Wing clipping in parrots is a controversial management practice. Understanding the welfare evidence helps owners make informed decisions about flight capability in companion birds.
Flight is integral to parrot behaviour, escape from threat, and exercise. Clipping removes the capacity for a fundamental natural behaviour and the ability to escape aversive situations. Clipped birds that fall may injure themselves more severely than flight-capable birds. The welfare concern is compounded by the fact that clipping is often performed primarily for owner convenience rather than demonstrated bird welfare benefit. Flight recall training achieves safety goals while preserving the bird's physical and behavioural capability.