Should You Clip Your Parrots Wings? |PARRONT TIP TUESDAY

[@aussiejoker2031]

You make so much sence, I did let my Galah fly at first but I was sure that he was going to hurt himself it was not funny. So I spoke to a bird expert and he said to keep them clipped for a while until you feel ok about it.

[@sarahmarie1391]

Its so important to flight train your birds. If they should ever escape your home, they will know how to come back to you. If you are bonded to them, YOU are where they feel safest and will come to you. It may take a while even a day, two or three to get them back, but if they see you they will come to you when you call their name and say the words you say when you trained them. I think a flighted bird must be flight trained to come to you.Thank you Marlene.. Another great video.

[@charleshendrick7266]

My amazon and myself have spent the morning watching your vids. Your obvious love and dedication to these amazing creatures comes across in all of them. Would love to thank you for the work you do. I know its not easy!!

[@angelshaven8920]

Wow, what had Codys attention? He being so quiet and still. Hes not normally like this, lol.

[@mamamillwright458]

Angels Haven I think a moth...or some sort of bug. I saw it fly in and out of frame

[@kindregardskatie]

Who are the idiots that disliked this video? Marlene thank you for your advice, it saved me from returning a rescue....he is not tame yet but he now hops onto a rope so he can spend time in the outdoor aviary 😬💚💕. The wings were clipped by a vet and are growing back, but has changed my birds behaviour from aggressive to so sweet and happy, he sings and grinds his beak all the time now👏🏽

[@123rosebuds]

That he would talk about flying is fabulous. How great!🐦

[@kathleenwest1463]

Safe bird first, flighted bird second! Marlene, I love you - I've never seen you put your opinion or sentiment above the health and safety of the birds in your care.

[@YTistooannoying]

Did you watch the whole video? She speaks about putting the bird's saftey first around 9:30.

[@kathleenwest1463]

StrangeViolette That's.. Exactly what I said.

[@kathleenwest1463]

" I've never seen you put your opinion or sentiment above the health and safety of the birds in your care." Did you read the whole comment?

[@YTistooannoying]

Kathleen West yup and she does put the health and saftey above her opinion, she makes that very clear. kathleen, I don't have a horse...errrr....bird in this race, I am a bird lover who has absolutely no business ever owning a bird (i am disabled), so my passion and opinion isn't clouded by my own opinion. she even says at the end, "do not feel ashamed if for the health and saftey of your bird, they need to be clipped" honestly, i think your comment is well meaning and your love for your birds and perhaps even feeling judged may have made it so you didn't hear her gentle message of no judgement, do whats best for you and your birds.... also, Kathleen...nothing but love for you here.

[@airachica]

StrangeViolette, I think you totally misunderstood what Kathleen wrote... She quoted Marlene and then praised her, she wasn't "correcting" her or anything like that :)

[@heatherheath9980]

Thank you, Marlene, for having such an open mind about this

[@survivalguide3139]

What an eloquent way to discuss this topic. Thank you for this educated decision 💛

[@aquadropandmlp2306]

I’ve had two birds before my current one, both of them clipped. When I first got my current cockatiel we bonded almost immediately, it was incredible. Therefore, I’ve let her grow out her wings and she’s just so happy. She’ll fly around the room in circles and then sing, it’s so cute. It’s also nice since she can go from the cage to the window to me whenever she wants. I treat her cage as you would a dog’s crate, she goes in there when I’m not around but it’s open when I am. It’s strengthened our bond because she chooses to be with me, not forced. She just molted out her last few clipped feathers from the pet store and her wings are so big and beautiful 😊

[@aussiejoker2031]

All birds are different, i've had small birds that I did not clip and they were fine eg; Conures and Cockateils but when I got my Galah I did clip and he has been great he's nearly 4 and he is so friendly and loves his little cuddles and snuggles he loves to walk around pull the carpet out climbing on my towel sitting on me and and sitting on his cage he climbs all over me and he's cage and LOVES it. I 'm not saying that I'm going to have him clipped all he's life but for now he is really happy but he's at a stage where I clip a couple of feathers as they grow slowly.

[@joewarrick6043]

Now I don’t know if I want an African grey or a Marlene!!!lol. Absolutely beautiful!!

[@angelshaven8920]

Thank you so much for this video. These are exactly my feelings on things and wld hv been my words. I hv had some horror stories and heard some horror stories. I hv seem the happiness in my own birds faces when they were discovering flight and landing where they wanted to land then enjoy the praise from me. I hope and pray that ALL bird owners watch this video and hear the words. I am sharing this video to try and help spread the word. I LOVE companion parrots and hope and try to make those that i come in contact with who have parrots more knowledgeable and better parronts. They bring me a sense of peace and beauty in all the chaos of life.

[@yamunadevi68]

Your so balanced Marlene, thank you for being so broad minded

[@lisatulip7873]

Thank you so much for this video. I'm planning on adding a cockatiel to my family very soon. I've seen so many videos about the importance to the bird's health & happiness to have him flighted, but I'll be a first-time owner and have been concerned about bonding & training a fully flighted bird. I had been planning on having him clipped when I first bring him home and letting his feathers grow out once I felt we had all been properly trained. :) I'm glad to have that validated by someone who's opinion I respect. Thanks.

