OMG I just clipped Rascal's wings in a desperate measure to protect CooCoo'Nut...

[Tropical]

Today when I took CooCoo'Nut and Rascal to have their usual nail maintenance done I told the lady there about the problem I'm having with Rascal constantly having full blown panic attacks ever since I got 'Nut... this problem is so serious I went ahead and had her clip Rascal (TEMPORARILY) before he inadvertently kills or seriously injures 'Nut because 'Nut cannot handle it when Rascal flys around at lightning fast speed in full blown panic attack. 'Nut is still a baby and too inexperienced to handle Rascal's crazy ways.

... here's a vid... they both a had a long day and I must say Rascal looks a bit ticked off in this video?.. then again he always looks like that LOL He is almost 5 yrs old and has always been fully flighted. Poor thing. This is only temporary so he'll have to deal with it... he's super lazy anyway.

I am thankful 'Nut is still fully flighted though because he would go INSANE (I also would go insane) if he could not fly to release all that energy he has!

It is soooo NICE to be able to finally have them both out of the cage at the same time!

[ame="https://youtu.be/yp6aNWndAOI"]2 tired birds - YouTube[/ame]

 

[Taw5106]

Ha! I love how he's as far away as he can get from you but stay on your knee, lol. Definitely pouting.


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[Tropical]

Ha! I love how he's as far away as he can get from you but stay on your knee, lol. Definitely pouting.


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LOL... ya it looks like that for sure doesn't it. He's giving me that evil eye haha

This is literally the first time I have been able to have them both out of the cage at same time in many months! It is AWESOME. Hopefully this bliss will last... I'll know if this works or not once Rascal has his next panic attack. She gave him a serious clip... the CRAZY thing is that he has such strong muscles (from flying so much his entire life) he was still able to fly many feet one foot above the ground maintaining height... so I have a feeling it won't be long until he starts to fly again even though he is fully clipped especially when he has a panic attack and exerts extra force. I predict in one month he will be able to fly quite well again... not sure....

 

[AmyMyBlueFront]

Juliet, cockatiels are strong fliers regardless if being clipped. Even BB as a little baby with his baby feathers clipped,he was able to get a foot or so off the floor with his mad arm waving.

He still hasn't shown too much interest in zooming around the house,he prefers hitching rides on my shoulder


Jim

 

[Tropical]

Juliet, cockatiels are strong fliers regardless if being clipped. Even BB as a little baby with his baby feathers clipped,he was able to get a foot or so off the floor with his mad arm waving.

He still hasn't shown too much interest in zooming around the house,he prefers hitching rides on my shoulder


Jim

It's funny because it's been several hours and Rascal hasn't even tried to fly at all he's got better things to do like sleep of course he's so lazy!... whereas CooCoo'Nut has been flying all over the place like the wacko that he is

 

[GaleriaGila]

I second that idea about cockatiels being amazing fliers, as are Rickeybirds... they're both just so very light-bodied and such long, strong wings. Rascal will still get around. I think you made the right decision.

 

[Tropical]

I second that idea about cockatiels being amazing fliers, as are Rickeybirds... they're both just so very light-bodied and such long, strong wings. Rascal will still get around. I think you made the right decision.

Ya I HOPE so

I do think this will at least hinder Rascal enough to NOT be able to fly around for a really long time at full speed during a panic attack... as this is exactly what 'Nut cannot handle. 'Nut almost killed himself when Rascal had panic attack even when 'Nut was clipped... he really cannot handle it when Rascal goes NUTS. I'm hoping as 'Nut matures he eventually will be able to deal with it... so UNTIL then Rascal must remain a "cripple"... meaning his flying privileges have been revoked! Not that he cares that lazy bugger! :22:

I'm very against clipping... I did this because I strongly feel and know it is a life or death matter. I don't want anything to happen to 'Nut he is the sweetest bird I have ever known.

 

[Owlcallum]

I agree that clipping isn't the nicest thing. Eric came clipped at the pet store, but he still fly halfway across the store when he came out. Poor guy must of been in his cage too long. Anyway, I hope your birds get along better while he is clipped. Maybe it will care over.

 

[Tropical]

OMG!!! Clipping Rascal has worked I am so happy!! Things are sooooo much less STRESSFUL than they were before and now I'm no longer worried to death about 'Nut getting seriously injured because of Rascal's random panic attacks!!

