I'm curious about why the size of where one lives matters when deciding to clip or leave a bird flighted. My one bedroom apartment is less than 600 square feet and my CAG navigates it just fine. Maybe I'm looking at this the wrong way, but I would think a larger, more open home would pose more dangers for a bird?

you know, I was keeping my mouth shut on this one, but you said exactly what I was thinking. I live in a one bedroom apartment as well and you should see jewel, my blue and gold macaw navigate around, from room to room, around the place without landing. Carmen does laps like a fighter pilot and since she fledged has never had a problem...

I also think it depends on the bird. Papi is 7 years old, has never been clipped and can fly like a pro, but rarley chooses to. He flys to get from his tree and back or to somewhere he wants to play, but not really just for fun. I dont think size matters..

I'm well aware that being as I clip my birds puts me in the position of a non believer during the inquisition, but thats ok.
First off, I put a lot of stock in my vet's (I'm fortunate to have three avian vets in two offices locally) opinion. All three share the same opinion. In door bird birds, clipped. The breeder I got Sophie from shares that same belief. As they are who my education about birds began that is where I get the idea.
Do I believe my birds would crash into the walls and break the window. Nope. But I don't live alone. Nor do I live in a huge 600 square foot apartment. 425 square feet is more like it. Not including the patio that I have set up entirely for the birds. The living room, 130 sq' is where the birds live. With us!! The kitchen also extends out from the living room as well as an entry hall. I do have a hole poked threw the wall into a studio apartment which doubles as our computer/aquarium room and my bedroom. Not to mention all the hutch and curio cabinet willed to Kelly by her mom. Which adds 370sq' to the total.
My wife has her nick knack shelf above the TV as well as curios all over the top of the entertainment center.
I know Sophie is a fabulous flyer. Cricket is a green bullet. Unless you scare her Zoey won't fly. Benji only flies to get to Cricket or Zoey. Sometimes to get away from Sophie as well.
Have I rattled on long enough yet? Bottom line is because I choose to, because I can not at this time 100% control the environment of my home. Losing one of my babies out the front door would hurt a whole lot more then discussing why I clip my fids. Even though I love to see them fly.

Everyone has good points. Clipping is a choice we have to make when keeping wild birds captive. If you live in a space where they can fly safely, all the better. But this is turning into a clipping debate and I dont think I can bare to watch it unfold for the 50 millionth time.

This I can completely understand. The only close call we've had with Ollie flying out the door was when we were visiting my parents. It's hard to keep track of where everybody is, who's going out of what door or letting what dog out to potty... everybody has to be very aware of where the birds are if they're out of their cages. I could imagine it would be very difficult on a daily basis, and very stressful. Thankfully I only have to worry about myself at this point in time- lucky me!

I completley see how different living situations are different for everyone. And the bottom line is we all love aour birds and want what is best for them. That best is different depending on individuals. I am quite enjoying hearing everyones opinions and can relate to a bit from everyone.

Since the orrigional question was just asking how to clip wings... My 2 cents is do not attempt to clip his wings alone even with a diagram. I have done it myself when needed, but you need to learn by watching someone who is experienced in it. I would also do some research on the different types of clips there are as different people clip wings differently and a bad clip can be very harmful.

I agree, Josh. I either would have a knowledgeable avian vet or the breeder clip. (If you decide to clip, Jenna.)

Something to consider, When we first took our bird to be clipped.
We headed for a petshop, a petshop for only birds.
Where else would we find someone experienced in wing clipping.
Our birds flew backwards, one landed so hard on the floor she broke her vent open.
This was a experienced bird person, so they said.
We do our own clipping here.
We leave the 2 outer primary's and follow the secondaries when clipping the next four primary's.
Never had any issues since.
Who taught us?
Our vet!

We have many birds here, so it was best to learn how to do our own clipping.
This might not be the right thing to do if one only has one maybe 2 birds, its really up to the reader to decide.
But anyway one looks at it, its best to learn all you can.

Chipper was clipped at first and the wings took a long time to grow. She is happy, more trusting and I know it is wonderful for the mental and physical health now that her wings are back. I have read a lot about clipping vs flight.

Each home is diff. but flying is good since they cannot fall. I have heard sad stories of falls, being stepped on, pets taking them etc. All from not being able to escape.

Having safe destinations, landing areas is the key. They just need to know where to go. You have to bird proof the home, even with clipped birds. Most of the little ones can fly with clipped wings.

Chipper loves to fly.

IF you have to do it, do both wings for sure and be careful. Maybe an avian vet can show you for the first time.