[@natalier4053]

Lisa Tulip Great plan, I wish every first parrot owner did this. While flighted birds can be tamed and trained, you still plan on having him flighted in the future. You'll be so happy when you see him do his first fly in your house, I still remember that time with the birds who had clipped wings when I adopted them. It's almost magical. Good luck!

[@bread8936]

Omg I am sooooo great full for this comment AND reply. I was planning to do the same thing but I was a bit :| about it. Seeing someone say that they also thinks it’s a good idea it’s really reassuring. Now I am definitely doing that with my future cockatiel

[@annalisa14]

Marlene, I wish I could meet in person with you...your expression about your Grey and his passion for flying is profound. I'd like to have tea and talk with you about birds' inner thoughts. I've owned birds since 1963. Not as many as you, though. I hand raised a baby Moluccan and would like to tell you the story of her looking to the sky one day when I was feeding formula one morning. Also our hikes in nature and the Owl that frightened her one late afternoon.

[@art2atheist]

Shared from another bird group: About 19,000 pet birds are reported lost each year. Only 20% are reported found. Those are gruesome odds. If found, some are kept by their finder, who think if the bird was loose, the owner was irresponsible, so they keep it without guilt. Or they sell it to the first buyer they can find. The majority of these losses happen to people who dearly love their bird, but have lost the initial fear of taking it outdoors unrestrained. Once a bond is formed, it's easy to fall into the trap of thinking your beloved bird wouldn't fly away from you, or would come back if it did. So you take it outside on your arm or hand because you think your bird will enjoy being outdoors - and you may feel guilty for having to keep it in a cage. Please don't think I'm being self righteous. I fell into that trap. I walked outside with my parrot on my arm, something startled her and he flew up into the 80 ft evergreen trees behind my house where I could hear her, but not see her, and I couldn't get her to come back down to me. I'd had her over 12 years. I lost sight of my responsibility as guardian of a wild animal whose main instinct is to flee from danger. I went into shock and was unable to think clearly about ways to get her back down to me. I searched online and tried everything I could. The underbrush and mud beneath those trees was impossible to walk through. I didn't call a tree climber because there was no way to get to that tree without a 100' boom. I didn't think there was such a thing. In hindsight I should have called just to talk to someone with a clear head who might have been able to offer suggestions. Or called the local power company. I bet they have 100' booms. I would do anything to have her back but I found wing feathers down the road 6 days after she flew away. I failed to protect her by simply not thinking about what I might be risking by walking outdoors with her. I couldn't understand why she wouldn't fly back down to me when she got hungry, so I started doing research. I had to dig for it, but here's what I found out: 1. If your bird doesn't fly across the room to you now, it won't fly to you when it's outdoors and terrified. Captive bred birds haven't been trained by parent bird to fly downward (normal fledging), and fear will likely keep your from trying. 2. Captive bred birds miss that basic training because they are taken from the nest at 3 weeks to be hand fed so they'll make better pets. They miss out on flight training, foraging for their own food, and learning what's truly dangerous. Instinct will make them fly upward, but it's parentaltraining that teaches them to fly downward from a great height. Height equals safety to a bird. 3. The most commonly lost birds are African Greys, Cockatiels and parakeets. More parakeets are 'found' than are claimed by their owners. They survive because there isn't enough money in parakeets to justify hand feeding, so their parents raise them. They learn how to find bird feeders, and to fly upward and downward. Stop feeling guilty about keeping your bird indoors. It's the only life your bird has known and a roomy cage and familiar house feels safe. Natural sunshine is good for your bird - so take it outdoors in a cage or harness (harness training is not easy for an older bird). And provide a UVA/UVB bulb above the cage so it gets enough 'sunshine' to produce calcium and stay healthy. A pet bird never, ever belongs outdoors unless safely restrained. There will always be people who refuse to think any pet of theirs would willingly leave them, but unless you want to carry the horrendous sadness and guilt of a lost bird who loved and trusted you to keep it safe - refuse to allow yourself to be one of those people!

[@Marksmouse]

my IRN flew away late September...led to me adopted 3 other birds...couldn't stand the quiet..if only I had seen this video beforehand...

[@claudiaceleste777]

Thank you so much for this. I am an aspiring bird owner and want to make sure I have as much information prior to. I will definitely be training the bird to fly down to me!

[@thetrain47539]

*Raina Art* Lossing a bird is your own fault. You take them out to soon, you don't have a tracker on them every time they fly,... it's just so much things that's only done by pure stupidity and bad bonding. My African Grey tells me "Tracker" every time I take him out of his cage. I've got a Hycanith Macaw a African Grey and 1 budgie (his friends bullied him so I gave them to my friend now I'm thinking about getting a new budgie) so I just teach them that the tracker means out of cage time. This way they like having the tracker on (of-course they do try to remove the tracker when it's night and bed time to tell me "Take me to bed") this way I cant have to them lost for long.

[@benters3509]

Anyone can make a mistake. Hopefully they learn by it. Dont come all high handed and preach to people.