I was eating breakfast and both Rascal and 'Nut were sitting on top of the cage which was right next to me and Rascal had a panic attack for NO reason... I saw the whole thing happen. He FREAKED out taking off like a lightning bolt but he didn't get very far at all... he very quickly remembered he cannot fly and this made his panic session last MUCH shorter time... usually his panic sessions would be extremely stressful to watch I would so super worried about 'Nut getting injured... but not anymore.

... since Rascal could not fly around in panic mode 'Nut just flew across the room and that was it.

I feel like what if I must keep Rascal clipped permanently... is this MEAN?? Only reason I ask is because I will NEVER clip 'Nut so Rascal will always see 'Nut flying when he cannot fly himself. 'Nut is EXTREMELY hyperactive and he flys so well now and NEEDS to fly he has way too much energy!!! I am also extremely against clipping for a myriad of reasons but was forced to clip Rascal because allowing only one bird out of the cage at a time was problematic. That is not something that would work long term.

HOPEFULLY 'Nut will mature and be able to handle Rascal going CRAZY so one day Rascal can fly again... I am just thinking "what if screnerio"...

 

[Loko]

OMG!!! Clipping Rascal has worked I am so happy!! Things are sooooo much less STRESSFUL than they were before and now I'm no longer worried to death about 'Nut getting seriously injured because of Rascal's random panic attacks!!

I was eating breakfast and both Rascal and 'Nut were sitting on top of the cage which was right next to me and Rascal had a panic attack for NO reason... I saw the whole thing happen. He FREAKED out taking off like a lightning bolt but he didn't get very far at all... he very quickly remembered he cannot fly and this made his panic session last MUCH shorter time... usually his panic sessions would be extremely stressful to watch I would so super worried about 'Nut getting injured... but not anymore.

... since Rascal could not fly around in panic mode 'Nut just flew across the room and that was it.

I feel like what if I must keep Rascal clipped permanently... is this MEAN?? Only reason I ask is because I will NEVER clip 'Nut so Rascal will always see 'Nut flying when he cannot fly himself. 'Nut is EXTREMELY hyperactive and he flys so well now and NEEDS to fly he has way too much energy!!! I am also extremely against clipping for a myriad of reasons but was forced to clip Rascal because allowing only one bird out of the cage at a time was problematic. That is not something that would work long term.

HOPEFULLY 'Nut will mature and be able to handle Rascal going CRAZY so one day Rascal can fly again... I am just thinking "what if screnerio"...

Glad everything is working out for you. Ive read cockatiels have "fright" issues but wow I did not know it was like this. I couldnt imagine Loco having a random panic attack.. he has his time during the day when he takes off and flies like a little fighter jet but not in panic, hes almost fearless. What does he get so wound up about? I think he needs a birdie xanax . I think the clip was a good decision and hopefully he learns to control himself a little better because doing so permanently would definitely not be something Id wanna do, especially with a lazy bird. Are there any triggers or signs that hes anxious and about to freak out? If so you can work with that to discourage or redirect this behavior into something less dangerous for coocoo. If its a behavioral issue in the sense that this is his (possibly learned) reaction to whatever anxiety or trigger, then it is definitely something that can be helped and I would think a clipping would get the point across. If hes having legitimate clinical panic attacks then thats another story, because it would indicate somewhat of a lack of self control. In that case Im not sure clipping would do anything other than prevent injury, you would probably need to prevent the attacks from happening in the first place. Just my speculation. I hope it gets better though, let us know!

 

[Tropical]

OMG!!! Clipping Rascal has worked I am so happy!! Things are sooooo much less STRESSFUL than they were before and now I'm no longer worried to death about 'Nut getting seriously injured because of Rascal's random panic attacks!!

I was eating breakfast and both Rascal and 'Nut were sitting on top of the cage which was right next to me and Rascal had a panic attack for NO reason... I saw the whole thing happen. He FREAKED out taking off like a lightning bolt but he didn't get very far at all... he very quickly remembered he cannot fly and this made his panic session last MUCH shorter time... usually his panic sessions would be extremely stressful to watch I would so super worried about 'Nut getting injured... but not anymore.

