Clip or Not?

[Maighen]

I have been reading up on clipping of birds wings on this forum and also on other websites. My circumstances are a bit different.....in my house is just myself and my husband. No children or other pets to worry about! Right now Frankie has one wing clipped and one wing not clipped.....not something I had done or did myself. I worry about his safety....I do not want him to try to escape and get hurt because he is still nervous and untrusting of us. I also worry about his happiness! I just need opinions!!!

 

[willist]

You need to have both wings clipped equally. I prefer to have all my birds wings clipped so they can go outside with me. I love taking my birds to the beach and the park,they also get to go to a few local restaurants that know us and don't object to birds in their restaurant. I'm known in my area as the bird guy. I even appeared on the local TV news once. Get his wings clipped and see how many places you can take him. You'd be surprised. One more thing there is no such thing as a bird safe house, a flighted bird can fly into a mirro,r a window, a ceiling fan or out the door someone thought was closed.

 

[Maighen]

I understand that about both wings being clipped equally....I did not have his wings clipped this way....he was like this when I adopted him this past Friday. I am still working on trust with Frankie and as of right now he doesn't want to be touched or held. He is 18 years old and was strictly a breeder bird. I am torn because I do not want him to be able to try to escape or hurt himself on something because he wants to get away from me or my husband.....currently when we approach him when he is out on his cage.....he growls and jumps to the floor to get away. But I wonder if he would be happier being able to fly and would like to make him happy as well as safe!

 

[Erithacus]

I have 2 flighted birds, a Grey (since Sept 2008) and a Hill Mynah (since mid 2009). I can tell how happy they are when they fly and they are full of confidence. And also they are so happy when they fly to us. They like to be involved in our house chores and other activities.

My Grey gets to fly outdoor regularly and you can see how happy she is when she plays at the playground flying from one play gym to another. My Grey is trained not to fly out of the house. She won't fly out when the door is open.

My Grey is the most traveled parrot in my country. She hikes with me 3-4 times a week and has been to many places. She is known as a hiking parrot.

I was advised by majority to clip my Grey when I adopted her. I am glad I didn't do it. As for me, I prefer a flighted bird.

 

[MikeyTN]

I don't clip my birds as well unless it's a new bird that needs training. I've had too much problems having their wings clipped so I prefer not to.

 

[wildheart]

It is really a personal choice and there isn't a wrong or right. We all want our birds to fly because we love them. Some birds can be trained with a harness and some cant, it all depends on their individual personality.

I know exactly how you feel about Frankie, I think we all felt like that when we just got our birds. Frankie is currently clipped and all you can do is wait it out. Use this time to build trust because it is VERY hard to win a parrots trust when they can fly away from you. When he can fly again you can see if it is the best for all of you or not, you really cant decide before the time.

There is no way that anybody including yourself can predict how Frankie will be, the only way to learn is by observing him clipped and flighted.

 

[Pionus]

Depends on the bird and what you are going to be doing with him/her.

I have a very aggressive lovebird who's favorite thing is to fly to my fiance and give him a huge CHOMP because the poor guy will yell "oww". (drama reactions are the best!) heheheheee.... Needless to say, her wings are now clipped so everyone can be happy. I felt bad, she is an amazingly agile flier and I love to watch her. But for her safety and for my fiance's sanity - her wings will probably be clipped for a long time.

This has actually helped to calm her down a bit, as she now 'step-ups' politely to be moved from place to place and is learning some manners.

I leave my Pionus free flighted in the winter and then clip his wings in the spring/summer so that I can bring him places without worrying about him flying off (as well as put a harness/flightsuit on him). I live in a colder climate so don't bring him outside or many places after fall starts turning cold.

 

[MikeyTN]

Depends on the bird and what you are going to be doing with him/her.

I have a very aggressive lovebird who's favorite thing is to fly to my fiance and give him a huge CHOMP because the poor guy will yell "oww". (drama reactions are the best!) heheheheee.... Needless to say, her wings are now clipped so everyone can be happy. I felt bad, she is an amazingly agile flier and I love to watch her. But for her safety and for my fiance's sanity - her wings will probably be clipped for a long time.

This has actually helped to calm her down a bit, as she now 'step-ups' politely to be moved from place to place and is learning some manners.

I leave my Pionus free flighted in the winter and then clip his wings in the spring/summer so that I can bring him places without worrying about him flying off (as well as put a harness/flightsuit on him). I live in a colder climate so don't bring him outside or many places after fall starts turning cold.

That's funny!!! My first Lovebird baby I raised was my personal attack bird. I get yelled at by my best friend cause he finds that bird annoying since he was attacking everyone. He attacks on my command...lol.... He flies to me nicely though....But I was forced to clip him cause my friend who was also my roommate wasn't having it at that time...I do miss that lovebird....

 

[Pionus]

That's funny!!! My first Lovebird baby I raised was my personal attack bird. I get yelled at by my best friend cause he finds that bird annoying since he was attacking everyone. He attacks on my command...lol.... He flies to me nicely though....But I was forced to clip him cause my friend who was also my roommate wasn't having it at that time...I do miss that lovebird....

