Free Flight

Wing clipping is a matter of personal choice and there are many things to be concerned. Personally, I do not clip any of my birds because I feel that giving them their God given gift of flight, makes for happier, more well-adjusted, confident birds. But it does require SUPER, SUPER diligence as far as their safety is concerned.

One of the obvious downsfalls to having flighted birds is accidental escape out an open door. For this reason, in all my outdoor entries I have 1 door - and screened enclosures. It is a rule that if I am not able to watch him he goes in cage for safety reasons.

There are also indoor hazards to think of such as ceiling fans, the kitchen area, etc. Having flighted birds means that you have to bird-proof your home, which is more difficult than child-proofing.

If you are willing to take the added measures to insure your birds safety when flighted, then I recommend that you do so. If you are able to provide the added safety measures and the extra diligence and ever so watchful eye on your part, then providing the bird w/flight is best.

When making a decision, you have to examine your own personal household and lifestyle and base your decision on the safety of the bird first.

If they are flighted you need to have them learn "recall" so if they fly where they shouldn't be they will come when you "call" them. I used clicker training but that would be the way to start. So I know that recall training is what I work on and my birds love to fly!