[@marciov1992]

they are not chicken, bird's need to fly

[@ebfabulous]

Intelligent advise . I had a conure for 20 years before my Umbrella cockatoo ..Unless you have had parrots for many years.. you don't know what you don't know

[@jeannechiang6177]

You have a very idiosyncratic way about you. But you really have a keen sense of what an individual bird needs and what his personality is. It’s a gift. Really impressive!

[@brookea8496]

Thanks so much Marlene. You and your videos have helped me get over my fear/ misunderstanding of birds. I love them now and in the future I am planning to dedicate my life to the care of my own bird.

[@sopyy21]

This is an awesome video to see. In the next year or so I plan to be a first time parrot owner of a medium to a large sized parrot and to see someone put the facts out there as well with the opinion rather than casting the facts aside to push their agenda or beliefs through wrong information is very helpful and extremely refreshing. I applaud you for that.

[@beaglegod1]

Her advice is always so balanced and well thought out.🦜👍

[@sammadlin8868]

When I started my research on parrot owning, I've gone back and forth on wing clipping. Ive learned a little on flight training but it seemed so intimidating on top of everything else that I need to do with taming. I came to this exact conclusion! When we get our bird soon, I will clip until I feel confident in starting to flight train. Thanks so much for all your videos and information, it helps so much.

[@MARLENEMCCOHEN]

+Sam Bam you are very welcome💜thank you for visiting❤💙💜🐦

[@fatimaj8687]

MARLENE MC'COHEN Thanks for the video marline plz make a video on all ur birds together and all about them (an update)

[@capreesun7610]

I know im late, just wanted to say that this video was very helpful when i just got my new budgies and i didnt know whether to clip them or not. this video had some good points and reasons, probably one of the most helpful videos that ive seen so far when researching. Also, you have a beautiful bird, and i love your videos. Thanks so much!

[@Leenie19Walker82]

100% Agree. I dont disagree with wing clipping but its nice to see them fly and should be an end goal. I use to do it but now they fly and fly very well. I also use to own a pedestal fan but now got i a Dyson bladless fan so i can keep it on in summer with them around. Also i was wondering maybe to cover if possible how to not just deal with the birds but people who are scared of birds or inexperienced with them when they come over.

[@EsilHarp]

Thank you !!! I am currently thinking about having my first bird (maybe a Ringneck). I then watched a lot of videos (yours and other's), read several articles about parrots and parakeets. And still continue to do my researches about it. This subject, "to clip or not to clip", is so contreversal that it's very complicated to find an objective point of vue. This video is very interesting and "open minded". Thank you so much for this.

[@lulib6372]

Love your videos! My Birdie was always flighted, I never had this advice but I have always wondered and it is great that you are being balanced and lovely on this subject. I started small and learned as I went along, but when birdie lost a load of tail feathers all at once I experienced how he suffered when he couldn't do what he was used to doing, I was so sad for him. I feel like he crashed into much more stuff and I had to keep more of an eye on him because he was more accident prone, had to wait for them to grow back so he wouldn't hurt himself, it took way more vigilance on my part x

[@MARLENEMCCOHEN]

+Louise Boreham thank you so much for your comment❤💙💜🐦 it will for sure help others❤

[@ngantnier]

Very sound advice.

[@2coixos]

Near the flat where my mom lives (in the Netherlands) there is this flock of ± 30 - 40 parrots. They are colorful and about the size of your bird Picasso. From her balcony you can see them fly over in the evening. it must have started with a few that escaped and grown out to this flock. (As parrots are not native to the Netherlands.)

[@aceadam1828]

2coixos that is really really cool. Would love to see that.

[@lorimeynig7912]

Pretty bird

[@bilquiswadoodi7854]

Great video. Very informative and you put yourself out there in a very articulate and sincere manner. Good for you. Of all the expectations and controversy around flighted and clipped wings, I like your explanation the best. Your answer creates a workable RUBRIC. Clipped wings are not permanent. In other words, clipped wings belong with inexperienced parrot owners, so they shouldn't feel guilty about clipping. It's. It a punishment and it's not the bird's fault the owner has not caught on yet. But once the owner becomes more seasoned to bird safety and potential hazards, the feathers will grow back and then your bird will be singing, Freedom! Also the owner becomes more cognizant of others in the home that might bring harm to the bird without knowing the dangers (ie) fan turned on my guests, balcony door opening, etc Well done Marlene

[@angelshaven8920]

I love Cody! He is similar in color to my Greys feathers. She had the DARK grey almost black feathers. She was beautiful as is Cody. Most are lighter.

[@sa991r3blu3]

im in the position of getting a conure that has started to bond with me in 2 weeks and its my first. she's flighted and i feel horrible about wanting to clip her because i feel like im robbing her of happiness but this is so helpful to hear!!! i only want her clipped for the first year or so until we're well bonded and then move on from there so this is exactly the reassurance i needed. thank you!!

