The Brian Lehrer Show Pets in the City: Feathered Friends
Oct 23, 2025
Dr. Lyle Cleary, an associate veterinarian at the Center for Avian & Exotic Medicine, delves into the complexities of caring for pet birds. He discusses why birds, particularly intelligent parrots, can be challenging to keep. The risks of escape and the contentious topic of wing clipping are explored, along with the unique personalities of various bird species. Lyle also highlights the emotional bonds birds can form with their owners and advocates for a NYC ban on bird sales to help curb rehoming challenges. Dive into the fascinating world of our feathered friends!
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High Intelligence, High Needs
- Parrots have the intelligence and energy of a six- to eight-year-old child which creates constant stimulation needs.
- Lyle Cleary says typical captive environments often fail to meet their cognitive and activity requirements.
Avoid Routine Wing Clipping
- Avoid regular wing clipping because it removes an animal's primary adaptation to move and harms their wellbeing.
- Lyle Cleary recommends home modifications like screens and curtains instead of frequent wing trims.
Birds As Living Dinosaurs
- Birds are evolutionarily closest to dinosaurs with hollow bones, feathers, and bird-like skin features on their feet.
- Lyle Cleary connects these traits to why flight and respiratory systems define their biology.