Nike's getting clipped today

[bill_e]

Not for any of the reasons that I had been struggling over, but because she's so hormonal that she is constantly at my wife biting her neck and fingers. She went a bit crazy on me today but I had already decided to clip her last night after a biting session with my wife. Flighted, she will not stay on a perch and must be on one of our shoulders at all times. I don't mind but I wasn't the one getting bitten.

Last year she was like this at this time but she was clipped and I just didn't handle her much until it passed.

I feel bad about it but it needs to be done.

 

[SailBoat]

Each member needs to make the choice that best defines their reality. Its your choice dear friend, not mine, or anyone else.

Please assure that it is a limited clip that results in an assured safe glide to the floor and not the status of a 'dropped rock.'

 

[bill_e]

In the past I've had Nike clipped at the bird supply store where they do wings and nails for free if you spend $15 but this time I decided to go to my CAV. Cost was $19 which is basically free though the drive to him (similar to the bird store) is just over an hour.

The results are bittersweet. He left the two outside primaries and clipped the next 5 just below the cape. He guessed that was right for her size and weight.

So here's the bittersweet part, she still flies really well. If she's on one of her higher perches she can make my shoulder when I walk by or she can fly to the back of a chair. She won't be following us to the kitchen anymore

I'm hoping over the next couple of supervised days she'll give up on some of her annoying (to my wife) behavior so I can have a peaceful summer retirement.

The real upside was that she was an absolute sweetheart after the vet visit....I'm sure the hormones will be back tomorrow.

Just a point of interest, my vet spent the morning performing orthopedic surgery on a rescued raptor of some kind.

 

[bill_e]

Day two since her clipping. The CAV really didn't take off enough and she can still fly pretty well. Her mobility has been reduced and we can now move around the house without her constantly being on our shoulder but she has been able to go pretty far from high perch to lower perch in another room (her favorite plant stand).

She can gain a little altitude but that is unreliable and she is still missing a lot....hopefully she'll give up on those trips soon.

 

[wrench13]

Nike looks pretty determined to me Bill.

 

[Scott]

I had to do similar with Gabby, my sweetest and most tame Goffin. He became a hormonal terror last year. Our vet recommended a clip and suggested he'd be just fine long term. His demeanor immediately improved, his feathers have grown for flight, and he is as wonderful as ever!

 

[DiscoDuck]

Good info. It helps to read, what I may have to experience as my boy becomes an adult.. His changes are so subtle however because of that subtlety. I am sure of where this is likely going to head. Changing our current routine.. uhhh... A more subdued relationship.. not as often, as taking him outside for daily "walks".. Free flighting might/will need to wait.