Help

[kellie]

My brand new sun conure, Lukah has his wings clipped. His previous owner clipped them. I've had him for about four days and just a little while ago he got very upset, started screaming and clinging to his cage flapping his wings like crazy. After he quieted down, I let him climb onto my finger and took him around the house. He flew to the ground... or more of flapped to the ground cause he can't fly. he then walked around on the ground screaming and flapping his wings. He would look at things he wanted to fly to and then flap his wings and then get very upset when he didn't go anywhere.

I feel so bad for him! It makes me want to cry because I know he feels trapped since he's been stripped of his flight feathers.

Is he going to hate me for this? Is there anything I can do to make him feel more comfortable and less stressed about his lack of flight abilities?

Please help!
Kellie

 

[MikeyTN]

Conures have the tendency of flapping while screaming....Ones I used to have did it all the time....Just pick him off the floor when he does it and have him sit on you. He just needs time to get used to his new home and you. His feathers will grow back when he molts if you want him to fly again. BUT just be sure he won't get hurt while doing it in your house or fly out the open doors or windows. Cause it's highly likely once he's out, you may never find him again. So clipping is for the safety for the bird and you. I don't clip my adults but none of mine really flies around much. The only time they would fly off their cage or stand is to come to look for me if I step out of the room too long.

 

[weco]

Like Mikey said, conures can be drama queens sometimes.....

While he may be upset at having his pilot's license suspended, having to depend on you for his mobility, will give you a chance to work with him on training, where his independence (flighted) often draws training out longer than it should.....

Don't assume a clipped Lukah can't fly.....maybe not in the house with dead air, but let him get outside where a little breeze will give him just a little lift & you'll see how he can still fly, though with some difficulty.....

 

[kellie]

Thanks so much! You guys have made me feel way better. I know how dangerous and difficult having a bird with unclipped wings can be-- my first cockatiel flew away when I was in seventh grade and it was horrible. I just feel so bad for him! But after walking around on the floor for quite a bit, flapping and screaming, he eventually walked over to me, which I think is a good sign as he doesn't even like me all that much yet! haha

 

[crimson]

Try not to feel bad for him, like Weco said, he's temporarily grounded,lol.

it opens up a new world for them when they can't fly, one they are not accustomed to, and will rely on you to help them thru it