Chipper is starting to fly again - advice please

[ct92404]

I usually keep my budgie's wings trimmed, because I've always been afraid she would fly into something and hurt herself, or she might somehow manage to escape the one time I have a door or window open, etc. Chipper is curious and really stubborn. Her wing feathers are growing back, and she's starting to be able to fly again (and she knows it!) But right now, she's also overweight. She's getting more distance and speed, but she can't get that much height yet. I'm starting to give her more vegetables, and in fact she loves carrots. But she's still chubby. I was thinking that maybe if I let her fly for a while, that might help her to lose weight.

I'm really on the fence about this. I'm a little afraid about delaying trimming her feathers too much longer or letting her be fully flighted because I don't want her to get hurt or find a way to escape when I'm holding her outside of her cage. But I also know she needs to lose weight, and I'm afraid of her having liver problems in the future if she stays this chubby. So I thought maybe letting her have some flight could help her to lose weight.

I know this can be a really controversial issue, but I'm just looking at this as a risk/benefit balance. Would this benefit Chipper and help her to lose some weight? If I make sure to not let her in the kitchen or just keep her in the bedroom when I take her out of the cage, would it be that risky? She is completely tamed and she will volutarily climb up on my hand or sit on my shoulder. But she is very curious and stubborn, and she gets in her moods where she will spontaneously want to leap down to the ground to look at something.

What do you guys think I should do? I really need advice. I just want to do what is best for Chipper. Will flying help her to lose weight, and is it worth the risk?

 

[jenphilly]

I have a semi tame budgie and I clipped his wings once and that was only to slow him down. Even with missing a few flight feathers, he still fly like the dickens. Now he is a little fighter jet. He is not nearly as easy for step up, especially when it means returning to his cage

I would let Chipper have his wings for now and see how it goes. You know what he does clipped, so give him the chance to fly and see how he behaves. Make sure you have some hanging perches where he is safe to land and things to keep him busy. I find that Cam does not go anywhere but the hanging boings anymore.

Flying is great exercise for any bird, much like humans for walking, the basics can do alot for our health!

 

[MonicaMc]

I agree, try allowing Chipper to have her flights. It may very well benefit her, and you can try some recall training with her where she flies to you on command.