clipping quesion

[Mydoona]

Afer I got back from the vet I found the vet didn't clip enough feathers and Mardi can fly like she used to before the clipping.I am taking both birds back tomorrow for a full clipping but am wondering.....
I made a playgym for them that sits on top of Keikos cage....will they be able to get to it?....Will it be to high for them to reach once they can't fly? If they fall on the fall and their cages are on legs can they safely fly back to the cage or will I have to make a LONG ladder for them to climb up???

[Elle]

You can attach rope latters from the playgym to the cage. They will learn ina very short time how to climb :)

[michael]

You know, the first thought here was maybe they only need one more flight feather clipped on each side. They should though still be able to fly the "short" distance up to their cage from the ground if wing clipping is done correctly. There are on occasion some birds who for a short time may briefly feel unsure about flight immediatety following a clip. Some will attempt to fly and others may add their own restrictions besides the clipping itself. This is a good time to take precautions in making sure your birds aren't crashing into anything while they begin to adjust. Usually though they learn rather quickly about the limitations they now have. I recently had 5 of Goofs flight feathers clipped on each wing and this turned out perfect. Besides this, I can always crop an extra feather on each side if this is found to be insufficient. Right now he can't quite make it across the room without meeting up with the floor which is great. Of course we know the floor is "NOT" the place for a lovebird so he's picked up right away. As with a previous clip or two, as usual he's finally learning to take shorter flights with more stops in between.

As for your birds finding their way to the play top you made for their cage well, we certainly know they have the capabilty of climbing up there, but do you think they realize they can do this or even want to? It took quite some time before my lovie figured out he could climb up to his and has to use the top of the door to gain access. To be honest though I think he prefers to hang out "everywhere" else :rolleyes:. You know, maybe that ladder you mentioned or some other climbing device to get up there would be a great idea.................:)