[@davidholder2100]

Great video. We have a rose breasted cockatoo. He is a little over 1 year old. When we got him he was still on 3 feedings a day and were able to bond with him. The pet shop owner recommended we go to an avian vet to ensure he was a healthy bird. So I researched and found what was suppose to an Avian certified vet. While there the vet trimmed his wings ALL the way across. Fortunately for Raj he has not injured himself badly when he attempts to fly, since all he does is drop like a rock now. This trimming took place in August of 2016. A couple of months ago he started to molt and serious problems have come about due to what this vet did. As you stated in the video about a birds confidence. Our Raj has no confidence in his abilities and has stopped stepping up, is hesitant to come out of his cage. The least movement or noise will make him jump and attempt to fly. He has broken several of his new feathers in these crazy fits he has. It will take him several hours to calm down and at times will not even come to us, but just runs around the house. The good news is that his wings are over halfway grown back in. They started to grow back from both ends of the wing. Unfortunately the feathers on the wing tips have been knocked off/broken during his fits. However from his "shoulder area" moving towards to tips the feathers are over halfway in now. When he attempts to fly I can hear how much more air he is moving and he now falls slower. We are very careful where we let him perch, so he is as close to the ground as possible. This video is very helpful in understanding the "why" of what our Raj is experiencing. At this point I do not think there is anything that can be done other than let his wings grow back in and be very attentive to make sure he doesn't injure himself. If you have any other helpful advice we would appreciate it and thanks again for making these videos.

[@kenj7153]

Bravo Marlene! Very thought out! You nailed it!

[@Marksmouse]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS VIDEO!!! my IRN flew away in September...I missed him soooo much that I adopted Peaches, the citron cockatoo, Chico the baby Love Bird, and Sweet Pea the Green IRN...I let Cory's wings grow...and I loved so much watching him fly, but I was soooooo indexperienced...he escaped in seconds. When it happened I was so in so in shock that I didn't react at once. IRNs are notorious for not being people friendly and no matter how hard I tried he would not come to me when I would track him down. I haven't seen him now for weeks...I burst into tears at random moments daily. I so wish that I had seen this video before that day. The cockatoo is extremely tame that I have now, but the LB and the IRN (who is at least 17) haven't ever been out of the cage....definately taking precautions now.

[@AmbiCahira]

One of my teachers in animal caretaking school used to be a vet tech and she taught us something that I never hear elsewhere but it is worth mentioning for those that want to clip since I thought it made so much sense when it comes to bird health. We were taught to not cut straight across the feather but along the feather on one side of the "pen" so that the feather still has enough weight to fall out properly when it's time to grow a new one. With some half width feathers there is less resistance to get a lift. I don't remember how many of the wing tip feathers to save though because it was over a decade ago but to have it mentioned, research which feathers are usually clipped before you do. And I have never heard this part confirmed but I am guessing that there could potentially be a similar happening with this comparison. When cats are declawed there is a major defence mechanism removed and they are commonly more likely to get aggressive and I hear of cats that starts to bite instead (I know, it's a whole other heated topic) so my logic tells me that maybe a flightless bird might have a similar reaction. Fight or flight, I can't flee/fly so I'll fight/bite. Again, it's just a guess but you could keep your attention open for it and see if you see a connection between the two with your individual bird if you would have a stress or aggression issue. :)

[@nataliesanborn5960]

I think that birds should be able to fly when possible. But I completely understand how sometimes you need to have bird's wings clipped. But with wings clipped you can lull yourself into a false sense of safety. I completely agree with Marlene that under certain situations, clipped wings are the best way to go. My parent's African Grey came to them with his wings clipped. He also had a lame claw and other physical issues. He never flew much at all, just a gentle flutter from here to there as much as he could muster. My parents (and they realize the mistake now) used to bring him onto their porch on occasion, which was covered, and he always just chilled there without a problem. One day he got spooked, and his wings must have been grown out and he just took off. We live in the city, but in an area with massive ancient trees. He flew up to the top of those trees and didn't know how to get down. For days we spotted him up in those trees. My parents were extremely distraught. We even watched live as a hauk dissented on him (Ray retaliated, clearly the hauk was not expecting an African Grey!). We thought Ray was gone forever (heartbreaking especially because we could continuously spot him, but he didn't know how to come down) but we managed to recover him out of pure happenstance. We had posted fliers around the neighbourhood (which I initially thought was silly). After days of no food and pure exhaustion, Ray descended to the ground on a neighbours driveway while that neighbour was bringing laundry home from the laundromat. This person had seen our posters, thought quickly, dumped their own laundry onto the driveway, and threw their empty laundry basket over Ray. They then ran to find one of our posters and called us. We called it Ray's great adventure. An avian vet checked him out and he was starving, but generally unscathed from this incident. We then realized though that this bird needed to have his wings clipped. He did not know his own abilities. We did let his wings grow out enough to give a little bit of flight around the house, but generally, he had never been able to fly and it was safer to keep him that way.

[@Tracks777]

I enjoyed your video :) Keep it up!

[@Kris10_Emm]

Thank you Marlene! You have answered my question and made me feel better about my decision to have my budgies wings clipped. I’m a new bird owner (because of you lol) and I now have two budgies (flighted but not tame or trained) and a rescued flighted sun conure(already tame and trained). I want my budgie babies to be able to be engaged and not caged.... BUT SAFELY ! Now the question is where do I go and what method of clipping is best?

