Post by Jane on Sept 2, 2005 8:05:47 GMT -7
There is no right or wrong answer with regard to wing clipping; it has to be a personal decision based on circumstances, potential hazards in the home (windows, mirrors ceiling fans etc.) and individual choice.
A bird with clipped wings should still be able to fly but it shouldn’t be able to get any lift and therefore flying ability will be limited. It can however still be carried away on a gust of wind if taken outside. (It should not be assumed that a bird with clipped wings won't be able to fly once outside - birds with clipped wings have been known to escape. A clipped bird should be able to fly downwards a short distance anyway but a combination of being startled and a slight breeze can be sufficient to carry a bird away.)
The wings must be clipped correctly because a bad wing clip can cause damage to the feathers and irritation which in turn can lead to plucking. A bad clip can also lead to injury such as split skin over the keel bone, a damaged beak, wings or legs if the bird crash lands. Birds should learn to fly before the wings are clipped as they need to be able to build up their muscles, know how to take off and land safely.
An African Grey needs quite a conservative clip, usually only four or five of the primary flight feathers; these are the only feathers that are trimmed. Both wings should be trimmed. A cosmetic clip which leaves the outer two primary feathers intact can lead to these feathers getting damaged. These clips are done for purely cosmetic reasons so that when the bird is at rest it appears to be unclipped.
A bird with unclipped wings can fly wherever it chooses and however much it loves you and is bonded to you it may still fly away if you take it outside. Pet birds can and do fly away, although most will stay in the immediate area and while some escapees are never seen again, some do return home or are rescued and returned to their owner.
Jane
A bird with clipped wings should still be able to fly but it shouldn’t be able to get any lift and therefore flying ability will be limited. It can however still be carried away on a gust of wind if taken outside. (It should not be assumed that a bird with clipped wings won't be able to fly once outside - birds with clipped wings have been known to escape. A clipped bird should be able to fly downwards a short distance anyway but a combination of being startled and a slight breeze can be sufficient to carry a bird away.)
The wings must be clipped correctly because a bad wing clip can cause damage to the feathers and irritation which in turn can lead to plucking. A bad clip can also lead to injury such as split skin over the keel bone, a damaged beak, wings or legs if the bird crash lands. Birds should learn to fly before the wings are clipped as they need to be able to build up their muscles, know how to take off and land safely.
An African Grey needs quite a conservative clip, usually only four or five of the primary flight feathers; these are the only feathers that are trimmed. Both wings should be trimmed. A cosmetic clip which leaves the outer two primary feathers intact can lead to these feathers getting damaged. These clips are done for purely cosmetic reasons so that when the bird is at rest it appears to be unclipped.
A bird with unclipped wings can fly wherever it chooses and however much it loves you and is bonded to you it may still fly away if you take it outside. Pet birds can and do fly away, although most will stay in the immediate area and while some escapees are never seen again, some do return home or are rescued and returned to their owner.
Jane