Clipping Wings: Traumatic?

[JosephN79]

I have 2 GCCs. Theyre about 2 years old, siblings from the same clutch.

One has gotten out before (Last July), but I was fortunate enough to locate him (I say him for the sake of not saying "IT" ) by bringing his brother out in a cage and luring him down from the tree he was in. Luckily they called out to each other and that's how I located him once he flew out, like 5 houses down . . .

The weather is changing, we have 6 people in this house and plenty of windows and doors opening and closing. I am seriously considering clipping their wings. Actually, ive decided to do it to some degree at least.

My question is: How traumatic is it for them to have their wings clipped after being flighted all their life, albeit a short 2-year long one?

They are in my room 90% of the time, I had them in their cage outside a few times since weather has changed. They basically own the bedroom and every now and then they'll get the "zoomies" and fly around the room in a frenzy. I know theyre having a blast!

I would like to have them clipped to where they can still fly around the room enough to get onto the shelves and to their spots (6 foot shelves), but not enough to fly far at all if they would happen to get out.

I feel bad making this decision, but would feel terrible if they got out. Do they "get over it" after a while? I'm super empathetic when it comes to my conures, I definitely want them to be happy, but id hate to see them get out also . . . I expect them to be mad at me after I do this lol

Thanks for reading and for any advice . . .

 

[riaria]

It's very traumatic - imagine someone suddenly tying your feet together when you're trying to walk!

But even more importantly, clipped birds can still fly (unless their wings are completely mutilated), especially outside when there's a breeze. So you'd still have to just as vigilant with not keeping windows open, and if they did get outside, it wouldn't take much for them to disappear. And once they're gone, because they lack the ability to fly properly, they'd be even more at risk of not being able to fly back home, predators, environmental dangers, etc.

To conclude, regardless of what someone thinks about wing clipping (as you can tell I'm very much against it), it simply doesn't work in keeping the bird "safer". Just creates a false sense of security.

 

[JosephN79]

Thank you for your reply

I'm not clipping them so I can be more lax in having windows and doors shut. I didn't mean to misconstrue my point. I'd always be vigilant about them being shut. Nothing would change there, just a little precaution with the warmer seasons coming up, since one got out before.

I do understand what you're saying, though. I'll take it into consideration with any other advice

Thanks again!

 

[JerseyWendy]

Joseph, I will direct you to a thread where wing clipping is discussed at great length, with some fantastic links, clips and information.

http://www.parrotforums.com/questions-answers/51221-pros-cons-clipping-wings.html

 

[JosephN79]

I've read up on the threads, and I think ill keep them flighted for now. When the one got out, it was my fault and I know the mistake I made. Since then, I ALWAYS have at least 2 barriers between them and the outside. In my room I have screens in, but I only leave the window open a couple inches to let air in. I don't even think they realize that's even a way out.

If they ever did get out, which they wont unless theres a HUGE lapse in security...id feel terrible losing them. But, they love to fly and have fun zooming around the room. Theyre still pretty tame with me even flighted, were bonded very well.

Ill keep them how they are for now.

Thanks

Joe

 

[thekarens]

It really is a matter of weighing the pros versus cons. Glad you were able to make a happy decision.

 

[JosephN79]

Yeah.. I could really go either way.. I will just stay strict with the doors and windows... We haven't even had any close cals since they got out once... I'm a real zealot when it comes to keeping things shut anyway so. Lol. I talked to my wife so were on the same page with the decision ..