Commonly Asked Questions

Wing Clipping- Should I clip my bird's wings? 

Wing clipping is a personal preference and should be carefully considered if certain factors apply to your home:

  • Are there children who come in and out of the house often? Is it possible they may not check if the bird is in the cage before opening the outside door?
  • Do you often use open windows in your home to cool the house down or air it out?
  • Do you rely on ceiling fans for cooling?
  • Are you able to monitor where your bird is when he/she is out?

If any of these apply to your home, then clipping may be a better option for you. It only takes one door or one window, one time for your bird to get out and it can be very difficult to bring them home safely once they are out. It is especially important to monitor any bird who is out of their cage but it can be more difficult when they are able to fly freely throughout the home. You should always be monitoring them in order to prevent them chewing or ingesting any unsafe products. PLEASE REMEMBER: Just because a bird is clipped does NOT mean they cannot fly outside. A proper clip still leaves them some flight feathers in order to glide safely down in case they fall. These flight feathers can also catch wind when outside and they could be very high or very far in a short timespan. The ONLY safe way to take a bird outside is with a harness or in a locked cage/carrier.
If you choose to leave your bird flighted, you will first want to make sure that the area they are allowed to move within is safe for them. Clear away any bird toxic items and the first few times, any mirrors should be covered. Always be aware of where your bird is and what they are getting into. It doesn't take long for them to get themselves into trouble. A flighted bird should only be taken outside in a locked cage/carrier because they will be strong flyers and it only takes one second of surprise to let go of the harness leash or a broken leash/harness for your bird to fly off.

Cleaning Supplies- Are my everyday household cleaners safe to use around the bird and on his cage?

For the most part, NO! You can use Windex and Lysol around your house and the bird will be okay but it should be NOWHERE near his/her cage. For a safe cage cleaner, try PoopOff which is available at most bird specialty stores and also Petsmart or Petco. Spray it on the cage, let sit for fifteen minutes and wipe off with damp paper towels. The enzymes break down the poop so there is no scrubbing necessary. Trust us, it helps!


How often do I need to clean my cage?

We recommend you change the tray of the cage at least twice a week, although daily is preferred. If you have no grate in the cage, daily is a must as bacteria can grow and your bird may be exposed to it. You can spray and wipe the cage twice a month.


Are my candles and air fresheners safe?

NO! Do not use any candles, incense, air fresheners, or febreeze around the birds. They are poisonous and will sicken or kill your bird over time. For a safe air freshener, try Citrus Magic Air Freshener (available in multiple scents). This can be purchased at http://www.mybirdstore.com/AIR_FRESHENERS-Citrus_Magic_Air_Freshener_Spray_3.5_oz..html.

Pet Safe Cooking Habits- Is it true that being in the kitchen can kill my bird?


Yes it is! The self cleaning oven feature, high oven temperatures and teflon pans are all deadly to birds. These things can kill your bird within 15 minutes of exposure. We recommend keeping your bird away from the kitchen and using bird safe cookware if possible. These would include the ceramic frying pans, etc. Le Creuset and Bed Bath and Beyond have bird safe options available.

Fire Safety- In case of a fire what should I do?

We practice fire drills here at LGR. Each staff member has an assigned section of birds to get out and all the birds are trained to come to the front of their cages and step up when they hear the fire alarm. You may not want to practice fire drills or train your bird to step up but what you do need to do is have a talk with your family.


1. Who will take what animals out of the house?

2. Always leave a towel by the cage in case you need to quickly grab a stressed out bird in the fire. If your bird is not clipped, always keep a carrier next to the cage. If you have other pets, leashes should be by the door for quick and easy access.

3. Leave an emergency kit in your car with a supply of pet food, water, etc.


It is better to have an emergency plan than to have to think fast in an emergency.