Parrotlet Periodical -

Tips and tricks for your flying family member!  

To clip or not to clip...that is always the question!

One of the decisions that most bird owners face is whether to clip their bird's wings. Although there are merits to both sides of this debate, it always pays to reevaluate this topic periodically. Here are links to two helpful videos that may make the decision easier...

The pros and cons of clipping wings and how to clip your bird's wings with a cautionary note about "blood feathers".

To clip or not to clip...
How to clip wings...

Behavior tip:

Ever heard the expression, "You need your wings clipped!"? 

I did not fully understand the wisdom of this statement until I owned birds. Parrotlets are sometimes like unruly teenagers. Their behavior can suddenly become pushy and down right obnoxious, especially if they can fly. One aspect to consider when confronted by this type of behavior is that "clipping" their wings can redefine their attitude. I have seen this happen many times...just be sure in clipping their wings that you clip the fewest number of feathers, usually starting with only four on each wing. After clipping, test your birds flight ability by gently lofting it in the air to observe how it flies. I do suggest conducting this test over a bed for the safety of your pet. If your bird gradually glides to the floor, mission accomplished. If it can indeed fly to a higher elevation you will need to clip additional feathers. This clipping of additional feathers should be done one feather at a time, on each wing, until your bird can glide safely to the floor but not be able to gain altitude. Be sure to "test" the flight ability of your bird after clipping each additional feather on both wings.

Once the feathers are properly clipped, allow your bird to fly away from you and glide to the floor. Stand over him/her for a couple of minutes and then extend you hand down to him/her with the firm "step up" command. You may need to repeat this process several times, but staying patient with the process will net you the ultimate reward of a better "bird attitude". Needless to say, praise needs to be heaped on your baby once you see the desired result.

Looking for an excellent parrotlet resource?

It is always important to have good resources available related to your winged family member. I found such a source from a website dedicated specifically to parrotlets, TalkParrotlets.com. Membership is free and signing up provides a weekly guide to trending discussions in which you can just review or participate. This community of parrotlet owners provide a wealth of information and suggestions that benefit both parrotlet and "parront".

TalkParrotlets.com

This little green girl has

recently become available

for adoption. She is fully

weaned and is 9 weeks 

old.

She will make a wonderful companion pet.

Contact me for additional

information and pictures.

 
peachstateparrotlets.com

As always, I wish you the best!

Carla

Peachstate Parrotlets
peachstateparrotlets@gmail.com
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