To clip or not to clip...

[Jennefer]

What are your seasoned opinions? Friday we’re choosing our lovey, he’ll be flighted and weaned. We don’t have any other animals at home, but being lots of doors and windows are currently boarded up with wood because hurricane Irma destroyed our home, flying will be safe in one room only until fixed.
Also we’re aiming at taming this new family member but don’t mind doing it the long way if it’s the right way
IF you say clipping wings is the way to go, do you recommend doing this as soon as you pick th bird up from its breeder? Or take it home first and let it calm down with all the changes and taking it a later day?

 

[Loz]

How exciting! I brought a parrotlet home less than a month ago. She is fully flighted. I've not considered having her wings clipped since and currently have no intentions. Before opening her cage, I always make sure the flat is bird proof.

 

[gracebowen]

I dont clip mine.

 

[Jennefer]

I’ve never had any birds clipped either but keep hearing loveys are a bit more spunky when flighted. Not that I mind spunk, just looking for opinions from seasoned owners
We did have an amazon parrot that was permanently clipped by the previous owner but I always felt bad for it lol

 

[chris-md]

Hello jennefer

This topic has been discussed as infinitum on this forum, even recently. I suggest using the forum search feature for “wing clipping” or some such variation and you’ll find a wide array of opinions expressed.

 

[Jennefer]

Hello jennefer

This topic has been discussed as infinitum on this forum, even recently. I suggest using the forum search feature for “wing clipping” or some such variation and you’ll find a wide array of opinions expressed.

I don’t see the search option(I’m using a phone?) and have browsed throughout 8 pages already... sorry if I’m making a duplicate thread... just couldn’t find any

 

[Loko]

I don't like clipping since flying is vital to a bird's cardiovascular system. A bird that doesn't fly is like a human who can't walk, which usually leads to heart problems and too much fat, fatty liver disease, etc. I think that bird's that are fully delighted have the potential to live longer due to better health. Just make sure the place is safe for your bird, and be sure that Windows and doors are closed. I have curtains by my doors so I can go between the curtain and door and my bird cannot get out even if he flew to me. Never bring them outside without a cage/harness unless professionally recall trained, and even that is risky.

 

[reeb]

I don’t clip my bird’s wings. As long as the play area is safe, then your new baby should be fine! If anything, crashing down due to lack of flight feathers can cause injury.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Jennefer]

Ok that does it! Not clipping the comparison between a flying bird and walking human is so true, I’d feel aweful taking the primary means of moving away from him!
Birdy shall remain flighted thanks everyone!

 

[bill_e]

I'm not lobbying to change your mind. I've had my birds both clipped and not clipped. My Hawk head is currently not clipped but in the spring before our first camp out I will get her clipped for the added measure of security when we're camping. By the end of the camping season her wings will be grown in and she'll enjoy the winter flighted.

In my opinion clipping or not is more about safety. If your house is bird safe and you don't have little kids running in and out AND you don't mind the poop then flighted is the way to go. My Nike seems to be in a better state of mind when she can fly around but I won't risk her when we're out camping.

In the house we have cats and a dog. For the most part they totally ignore her but sometimes when Nike fly's the sound of her flying will cause the cats to scatter...I think that's a good thing but not all pets are the same and I could envision the scenario where the flying could actually interest and excite a cat or dog.

Also, I've never had a baby bird but the lack of mobility might actually help her to get used to you and depend on you. When we clip Nike I get a mild clip so that she can somewhat gracefully land on the floor. I don't think I'd ever give her a full clip so that she could fall, but lots of folks and birds are totally happy with the situation where the bird is dependent on the human for movement.

 

[LordTriggs]

the reason birds become less "spunky" when clipped is because they're not as confident so they are more compliant. But any behavior problems can be fixed with training. I agree that clipping should only be for safety. Remember that they can still fly outside when clipped especially the small birds like lovies.

If you were to decide to clip make sure they are 6 months old minimum so they can fully learn to fly and to develop their chest muscles and air sacs

 

[FlyBirdiesFly]

I will never clip my birds wings! They are flighted and always will be. It’s much healthier and birds love to fly.

 

[Jennefer]

Alrighty peeps, it’s been determined that Chewy will remain flighted He IS a bird, after all
Tomorrow is the big day!! Cage is ready, toys are purchased and made, perches replaced with branches and the swing got spruced up, we got sunflower seeds and millet, and a nice variety food from Witte Molen.
Good to go!

 

[FlyBirdiesFly]

Yay!! If I could prevent one bird from being clipped, I’m happy