Is it really against the law to clip birds wings in Germany?

Question

Someone argued with me that I was cruel to my budgies for clipping their wings until they are tame. But it is purely for their safety. Anyways, they told me it was illegal to do in their country, which is Germany. So is it illegal or are they just saying that to try and prove me wrong? =/

Answer 1

I'm not sure if it's illegal or not. If you mean clipping a bird's wing feathers then it probably isn't illegal. The person might be saying that the practice of clipping a birds wings which actually removes part of the wing is illegal (I think there is something like that?)

As for weather wing clipping is cruel or not...not necessarily. But I personally don't agree with it. None of my birds are clipped, and when I watch them fly around I can't think of anything I'd want less. Flying makes them so happy and healthy. However you said  "clipping their wings until they are tame". Does this mean you will eventually let them grow out so they can fly?

I also think you have to look at what is more cruel. A bird with clipped wings who is played with every day and given a lot of attention. Or a bird with unclipped wings who is left in his cage and ignored becuase he isn't tame. In this case the lesser of two evils would be wing clipping. Not saying you're evil of course, just making discussion :p

Anyway my point is, if your birds are happy and get a lot of attention and are healthy then you are not being cruel! But do think about letting their wings grow out!

Answer 2

That's ridiculous. Clipping a bird's wings doesn't hurt at all. I don't know anything about German laws, but I really doubt that it would be illegal.

Answer 3

google it =]