[@rosejacks8662]

This video has excellent info, thanks for educating us❤️

[@Royalexotics7269]

Thank you, this was very helpful. I am planning on getting my first bird.

[@stantadinac9823]

Awesome, thank you for your awesome video and spreading this important message.

[@aidenkester453]

I am getting a new bird and I have done so much research and this video helped me so much with this problem thx for the advise Marlene

[@shianncombs1359]

love your videos

[@apxllo8734]

Here are my two cents. I'm no bird expert, though, so feel free to take my opinion with a grain of salt. I think that it should be the owner's decision. It doesn't make you a sh*tty pet owner if it's your first time with a bird and you get them clipped so they are easier to tame and don't fly into windows. It doesn't make you a terrible person to care about the well-being of the bird. People say "when you say 'safety', you mean 'convenience'", but that's not true. It's actually caring about the bird if you don't want them being lost or hurt. It's not "more convenient", it's trying to keep your OWN PET SAFE. If you think you can handle having an untamed, flighted bird, then fine. You do you. And I would recommend that you stop clipping them when they are tamed and can fly to you when you call them, unless you REALLY need it. But do whatever if it helps you and your bird. Oh, and by the way, clipping a bird's wings is NOT akin to cutting off a pet's feet. That is just a ludicrous comparison and completely untrue. Wings grow back. Feet do not. Wings still let them glide and flutter. Wings don't hurt when they are clipped. Make your own choices, get informed, but DO NOT prevent your bird from getting clipped just so you can claim the moral high ground. Do what YOU think is best for your bird, not what somebody telling you that "it depletes the essence of the animal" says.

[@Kimiblues]

I know many bird owners whose birds are tamed even though they never had their wings clipped. But If you can't have the ability to keep your birds save even though they fly than don't get a bird. It's as simple as that. Birds fly. That's the beauty of them. So to take that ability from them is cruel no matter what people say in my opinion. Flying is in their genes just like walking is for us. I think a bird with clipped Wings can never ever be truly happy and a human should not make that decision for the bird. Just shows how supirior to every other species the majority of us thinks they are🤷🏼‍♀️

[@gray5485]

Kimi_2692 You clearly didn’t read the other person’s statement. Just saying.

[@nadarajapillaips2840]

How many hours did you spend typing this

[@yasuomain9428]

thank you so so much you really helped me with those informations ❤

[@nicholaslukito661]

The ending was amazing

[@jferguson3930]

I completely understand why you said everything in this video. I could not agree more. Birds should be able to do what birds do but unfortunately some circumstances May prohibit that due to safety concerns. In a perfect world all companion birds would be able to fly.

[@kittikat4124]

My mom has a green cheek who is delighted, she loves her wings and is very very proud of them. I have a cockatiel who is with me in my dorm room (he is my ESA) who is clipped. He is a sweetheart and is about 3 months old and doesn't quite realise he *can't* fly... I have him clipped because I can't be sure what may happen in a dorm and there is another student on my floor who has a cat. He is clipped for his safety and my ease of mind. When I finish college, he will be left for his wings to grow out. I also have a cockatiel as they are more okay with longer alone time than a macaw or grey. and when I'm in my dorm he is out the entire time, even while doing my homework or practicing my piano. He's my little buddy and I made so certain to make sure he would be happy and that I chose the right bird for me. (he's never really alone, I always have the tv or radio on for him). I also have a breeder and bird group who I trust so much. The breeder does all of the grooming for both birds, she hand raises all her babies, and she knows well what she's doing. The bird group consists of some solo owners as well as some who run rescues and they are always helpful and we have birdy playtime every weekend. I feel like this comment is a mess now so I'll just leave it here 😅

[@laurenkelly30]

I personally only think that if you are 100% sure your bird is a useless flyer and keeps knocking itself into walls or windows or whatever, and ultimately they could kill themselves (I've seen and heard it happening many times before) That's personally the only reason I think it's OK to clip a birds wings. Even then I think you should always leave your bird being able to glide or fly slightly, I think completely taking away a birds flight is cruel. Also, although I'm not a huge fan of it, I don't think it's too bad if you clip your birds wings when you first get them. (Some of the instances you said I agree with its OK to clip a birds wings) And other than those reasons, I personally can't really think of a valid reason to clip a birds wings. Also, I would absolutely love an African Grey one day, they are definitely some of my favourite birds! Cody is so gorgeous, I love his eyes ❤

[@lynn2325]

I don’t actually have a bird yet but when I get one it will defineately be flighted because I have 3 dogs and if it ever needs to get away that will be necessary, the bird won’t be in danger though because if I’m gone it will be in my room and my dogs won’t be in my room and I will keep the dogs away, only one is kinda a threat but I can teach him and they won’t be together often Like if you love animals

[@ankitamore5425]

Marlene this vedio so helpful, after watching I understood what mistakes I did. I had an Indian ringneck he was such a wonderful and intelligent bird but I lost him he flew off. when I got him, he had clipped wings and I don't wanted to clip his wings. my windows where always open I thought if he flew off he will come back to me I need to trust my bird. one day he flew off but I found him and he got back to me but the second time when he flew off I was unable to find him and I lost him forever. I miss him a lot. I feel sorry for my bird. After watching your video I won't be doing such a foolish mistake ever. thank you Marlene for making such a informative vedio. I LOVE YOU and I love your all birds.

