Conure aggression please help we are giving up

[Anansi]

I believe that some of the opposing viewpoints here aren't necessarily mutually exclusive. Michael is saying that declawing a cat is different from clipping a bird's wing in that declawing is an inherently permanent and irreversible tactic, whereas a bird's flight feathers actually can grow back.

This is true.

However, Rosembers point is that clipping does have a point in common with declawing in that both measures modify "an animal from its natural state."

This also is true.

You won't find either declawed cats or clipped birds in nature (ostriches and kakapos notwithstanding). So whether you're for clipping or against it, it's obviously not natural.

Allee expanded on Rosember's position by pointing out that clipping CAN be as permanently crippling to a bird as declawing is to a cat, depending on the circumstances. A bird clipped before fledging will likely be permanently affected by the procedure. The same is true of a bird given a bad clip, be it wings clipped unevenly or too short. "Butcher jobs" can forever damage a bird's confidence in his/her ability to fly, or cause more direct harm by causing said bird to either fly into walls or objects, or plummet to the ground.

Point is, similarities can be drawn. But one cannot be de facto equated to the other, as the effects of declawing are always irreversible... and the effects of wing clipping are only irreversible dependent upon the circumstances.

That said, I personally don't clip. But I also don't begrudge those who do.

And Rosember, I honestly don't think Michael was trying to hurt your feelings. He speaks bluntly, true, and those unused to the very direct nature of his words may well take offense. But to those who know his straightforward nature for what it is, his unfiltered candor becomes something to be appreciated... whether or not they agree with the point being made. Know what I mean?

I agreed wholeheartedly with Chantal's point that we get back to the OP's original question, but I really didn't want to leave all of that unaddressed.

Newsunmommy, while I do believe clipping would be the easier way to curb your bird's behaviors, I don't personally view it as the optimal solution. Like Rosember and Allee, I see it as the very last resort. Especially since some birds become psychologically damaged by the experience. (Doesn't always happen, I know. But it CAN happen.)

While training a flighted bird with behavioral issues can be challenging and rather uniquely frustrating, it IS possible. It's just harder is all.

But in my opinion, worth every moment of aggravation.

Please keep us updated, however, whichever path you ultimately choose.

 

[Skittys_Daddy]

I am personally of the mindset that you should always try training/taming them while they are flighted. Yes, it is more work - but the more you work with a bird, the more you are likely to form a bond. You're also more likely to appreciate each other by doing it that way.

You are going to have to do many things over the course of your life with your fid that are going to be exhausting, expensive and frustrating. It's a responsibility we take on when we become farronts. But if we react properly and responsibly with each choice we make regarding our fids, the rewards we will reap are beyond measure and too many to count.

There is always a solution to any and every issue that will arise with our fids, but finding that solution is not always clear. Nor is it always what we want or expect.

 

[MikeyTN]

Not keep on bashing your comparison, just stating the facts. As your replying in doing the same!

If we agree to disagree then there shouldn't be an issue. I set up my home to do rescue years ago as you have lots to learn if you just started.

Shame on you! You are obviously insecure and trying to hurt my feelings and I'm sorry for you. I actually have 14 years of experience with birds. Not that I even should need to defend myself with that. And you know what? EVERY SINGLE PARROT OWNER will ALWAYS have more to learn. Because all birds are different and what works for some may not work for others and there's always more information and new experiences we can all learn from.
Wing clipping is the same as declawing a cat. It is modifying an animal from its natural state. Doesn't matter if it's 'permanent' or 'temporary'. And if wing clipping is done for the sole purpose of making an animal 'more convenient' for its human guardian to live with, I think that is wrong.

Like it or not, I am entitled to my opinion. As you are to yours. But what you're NOT entitled to is to use this forum to be mean to people. Clearly that was your intention with your comments. That's ridiculous. Clearly, you have a lot to learn about respect and decency. It is inappropriate for you to try to force something onto anyone, and do it rudely, especially something that is merely your opinion. Enough already. I am confused as to why you feel the need to be so mean and try to bash me about having a lot to learn. Why are you part of this parrot forum community then? And as a "super moderator" I am even more confused by your rudeness. I'm sorry it bothers you so much that people have different opinions about something, but that is something only YOU can fix with YOU. We are not robots and we all have our own VALID feelings to share. That should not be such a bother to you. And as I said before, if what we do is done out of love and the best interest of our birds, then we have done right.

I wish you peace and love in your life

Like it was pointed out by Stephen that I am blunt and forward. I say it just the way it is without filtering anything. When you start pointing fingers as well, your doing the same. I'm not being rude, I'm just being honest and forward. Your stating your opinions as am I. You don't like it, then don't reply. Simple as that. But please don't point fingers and start calling names!!! IF you had read what I've replied, I said I DON'T disagree with everything you've said but the only thing I was disagreeing was the declaw of cats comparison. I own 4 cats and I watched the video on what happened with declawed cats and it was very hurtful. I'm impartial with wing clipping as I stand in the middle. BUT I don't ever push my feelings about clipping wings is wrong onto others.

I've said it before, wing clipping is a strong subject to be discussed here within the forum. That's part of the reason why it usually gets the thread closed.

I'm giving reality advice to those that needs it like I've always have but I do not sugar coat, to me that's lying. You either like me or you don't.

End of story, should we move on?

 

[MikeyTN]

To the OP,

Sorry this thread got derailed, please let us know what you've decide to do and what the results are!!! Thank you!!!

 

[MikeyTN]

Cockatoo Love Story - A Tale of Two Cockies

Thought I share this again to show life can move on even with a broken wing. It doesn't hinder anything.

 

[miloslave]

Newsunmommy, is it only when you take her out for flight when she does this, or will she start biting when you are just having her sit with you while watching tv for example? If it is only while taking her outside for flight and adventure, she might get over stimulated and that be what is causing this. I have noticed with my bird, if I put his harnass on and we go outside for adventure, I have about 20 minutes before he will start biting at the harnass, as if to say..that is enough adventure for one day, get this thing off me. Some might help me right, but I think training is also recommend to last about 15 to 20 minutes max....maybe that is just the time it takes for our bird to get to the point of...ok, done that now, NEXT!

If it also happens when just chilling with her, I agree it might be hormones, she might be at that age when things are very confusing for little birds, lol. Someone who knows conures might be able to tell us at what age they reach sexual maturity.

If you know that you have around 20 minutes before she gets all huffy puffy, try to limit the time spent out to 15 minutes at a time maybe.

Good luck!