... since Rascal could not fly around in panic mode 'Nut just flew across the room and that was it.

I feel like what if I must keep Rascal clipped permanently... is this MEAN?? Only reason I ask is because I will NEVER clip 'Nut so Rascal will always see 'Nut flying when he cannot fly himself. 'Nut is EXTREMELY hyperactive and he flys so well now and NEEDS to fly he has way too much energy!!! I am also extremely against clipping for a myriad of reasons but was forced to clip Rascal because allowing only one bird out of the cage at a time was problematic. That is not something that would work long term.

HOPEFULLY 'Nut will mature and be able to handle Rascal going CRAZY so one day Rascal can fly again... I am just thinking "what if screnerio"...

Glad everything is working out for you. Ive read cockatiels have "fright" issues but wow I did not know it was like this. I couldnt imagine Loco having a random panic attack.. he has his time during the day when he takes off and flies like a little fighter jet but not in panic, hes almost fearless. What does he get so wound up about? I think he needs a birdie xanax . I think the clip was a good decision and hopefully he learns to control himself a little better because doing so permanently would definitely not be something Id wanna do, especially with a lazy bird. Are there any triggers or signs that hes anxious and about to freak out? If so you can work with that to discourage or redirect this behavior into something less dangerous for coocoo. If its a behavioral issue in the sense that this is his (possibly learned) reaction to whatever anxiety or trigger, then it is definitely something that can be helped and I would think a clipping would get the point across. If hes having legitimate clinical panic attacks then thats another story, because it would indicate somewhat of a lack of self control. In that case Im not sure clipping would do anything other than prevent injury, you would probably need to prevent the attacks from happening in the first place. Just my speculation. I hope it gets better though, let us know!

Rascal is almost 5 years old I've had him since he was 2 months old. He NEVER EVER had any panic attacks like this during the day (NEVER not even ONCE) until I got a second tiel (Coconut) about 4 months ago and ever since he has them often!! Just having another tiel in the house is what is triggering Rascal to be on "higher alert" and/or more on "edge" more "alert"... Rascal has always been a neurotic bird though (referring to constant night frights until I started having him sleep in fish tank next to me all night). I won't keep him clipped forever because it's not healthy... he needs proper exercise which he definitely is not going to get being a "cripple" unable to fly. I am hopeful though that 'Nut will eventually be able to handle Rascal's crazy ways when 'Nut grows up.... but for now Rascal being clipped was a must and it's protecting CooCoo'Nut

 

[Allee]

Juliet, I respect every bird owners choice to clip or not to clip so I will not argue with your decision but poor Rascal looks so sad. I know all birds are individuals and like us have their personality quirks but I have yet to meet a single psychotic cockatiel or a cockatiel that suffers from neurosis. My cockatiel is easily the sweetest natured bird in my flock although my Umbie runs a close second.

My Sweet Pea was seriously traumatized after spending the first months of her life in terrible conditions. She had classic night frights, thrashing to the point of injuring herself. We covered the top of her cage at night and we left a night light near her cage, her night frights soon ended, after that if she does startle, she quickly recovers.

Just a friendly suggestion, I think I would rethink the fish tank, I can't think of any scenario where that would be helpful other than a temporary place to care for an ill bird. If it looks like Rascal and Coconut will never be able to live in harmony under the same roof or within the same four walls perhaps it is time to consider rehoming one of them. If you have no other pets in the house would it not be simple to keep the two of them separated?

 

[Tropical]

Juliet, I respect every bird owners choice to clip or not to clip so I will not argue with your decision but poor Rascal looks so sad. I know all birds are individuals and like us have their personality quirks but I have yet to meet a single psychotic cockatiel or a cockatiel that suffers from neurosis. My cockatiel is easily the sweetest natured bird in my flock although my Umbie runs a close second.

My Sweet Pea was seriously traumatized after spending the first months of her life in terrible conditions. She had classic night frights, thrashing to the point of injuring herself. We covered the top of her cage at night and we left a night light near her cage, her night frights soon ended, after that if she does startle, she quickly recovers.

Just a friendly suggestion, I think I would rethink the fish tank, I can't think of any scenario where that would be helpful other than a temporary place to care for an ill bird. If it looks like Rascal and Coconut will never be able to live in harmony under the same roof or within the same four walls perhaps it is time to consider rehoming one of them. If you have no other pets in the house would it not be simple to keep the two of them separated?

