To Clip or Not to Clip?

Covered in this Page: The Proper Wing Clip, Why Some People Clip Wings, Why Some People Don't Clip Wings, Facts About Wing Clipping, Bird-Proofing Your Home, and My Opinion

This is by far one of the most controversial topics among parrot owners. I feel that instead of telling you that one thing is better than the other, I should just present you with the facts so that you can make the decision that is best for your particular situation. Personally, I don't think you can make the issue black or white because people clip wings for different reasons. Please take the time to read this page and do your own research before you decide whether or not you want to clip your budgie's wings. If you've already made up your mind, hopefully you'll gain more understanding of the "opposing" standpoint.


The PROPER Wing Clip
The first point that should be kept in mind is that all the facts I'm going to state on this page (and in this website) refer to a PROPER wing clip. A proper wing clip does not completely take away the ability to fly. A properly clipped budgie does NOT fall like a rock. It can gently glide at a downward angle to the ground. It won't be able to gain the altitude that would be necessary to lift it high into the air or out of reach. However, if the bird starts off on a tall object (the top of its cage, for example) it can fly until it gradually loses lift.

It is NOT necessary to clip every single feather on a budgie's wing. This is what will cause him to fall like a rock and that can lead to injury.

It is NOT a good idea to clip only one wing! While this is a popular wing clip, it is not ideal as it throws the budgie off balance. Both wings should be clipped equally.

Wing clipping should be done by a professional such as an avian veterinarian. It's not difficult but you should see it performed before trying it yourself. Cutting into blood feathers, for instance, can lead to your budgie bleeding to death. Your vet can also show you how to properly restrain the bird.


Why Some People Clip Wings

Safety: It is an unfortunate fact that many people lose their birds out of open doors or windows. Budgies have also been injured and killed by flying into solid walls, mirrors, or windows too fast. There are, of course, ways to prevent this from happening even with a flighted bird. You can keep the bird confined to one room when he's out of the cage, secure all windows and doors and make everyone in your home aware to do the same. To keep him from flying into mirrors and windows, cover the mirrors with a sheet or some other material and close curtains or window blinds. (Window blinds are ideal as you can still turn them so that sunlight can get in. Curtains tend to make the room much darker.)

Please remember that an unrestrained bird is NOT safe outside even if he is clipped. Even the slightest breeze could be enough to carry your bird far away from you while outside and your bird would also be exposed to cats, dogs, hawks, and other predators. Even if your budgie is clipped, only take him outside when he is supervised and in his cage. There is also a product called a "flight suit" that may work for your budgie but always take all precautions.

Taming: While it is not impossible to tame a flighted budgie, it is much easier to do when the budgie's wings have been clipped! Safety is also a factor here as an untame budgie is much more likely to fly into objects or dart toward windows and mirrors while trying to get away from you. He hasn't yet learned that you won't hurt him so he's going to do everything he can to get away. The more time you spend trying to catch an untame budgie, the harder it's going to be to calm him down and convince him that you aren't a predator. After all, predators give chase! An unclipped budgie is much easier to catch up with so you spend less time in pursuit and more time calming him down and showing him that you're friend, not foe.

If you're lucky enough to get a baby budgie that has been handled by the breeder or one that just seems naturally fearless (it happens!) and you are certain that you can make your home safe for a flighted budgie, this may be the best option. Ultimately, it comes down to safety and what you feel comfortable with. Always put the budgie's well-being first.


Why Some People Don't Clip Wings


Birds Fly: Flying is what birds do and they seem to have so much fun while doing so! Birds have wings, they're meant to fly.

Exercise: A flighted budgie gets a great deal of exercise by making his rounds about the room. Obesity is a serious problem in budgies, especially those that consume too much seed and/or treats. While this can be avoided with a proper diet, flying is still a great way for your budgie to exercise.


Facts About Wing Clipping

*Wing clipping does NOT hurt the bird as long as it is done properly. A wing clip can be compared to a haircut. Your budgie will not be in pain while his feathers are being trimmed. However, he will most likely resist being restrained while it is being done.

*Wing clipping is NOT permanent. With your budgie's next molt, he will shed the clipped feathers and grow in brand new flight feathers.

*Wing clipping does not completely disable your bird's ability to fly. It will limit his ability to gain height so that he glides to the ground. He can fly but only for short distances.


Bird-Proofing Your Home

Whether your bird is clipped or flighted, steps must be taken to keep your home safe. The following articles offer information regarding keeping your budgie safe in your home.

Household Hazards

Safe Home for Exotic Birds

Warnings for Parrot Owners

Bird Proofing Your Home

Safe and Dangerous Plants


My Personal Opinion on the Issue

As I stated earlier, I don't believe there is a set right or wrong answer when it comes to whether or not you should clip your budgie's wings. Personally, I clipped all of my budgies as I got them. I trained them and then with their first molt, I allowed their flight feathers to grow in. One thing I noticed is that a flighted budgie exudes confidence. He can fly away from you when he feels like it but because he was tamed he will also fly to you and hang out with you when he feels like it. I did have to give up a few things when I allowed the birds to fly freely. For instance, I used to take them all to different rooms of the house to hang out. This has become unsafe due to the layout of the house so now they pretty much stay in one room because I know that particular room is safe for them. It is upstairs, has a screened window with window blinds, and they know it well enough to navigate easily. In my situation, this is what works out best so far and I don't think my budgies miss being able to go downstairs with me. They have too much fun flying.

By no means am I saying that not allowing your budgie to fly is cruel. I truly believe that my budgies were very happy when clipped. They climbed, and played and had a wonderful time without having to fly around the room. As long as you spend time with your bird and give him attention, he will be happy. Always do the option that is safest and best for your budgie and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Every situation is different. Every house is different and every family is different.


Clipped budgies should be able to fly a short distance
and should never fall like a rock.
Have your avian vet show you
how to give your budgie a proper clip
to avoid injuries to your bird.