My OperaPet cockatiel Parrot Care - Do You Need to Clip Their Wings
Tuesday, June 29, 2010 10:09:34 PM
Whether or not to clip your parrot's wings will be debated forever. There are good arguments made on both sides. In the end, only you can make that decision. I urge you to consider all aspects of the debate before you make that decision.
Many will claim that clipping the primary flight feathers is just like you or I getting a haircut. In some respects this may be true. The problem is that we don't depend on our hair to get around. Your bird does. Yes it is true that the feathers will grow back and it is not harmful to the bird if done correctly. Proponents of clipping suggest it should be done for the bird's safety and protection. A clipped bird is less likely to fly away. But even clipped birds have been known to escape through an open window. That's why some advocates of wing clipping recommend clipping not only the primary flight feathers but also the secondary feathers.
Parrots can live their entire life with clipped wings. They can get along just fine. The clipped feathers will have no effect on the bird's insulation. However, most breeders recommend letting young birds learn to fly and let them fly until they are ready to move in with their new family.
There is no evidence that suggests a parrot cannot live its whole life with clipped wings. But most breeders would agree that it is best to let young birds lean to fly. Most will let them fly until they are ready to move in with their new family. That's when the decision will need to be made on clipping wings.
Opponents of clipping argue that a bird is meant to fly. A bird that is allowed to fly will have a stronger respiratory system. They argue a clipped bird has its best defense taken away from it; he is no longer able to get away from cats and dogs or other dangers. A bad wing clip can lead to plucking and sometimes in extreme cases to injury.
In the end it is up to you to decide what is best for your bird in its specific environment. Consider all the facts before making your decision. Maybe you want to keep your bird clipped for only part of the year - when the weather is warm and the windows are open. If you do decide to clip the wings, make sure you go to a professional who knows what they are doing. Your parrot will thank you.
Matt Carver is an author and parrot enthusiast. Learn more about care of feathers and many other parrot care tips by downloading a copy of his latest book on Parrot Care.Pet Cockatiel: old cockatiel
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