Wing clipping — trimming flight feathers to prevent flight in companion birds — is controversial. Understanding the welfare implications helps owners make informed decisions.
Wing clipping prevents birds from expressing a fundamental natural behavior — flight. Clipped birds cannot escape perceived threats, which increases chronic fear and stress in prey species. The argument that clipping prevents escape does not hold against modern aviaries with closed doors. Birds that fall attempting to fly experience impact injuries. Flight is psychologically and physiologically important for birds, providing exercise and enabling natural behaviors. Indoor flight-safe environments are achievable alternatives to clipping.