OK people, I am not wanting to start a debate about the clip/no clip controversy.

We recently purchased an RV. Mostly so we can take Tiko with us for weekend trips, and just have some fun!!

Tiko's wings were origionally clipped. Since then they have grown out, and she flies all over the house. She goes where she wants to go. She is only out if we are home of course.

I feel that I need to have her clipped because I would not be able to stand if she flew away, and we were away from anything familiar to her.

She wont wear the harness I got for her, she will bite me to shreds.

Now, my question is this. Will she think that she can still fly? I know we will have to watch her closely, but will she make attempts to fly? Will she learn that she cant??

I am really torn about it...she is so happy flying where ever she wants, but I am way too concerned about her flying away when we go camping.

Any other alternatives??

Thanks

How about something like this?
http://www.gijoes.com/product/index....=713364.714752
Just a thought.

That would be great!!

My biggest concern though, is people coming in and out, and her getting out while the door is open. Although she doesnt fly towards the door now...she kind of knows that it is off limits (or knows that it is cold enough that she doesnt want any part of it) she might not understand a new place.

Lisa,
Tough call. I know what its like to not be able to get a harness on them! Stirling will have none of that. I also have the gazebo thing that was suggested. However, I, me, (personally) would not take a bird outside unrestrained, and unclipped.
Best deal for Tiko is to get a travel cage that you can transport outside with him in it. This way, he cant fly off, cant escape under the gazebo, doesnt need a harness, and is safe from the numerous species of hawks in the area.
here is a picture of my guys in the gazebo in thier cages. Mind you, Stirling is out on a t-stand and was clipped, and I sat within 2 ft of him at all times.


sorry I tried to resize lots of times, and I cant figure out why it wont take it

Speaking with experience on camping, while it would be great not to clip wings, in an environment like camping it can be very dangerous to not have clipped wings.
Most people that are die hard campers, like my family, are very cool when it comes to animals, but there is always that one unexpected instance or person. If it was just being at home I would not worry as much in another area or state - then I would think hard about it.

The flying issue - if he is used to flying then yes I think he will try to fly, regardless of where he is. If you decide to clip then do it very gradually - two outer most feather on each side first and then go from there with maybe addinf another feather on each side until you feel he is where you want him to be. He can always grow them back in the fall and winter when you aren't camping.

Whatever you decide, I hope you enjoy your camping experience with your bird.

I just would leave her home when ya go on a camping/RV trip and not clip her.

I'll bet ya if she could talk , she would tell you that she would prefer to retain her ability to fly and have that kind of fun at home, when ya get back, rather than be clipped/handicapped now in order to go with ya. JMO.

I'd definitely have to agree with Joel on this one. Is this a possibility?

I would not recommend taking a bird camping clipped or non clipped. Just too many unpredictable vairables-wildlife, other people, kids, dogs, cats anything could spook your bird. I would leave him at home.

Thanks for all the input!!

A couple of things.....yes, I will be getting a travel cage. She has one for short distances, but I need something else for the long trips. I did go out yesterday but nothing really looked good. I think I am going to have to take a trip down to BP...

As for the camping...well, I dont think too much of it is really going to be out in the middle of the woods.... we are involved in racing..so it is mostly camping in parking lots. (so, is that even really camping? ) I dont think a lot of predators will be near.

She really does like to go with us places. We took her out over the holidays (it was warmer here) and she just had a blast interacting with everyone...so yes, I think she would want to go with us. She plays with everyone, and enjoys going from person to person. She is a very social little thing!

These trips will be for a couple of days at a time. So if she didnt go, she would be totally alone.

And I would NEVER take her outdoors flighted with no harness.... NEVER!! not an option.

I do like those screen rooms, they do make them that attach to the RV as well....those may be a possibility.

Thanks for the ideas!!!

I would think that she would try to fly if you clipped her - and think about the possibility that clipped birds can usually fly a little if not more than a little, and even a slight gust of wind can carry them farther.