So I clipped Flander's wings...

[bitterknitter]

And the poor little bugger has stopped his screeching and screaming! As much as the neighbours appreciate it, I'm worried. We recently moved into an apartment and the front room, where we keep him, otherwise he'd be lonely all day, is joined to the kitchen that has no door. I was so concerned about him flying into the stove (because it takes ages for it to cool down), and he was flying into windows and walls, I thought that the best course of action to stop him getting hurt was to clip his wings.

And he's stopped his squeaks. He's turned very docile overnight. Before, he could be very nippy and very noisy (but still tame and babylike) but now he's not himself. He listens to step up very well and i'm currently potty training him, but he just doesn't seem himself.

Did we make the right decision? Will he cheer up? I've been giving him lots of love and treats (and more sleep time since the vet advised us to) but i'm still concerned. I almost miss the little bugger's tantrums!

 

[aliray]

I think the decision was a good one. How long ago did you clip them. It will probably take him a few days to adjust.

 

[javi]

How wide is the opening to the kitchen. You could create a barrier using sheer curtains or something

 

[thekarens]

The great thing is they can grow back.

 

[Kiwibird]

Of course he's not acting like himself, but that is OK and you have done nothing wrong. You clipped for the RIGHT reasons and he will adjust much easier to needing a little help getting around than he would to flying into the stove or wall.

 

[BoomBoom]

How wide is the opening to the kitchen. You could create a barrier using sheer curtains or something

I second this smart, simple solution. Something you should consider for next time.Your bird is probably in shock from the clip, give him a few days to bounce back

 

[MonicaMc]

Most people prefer the more "docile" behavior. Many people cannot handle having a flighted bird because they don't know how to work with a creature that has more "dimensions" than the human does. I agree, he's in shock and depending on his personality, he may 'bounce back', or remain calm and 'docile' until his flights grow back in.


The kitchen is not an ideal place to keep birds, due to the fumes associated with cooking. Are all your pans and appliances PTFE free?