Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rutgers!usc!elroy.jpl.nasa.gov!peregrine!ccicpg!legs!freds
From: freds@legs.UUCP (Fred Sieg)
Newsgroups: rec.birds
Subject: Re: INDOOR: Wing clipping
Message-ID: <3217@legs.UUCP>
Date: 9 Feb 91 17:49:36 GMT
References: <1991Feb6.231825.29272@cbnewsj.att.com>
Distribution: usa
Organization: AST Research, ASIC (VLSI) Development, Irvine, CA
Lines: 40

in article <1991Feb6.231825.29272@cbnewsj.att.com>, duane@cbnewsj.att.com (duane.galensky) says:
> 
> In article <7022@fs2.cam.nist.gov> blue@cam.nist.gov (Jim Blue) writes:
> 
> every source i've encountered has always endorsed wing
>   most psittacines get ample exercise from climbing,
> walking, and playing (if their owners are responsible enough
> to make the proper provisions for this.)

My cockatoos excercise their wings by holding on to cage/perch/me and
flapping away. Clipping has never interfered with this behavior.

> 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.
> 

As I stated in another followup, my observations have been the only
time they try to take flight is when they are frightened by something or
because they lose their balance/grip.
In the former case, you want to be sure that the bird can't fly off in a
panic and get lost and/or unreachable.
In the latter case, you want to provide enough flight ability to serve
as a safety net.

>   i think she's a very happy cockatoo.

Sounds it. I know both of mine are.

Fred

-- 
Fred Sieg 		|  freds@ast.com -or- ...!uunet!legs!freds
AST Research Inc.	|  Fax: (714) 727-9358 Tel: (714) 727-8465
If any opinions were expressed, they are my own and not those of my
employer (who would NEVER express an opinion).