[@kabs488]

Chain Hanging lighting! so bad! thank god the light was off bite through 3times now considering wing clip..but looking for away... round acrylic tubing! and of course new brown lamp wire.

[@kathkass]

Hello Marlene, I was wondering if you could do a video on how you keep your parrot warm in winter? I'm always so worried in the winter about my sun conure being cold do you have any tips? Also I'm in the process of buying a baby cockatiel and was wondering if the sex of the bird should be something I should consider. I have always had males and I think I want something different but I've never had a female before. Could you make a video of what the real difference is between a male parrot and a female parrot. Thankyou!

[@delilahandrearojasaguilar2573]

my birds were already clipped when I got them from the pet store which was so sad!!! but they grow back the feather so yay!!!!

[@jesseocean5507]

Thanks, i like the way you talk

[@fatzrabbits4081]

Good advice

[@aubrey5211]

This was so helpful! Thank you! Cody is beutiful!!

[@uuekene]

Before you bring home your first bird you must understand that bird flys and will fly away if it gets lost outside. Bonding with bird and tameing is not enough to expect that bird will not get lost any more. Keep your bird in safe room and nothing happens, why not use some special window nets, if it keeps your bird safe? I´m glad in my country clipping birds wings is not alowed and i haven`t heard about breeders who do that, pet shops are not doing that either.

[@lilahb.8698]

Thank you. This is exactly how it should be. It is unfair to the bird that they might have to have their wings clipped at first because their owner doesn't have that instinct, but ultimately it's better than the bird getting hurt because their owner didn't have that instinct. Believe me, no matter how much research you do, you won't really have that instinct until you have a bird or are around them a lot. Since this is coming from you, I think this is great. It helps put the record straight for any parrot owner. Personally, I have my female parakeet's wings clipped because a) I haven't bonded/tamed her enough yet and can't just pick her up to put her where she wants to be and b) I have a fish tank that is not covered (yet) in the same room. She also tends to run into stuff. My male is older, more coordinated, and lets me move him most of the time (keep in mind I'm still not letting them be free just for the week that it'll take for the cover to be made!). They're both small birds that still have their wild instincts, and even my male will jump away if I move too quickly/suddenly. Small birds also, in my experience, tend to be more flighty. Well, they make up for the lost flight time by clinging onto a perch and flapping their wings, which is good I suppose. Cody was strangely quiet. Probably that bug I saw flying into frame.

[@Angela-di9jy]

We have a gcc & a jenday & 2 lab mix dogs. We are new parrot owners and their wings are clipped now, but im not sure if we should continue to clip their wings or not because of our dogs. Right now we seperate the birds & dogs with baby gates but eventually our babies will be able to fly over them. I want whats best for them...

[@itsjusthopexo200]

I love you so much you have helped me so much

[@fatimaj8687]

Can you make a video on how to spend time with all 5 of your birds equally ? Please I've been waiting to see this video and I've even asked ur sis genna on Snapchat to ask u

[@fatimaj8687]

Thanks for the video marline plz make a video on all ur birds together and all about them (an update)

[@Tc4thisSkewl]

My cake had his wings clipped when he was only 5 months old or less. We took him for a normal vet checkup and they told us his wings were not clipped right. I believe in flighted birds as well but the vet said it would take two molts for his wings to grow back right. He said after the first molt they are going to look "off" and may even receive a different coloring because of it. My question is will this affect him when he becomes flighted again? We have been trying to get him to practice flying or I guess floating, lol, as much as possible.

[@abdullahbux41]

wats ur input on a black headed caique as a pet .....

[@TravelsWithKris]

Our budgie was clipped when we bought her, but by the time they grew out she was tamed. She is now an excellent flyer and comes when called. I still worry about her escaping, not due to us, but someone else, but I think about how much she loves flying, how confident she is, and what good exercise it is and I wouldn't want to ever clip her again.

[@americanpro6980]

positive parrot poetry pronouncements, very cool ...

[@joanaliker3630]

I want to eventually be able to take bird outside to fly free and stuff but in order to train them i heard it's easier to start with clipped wings

[@crazyboutferrets]

Yes

[@alguting1]

how long does it take for an african grey clip feather to grow back?

[@jonasuck1232]

Yeeeeeeees my gurl, Marlene the Parrot Queen! :)

[@MARLENEMCCOHEN]

+Dont let me down 💛❤💙💜🐦

[@shianncombs1359]

MARLENE MC'COHEN love your videos

[@lisaurizzo1414]

Hi Marlene. Love all your videos. A few months back I was outside with my Quaker and didn't realize his wings grew in more than I thought and a loud motorcycle went by which scared him and he took off. I haven't been able to find him which just devastated me. I am now getting another Quaker in about a week when he is weaned. I love to take the bird outside but am afraid. How do you feel about harnesses? Do they even make them for Quakers? Thank you. I am still learning.

