Kiwibird
Well-known member
- Jul 12, 2012
- 9,539
- 111
- Parrots
- 1 BFA- Kiwi. Hatch circa 98', forever home with us Dec. 08'
My blue front is about 15 years old (we adopted him 5 years ago, and were told he was roughly 10). We were also told has never been taught to fly (and judging by his prior living conditions, I don't doubt it). Considering we took him in as a rescue situation, and have been living in a smaller apartment since we got him, we have just kept him clipped. He has never made a single attempt to fly, and I really don't know if he understands that his wings "do that".
My parents have had their 3 parrots (2 amazons and a cockatoo) for 40 years, who are all flighted, and have free run of the house all day (except when no ones home or my moms cooking). I grew up with flighted birds, and always enjoyed the welcome surprise of one (or all 3) suddenly appearing in my room. I've been watching them while my parents are out of town, and letting them all out and seeing how beautiful and happy they are to be stretching their wings has got me thinking that my little guy really needs to experience that too. My husband and I will be moving into an actual house after the first of the year, and I'm thinking about letting his flight feathers grow out (he just molted, so they'll be all grown in by then if we don't clip him). I'm trying to weigh the pros and cons of it right now. On one hand, I've never really agreed with clipping birds, as they deserve the freedom of flight. On the other hand, I worry about his safety since this would be a entirely new concept, as well as if I would be capable of not just teaching him to fly, but teaching him to return on command if he gets up higher than I can reach (indoors only). He's not proven to be a fast learner, and please don't get me wrong, I love the little guy and he's a sweet as can be, but he just isn't the brightest crayon in the box. I also consider the fact he LOVES coming outdoors in the warm months, and as of now, he can do so outside of his cage, freely exploring whatever is in his reach. He couldn't do that if he was flighted, and that's been one of his favorite things to do since we've had him. I'm also not sure if he can even learn at this age, since he has never done it before, never even tried. Where would I begin? Just looking for some advice from other parrot owners on what you feel would be better (just keeping him clipped or flighting him)? I just want to do what's best for him.
My parents have had their 3 parrots (2 amazons and a cockatoo) for 40 years, who are all flighted, and have free run of the house all day (except when no ones home or my moms cooking). I grew up with flighted birds, and always enjoyed the welcome surprise of one (or all 3) suddenly appearing in my room. I've been watching them while my parents are out of town, and letting them all out and seeing how beautiful and happy they are to be stretching their wings has got me thinking that my little guy really needs to experience that too. My husband and I will be moving into an actual house after the first of the year, and I'm thinking about letting his flight feathers grow out (he just molted, so they'll be all grown in by then if we don't clip him). I'm trying to weigh the pros and cons of it right now. On one hand, I've never really agreed with clipping birds, as they deserve the freedom of flight. On the other hand, I worry about his safety since this would be a entirely new concept, as well as if I would be capable of not just teaching him to fly, but teaching him to return on command if he gets up higher than I can reach (indoors only). He's not proven to be a fast learner, and please don't get me wrong, I love the little guy and he's a sweet as can be, but he just isn't the brightest crayon in the box. I also consider the fact he LOVES coming outdoors in the warm months, and as of now, he can do so outside of his cage, freely exploring whatever is in his reach. He couldn't do that if he was flighted, and that's been one of his favorite things to do since we've had him. I'm also not sure if he can even learn at this age, since he has never done it before, never even tried. Where would I begin? Just looking for some advice from other parrot owners on what you feel would be better (just keeping him clipped or flighting him)? I just want to do what's best for him.