Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rutgers!att!cbnewsj!duane
From: duane@cbnewsj.att.com (duane.galensky)
Newsgroups: rec.birds
Subject: Re: INDOOR: Wing clipping
Message-ID: <1991Feb6.231825.29272@cbnewsj.att.com>
Date: 6 Feb 91 23:18:25 GMT
References: <2120008@hppad.waterloo.hp.com> <7022@fs2.cam.nist.gov>
Distribution: usa
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories
Lines: 50

In article <7022@fs2.cam.nist.gov> blue@cam.nist.gov (Jim Blue) writes:
>Various books and pet stores have different opinions on clipping the
>wings of parrots and other cage birds. This sounds like a topic that
>should have generated heated discussion in the past. If so, does 
>anyone have a summary? If not, feel free to comment. On general
>principles, it seems a practice to avoid, but perhaps there are
>convincing reasons.

well, it certainly is an issue with interesting moral
connotations.

for clipping:

every source i've encountered has always endorsed wing
clipping for all pet birds, in fact, some almost militantly.
the fact of the matter is these animals are pets, and they face 
almost certain mortal peril if they escape.  also, some birds 
improve their temperment dramatically when they are unable
to fly.  most psittacines get ample exercise from climbing,
walking, and playing (if their owners are responsible enough
to make the proper provisions for this.)

against:

birds fly.  it's their essence, their distinguishing characteristic.
one can never be sure a clipped bird won't just fly away
anyhow: some birds are very strong fliers and don't need many
feathers to get airborne.  the clipper therefore robs
the bird of its birthright with no guarantees.

my view:

no question: clip your bird.  i do not live in a jungle, 
and therefore cannot make the bird's life as it would
be naturally.  i make every attempt to make the bird as
comfortable as possible given the circumstances, those
circumstances being that it is a captive animal for whom
i am totally responsible.  escape is one concern, and
it's true that clipping does not pose a guarantee, however, i
check mine periodically and make necessary revisions.   but 
even flying around the house can be very dangerous: stoves and
other appliances pose constant threats.  keeping the bird 
clipped keeps it with me long enough to let me change my mind
about it:  not clipping may not give me another chance.
samantha has a cage the size of a refrigerator, and gets
frequent opportunities to hoof it around the house and climb
on the curtains, but always under my direct and constant
supervision.  i think she's a very happy cockatoo.

duane