Expert: Chrys Meatyard - 2/12/2007

Question
I have talked to you previously about my bird. You said that I shouldn't work with it inside the cage. I agree with you on that 100%. My bird's wings aren't clipped. I'm not sure whether or not to clip them. It would be more dangerous to keep them unclipped because of household hazards. However, the only certified person to do it lives two hours away from me and I'm scared to take my bird on that long of a journey. Also, we have a house dog that is in my room quite often near the bird. I'm scared that if the bird can't get away the dog could injure it. I'm trying to tame it right now and if it gets out of its cage what will happen? Will it just fly away from me and not go back in? If so, how can I hand tame it out of the cage?

Answer
Hi, Jamie.  Thanks for posting!

If you can't/don't want to clip your birds flight feathers, you'll need to keep the dog and bird separate from each other when you are working with your bird outside of it's cage (close your room door).  Many pet shops or people who sell parrots can clip parrot's flight feathers...you'll need to call around.  Even your local cat/dog vet might have a vet tech who can clip your bird's flight feathers.  It isn't difficult...you could do this yourself.  My website has some information and links to help you with this:

www.angelfire.com/falcon/birdinfo/index.html

Here's another good website:  www.birdchannel.com

Yes, without clipping the flight feathers, your bird will most likely just fly away from you whenever you try to work with it if the bird isn't tame.  It may go back in it's cage by itself or it may not...it just depends on the bird.  

In order to hand tame it out of the cage, I recommend you have it's flight feathers trimmed and work with your bird inside your room with the door closed/away from the dog.  My website has information on how to start the taming process.  

Come back with any additional questions.

Chrys