Flapping WIngs

[Ponyfeathers]

What does it mean when a bird flaps its wings? Is it trying to fly but the wings are clipped?

Seiko will do this in his cage, and sometimes when he's on my back. If he does it when hes on newspaper its cute because he moves in circles because he can't grip onto it.

So far i havent noticed a connection with anything (behavior, time spent with him, time since he got apples, etc).

just curious,
thanks!

[Valo's Moirana]

birds flap their wings, it's completely normal - nevertheless, they are supposed to fly, right?
the timing is usually fairly random - our birds do it too (well, valo actually takes off since he's flighted )

[Ponyfeathers]

thanks! thats what i figured, but i wanted to make sure it wasn't a sign of something.

[ROYJOY]

Yup, just exersize.

[catschair]

Just a good way to get a quick stretch. I do suspect mine like to flap about & make a ruckus just as the cats drop off for their afternoon nap to make them think there is something exciting going on.....but maybe I am wrong <g>

[Monica]

If birds are clipped this is how some like to burn off a bit of energy. Even flighted birds may grab onto something then just start madly flapping!

[Pepper's Pa]

On Pepper's play gym I have a piece of braided leather straps that hang down over the side by about one foot. Pepper will often climb down to the very bottom of this, grip tight and flap away. He gets great lift this way and resembles a kite blowing in the wind. When he's done he'll simply stop flapping and swing back and forth on the rope. He'll usually repeat this routine of about thirty seconds of flapping, then a swing, then a few seconds of rest before flapping again. He'll "fly" like this four or five times, then not do it again for a few days.

[tielmama]

My U2 does it along with a good healthy call. My flighted cockatiels do it while holding onto bars. I think the cockatiels are showing off for each other. Sometimes my Sennie does it and then falls to the bottom of the cage and continues the flapping. It sometimes is part of her "fit" when she wants attention. They all crack me up. It makes ya look, doesn't it?!

[raddaughter]

My CAG often does this. He loves it and we make a game out of it. He'll be on my hand, start flapping, then fly up a few inches onto my other hand. He loves it!