wing clipping

[Regan]

Ok. I know this will be controversial so please no nasty comments.
I have an alexandrine who is just over a year old. I have had her since she was 10 weeks old (around about). Was aviary bred so didn't like humans. over the year I've been working with her over that time and we have accomplished a lot. but have been at a standstill for the last month or two. I have come to the conclusion of clipping her wings. I thought a lot about it and decided to go with. 1, so she can't fly off when she doesn't want to do something (or something is too scary). I have been trying to work on things for a while and she will take non of it. and 2. so she can come out the main room and interact where she can no longer run into windows. she's already started to be more social with me.
my plan isn't to do it forever but long enough that she becomes more settled.
I feel terrible because she hasn't figure out she can't fly now. through experience how long has it taken for your bird to relax into the idea?
Once again... this wasn't an easy or sudden decision so no nasty comments please.

 

[NFFH]

What about a part clip? Leave the first two primaries and take the next three. They can still fly but gain no lift.

I run the gammit here with clips, partial, none, regrowth, ect
Every bird has a different personality and need.


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[GaleriaGila]

You are right... it's a really hot topic. I like NFFH's individualized approach. The Rickeybird is fully flighted and fearless, and I pay a heavy price of vigilance. Flight is so good for them, yet so potentially dangerous. Good for you for reaching out for input...

 

[jagrooten5]

Got my sister in law a budgie and that little bugger was flying all over the place. It was impossible to keep him in one place long enough to socialize him so I convinced her to do a clip just once so that he could get settled and tamed. Helped tremendously. I think that clipping is a great tool for new birds, even if you do intend on having them flighted.

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[davefv92c]

I also think it is a good thing and do when I first bring a bird home they are clipped to let them get a lay of their new land. after that I let them grow, now the 2 teils,U2,and Conure are back to full flight. the U2 was my biggest worry the size and all and worried about him hurting himself. well he is graceful as it can be when he decides to fly from one spot or another in the house. seems he gets around great with just a few flaps and a hop or two. he can hit my shoulder from the other side of the room if he see's me in the kitchen with some cheese.lol his favorite treat. the clipping can also help in the socializing of the bird as when they fly and hit the floor they will always need rescued , then is the time to get to working with them keep them away from their cage with you for short periods, but keep it in their sight.
should also help the bonding process.

 

[thekarens]

This topic has been hashed to death. I think if you do a forum search you'll find lots of good info and opinions on the subject.


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[JBassset]

Long and short it's a tool that some people use and some people don't.

From what I've seen most folks are ok with it if you do it for the right reasons but if it's just you being lazy folks get grumped about it.

Sounds to me like you've got a good reason to me. Most folks have said that if you clip, put them low so they're on or near the floor while they figure out that flight isn't an option anymore. That way they don't fall and hurt themselves because they take off from on high.

 

[Regan]

It's funny, she hates Visitors and if she's out when they walk through she panics and flys around (they are about 6m away from her cage). Now she sits and screeches. Thank you everyone! I've already noticed a big difference, she tolerates my mum and is now trying to check out and destroy what I'm doing.... That's never happened before

 

[Scott]

Ok. I know this will be controversial so please no nasty comments.
I have an alexandrine who is just over a year old. I have had her since she was 10 weeks old (around about). Was aviary bred so didn't like humans. over the year I've been working with her over that time and we have accomplished a lot. but have been at a standstill for the last month or two. I have come to the conclusion of clipping her wings. I thought a lot about it and decided to go with. 1, so she can't fly off when she doesn't want to do something (or something is too scary). I have been trying to work on things for a while and she will take non of it. and 2. so she can come out the main room and interact where she can no longer run into windows. she's already started to be more social with me.
my plan isn't to do it forever but long enough that she becomes more settled.
I feel terrible because she hasn't figure out she can't fly now. through experience how long has it taken for your bird to relax into the idea?
Once again... this wasn't an easy or sudden decision so no nasty comments please.

This is a safe-zone for exploring and sharing diverse opinions! IMO a light symmetrical clip may be of benefit. It really does change their behavior; just had to clip one of my Goffins because his aggression resulted in a bad bite to the beak by one of his brothers. The vet advocated a clip during recovery, and it has calmed him tremendously. I plan to let his wings regrow and keep him separated!

 

[Kyoto]

I haven't had to clip my conure but I did come close because of her behaviour towards my husband. With the new budgie he's a great flyer, but very timid of people because he was abused by children for the first 4 months of his life. I may find myself facing that decision again, but the nice thing about wing clipping is that they do eventually molt and get them back.

If I clip anyone it will all depend on how my conure is when the budgie is done quarantine. She is very aggressive, and if she really gives him a hard time I may have to clip her. He is also a foster, so I am intending to find him a forever home eventually... to get him to the point where I can handle him enough to do his vet visit may also require a clip.

As everyone stated, I think it really depends on the bird. I don't LIKE clipping, but there are times when it is a necessary evil.