Article by Chris Biro, all rights reserved.
> At this point my birds all have hefty glide ability..and I would think
some
> short term flight capabilities in an updraft..but I'm not too sure about
> going for the full free flight...
Actually you would probably be amazed how well they can fly in a good breeze
with very little wing feathers intact. I have spent an entire day searching for
a clipped Blue Crowned Conure who "flew off" in a strong wind (yes we
got her back).
> Can someone tell me some really wonderful, positive benefits they have
> observed and experienced having their birds free-flighted?
I put off answering this because I wanted to see what others would write, but
only to be disappointed by the zero response to this wonderful question. Perhaps
everyone was likewise waiting LOL.
Anyway, to answer your question. I think this is much like "kissing"
(yesterday being Valentines day and all). You can discuss it with your friends,
you can study photos of it being done, you interview various parties who are
confirmed to have engage in the activity - but until you actually give it a try
yourself, you will never understand what it is all about. Freeflight adds a
whole new dimension parrot ownership, parrot training, parrot behavior, and to
the parrot's well being. My flyers are far more energetic, playful,
curious, (I am assuming) more healthy due to the increased exercise and natural
stimulation. They are not prisoners in my home with me as the jailer like
with my other clipped or caged birds, but are instead my roommates, that daily
have the opportunity to leave forever if they chose, but instead return to share
my home by their own choice. I know this last statement is a bit touchy to some
people, but this is one of the main reasons I have ventured into freeflight
training - my own peace of mind.
I wish I could adequately describe what it is like to watch them flying about
the property at high speed as they dodge and dart tree branches or bushes, or as
they fly in close formation until some object forces them to temporarily veer
apart and the following effort they make to rejoin their position close to the
other. Sometimes it almost seems like they are playing "Tag" or
"Follow the Leader" as they circle the property, darting through the
thick branches of the trees that surround our yard. I especially love it
when they do low flybys right past me as I stand out in the yard watching them.
It is almost like they know how much I enjoy watching them fly about the place,
and they are giving me an extra bonus with a swish of air and feathers as they
zoom past my nose.
I cannot help but sense that these flighted birds feel alive and happy, much
more so than my non flyers. By comparison, the thought of REMOVING their
flight is far more unthinkable than the thought of NOT flight training a new
bird. This tells me that I still do not understand the significance of the
flight experience, but I am getting there. Once you've been there (had
truly free flighted birds), you will never go back!
I hope this helps.
Parrots: More Than Pets, Friends For Life
Chris Biro