand human interaction and so all she did was bite and flutter away. If you don't have to, don't. Birds were born with wings for a reason. It's their right of life. As long as you can control your bird there is no reason to clip them. And danger isn't an issue if they're under control and you take precautions.

paulhanlon · Aug 6, 2012

I think wing clipping is only nessasary if the bird causes injury to itself while flying around the house other than that I would never clip any of my amazons or any other bird I owned

Ladyluck · Aug 6, 2012

That's what I thought, I'd rather not if I don't have to. I've heard that since Amazons are heavier bodied birds that they don't fly as much...is that a myth?? My sun conure and parakeets fly anywhere when they can, I do keep a light clip on them because they're hard to catch sometimes.

paulhanlon · Aug 6, 2012

I would say its a myth as out in the wild amazons fly freely for hours on end and its the same in a home amazons are very active birds and i wouldn't take that freedom away from any bird unless it caused injury to itself during flight

MaraWentz · Aug 6, 2012

Ditto don't do it if it isnt necessary. But my Mommom owns 3 and neither fly. Her African Grey flies the most.

lene1949 · Aug 7, 2012

My eclectus is still a baby, and I let him fly... He's so slow, and as soon as I hear him, I put up my hand, and he lands on that...

I would not clip a baby bird...

wenz2712 · Aug 7, 2012

I have Codie clipped... I lost one Bird through flying into a Window and breaking its neck, and am not prepared to take this risk again !

SpringCottageParrot · Aug 7, 2012

Casper is not clipped and I would not consider it unless it was for his own protection. He very rarely flies and hasn't quite got the hang of coming in to land. He likes to be on Margaret's shoulder but she doesn't give him any concessions, it was hilarious to watch him trying to fly backwards to stay on her as she ran out to the kitchen to turn the kettle off whilst he was facing aft.

WharfRat · Aug 7, 2012

All mine are flighted...... Besides, you ain't lived til you've had a GW with an almost 4' wingspan "exercise" it's wings while perched on your shoulder. :54: LOL

taken 11 mos. ago (ReaRea)

4 mos. ago (Miri)

melissasparrots · Aug 7, 2012

I leave mine flighted so long as they aren't picking fights or trying to attack anyone. However, I also live alone and all exits from the house open onto a porch or other small room. So if I keep to my rule that the inner door closes before the outer door opens, there is zero chance for escape. Normally for people that have kids or absent minded spouses or that like to leave the windows open(even with screens) and leave the room with the bird out, then I'd recommend clipping. Murphys law. If there is a weakness in your daily routine or habits that would allow a bird to escape, then the bird will eventually escape. Kids and their friends or husbands not paying attention would top my list of reasons for bird to escape.

melissasparrots · Aug 7, 2012

Ladyluck said:
That's what I thought, I'd rather not if I don't have to. I've heard that since Amazons are heavier bodied birds that they don't fly as much...is that a myth?? My sun conure and parakeets fly anywhere when they can, I do keep a light clip on them because they're hard to catch sometimes.

Depends on the bird. Quite a few of mine fly less as they get older. THey fly like crazy as babies, but most adults are content to just hang around their cage or fly/hop between cage tops. They fly to get somewhere, usually not to burn off energy. Babies are different and more energetic.

WharfRat · Aug 7, 2012

Both our Zon's are dang sure heavier than they look, but have NO issues flying at any and all times. Now my GW ReaRea...........she's "half a bubble off" I think. :30: She used to fly all the time, now she prefers to walk everywhere.:20: I have no clue why. Wife will come home from work & take a shower soon afterwards, Rea hears the shower running and she's GONE (walking

) she climbs down from her cage top and walks into our bedroom then into the master bath. Might I add she "knocks" on the shower door with her beak.... :52:
She will also do the same thing if loose and I'm in the office.....Dang bird that knocks on doors and doesn't like flying. Guess it's appropriate, I know I ain't got all my marbles left anymore. :30:

Alisana · Aug 7, 2012

Ladyluck said:
That's what I thought, I'd rather not if I don't have to. I've heard that since Amazons are heavier bodied birds that they don't fly as much...is that a myth?? My sun conure and parakeets fly anywhere when they can, I do keep a light clip on them because they're hard to catch sometimes.

Mm, depends on the Amazon. One I know (Danny) walks to get to a lot of places. I felt bad for him when I was playing 'tag' with him and Elmo (Greenwing) because Elmo flew from rope to rope, while Danny walked along the floor.

Was kinda cute, but he kept getting left behind, lol. He IS fully flighted, but he does like walking and perching on the end of your shoes. I found it a bit weird, but his owner just said "It's an amazon thing".

I would suggest not clipping unless it's a big risk (e.g. flying into windows, mirrors, etc). A free flighted bird is an amazing experience and it keeps them healthy and exercised.

Remy · Aug 8, 2012

I think it really depends on your situation. In a perfect world, I would have let Puck's wings grow out. But in reality, I think he was happier being clipped because I got to take him places that way. He went outside, to stores, etc., but if he hadn't been clipped, I wouldn't have been able to safely do it. That, and he would have chewed up all of my antiques.

sarafigal · Aug 31, 2012

I am bringing home a 30-yr old BFA tomorrow. Her original owners kept her clipped. Since she's been in transition, nothing has been done. I have a house with relatively low ceilings, and a large fenced back yard where the family (kids, dogs, budgies) play. If I do clip our new family member, she can play freely with us outside. What do you think?

To clip or not to clip....

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