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Post by quakermomma on Jan 9, 2005 23:31:14 GMT -7
Ok guys, sorry to put out so many posts tonight, but both my toddlers went to bed at the same time so I've a bit of time to spare right now!  My CAG Arthur (4 yrs old) has always had his wings clipped, and I don't believe his breeder ever allowed him to learn to fly. After reading the earlier post on whether or not to clip wings, I got to wondering. I don't have any reason to keep clipping his wings other than that is how he has always been. We let him roam around the house at will and only lock him in the cage at night. Do you think he might be able to learn to fly at this age if I let his flight feathers grow in? Is there anything I could do to help him learn? I'd love for him to be able to have the option of flight. Any of you have experience with this? Suggestions? Thanks! -Faith |
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Post by Jane on Jan 10, 2005 1:26:59 GMT -7
Faith
I don't see any reason why he wouldn't be able to learn to fly although it might take him a while to realise at some point that he could. Does he flap his wings at all? This would keep his flight muscles exercised. Monty can't fly because he can't grow flight feathers, but he flaps his wings a lot, he can jump and flutter about and he is very strong. Mitzi, on the other hand, isn't clipped but she rarely flies. (Many parrots prefer to climb around rather than fly even if they have the choice, as flying uses up a lot of energy.)
As he has never flown, one problem would be landing as this is a skill baby birds have to learn, also you have to be careful with windows and mirrors.
Jane
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tammy
Just Hatched
Joined: December 2010
Posts: 0
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Post by tammy on Jan 10, 2005 19:49:14 GMT -7
My daughter loves to hold onto Zazzy's feet while he's perched on her hand and run up and down the hall with him while his wings are madly flapping the whole time as if he's flying and he LOVES it, I think it's good exercise for him too! (Zazzy's wings are clipped also) You could give that a try...if he doesn't think you've suddenly "gone mad"!!! lol
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Post by quakermomma on Jan 10, 2005 22:09:38 GMT -7
I'm thinking we may just let Arthur's wings grow out this time. He does flap his wings alot already - on the swing and to flutter to the floor and explore so hopefully it won't be too hard for him. Just wondering, for all of you with flighted parrots - do your birds get into and chew everything when they're left free? We leave Arthur's cage unlocked all day and usually he stays on it or on one of the bouncy perches hanging above it. My only worry with letting him learn to fly is that he'd have access to all the "forbiddens" in the house. He particularly loves electrical cords - how do you keep your birds safe?
-Faith
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Post by Jane on Jan 11, 2005 1:16:03 GMT -7
Mitzi would choose to walk and climb to anything she particularly wanted rather than flying, if she wasn't being supervised that is. If Arthur isn't exploring too much now I don't think he would necessarily change his behaviour once he could fly because a determined parrot will always get to the "forbiddens" somehow! The room they are in is as parrot safe as possible and they don't have unlimited access to the rest of the house.
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Preston
Super Talker
NEED HELP? WE WILL ANSWER AS FAST AS WE CAN (Note: Preston passed away in 2012. We hold his memories dearly, he was a great person and super moderator.)
Sisika and Pete
Joined: January 2005
Posts: 5,912
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Post by Preston on Jan 11, 2005 15:31:35 GMT -7
The key is supervision. When we leave the office for any length of time the birds go back in their cages. Pete had a think for wires, but I kept saying "no wires" everytime he headed for one. He now starts out to get one and stopes himself saying "no wires". Jane is right about them wanting everything they can't have, and will try everything to get it.
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