To clip or not to clip?

Deciding whether or not to clip a bird's wings, causes angina in most owners. The pet store recommended that we clip our birds wings when we purchased her six years ago. Our vet didn't say anything about clipping to us at the time, but recommended a book on the care of avians.

Times have changed. Now the same vet is pushing not clipping. It is supposed to be psychologically damaging to the bird if they can't fly. According to my vet, unflighted birds suffer from serious health issues due to the lack of exercise.

As an owner, I am torn. I do the best for my birds. I make sure that they are out of their cages as often as possible. I keep a careful eye on their diet. I can't imagine what I would do though if one of our birds flew away.

When a bird is startled it flies in a straight line until it drops. It can get miles away from you very quickly. A domesticated bird has no defenses from what ever being in the wild throws at it. The idea is traumatizing.

As a bird owner, I prefer clipped wings. Unfortunately, it puts me at odds with my vet. Whether you clip or not, get as much information as possible about clipping and discuss it with your avian vet. What it boils down to is your and your bird's comfort level. If you decide to clip, have a professional do it or have one teach you how to do it properly. I saw a love bird, recently, whose owner not only over clipped her wings, but removed her tail feathers, as well! It was barbaric. A professional can clip your bird's wings so that they can still hover or flutter to the ground should they fall. They just don't achieve lift.

Of course, clipped wings are no guarantee that a bird will not take flight. Wings can grow back quickly and unexpectedly. Birds should never be taken outside without a harness. The downside of a harness is they can injure themselves if they should jerk or take off unexpectedly, but at least you won't lose them.