Are you considering adding a pet bird to your home? If you’re thinking about adding a pretty parrot or a chirpy cockatoo to your family, keep in mind that birds need some extra special care. One of the major decisions you need to make as a proud new bird owner is whether you should clip your pet’s wings.
Wing clipping is a very personal decision that is based on your personal preferences and lifestyle. By trimming your bird’s wings, you are essentially controlling and restricting your bird’s movement. Many avian vets recommend that you clip your bird’s wings in order to ensure the safety and health of your feathered friend. It’s all too easy for an unwary person to leave a door open or a pot of boiling water on the stove, which are serious safety hazards for an unclipped bird that is not left in a cage. There are also many stories of pet owners who accidentally opened a window and have had their bird take flight outside. It’s much easier to control the movements of a clipped bird, making it much easier for you to keep him safe.
By clipping your bird’s wings, you are limiting his ability to fly vertically and horizontally, which will protect your furniture from claw marks and bird droppings. Unless you’ve trained your bird to relieve himself in the cage, a bird with free flight will most likely stain your curtains, doors, and fabrics. When you bring your new bird back to your house, it is likely to be disoriented and fly into doors, windows, and walls, which can cause them serious physical harm. By clipping their wings, you are avoiding a potentially serious injury that could save you hundreds of dollars in veterinary bills!
However, there are a few drawbacks of clipping that you should consider. When you clip your bird’s wings, you are inhibiting his ability to escape from dangerous situations. If you are the owner of a dog or a cat and are considering adding a bird to your brood, you might consider keeping your bird’s wings in the event that an animal fight breaks out and your bird needs to escape. Clipping your bird also removes a significant source of exercise. When your bird can no longer fly, you are going to have to try harder to find was that your bird can stay in shape.
If you do chose to clip your bird’s wings, it’s best to have a professional do the job. Consult your vet or avian professional before you decide to make the move!
