Good question, which is healthier?

So about 4-5 days ago, I decided to clip 2 of Spice's outer primaries. She was going beserk and flying into windows and also it was impossible for me to put her in her cage when the cat's around because she's too fast! Spice can still fly straight and can gain a fair amount of altitude, just slower enough for me to have more control.

Now, the main point is... It obviously takes more effort to fly with clipped wings right? Since the clip, her breast muscles have significantly grown in size and now she has these thick, plump breasts that sorta stick out.

Clearly she's getting more exercise this way as opposed to being FULLY-flighted (mind you she can still fly well), so... what's healthier? Physically speaking, this new way seems to be a better workout, but I guess it also compromises her mental fulfilment.

If she's not dead because you're able to put her safely away when the cats around, I'm going to say clipped is healthier.

Besides, who's to say that her mental fulfillment is being compromised? If she's still able to fly, how do you know that she's feeling compromised? You're only guessing at her mental state assuming that because she's working harder to obtain the same results that she's feeling like less of a bird (or something like that). Do birds flying against a strong headwind feel like a lesser bird when they fly slower than they usually do (or whatever).

I'm sure it's not the "exactly correct" analogy, but you get the idea. If she's still flying, I think she's more than likely OK emotionally. (Just my opinion.)

I am sure the desire to have a flock mate is harder on her then having to work a piglet harder to get where she is going.

Well said Vicki! I would agree!

I'm prejudiced. Flighted.

I've been seriously debating clipping Piper and Pigpen, both of whom are a nightmare to put back and drive me crazy chewing at (and successfully removing) pieces of plaster from about my windows. Since my windows are 10ft. tall, I either have to throw things at them (which I don't like doing) or let them chew.

I have a hard time with clipping though. They look so happy flighted and it's really the only exercise they get.

Clipping isn't black and white -- flight or no flight. You can try clipping a little, as Anita did, and see what the result is. The main reason vets and stores don't like to do that is because it won't "guarantee no flyaway" if the bird is outside unharnessed and uncontained, but there is no reason you can't use a mild trim to limit range and still have a "flighted" bird.

Yeah, I know. But I still haven't been able to bring myself to do it.

For tiny birds like Piper and Pigpen, its almost a moot point. They are so light that clipping usually does nothing. Clipping really only changes flight if the bird is large and heavy, like Sebastian... who flies like a rock when I clip him. LOL

it's the owners choice...there is no right or wrong...flighted or unflighted...it is whatever works best for you and the birds...myself i like flighted and am letting feathers grow back in...however my moluccan will remain clipped as i like taking him out in public...thats my 2 cents worth...lol...now to get off this damned soap box


dusty

Harness train your Moluccan, Dusty?

Kaela- Spice is only missing two primaries from each wing. She can fly, but no more than say, 15ft at one go.

dusty wrote:

it's the owners choice...there is no right or wrong...flighted or unflighted...it is whatever works best for you and the birds...myself i like flighted and am letting feathers grow back in...however my moluccan will remain clipped as i like taking him out in public...thats my 2 cents worth...lol...now to get off this damned soap box


dusty

I totally agree with Dusty here!

KayLayUh wrote:

I've been seriously debating clipping Piper and Pigpen, both of whom are a nightmare to put back and drive me crazy chewing at (and successfully removing) pieces of plaster from about my windows. Since my windows are 10ft. tall, I either have to throw things at them (which I don't like doing) or let them chew.

I have a hard time with clipping though. They look so happy flighted and it's really the only exercise they get.

I now keep a chair by their hanging play area. So I can reach them if I absolutely have to. But really, my budgies go into their cage very easily. The only times I have problems, is if I let them out, then try to put them back right away. After they play for a while, they are quite content to go back.

Ok, so is this a discussion regarding what is healthier for Anita's bird given her particular situation or is it a debate regarding flighted vs. clipped? Because those two questions will receive two different answers from me.

I believe that flighted vs clipped is a question that doesnt have a single hard and fast answer. Each situation is different and must be considered on an individual basis. There is no blanket answer- ever (unless you count, "Let me look in to it.").

So if someone could kindly clarify the question, I'd gladly confirm or amend my answer!

It was about her sudden growth of strong breast muscles while slightly clipped VS her normal breast muscles while fully flighted. Basically physical gain VS mental gain.

Don't see why she wouldn't also be mentally enriched by being stronger. It's like humans working out and building some strength - you feel "healthier", at least in your mind.

We got Tika (GCC) a light clip a few months back, because she was so so so scared of our hands that she'd just fly away before she'd stop and think and realise we weren't gonna kill her and we weren't getting anywhere. Well now her clip has completely grown out and she's so much better, she doesn't just freak out when you approach her now, if you've approached her the right way and look her in the eye she sits and holds her foot out for you.
While it's nice to have our birds flighted all the time, sometimes being fully clipped or lightly clipped isn't the end of the world, you may find that with time being clipped Spice will learn that she needs to just go away when told, and won't need the clip anymore, but I'd seriously doubt that it is doing any damage