I tried EVERYTHING, and I do mean EVERYTHING but Rascal's night frights nearly killed him (literally) more than once and they were happening constantly (I know others here who have tiels who have experienced the same and one of them also has a tiel who sleeps in a fish tank for his safety). In fact, my vet insists and only allows Rascal to be boarded in an "incubator" (they have glass cubicle that is basically a fish tank he stays in) if I must leave town. He will now sleep in the fish tank every night next to my bed for rest of his life. He LOVES sleeping in the tank and I love it too because it solved the night fright issues (he has been sleeping in a fish tank for over 2 years now). Obviously, he is not in the tank at all during the day... only to sleep in it at night. He sings and chuckles when it's bed time and I put him in the tank... he really likes it in there whereas before bed time was a NIGHTMARE and he was a monster and it was stresssful due to never knowing when the next night fright would happen. I have had tiels my whole life... almost 40 yrs old here... and I have never had such a problem as I do with Rascal before. Thankfully the tank fixed the night frights.

Rascal is not sad... he's actually very happy now he gets to be outside of the cage all the time like he used to. He's a super laid back very lazy bird and his favorite thing to do is to sit on my thigh as I work on my lap top. He is not "sad" because he is clipped... unlike 'Nut, Rascal does not fly all over the place on his own will.

Right now everything is great and I will regroup once 'Nut has grown up (he's still a young baby) and will then see if 'Nut still cannot handle it when Rascal panics and then I'll proceed from there my next step.... they are perfectly fine together EXCEPT for the fact that 'Nut cannot handle it when Rascal panics... as mentioned I'm hoping eventually 'Nut will be able to handle it when he grows up... hopefully Rascal can be fully flighted then... if not then I'm in trouble.

 

[gracebowen]

You might also try a baby clip. If it doesnt work you can always finish the clip. Next time hes clipped you could try letting him have 2 more feathers than he has now.

 

[Tangie]

Personally, I think you are doing everything right for everyone involved. In order to save Coconut's life, clipping Rascal's wings is best. Yes, he may have to adjust a little, but personally, he will get over it. It does not have to be permanent, and in the end, after everything is adjusted, things may just calm down!

Rascal will soon learn that panicking, and then trying to fly will do him no good, and maybe in time that will teach him not to fly when he panics.

I understand your concern with the whole excercise thing as well. Maybe perhaps just integrate walking and climbing more often than usual? Have him walk to things, or make a little play area with rope and seagrass mats with his favorite things?

With the night frights, did you try lowering the amount of toys/perches there were if he ever had any again? I don't remember his story that well, so I forget if you mentioned any of this. Did you have a night light on for him? Not a tiny white one, but a 'warm glow' that illuminated the whole room a little? White noise seemed to help Kiko with his. I know a few people that have their parrots in aquariums during the night for a variety of reasons, and if Rascal enjoys it, then so be it!

I think your doing an amazing job, and making the best decisions for the circumstances. And like I said before, clipping his wings for a little while is perfectly fine! It will protect another's life, and you can find other ways for him to exercise!

 

[Tropical]

Personally, I think you are doing everything right for everyone involved. In order to save Coconut's life, clipping Rascal's wings is best. Yes, he may have to adjust a little, but personally, he will get over it. It does not have to be permanent, and in the end, after everything is adjusted, things may just calm down!

Rascal will soon learn that panicking, and then trying to fly will do him no good, and maybe in time that will teach him not to fly when he panics.

I understand your concern with the whole excercise thing as well. Maybe perhaps just integrate walking and climbing more often than usual? Have him walk to things, or make a little play area with rope and seagrass mats with his favorite things?

With the night frights, did you try lowering the amount of toys/perches there were if he ever had any again? I don't remember his story that well, so I forget if you mentioned any of this. Did you have a night light on for him? Not a tiny white one, but a 'warm glow' that illuminated the whole room a little? White noise seemed to help Kiko with his. I know a few people that have their parrots in aquariums during the night for a variety of reasons, and if Rascal enjoys it, then so be it!

I think your doing an amazing job, and making the best decisions for the circumstances. And like I said before, clipping his wings for a little while is perfectly fine! It will protect another's life, and you can find other ways for him to exercise!