[@RainCheck797]

Lisa Urizzo harness are great. Yes they do look for one that would fit a conure. Aviator is the best not that their are many.

[@cosmickestral3304]

I didn’t watch the entire video so I’m unsure if you covered this. What if I clip my birds wings once to be able to bond with it better so it won’t fly away? If I work with my parakeet with his wings clipped once and then just let them grow back would that work?

[@badrimadrasisrinivasan1970]

Hi Mccohen thanks for the vedio.. If i am the beginner to have parrot should i clip or not. Will cockatiel be friendly with owners. Can they easily trained. Pls replu

[@kenmaisbae9281]

The reason I am considering to clip my cockatiels wings is be because he isn’t a very good flyer (I got him from an aviary) so I’m worried he would accidentally injure himself. I got him almost 3 weeks ago and he was parent raised so he was harder to tame but I don’t think it’s a problem since we are bonding well. I believe I’m going to get his wings clipped though I am worried about the exercise problem

[@fatimaj8687]

Thank you for the very helpful video but I have a question ... on Instagram your account @engagednotcaged isnt working.. u haven't Posted anything for weeks ! Why ?

[@jasperandgaara]

Marlene, i need advice. I have an umbrella cockatoo, she is aggressive towards everyone but my grandfather. It makes trying to clean her cage hard to do. We cant get her out of her cage because of it. Do you have any advice on what i should do? Plus i have a african grey, shes plucked herself nearly raw, weve tried everything to get her to stop and she wont, any advice?

[@sibakhin5191]

I needed this, thanks.

[@nikkigreggs6452]

My bf and I have been talking about clipping his 2 budgies wings, just to aid better in training, every time we work on better handling they always fly off. they are always gravitating around their cage and still somewhat apprehensive to step up on a finger.

[@aulain50]

my Umbrella Cockatoo male is 26 and he has not had his wings clipped that I know.He does not fly.He learn new words very smart.can I teach him to fly.I bought him a huge outdoor aviary and I have a harness he has never worn???

[@probablyniki]

I do agree with you to some extent, but not when it comes to the first time bird owners. See, in Germany it is extremely uncommon to see birds with clipped wings, I think it’s actually illegal in some way. Yet, people here have birds, many people have budgies, cockatiels or ringnecks and, well, I’ve never seen any but some people have bigger birds as well. Everybody starts with some kind of bird, but none are ever clipped. None. But even first time bird owners do their job well and keep them healthy for their entire life, at least most people do. Taming flighted birds is not impossible. I have 4 budgies, i know someone who has a bigger flock of 10 budgies, and they are all tame. So personally, I don’t see the point in clipping these kinds of birds - i do understand why bigger parrots (cockatoos, macaws, african greys, amazons etc) may be better off clipped in some cases, but i see people clipping budgies and cockatiels, and that is something I do not and will not understand.

[@joewhitfield5561]

Clipping wings evenly gives stable flight. By clipping one wing they are unable to fly whereas an evenly clipped bird can sometimes fly away.

[@richardking3017]

great video

[@dream88power]

Love it!!!

[@victoriaroldan1139]

Could you possibly think about making videos on how you work on Flight Training with you parrots?

[@dan-up1cw]

Hi Marlene I have recently gotten a sun conure 2 weeks ago. The previous owner said he was 2 years old and has lived with him for 4 months... right now he is rather noisy and eats lots of seeds. The previous owner said it would fall ill(diarrhoea) if it ate any other fruits than Apples Or Corn.. I gave it grapes and he absolutely loved but it did have diarrhoea. Now he doesn't rlly like Apples.. What do i do?? Also it seems rlly bored and I'm not sure how to play with him... could u help me out??

[@dan-up1cw]

Rlly hope u can help me out :)

[@alainadoyle3888]

I hope you went to a vet.

[@Few_politicians_run_your_life]

Clip wing for me song like cutting the whose wing off when I just got my bird. I think we should say clip wing feather.

[@monkeynumbernine]

When I first got my BFA, I had the guy trim his flight feathers, he was not a companion bird and I had never had a bird before. I let his wings grow and I have never trimmed them again. He is well able to fly, but is rarely inclined to do so.

[@phoenixmeharg5514]

i have been intrested in a macaw. I have been watching videos on free flight. Do you have any experience with free flight and can you talk about free flight

[@stopaoaodkx5408]

My conure's wings were clipped by the breeder. I hope they grow back smoothly

[@imaginetoysfungames8539]

Plz reply marlene we are thinking on getting a ringneck 1st time owning a parrot have had a bird before but not a parrot had a bugie is it bad to clip their wings or not checked so many website's help anyone

[@rogerledoux4741]

The reason some vets say clip one side so they can still flutter if they fall. The problem with flighted birds is what happened to you someone leaves the door open or leaves a fan on = dead bird. I have had both right now they can fly but if my situation changes I won't have a problem clipping them. Not sure if you have had experience with birds laying eggs but its something you might talk about. I have a Myers that lays eggs and my 22 year old African lays 4 to 6 at a time. Great videos keep it up

[@RebornThroughHate]

