Wing Clipping Parrots
Wing clipping parrots is probably one of the most controversial subjects that can bring emotions to the surface.
Firstly, our views on this subject: We are against wing clipping as a general procedure, just for the sake of clipping. None of our parrots are clipped, that is our choice. However, if you choose not to have clipped birds you must always be aware of doors, windows and other hazards around the home. Some parrot owners have their birds clipped with out good reason, they may feel more in control, they want to dominate the bird and cannot be bothered to train the bird so they can remain fully flighted.
We have many doors that we have to make sure are kept closed, windows are not open unless all our parrots are secure in their cages. Safety has to be a big issue.
We are not here to force our opinions on anyone, we can however put forward the advantages (as believed by those who choose to clip a bird) and the disadvantages of wing clipping. It is then up to you to decide for yourself what option is best for your lifestyle and most iportantly your bird. Consider all the options and don't rush into any decision.
Disadvantages:-
1. Wing clipping can lead to a severe injury to your bird, especially if it is not done correctly
2. The stress of clipping a bird can trigger feather plucking and a severe change in their behaviour.
3. Wing clipping does not prevent a bird escaping, clipping can give a false sense of security. Flight feathers grow back quickly allowing flight in some birds.
4. It can damage a bird physically and psychologically.
5. It can result in infections
6. Your bird might not get the exercise he needs, exercise allows a bird to stay fit.
7. Clipping the wings of young birds can prevent the pectoral muscles from developing properly.
8. Your bird may not be able to escape from other pets, such as cats and dogs.
Advantages:
Unfortunately, we cannot list the advantages of having a bird clipped, we can put forward some reasons some owners choose to clip their birds:
1. Owners of clipped birds believe they are making their bird more safe, safe from escape, from harzards within the home, from attacking people, and to enable them to train the bird properly.
2. To prevent injury to their birds
If you have read this far you may already find a few contradictions. Both owners, those who clip and those who don't, completely believe they are doing right by their birds.
The best advice we can offer if you choose to have your bird clipped is to make sure you do not attempt to do this yourself. Always take your bird to a trained Avian vet to carry out a clip. We may personally be against wing clipping, but each parrot owner has to evaluate their own living situation and it is better to have a parrot lightly clipped than keep a parrot locked inside the cage for long periods.
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