Thanks, I'm very happy and relieved I clipped Rascal There is no doubt that 'Nut was in big trouble otherwise... it was definitely another serious accident waiting to happen. I had more than just one huge scare. I thought the first incident was just a "freak accident"... but no... 'Nut really just cannot handle it when Rascal panics.

I used to have Rascal sleep in a small 17 inch travel cage hoping it would be less "scary" than his HUGE cage... but regardless of which cage he was in the night frights continued. I tried covering cage, covering only half the cage, not covering cage at all... toys... without toys... night lights were not bright enough unfortunately... and even leaving the light on completely didn't work, TV on, TV off, radio on etc. I literally tried everything yet he would continue to have chronic night frights... emergency vet visits and huge bills... it was HORRIBLE. What finally worked was having him sleep next to me all night in the fish tank for at least the past 2 yrs and he hasn't had a single night fright ever since

He loves being able to see me all night, it comforts him... but I must admit I'm going to try having him sleep in a tiny cage next to me all night instead of that fish tank because I would rather not have that ugly fish tank in my small bedroom anymore. I tried that last month but he really loves that stupid fish tank! ... he wouldn't stop climbing and climbing on the bars... he would only go to sleep in that stupid fish tank!

 

[Loko]

I see you mentioned he did not start panicking in the day until CooCoo came around. Is it because the younger bird is active that sets him off? I would think that if this started when he came, then seperating them would remove the issue. I know that may not be so easy, but I have heard of people who had multiple cockatiels having night frights, then upon moving them apart for the night it completely stopped., have you tried putting them in different rooms at night? Like each cage in a totally different room? You may not need a fish tank if their cages are far enough apart that they cant see or hear eachother. As for the day time, thats a little bit more challenging but you may just have to keep them in different rooms and rotate them. Not sure if you have a bird room but if you dont want them caged you can leave one of them out to roam around in a safe room, and have one with you, then switch every while.

 

[Terry57]

I see you mentioned he did not start panicking until CooCoo came around. Is it because the younger bird is active that sets him off? I would think that if this started when he came, then seperating them would remove the issue. I know that may not be so easy, but I have heard of people who had multiple cockatiels having night frights, then upon moving them apart for the night it completely stopped. Im not sure if he has these attacks during the day, but have you tried putting them in different rooms at night? Like each cage in a totally different room? You may not need a fish tank if their cages are far enough apart that they cant see or hear eachother. As for the day time, thats a little bit more challenging but you may just have to keep them in different rooms and rotate them. Not sure if you have a bird room but if you dont want them caged you can leave one of them out to roam around in a safe room, and have one with you, then switch every while.

I think it's a great idea to separate them, or give them separate time outs...We have many birds who can't be out at the same time, and we do just what you mentioned..we rotate the times they are out. It is more work on us, but works perfectly for the birds

 

[Tropical]

'Nut and Rascal have never been in the same room to sleep at night. 'Nut never does anything to set Rascal off... even when 'Nut is literally just sleeping or sitting still preening himself or eating Rascal will have panic attack for NO reason. I have winessed it several times with my own eyes.

For me having to give separate out of cage times would not work in the long run. I was doing it for the past few months and I am super relieved I don't have to do it anymore since I got Rascal clipped. I do not believe in keeping a bird locked up in a cage... one bird would always be screaming his head off while the other as out (soon I am moving into tiny one bedroom condo). Plus, Rascal is almost 5 yrs old and has NEVER been locked in a cage unless I have to leave the house... I work from home and he is used to always being out of the cage with me... it's not fair to him that since 'Nut is so high strung and requires a lot more attention that now Rascal rots inside a cage for many hours during the day. That arrangement does not work. I can understand having to separate 2 different species of birds but having to leave one tiel locked up in a cage just to let the other tiel out is crazy.

I would rather have Rascal clipped... he is so happy to finally have his normal routine back and be able to sit on me all day (he's a major velcro bird)... he's also lazy... he didn't even use to fly unless I made him. Sometime in the future I will have Rascal flighted again and will monitor how things go... but I suspect 'Nut will continue to mature and this problem will be in the past. Hopefully

 

[Terry57]

Actually, I have 2 tiels that come out at different times, and I do not find it crazy at all.