Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!uunet!intercon!ooblick
From: ooblick@intercon.com (Mikki Barry)
Newsgroups: rec.birds
Subject: Re: INDOOR: Still thinking about buying a bird
Keywords: More help requested...
Message-ID: <1990Feb23.202916.26862@intercon.com>
Date: 23 Feb 90 20:29:16 GMT
References: <8395@cbnewsh.ATT.COM>
Distribution: na
Organization: InterCon Systems Corporation, Sterling, VA
Lines: 48

In article <8395@cbnewsh.ATT.COM> seth@cbnewsh.ATT.COM (peter.r.clark..jr) writes:

>I've decided to buy from a breeder rather than a pet shop, but
>haven't found one yet. I haven't exactly been looking real hard yet
>either (if you know anybody in the NJ/Eastern Pa. area...).

If you don't mind driving to Northern Virginia, there is an EXCELLENT
place here that breeds their own and also procures them from breeders
they know and trust.  If interested, e-mail me for info.  I recommend them
highly and absolutely without reservation (and no I don't have stock :-)).
It's about a 3 hour drive from Joisey. and VERY worth the trip.

>(Ignorance time) What *exactly* does it mean when a birds wings are
>clipped? The best response I could get from a local pet store was
>"They do that so the bird can't fly". What a genius. I could've
>figured that out. Anyway, is it permanent? Desirable? If not
>permanent, should I do it at regular intervals? (Please, no flames
>if you feel there's something inhumane about this. I'm just asking
>for info.  That doesn't mean I've made any descisions)

The number one cause of death in pet birds is accidents in the home.
Most of these accidents are preventable by clipping the wings of the
bird.  This consists of cutting the flight feathers.  It is NOT
permanent.  It should be done at regular intervals.

Many people believe that clipping wings is inhumane.  They believe that
birds were meant to fly.  I certainly understand their opinion.  However,
in my personal experience (losing a quaker parakeet because he flew headlong
into a wall), I will always clip the wings of my birds.

>Can these birds be trained to be taken outside without flying away?
>Is it difficult? (I'm assuming that it is)

You can never be completely sure that the bird will not fly when
startled.  And if it does, you can never be completely sure that
he will be recaptured.

>I was planning on getting a large cage with a perch on top, and
>probably putting a perch or two on the first floor of the house.
>I've also thought about hanging a perch from the ceiling. Any
>comments on this?

Please get a GOOD cage.  Good is defined by both size and its safety.
Many "cheaper" bird cages have sharp edges and/or lead paint.  Be sure
first.  Lead toxicity will kill your bird. (also, throw out any teflon
cookwear you may have as the gas WILL kill birds if overheated to any
extent.)  The better cages are much more expensive, but will last longer
and be easier to clean.