Basic care

Is Clipping A Bird's Wings Cruel?

Is Clipping A Bird's Wings Cruel?

Birds are increasingly becoming popular house pets. This is probably due to their loving and friendly nature, playful character and beautiful colors.

Unfortunately, the number of people who choose to clip their wings are also increasing. In this AnimalWised article we are going to elaborate on why it's cruel to clip a bird's wings. As well as give you alternatives to keep your bird safe and “bird-proof” your home.

Contents

  1. Why people clip their bird's wings
  2. Is wing clipping permanent?
  3. Is clipping a bird's wing cruel?
  4. Alternatives to wing clipping

Why people clip their bird's wings

Although clipping a bird's wings is cruel, there are many people who still choose to do so. Their reasoning behind this decision is to not allow their bird to escape. By clipping their bird's wings they force the bird to be dependent on them. The birds can no longer fly and will need to walk from place to place or stay close to their cage.

There are certain methods of trimming a bird's wings that allow them to glide, but not fly. Nevertheless, this experience is very traumatising for birds as they have an innate desire and need to fly.Keep reading to learn what negative effects this can have on your bird and alternatives to bird wing clipping.

Is wing clipping permanent?

No, it is not necessarily permanent. However, this will depend on the type of bird you have, their personal health and what technique was used when clipping their wings. Some birds, such as the parakeets, don't grow their feathers continuously. Therefore it will depend on their molting cycle. Since trimmed feathers don't regrow all at the same time, it may take a long time until the process is complete.

If you've previously clipped your bird's wings but now want them to recover and be able to fly, first you must give them time to regrow all of their natural feathers. Once they are able to regrow their feathers, they must learn or re-learn how to fly. Be patient with your bird through this process. You can also train your bird basic commands through positive reinforcement that keeps them safe, free and happy.

Is Clipping A Bird's Wings Cruel? - Is wing clipping permanent?

Is clipping a bird's wing cruel?

Clipping a bird's wings is not only painful but also cruel. Birds are meant to fly and be free. Wings are just as important as a bird's feet or beak. In fact, clipping a bird's wings is merely done for human convenience, not for the bird's safety or well-being. Further down in this article, we will give you alternatives for “bird-proofing” your home in a safer and kinder approach.

Clipping a bird's wings can bring negative consequences to their life that can easily be avoided. Here are common effects when a bird's wings are clipped:

  • Chest muscles won't develop due to their inability to fly.
  • When clipped before learning to fly, they may never develop balance, agility and other flight skills. As well as be psychologically crippled for life.
  • Once clipped, many birds have problems regrowing flight feathers.
  • One may cut their “blood feathers” and injure their bird. This can get serious and need the attention from an avian veterinarian.
  • Clipped birds often develop psychological behavioral problems, such as feather-plucking. This is due to the irritation they feel when not being able to fly.
  • After being clipped, many birds feel frightened of their human companion and do not trust them anymore. They will avoid them and even bite if they feel cornered and threatened.

In conclusion, clipping a bird's wings is cruel and unnecessary. There are better ways to keep them safe while respecting their freedom and their needs. Clipping is always only for human convenience and never for the bird's well-being. If you're interested in adopting a bird, do so by respecting their way of life. Birds have wings and feathers to fly, by taking that away from them you are also taking away their innate way of life and freedom. Allow birds to be birds.

Is Clipping A Bird's Wings Cruel? - Is clipping a bird's wing cruel?

Alternatives to wing clipping

If you've considered wing clipping, it must be because you want to keep your bird safe. Luckily, there are better methods that allows your bird to enjoy flying while being safe. This involves training based on positive reinforcement. You can teach your bird simple commands, such as “come”, “stay”, etc. Birds are very smart and curious animals that learn relatively quick in comparison to other house pets. Training your parrot will not only challenge and entertain them, but it will also strengthen your relationship with them and improve communication.

After training them at home, you can allow them to fly in a closed room in your home. Close windows and doors to other rooms. You can also allow them to observe the outdoors through the closed window. Many bird companions even take part in free flights, as they've trained their birds very well.

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Bob curran
I have chosen never to clip my birds wings.Birds fly,let them or get another pet!
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Is Clipping A Bird's Wings Cruel?