Post by Casey on Mar 5, 2012 20:55:06 GMT -8
Lovebirds are powerful fliers and many will be able to fly well even with a clip. They require more primaries cut than cockatiels due to how powerful they are in flight.
a semi clip only requires 3-4 feathers trimmed and this is enough to slow a lovebird down, but not totally reduce lift.
a full clip requires 5-8 feathers depending on the bird. Rule of thumb, clip less first, then if that is still too light of a clip, gradually clip enough feathers until the bird is unable to gain lift, but is still able to glide gently to the floor. Even a properly clipped lovebird can still fly a few feet. It is very important you never bring your lovebird outside without a harness even if clipped as it will not take much for these tiny parrots to become airborne.
Photos below show a fully flighted wing and a full clipped wing
This is a fully flighted lovebird's wing
This is a fully clipped view of the same bird
Budgies are generally the same, just may require a little less of a clip, around 5-6 flights, sometimes more depending on the bird. Budgies are also very powerful in flight and can still fly even when clipped, therefore should still be watched carefully when let out of their cage.
Also remember with any bird, always clip both wings the same, and never clip the secondaries. One winged clips cause the bird to be unbalanced and can crash and injure themselves. Clipping the birds secondaries removes the support of the wing and will cause the bird to drop like a rock. Both of these are out dated clips and should not be used.
a semi clip only requires 3-4 feathers trimmed and this is enough to slow a lovebird down, but not totally reduce lift.
a full clip requires 5-8 feathers depending on the bird. Rule of thumb, clip less first, then if that is still too light of a clip, gradually clip enough feathers until the bird is unable to gain lift, but is still able to glide gently to the floor. Even a properly clipped lovebird can still fly a few feet. It is very important you never bring your lovebird outside without a harness even if clipped as it will not take much for these tiny parrots to become airborne.
Photos below show a fully flighted wing and a full clipped wing
This is a fully flighted lovebird's wing
This is a fully clipped view of the same bird
Budgies are generally the same, just may require a little less of a clip, around 5-6 flights, sometimes more depending on the bird. Budgies are also very powerful in flight and can still fly even when clipped, therefore should still be watched carefully when let out of their cage.
Also remember with any bird, always clip both wings the same, and never clip the secondaries. One winged clips cause the bird to be unbalanced and can crash and injure themselves. Clipping the birds secondaries removes the support of the wing and will cause the bird to drop like a rock. Both of these are out dated clips and should not be used.