You mean a ceiling fan? I don't have those but, yes, I would not install one myself with the bird in the house. As far as leaving a door or window open, well, I talked with some people who did lose their (smaller) birds that way. I guess one has to be mindful of it. But a parrot, especially a large one, shouldn't just fly off at the sight of an open window. If he or she does, it will usually land close to the house. From what I understand and from personal experience, big parrots don't fly far away. They usually land on a tree or in someone's backyard close by and start yelling "HEEEEEEELP, where the hell am I??". Happened a couple of times to me with my Amazon, when it got spooked while outside and zoooom it went (that was before I began using a leash). Spent a night on a super tall tree once. Even the firetrucks' ladder wouldn't reach. Got hungry in the morning and flew down. I wish someone came up with a tiny satellite tracker we could implant. I second the motion for a video on nesting, sex (male/female), egg laying, related health issues, etc.. I've had my bird for 2 years. I was told by the original owner that it's a boy. Well. She now built a nest high in the closet and laid an egg. I'm still getting used to the fact she's a girl and still refer to her as "he" half the time.

[@rogerledoux4741]

RebornThroughHate Yes a ceiling fan. Had a friends sun conure fly off a cliff one time, landed on the ground I had to climb down to get her. My African grays name is Dexter so I thought it was a male also. Got her and finished the hand feeding myself.

[@debc4815]

Roger Ledoux m

[@Mittzie]

It’s based off chickens amazingly. It’s done specifically to throw their balance not because they can flutter down still it prevents chickens turkeys ducks etc from trying to jump fences because they aren’t balanced so they don’t attempt takeoff like a flighted bird would because the only time that the heavier “eating” ground type birds take off is to make it over an obstacle in their way, people figured this method would transfer to parrots well as well but it doesn’t. Long before we kept parrots we domesticated chickens turkeys ducks geese etc. The best method is leave some of the primaries in tact and remove the rest equally on both sides they can’t get AS MUCH lift as being fully flighted but they have enough left in order to actually get down safely. The BIGGEST PROBLEM is most people clip wings too early (breeders and pet stores) their wings shouldn’t be touched and they shouldn’t be given to someone unexperienced until they learn how to maneuver in air and land properly. Most breeders pet stores etc clip prior to that which is a HUGE danger to the bird long run.

[@joleenhernandez2196]

My green cheek conure had her wings clipped because she went everywhere with me and I didn't want her to fly away accidentally, we were constantly outdoors with her - though she was usually stuck to me like glue and she never tried to fly away. However - I was sitting in my aunts front yard and a stray cat I was unaware of, attacked us (trying to get her) while she was on my shoulder. My bird tried to escape but obviously couldn't use her wings to fly away she couldn't get more than maybe 3ft off the ground, and the cat almost got her until she ended up in the middle of the street (as a car was coming) I had to dive and grab her (car saw me and stopped) and LUCKILY my bird was ok, but I have to think she would have been better off if she could have flown away and I feel she would have, due to her connection to me, came back to me.

[@sophiethehuman4469]

In England, alot of birds come from breeders flighted. Only one of my birds has ever come to me clipped and her clip was awful. My other birds all came to my fully flighted. I've never had to clip a Bird's wings to tame them. Yeah it's harder but more worth it in the end. I think you gotta do what's best for your birds in the end. If that means clipping their wings then that's what you gotta do

[@elisheva5785]

I've just rescued a 25yr old African Grey..Can you please tell me if a bird is too old to tame ? She's very gentle and will take food from my fingers but will not step up at all.. I wish I lived closer to you BUT is there anything you can advise me on ?? Yes she is flighted !

[@rogerledoux4741]

cantcomprehend1 He can be tamed but you may get bit a few times. Since he will take food out of your hand you can try and coax him on you hand or onto a stick. Slowly put your finger by the front of his legs and tell him to step up. You can start with a perch if your afraid to get bit. Be patient start slowly it can be done.

[@dobreipauldarius1140]

Hello Marlene,can u help me with a problem please?i have 2 indian’s ringneck and one is calm and answer when i want to train him,he step up and came when i call him and he kiss me,and another is the Vinny type,don’t answer when i want to train him,he step up,he came when i call him but not all the time and he bite me a lot i don’t know if he wanna bite me or he didn’t realize when he plays it hurt me,last week he broke a birthmark on me,still don’t know if it was intentional or he was just curious,they are both fully flight parrots i have them from about 4 months and i don t know if is ok to clip the wings at the”aggressive”one...i don t wanna make him sad because he fly like a combat jet,i’m an inexperienced owner and they are my first birds but i do my best to gave them a happy and a healthy life.Thank you.

[@leonievw2466]

One of my two budgies isn't able to fly anymore :( Must have hurt himself somehow, I didn't see it happen. I'm so sad right now, but still happy that he did fly for all these years. Now I'm teaching him to step up so that if he walks around on the floor I can pick him up. It does motivate me too be more interactive with them now to make him tired and fullfilled in other ways

[@JWildberry]

I hate what we do to our pets. Clipping wings, neutering dogs, declawing cats, removing dew claws, and putting animals in cages for much longer than what's needed. If we are incapable of keeping companion pets without cutting off body parts, we shouldn't have them.