Chicken's flight feathers

[bonnie]

His flight feathers are almost all in on one side. They're small, but they're there. On the other side there is still a big gap so it will be a bit longer before I can clip. I'm toying with the idea of not clipping at all. I would like to be able to fly Chicken at our church like Dot does. I think that would be fun, but at the same time, I hate the thought of giving him that freedom and feeling in case being fully flighted isn't something I will be able to handle. I understand some birds get a bit cocky when they're fully flighted.
I guess my question is, what do you all think? Do you think allowing him to fly would be a good idea or do you think it would be best to clip as soon as all the feathers grow in properly. I understand that he will probably be able to do short flights in the house with out realizing he was able to. I just don't want to give him something so wonderful then have to take it away.

Here is the link where we were talking about this once before.
http://www.happybirdy.com/mainforum_happybirdy_com/showthread.php?t=2526&highlight=chicken+flight+feathers&page=2

[Larry, Baby and Me]

Hmmmm???

It's better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all.

Lar

[FoxersArtist]

I think you should try it out - don't clip him and see how he does. If he gets unmanageable, clip him. Some birds really excell once they are flighted - like out little benny boy! My experience with clipping is that if you have to clip him even after he has learned to fly, he won't hold it against you. He might pout for a few days, but then he'll forget about it. We are toying with the idea of letting Peggy's flights grow out and flight training her indoors. She needs SOMETHING as she ha started to over preen too much and I'm just worried that it's a matter of time before she'll start plucking. She has gotten bored with "language" and I think flying might perk her interests enough to ignore the feather distruction once again.
-Anna

[birdie]

Stella is full flight most of the time, I get her clipped when she starts to do aerial attacks and by the time they grow back she's ok again for a few months. Stella hasn't pouted at me, Cassie does for about a week.
You can always clip them if it does go well.

[Larry, Baby and Me]

Bonnie - if I may give the folks some background information on your behalf.

Chicken presently has what is called a "show clip" with ALL wing feathers clipped except the first 4 primaries. This is a truly dangerous situation for Chicken.

To bring Chicken into a safe mode, Bonnie is letting all of his other wing feathers grow out and then possibly do a proper clip of clipping his first 5 primaries.

In the meantime - Chicken at some point of growing wing feathers will discover he can fly. Cackatoos are light weight and have great lift in their wings.

Lar

[iti hoa's mom]

When clipping the goal is to clip to a point where your bird still can glide down safely and not go thud! My grey gets only 4-5 cut. My B&^ gets 6. The scarlet gets 7. The toos and conures may need up to 10. Larry mentioned this is all of the flight feathers. Yes....but....they still can fly some! not just glide to the ground. My Toucan can fly from desk to the play stand but not zip throughout the house. Different numbers for different birds. What I do not do is leave outer flight feathers. Cara had a cut like that and broke a wing. 12 years ago, $400 and 1hours surgery ....nope, won't do it again. She has 95:% use of that wing and does well.

[FoxersArtist]

I agree that a show clip is not a good idea. At the least, the bird is more prone to breaking a blood feather, but like peggy said, worse things can happen. I really think you should give chicken a go at the flighted life and take it one day at a time.
-Anna

[too&me]

I agree, Harry could use a clip right now as he can be very aggressive with innocent bystanders and other birds, but I can see it has helped him gain muscle and confidence. He can fly and maneuver quite well with up to 5 primaries clipped.