Exactly! I admire her spirit. An ittle birdie that i doubt weighs 40 grams attacking a 140 pound person. She also attacks my small dog and I'm sure if I let the cats near her, she'd give them a run for their money! Maybe I'll buy a sign "Attack Bird" and put it near her cage?

 

[Von1983]

As has been said, it is a very personal choice.

Evening up the wings for now is essential so there are no accidents!

My bird is flighted because of my setup. I have 2 dogs a cat and a bunny so I must seperate Cal from the first 3 when she is out of her cage.

I will be honest and say if she was my only pet, I would have her wings clipped. This is because I have read too many horror stories of people forgetting the bird is on their shoulder, going outside, the bird gets startled and flies away.

It sounds unbelievable to forget a bird is on your shoulder but it is so very easily done once you get accustomed to the weight.

Cal sits with me while we watch TV or on the comp etc and if I get engrossed or she falls asleep, I genuinely can forget she is there!

Frankie will let you know what is best for him in due course

 

[Maighen]

Thank you everyone! I'm still doing some reading about the pros and cons of clipping....would it be less stressful for Frankie if I clipped is wings so they are equal or better to have a professional do it?

 

[HRH Di]

I agree that it's a very personal choice so don't let anyone make you feel guilty regardless of what you decide. I also agree that you need to get his unclipped wing clipped to match the other and definitely have a professional do it.

All 3 of our birds are fully flighted. We are very careful with open doors and ceiling fans.

Remember, clipping isn't permanent and it can help with the bonding and training of a new bird. Another thing to remember is a happy and unstressed YOU helps t have a happy unstressed fid, so using it to get to know each other can be a good thing.

 

[Maighen]

I agree that it's a very personal choice so don't let anyone make you feel guilty regardless of what you decide. I also agree that you need to get his unclipped wing clipped to match the other and definitely have a professional do it.

All 3 of our birds are fully flighted. We are very careful with open doors and ceiling fans.

Remember, clipping isn't permanent and it can help with the bonding and training of a new bird. Another thing to remember is a happy and unstressed YOU helps t have a happy unstressed fid, so using it to get to know each other can be a good thing.

Thank you! I have been calling around....explaining the situation and trying to find the best fit for myself and for Frankie! A lot of places I have called are not able to handle such an untrusting bird. But there are a couple I am considering!

 

[MikeyTN]

Just like what was said above. Its really up to you don't let anyone else tell you what to do. I don't clip because I had too many birds that will chew on them pretty bad all the way to the wing where the feather never grew back. There are things for you to consider what's best for your bird, if he doesn't chew on it, go for it.

 

[Maighen]

Just like what was said above. Its really up to you don't let anyone else tell you what to do. I don't clip because I had too many birds that will chew on them pretty bad all the way to the wing where the feather never grew back. There are things for you to consider what's best for your bird, if he doesn't chew on it, go for it.

I am just extremely worried that if he has the ability to fly he will hurt himself trying to get away from me or my husband. I know he can hurt himself clipped also....but right now he jumps from the cage and kind of flutters to the floor....if he has the ability to fly I am worried he will crash into walls....windows...doors...etc.

 

[MikeyTN]

Just like what was said above. Its really up to you don't let anyone else tell you what to do. I don't clip because I had too many birds that will chew on them pretty bad all the way to the wing where the feather never grew back. There are things for you to consider what's best for your bird, if he doesn't chew on it, go for it.

I am just extremely worried that if he has the ability to fly he will hurt himself trying to get away from me or my husband. I know he can hurt himself clipped also....but right now he jumps from the cage and kind of flutters to the floor....if he has the ability to fly I am worried he will crash into walls....windows...doors...etc.

My Cockatoo learned to fly around pretty good but she rather craw around then to fly. My macaw flew 3 times in the past 7 years, all towards me. He crawls around more then trying to fly. My Cockatiels flies on top of their cage or sit on our shoulders. If your afriad he will hurt himself, its better for you to clip. I have mine trained pretty good.

 

[wildheart]

I am just extremely worried that if he has the ability to fly he will hurt himself trying to get away from me or my husband. I know he can hurt himself clipped also....but right now he jumps from the cage and kind of flutters to the floor....if he has the ability to fly I am worried he will crash into walls....windows...doors...etc.

You are really stressing too much. By the time Frankie's feathers has grown out he will not be running away from you any more! Use this time to build trust and bond with him. As soon as he does not see you as a threat he will stop running, crashing etc.

 

[Erithacus]

African Greys are smart. They don't crash into door, mirror or window all the times. They'll learn from experience. Mine was a clumsy flier when she learned how to fly. Now she is a great flier and can maneuver in every corners of the house. A flighted bird can fly away from danger.

 

[Maighen]

I am just extremely worried that if he has the ability to fly he will hurt himself trying to get away from me or my husband. I know he can hurt himself clipped also....but right now he jumps from the cage and kind of flutters to the floor....if he has the ability to fly I am worried he will crash into walls....windows...doors...etc.

You are really stressing too much. By the time Frankie's feathers has grown out he will not be running away from you any more! Use this time to build trust and bond with him. As soon as he does not see you as a threat he will stop running, crashing etc.

I suppose you are right! I'm a new mommy to Frankie and I think a little over protective

 

[MikeyTN]

We all are over protective of our babies!!!