Wing Clipping - Controversy

Controversy

Opponents to wing clipping make the following arguments against the practice:

• Pet birds that cannot climb well, including finches, doves, most softbills, and some handicapped parrots generally should never be clipped, as clipping reduces their mobility too much.

• While clipped birds are less likely to fly out open doors or windows or into surfaces, they are more prone to some other household dangers, such as being stepped on or being injured by other household pets.

• Most flighted parrots can easily learn to avoid windows and mirrors in the home. However, for the first few times a parrot flies in a new place, windows should be covered or made more visible through lighting or stickers.

• Most pet bird species are highly adapted to flight. Some species may fly miles a day searching for food in the wild. Flying is the best form of exercise for birds. Denying pet birds the opportunity to fly may also contribute to sedentary behavior, obesity and related health problems. However, a correctly clipped bird will still be able to fly short distances in most cases, which, due to the clipping, will cost more energy, resulting in a more intense training of the muscles involved in flying.

• Clipped birds sometimes appear insecure and less confident, perhaps from their inability to escape from perceived predators. Over-clipped birds may have balance problems and fall easily, contributing to insecure or fearful behavior.

• Clipped birds may be more likely to break a bloodfeather on the wing, as new and growing bloodfeathers do not have full length feathers next to them to provide support. Broken bloodfeathers can cause significant blood loss. Pulling broken feathers (sometimes necessary to stop bleeding) is painful, and can cause permanent damage to the feather follicle.

• It is very easy for an inexperienced groomer to overclip a bird. Birds that have not been clipped properly and have had their wings trimmed too short may not be able to land safely. Over-clipped birds can be badly injured if they fall from a perch or attempt to fly.

• With some simple training, most tame flighted birds can be as easy to handle as clipped birds.

• Wing clipping may create a false sense of security. Clipped birds, if spooked, are still capable of a short, powerful burst of flight.

• With the exception of the kakapo, all parrots are flying creatures; they have no behavioural repertoire to cope with flightlessness. Where a bird's ability to carry out its reflex escape response is thwarted by being clipped, it may develop behavioural problems associated with fear. The default position of leaving the bird with the ability to fly normally, while teaching the bird flight commands should ensure safe flying for pet birds.

Advocates note that a properly done clip only trims the feathers and not the wings themselves, and is painless and temporary, lasting only until the next molt. Many owners choose to clip a bird's wings initially while taming it, and then allow it flight with the next molt. Some owners may also choose to just clip enough to slow their bird down, without preventing flight.