So much for flighted birds....

[Bobioden]

Clipping the wings would have made no difference. She still could have gotten out the door and still been eaten by the cats as she couldnt get any height and would have landed on the ground and been more of a target. At least flighted, she could get to higher areas and hopefully survive long enough to be found and returned or find a new home.

I don't agree with that at all. When I lost Oliver a flighted Scarlet Chested Parakeet, by the time he landed in the heavily populated area of Denver I had no chance of ever recovering him. Clipped he would have flown down to our courtyard, and with me noticing him gone only a few minutes, I would have brought him back safe and sound.. He could fly 3 full laps in my condo, I counted once and it was 20 seconds before he landed. Once outside it was at least a full block either way before he touched down.

[Mum2rory]

My point was, maybe not worded correctly, is everyone says when their bird gets out that if the bird was flighted, they should have clipped or if clipped, they should have left flighted.
You say if your bird had have been clipped, he would have come back to you. How do you know that? You are assuming he would have landed in your courtyard. If it was a windy day, or been a while since clip, a bird can travel further than expected. It could have gone over a neighbours fence and been eaten by dogs/cats etc. You cannot say you could have reached your bird cos you dont know if you could have or not. You didnt even notice he was missing for a few minutes.

The only way we can keep our birds safe, is to be ultra vigilant and not let the bird get out in the first place, know where s/he is at all times.

[Marnie]

still no word on Bette. i am so sad, looking at her empty cage, not hearing her sweet voice anymore. its the first time i have been completely birdless in years. there is such a void now.
i know its my fault, i have been so very busy with the move and still am. it never should have happened, but it did. i am devastated to say the least.
i moved to much much smaller house, and had to rehome Marnie as there was no room in here for one cage let alone two. but i was bound and determined to find a place for Bette's cage. she was my dream bird and we were really beginning to bond. she was such a clown and so beautiful.
i would give anything to have her back...................
and yes, i loved having a flighted bird. when she flew to me, she was an awesome sight.

[Cage Cleaner]

L

[meowingaround]

Btw, I never told you how sweet I think your (not new anymore!) avatar is.

Ty it is such a Windy face