I know this has been covered many times.. but I need some advice. I'm tossing up whether to get Charleys wings clipped and if so would like some advice of a reliable "wing clipper" in Brisbane. I live on the northside. My reason? He was clipped when I got him and has become very tame, however his flight feathers have of course grown back and he flies well, he just doesnt know when to land!! When he's out he flies around and around until he eventually lands anywhere. Sometimes on the floor sometimes missing the walls by a fraction. I'm TERRIFIED I'm going to lose him by him hitting a wall or getting caught behind something. He enjoys flying but seems to get stressed trying to find when and where to land. I have the top of his cage open with the perch for him to land on but although he heads towards it, he seems to go past and keep going till he runs out of energy and drops down.

 

He loves to be handled but I can only handle him in his cage as I'm terrified of him flying around and getting seriously hurt. I feel that if he is clipped he may be able to spend more time close to me (he loves to kiss and cuddle with me.. providing he cant fly away). I think I could have a much closer relationship with him if he was clipped as we could spend so much more time together.

 

Another question.. if it is done properly does it hurt him (the clipping)? I wouldnt want to hurt him under any circumstances. Also any idea of cost of wing clipping?

 

ANy advice would be appreciated!!!

Edited October 23, 200816 yr by thk

I have my birds clipped at my vet, as I dont feel confident enough to do it myself. My vet charges about $15 to clip the wings. Wing clipping stresses the bird at the time of getting it done and for a little while afterwards as they readjust to no flight, but it doesnt hurt them. I had to have a parrot clipped earlier this year as I was frightened he would fly straight out the door, cause he was undisciplined. He flights have now grown back in and he fortunately has learnt about the security of his cage and when it is time to go away, he is very easy to get back in. If he hadnt become this way and was still hard to catch and control, I would have him clipped again, mostly for his own safety and to save me the heartbreak of losing him

I clip my own birds wings - budgies and tiels. It only takes a second each side and doesnt cause any pain if done with VERY sharp scissors. If the scissors are dull then the feathers will bend rather than cut and you dont want that.

 

Make sure who ever clips Charley's wings that they do both sides and they do not leave the long primary flights as they will get caught in the cage bars etc.

 

Charley is displaying what happens to budiges if they get their wings clipped before they learn how to fly properly.

 

Good luck and i hope you can find a good vet or breeder to clip his wings if you dont feel comfortable doing it yourself.

Edited October 23, 200816 yr by **Liv**

You have been given excellent advice . :yes: . I will just add my 2 cents worth ....

Vet VETS will leave one wing unclipped ... They will also leave the first 2 flight feathers on ....

IF you do not see an avian vet TELL the vet NO you want both wings clipped as well as the primary flights... They will of course ask why , they can't fly with one wing clipped .... I have been to heaps of vets and have had this happen and seen this happen ... I just tell them

1. Leaving the first and / or second flight will cause damage to the bird like LIV said it can get caught

2. Both wings get clipped so that the bird has balance - and can FLUTTER safely to the ground or landing area ....

Apart from the wing clipping which has been handled already can you make him a tree in a pot ? A nice interesting branch from a tree, about head height in vertical height , put ina large pot and cemented in. Gives him another place to land and be when out that isnt his cage ( cage means home and bed ) .......and you can decorate it with extra toys.

Thanks guys!! I find it so helpful hearing opinions from others on this forum!!

 

I found on this site a recommended Avian vet not too far away (Chermside). I will give them a call re the hours they are open. I am not worried about the cost (just interested so I know what to expect), as of course Charley means everything to me and as you all know, you cant put a price on the love your special little mate gives you!! I just dont want him to hurt and I'm a little worried about watching the clipping (yep.. I'm such a softie!!!!). I wont be able to look!!!

 

But I'm doing it for his own safety. I would be devastated if he hit a wall and I know it can happen quite easily. I've always been a bit doubtful (scared?) of the wing clipping thing but I am now convinced (I think!!) that it is the best thing for my Charley.

I :party0011: hearing of the TRUE pet owners .... I hope that you find the vet you are after and I wish you both hours of fun :hap:

 

The play tree Kaz is talking about ... HE WILL LOVE IT !!!!!

You have received excellent advice :party0011:, good luck!