Wing Clipping Controversy
Sunday September 14, 2008
The majority of bird enthusiasts strongly recommend clipping the wings of pet birds, not only to prevent fly-aways, but to protect the bird's health and safety. While it's true that clipping a bird's wings can help prevent accidents and injuries, there are those who say that wing clipping can be detrimental to a bird's psychological health.
I personally believe that wing clipping is necessary for the protection of captive pet birds. In my experience, I have seen too many accidents that a quick trim would have prevented! I realize, however, that others may feel differently. What do you think? Voice your opinion on the wing clipping issue by voting in the poll below. Then, leave a comment and find out what others are saying!
Poll:Do You Keep Your Bird's Wings Clipped?
I personally believe that wing clipping is necessary for the protection of captive pet birds. In my experience, I have seen too many accidents that a quick trim would have prevented! I realize, however, that others may feel differently. What do you think? Voice your opinion on the wing clipping issue by voting in the poll below. Then, leave a comment and find out what others are saying!
Poll:Do You Keep Your Bird's Wings Clipped?
Comments
When I take my bird in for his annual well bird exam, I have his wings clipped. My vet recommends wing clipping, especially during the warmer months when the doors are mor likely to be be opened more often.
Thanks for your comment, Donna. You make a great point! Keeping wings clipped can be especially important during the spring and summer, when birds have more opportunities to fly out open doors or windows. I wonder if there are any birds owners out there who only clip wings during warm seasons?
I would much rather have my bird safely trimmed and happily entertained with plenty of interesting things to do vs have one inadvertantely fly out the door and have to try to fend for themselves in an environment that they are unprepared to survive in. Pet birds often don’t survive long in the wild because they have never been dependant upon themselves for their food and water sources and don’t know how to find food/water. I have known too many pet bird owners in my years as a bird owner who have lost their beloved pet birds because they didn’t believe the bird would ever fly away due to their emotional attachment to the owner. None of them ever recovered their lost pet, yet the loss could have been prevented with a simple, painless procedure. How very sad for both the birds and the owners.
I was a firm believer in wing clipping until my husband brought home a pet dog. I think that with wings, they are safer because they can fly away if the dog gets too close. My birds have one room where they can get out of their cage and explore. The dog is only allowed in the room with human supervision. There is also a barrier that keeps the dog away from the cages. The birds don’t go exploring when the dog is about…. the dog also has several metal tags around his neck…. the birds can hear him coming in their direction from miles away… when they hear him, they imediately stand on alert on the top of the cage.
I have 3 birds, a B/G, a red breast and a senegal/myers cross. My B/G is 12 and has never flown ( I’ve had him from the age of 7 months ). I agree with the argument that “birds were meant to fly” but to that comment I would add ” birds weren’t designed to be captive”!! Since we humans choose to have them as companions it is up to us to keep them safe within the domains of our world. Flight suits and harnesses are great but within the average household doors are opened far too often giving flight risk at too high a risk for me. I am not saying that the argument against clipping isn’t valid, I would love to see my big guy be able to soar the way God intened him to but that enjoyment and health benefit does not out weigh the dangers in and out of the house hold we have surounding us. As careful as I am, one of my little ones flew out my sliding back door when my 2 year old grandson oppened it ( the birds were way overdo for a clipping and I knew it ). I can’t tell you how paniced ( hysterical actually )I was instantly. I was ever so lucky to be able to catch him as he is a re-home baby and was abused therefore hand shy! In a matter of literally 2 minutes he flew across the street!! He is so small he would not have even lasted an hour in the outside world!!. My point is that I knew he was flighted and was watching that doors stayed closed but s—t happens so fast. I was the lucky one. With that clipping wings was even more reinforced in my mind and maintained when needed.
I was recently given an African Grey. When I got her, her wings weren’t clipped. I thought that they looked so beautiful I was sad to even consider cutting them. Unfortunately she has tried to fly on a few occasions. I’ve only had her for a few weeks and more than once she has flown off of my shoulder. Maybe it was my fault for being inexperienced with birds, but after watching a few videos online and reading up a bit, it is probably better to clip your birds wings, especially if you are a new or inexperienced owner. Besides, your birds wings will always grow back, and once you have become more comfortable and experienced with your bird, maybe you can teach it to fly! Good luck to everyone!