Universal Press Syndicate
Q: I have a cockatiel, two cats and a miniature poodle. I don't want Spikey to spend his entire life in his cage, so I have given him protection from the other pets by letting him fly free in the house. I don't know why there's all this pressure to keep his wings clipped. I think it's a much better idea that birds be allowed to fly free as nature intended and get away from danger, if needed. Will you please comment on this? -- E.R., via e-mail
A: I face the same challenges you do, with a parrot who loves to wander, a curious cat and four dogs who mostly ignore both the parrot and the cat (as well as the rabbit, Velocity). But interactions between prey and predator species are always tricky, and I'm well aware of the risks and the need for supervision.
That said, I keep Eddie's wings clipped. I give him his "freedom time" on a play stand suspended from the ceiling, or with just the two of us in my home office while I work, with the other pets on the far side of the louvered doors.
Why not leave him flighted? It's a matter of balancing risks and working toward good behavior.
Avian veterinarians see the result of letting pet birds fly free every day: birds who have slammed into windows, landed in sizzling frying pans and touched down in boiling pots of water. Some birds have even flown into open toilets and drowned.
My "Birds for Dummies" co-author, avian specialist Dr. Brian L. Speer, has seen all these kinds of tragedies, along with birds who've landed in ovens, in fireplaces and into the open drooling mouths of dogs and cats. Birds don't always have the presence of mind to fly away from danger, after all.
With wings clipped, Eddie stays pretty much where I put him for his recreation, on a safe play stand with plenty of toys. And if a door or window is open for too long, I don't have to worry about him flying through it, to be gone forever.
These risks are why pet parrots need to have their wings kept trimmed and be trained to stay safely in and on top of cages and play stands. An avian veterinarian or reputable bird shop will be happy to keep your bird's wings properly trimmed so your pet can manage a soft landing in a pinch, but no lift-off.
The benefits besides safety: Birds whose wings are kept in good trim may be less likely to engage in dominant behavior. And a well-socialized bird with wings safely trimmed may enjoy accompanying you on trips outside the home.
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