Your views on clipping wings?

[Pajarita]

I agree 100% - especially taking into consideration the bird was at the PRECISE age they leave their parents and go looking for a mate. But, even if the bird had been older, you simply NEVER take a bird, clipped or unclipped, outside without a harness or in a carrier.

[gerewolf]

Not only have the two comments missed the point (I didn't take the bird outside into the snow, he flew out of my car as I opened the door to get in), but I think it quite nasty to attack somebody who just lost his bird. Yes, I made mistakes, but there's a friendly way to give advice and an unfriendly way. I won't be coming back to this forum. You can write what you want now. I won't be reading it.

[Michael]

Your bird FROZE TO DEATH solely because of your personal negligence and you're upset because people gave you some advice in "an unfriendly way?" I don't think anyone owes you any sympathy. People are feeling pity for the poor bird...

[GreenWing]

My Timneh African Grey flew out of my car today and is gone. It is a snowy day in Bushkill, PA and we sludged through the snow for an hour, calling him. He had never done anything like this before. He molted a few months ago and then learned to fly. He was flying all around the house. We had been used to taking him along in the car, carrying him out on our fingers. But now he is gone, and my views on clipping are very mixed. I agree that clipping may do emotional damage, but it also gives them the ability to fly off. It's kind of a trade-off.
I suppose I should have learned to be more careful, only take him outside in a travel cage, etc. Anyway, at this moment I'm heartbroken, and I wanted to put in my 2 cents.

Oh f*&^.

People make mistakes, and I know you're feeling like total shit because of it. I lost my bird, who flew from my home. Accidents happen. There have been people on the forum who have taken their bird outside and the bird flew off but they were DAMN LUCKY and they were able to get their bird back.

Clipping is NOT the answer. Yes, you made a mistake. But you DON'T deserve to be flogged or crucified for it! There's still hope and I hope you do get your bird back so DON'T GIVE UP. Please list on Craigslist, parrots911, and place an add in the paper. Post fliers. Someone COULD have your bird. Your bird may still be alive and someone COULD have him! PLEASE do what you can in the meanwhile to find your bird!

[GlassOnion]

I read your first post correctly, Gerewolf. You didn't take him outside in the snow, but you opened the car door and gave him the opportunity to fly out in the snow. Your wife should've been holding his feet or better yet, had him in his carrier. Freezing to death, is a very painful thing..don't you think? I'd rather have some internet strangers leave some blunt, but truthful comments rather than freeze to death outside. But because there is hope for you to recover your grey, I would follow Greenwing's advice on getting the word out as much as possible. I really hope the best for your bird, for the chance that he is still alive.