my mother is against trimming my budgie's wings but I tried taking her out of the cage and she flew away and it took me a while to find her (in the bathtub). I then asked her if I could so that doesn't happen again and she said that I'll have to train it to not do that because trimming a bird's wings is just as bad as de-clawing a cat.

How can I convince my mother to let me trim her wings?!

The best thing you can do is to ask a veterinarian. If you can find an office with more than one vet, you can get a better answer. Take your mother and bird with you when you go.

Your mom is right, it is cruel to trim a budgie's wings, though not comparable to declawing a cat, since if done correctly the wing trimming is painless. The reason it is unethical is because you take away the bird's freedom. It already spends most of its life in a cage that's what, a foot by a foot? Think about it. Allow it this one small joy for the few minutes a day (if it's lucky) that it isn't cooped up). If you're not willing to put a few minutes into looking for it, you shouldn't be taking on the responsibility of owning a pet. Best of luck with the budgie-- I have the fondest memories of mine, who used to land on my finger and say "pretty girl" :) Don't forget to give him/her a slice of fruits or veggies occasionally for a treat! :)

If the budgie is tame, then your mom is right. If you trim her wings you are removing her ability to move around, basically crippling her. Its temporary, but its the same thing as putting a ball and chain around your ankle. It would be better to work with your bird, try not to scare it, and get it hand tamed in the cage before you work on getting it out. A flighted bird can more readily escape from predators and dangerous situations. I keep my cockateil flighted too.

DVM

This is a problem, I would advice you not, take the bird you have to your vets and ask them, if you do not wht you are doing, you can damage the wing, your mum is right.

own exspiriance

There are many reasons for clipping, and against. If at all possible, I wouldn't. HOWEVER (all caps only due to change in point), clipping a birds wings is like getting a haircut. The feathers will grow back in less than a year. But please, take your bird to the vet to do this. It is cheap and if not done correctly, can kill or maim the bird. pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com

I would say, yes, clip the bird's wings this once and use the time while they grow out to do some intensive training...working with her daily. It may make the process for you just a little easier if she is used to immediately flying away. Always keeping her wings clipped? I am against that unless there is a very valid reason (I have a bird with limited site and clip them only to prevent her from injury from slamming into the walls. He can't see them apparently, and is slowly learning good landing places, so I will have to think about the future for him and what is best and safe for him.)

Tell your mom that clipping is similar to clipping your hair or nails and the feathers grow back in shortly. Declawing a cat is permanent. They don't grow back. Sit down and talk with her about why you want to do this, the benefits and make sure she knows, that you know, the risks and that you have been studying this topic. Then decide and plan on what is best for your bird. (There are some people who will also say that all pet birds should be clipped to reduce their chance of escaping outside, Me, I still say, do what is best for you and your bird).

Mom to two tiels