type.rst wrote:Now i definately want a flighted parrot but do you think its a good idea for me to tell the breeder to clip its wings before gving it to me?
No
type.rst wrote:I only say this because im thinking it will be easier to train the parrot if its clipped and would be easier for the parrot to settle down in its new home.
No, flighted parrots are actually easier to train.
type.rst wrote:i dont want the parrot flying around the house each time i let it out of its cage as it will be nervous as it doesn't know me well and is not totally comfortable in its new surroundings.
A) Nervous Poicephalus tend not to fly (startled: yes; scared: no)
B) Why should it trust you and become totally comfortable? Just because it can't get away and is forced to be with you?
So is it a good idea to have it clipped untill it is settled in his new home and used to me and has bonded well to me?[/quote]
NO! Clipping greatly damages a parrot's self confidence, makes biting more likely, and takes away a bird's birdedness. Furthermore clipped parrots tend to get hurt more by trying to fly and then crashing due to lack of control/power.
You are definitely going to want to read my
Parrot Training Blog archives, check out new articles, and subscribe because I am literally writing about living with and training a never-clipped-parrot (which happens to also be Poicephalus). I have some articles about flight training, bird proofing, and other issues.
Flight Training a never clipped parrot:
http://trainedparrot.com/RecallThe Good:
http://trainedparrot.com/Flying_ParrotsThe Bad:
http://trainedparrot.com/index.php?bid= ... ted+ParrotAnd the Ugly:
http://trainedparrot.com/index.php?bid= ... oming+HomeLet me just get one thing straight, clipping (with a few of the rarest special case exceptions) is done for the owner and not for the bird. Generally it is used as a poor substitute for strict bird proofing and training. Most of the people who are fearful of having a flighted parrot are people who clip. This is because they've seen/heard about a parrot getting outside, crashing, etc. Quite often these are clipped parrots (or clipped parrots that grew back some feathers) because many clippers get complacent and think they've done all they need to do in order to keep their bird safe.
Owning flighted parrots is not just having a pet but a lifestyle. Unlike with other pets, you have to think of pet-safe in 3d. Not only are floor hazards an issue, but everything around you. It may have its challenges but in the end it is the most rewarding feeling ever.