I didn’t read through all of the replies, but I’m an admin for a large parrot group on Facebook and we get asked this question often. Here is my answer:
Full disclosure, I’m very pro-flight. BUT, as with anything, my take is “you do you”, and I have no interest in shaming or judging anyone.
It’s not a black and white issue, but it’s one that people often come down very strongly on one side of. I’ve researched it endlessly, talked to hundreds of owners both online and in person, read dozens of articles/personal stories, and have a couple decades of experience with both clipped and flighted birds.
I will say there’s no denying that exercise is healthy for all animals, and for a bird, flight is hands down the best form of exercise. No amount of walking or climbing can compare. That said, not all unclipped birds will want to fly. Mine does, both for necessity and for the pure joy of it. For a bird who has the stamina, the muscle build, the coordination, and the skill, flying is fun. It’s instinctual in the wild and taught by parents, but in captivity if a bird is clipped very young they may never learn to fly, and that can cause emotional problems and insecurity later in life.
When I got Silas he had a baby clip (a very light clip they did at the store for safety, after he was fledged). One day he was exploring and he flew into a window in my apartment. I freaked and clipped him, harshly. I cut way too many feathers and I cut them way too short. He dropped like a rock, which is dangerous. A bird that drops like that can crack their keel bone. Within a few days I regretted it. It took a year and a half for the clipped feathers to molt out and new ones to grow. The first time he flew again I was ecstatic. It’s a very personal thing but I just love seeing a bird be able to fly. It makes me happy because I can see clearly that it makes him happy.
The thing I didn’t know is that when a bird is first learning to fly and first in a new environment, a few bumps into windows and walls here and there is perfectly normal, and almost always harmless. You can actually take a bird around your house and let their beak tap each window. They’re smart, and they’ll realize it’s a barrier. Mine did. Since his wings grew back out a few years ago he has never once flown into anything. He’s strong and he’s skilled, but it took time. Babies are clumsy.
You should know that there is a chance that clipping will cause some behavior issues. Birds operate on “fight or flight”, which means that if you rob them of flight, they’re left with one option, which usually means you’re getting bitten. It’s not a guarantee but it’s a possibility.
Here are some additional points to consider...
Pros of full flight:
•Healthier physically—best source of exercise for captive birds. Prevents excessive weight gain, lethargy, cardiological, respiratory, and muscular problems associated with lack of rigorous physical activity
•Healthier psychologically—birds that fly exercise their coordination, quick thinking, and build confidence...flying is intensely mentally stimulating and prevents boredom
•Better for human & parrot relationship—birds that have the means to fly to escape a scary situation are far less likely to bite (flight vs flight)
•Safer around other household pets—a flighted bird is less likely to be injured by cats, dogs, and other predator animals since they can fly to escape, whereas a clipped bird is stuck on the ground once it ends up there
•Can help prevent problem behaviors like screaming and plucking—birds that are flighted are generally less bored and less stressed, and in combination with ample out of cage time, problems like plucking and screaming are less common
Cons (myths) of full flight:
•It’s unsafe indoors—birds that fly can end up crashing into windows, ceiling fans, pots of boiling water, etc.. Truth: birds that are just learning to fly will have minor crashes until they get the hang of it and learn their boundaries. Once they get a feel for it and develop coordination, crashes become rare if not eliminated. As for ceiling fans, pots of water, and other common household dangers, they all apply to clipped birds as well. No bird owner should be cooking or running a ceiling fan while said bird is out of their cage, regardless of whether they’re clipped or not. It’s your responsibility to bird-proof your home
•It’s unsafe outdoors/flighted birds are at risk of escaping out windows and doors. Truth: Again, these apply to clipped birds as well. No bird owner should be opening doors or windows while said bird is out of their cage. If taking a bird outside, a harness or small cage should always be used to prevent bird flying off (clipped birds can fly once they get wind under their wings)
•Full flight makes birds bratty/aggressive/dominant. Truth: a clipped bird is more likely to bite than a flighted one, since a clipped bird has no means of escaping a scary or unpleasant situation (remember, fight or flight). Behavior problems stem from poor husbandry and lack of training.
•A flighted bird won’t want to be on your shoulder or cuddle or spend as much time with you. Truth: first of all, that is absolutely false, but even if it were true, do you really want to *force* your bird to be with you? It’s much more rewarding when you know they’re choosing to sit with you than doing so because they can’t escape
•Flighted birds have the opportunity to fly to and fight with other members of the flock. Truth: this is a legitimate concern. As a Sennie owner, I know all too well how aggressive they can be towards other birds. That should be heavily taken into account when deciding whether to adopt or purchase a new flock member. It’s exactly why I have only one bird. Still, you could always let them out at separate times.
I hope some of this helps you make your decision.