u/Hapiro

So I recently got this little gremlin (7 months old, maroon-bellied conure), and it turns out the previous owner had her wings clipped before I got her. Not my call, not something I'd have done, just to be clear.

She can sort of... flutter-fall with great conviction, but actual flight is not happening. She hits the ground with the confidence of someone who definitely meant to do that.

How long does it typically take for clipped wings to grow back properly? I've seen wildly different answers online. Will she be able to fly normally once they grow back, or is there any lasting impact given she's only 7 months and still developing?

Genuinely embarrassing admission: it has been extremely practical having a bird that can't escape. She's still learning boundaries and I'm still learning her, so the fact that she can't just launch herself out the window or behind the fridge has been... fine. I'm not saying I endorse it. I'm just saying I understand it now in a way I didn't before, please don't lynch me xD

I'm in the process of getting my first conure and I've been going down the rabbit hole of cage setups, enrichment toys, perches, ladders, etc. Naturally I started wondering about laser cut wood items. I've already started thinking of designs for little bird beds and ladders and whatnot.

But I've got some questions before I go anywhere near that:

- Is laser cut wood actually safe for birds? I've seen mentions of fume residue, char, and the type of wood/finish mattering a lot. What's the real story?

- Has anyone set up a cage or play gym using laser cut parts? Would love to see examples if you've got them.

- Are there any specific woods or materials that are a hard no? And conversely, what's considered safe?

- Any sellers or makers you'd recommend who specifically make bird-safe laser cut items?

I'm coming at this as someone curious about both the parrot side and the maker side of things, so any perspective is welcome.

Cheers!