Clipping flight feathers?

[redpeppers]

I know that this is a controversial topic in the bird world. I've read many things both ways about it.

I was just wondering if you guys would mind sharing your opinions and experiences on the subject.

[LadyLynn]

Perhaps you might find some posts written by myself and some by Becky. That would give you some idea.

Here is my view: Wing clipping is for humans not birds. Why? People feel a need to make a bird stay put, also use it as an excuse to "keep the bird safe," but honestly a clipped or unclipped bird can and do have accidents where they either become injured or killed. It's a sad truth, but does happen.
I believe the birds were born with wings for a reason and that is to fly. Even though it is risky to losing a bird if it escapes your home I still think it's worth the risk so the bird can be a bird, and enjoy what God gave them.

I also will not clip wings because I have a "spiritual connection," with my birds. They seem to say, with a look in their eyes whenever I've done it, "why did you do this mommy? Don't you know I love you, and I'll come back to you? I know you did something to me, but I don't know what it is that you've done.


Other people think that clipped wings makes the bird look nice. Helps control the bird in training, think they are keeping their bird safe......... some, yes, and I agree only wih this one if there is a medical reason, then the bird should be clipped.

so not one of my birds is clipped. They are free to fly. Where they fly to however is restricted however.

Becky's position if I understand correctly is if you are new to birds, it's a good idea to clip wings so you don't lose your bird, and to manage our new feathered charge just a little easier.
I could be wrong, but I believe this is what her position is.

I think Judy, Crazy4birds keeps her birds clippe, but you would have to ask.

so here is at least my position on wing clipping.

may birds forever fill our skies.

[LadyLynn]

and yes, I did lose my first bird, Lexington Alfonzo in an escape accident on Oct 1, 2003. but I wouldn't change a thing in how we loved him, and I still search the skies for him.

Just a funny note: my son said, Sage is very much like Lexi in personality, "only bratty," I thought that was kind of a strange remark, but wondered if that's what my son thought.

[Macawpower58]

Hello Redpeppers, I am Becky, and Linda pretty much has it right on how I think. My parrots are also full flighted now, but were not until several years ago.

There are many reasons in my mind to clip. First is safety. Especially for new parrot owners. As a kid, that is how we found, then again lost our first parrakeet. Found her in a rain storm outside, lost her when the mailman opened the door to hand us some mail. I loved and so missed that bird. The guilt I felt as a young girl was extreme. Back then I knew nothing of birds, only that, that little keet was an extremely sweet and vocal companion to me, lost again (in my child's mind) through my neglect.

Now I have 3 larger parrots. Macaw, Too, and a Zon. I also had two daughters growing up with my 3 parrots. They and their friends ran in and out of my house like it was grand central station. If one of my beloved parrots that I have now, had been full flighted, I shudder to think what could have happened.

The responsibility of keeping full flighted birds is immense. You must always be aware of your birds with every action you do. Dogs and cats must be made secure, accidents happen so quickly. Well meaning friends don't even think of your bird as they go in and out of your doors.

In my mind, safety is all important. Beginning parrot owners must learn how to handle, and keep their charges safe. Some larger parrots when full flighted can also be quite a handfull, especially if not 100% hand tame. My macaw and I have had an up and down ride with many things, sometimes clipping him was the only way to make myself feel safe while he was going through behavior changes. He can threaten very well. Clipped wings does make him more tractable. Now I do fine with him full flighted. If I'd have had to handle him all these years with full wings, he possibly might have caused a fear in me that would have comprised our relationship. Once you learn to fear your parrot, it is hard to get over it.

Most parrots that escape outside die. It is the rare few that are found by the original owner, and a few that are rescued by others. Most die from starvation, predation, and exposure. Not something any parrot owner wants to ever happen to their bird.

Full flight is awesome to allow, if you are that special, dedicated owner, who can also keep them safe.

If your new to parrots, please learn how to live with, and handle, one of God's most gifted creations first.

[redpeppers]

That is actually what I was thinking. All of the birds at the rescue are flighted now but that's just because they need to be clipped. I would eventually like to be able to allow him to be flighted I think but for now, it will be much better for both of us I think if he is clipped.

[krazy4birds]

Hi redpeppers, I have 7 birds and I only clip wings on 2 now and that is because of handleing issues...they get very dominate when they are full flighted. The others, so far are doing great so we will see how that goes. So, I think it is a personal choice too.