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Conference 7.286::pet_birds

Title:	Captive Breeding for Conservation--and FUN!
Notice:	INTROS 6.X / FOR SALE 13.X / Buying a Bird 900.*
Moderator:	VIDEO::PULSIFER

Created:	Mon Oct 10 1988
Last Modified:	Tue Jun 03 1997
Last Successful Update:	Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:	942
Total number of notes:	6016

315.0. "Any cool weather birds out there?" by SALSA::DEFRANCO () Mon Feb 12 1990 19:27

    Hi everyone,
    
    This is my first experience with this conference.  I haven't had time
    to read as much as I would like, but so far it's been very interesting
    and informative.  I'm sending this note today because I have some
    questions and need some advice.
    
    About 4 years ago, my husband and I bought a yellow naped amazon and to
    out dismay (especially my husband's) it turned out not to like men very
    much at all.  In fact, Taco hated men!  My husband was patient and put
    in much more time with Taco than I did and his reward was to be bitten
    at every chance.  Needless to say, Taco eventually went to another home
    with a single women and we now have 3 cats and no birds.
    
    I would like another bird but John simply won't hear of it.  He sais
    that the cats and bird would never get along.  Also, he thinks they are
    too messy and doesn't want a bird in the house.
     
    So...I was thinking that
    maybe there was some breed of bird that could live out doors.  I live
    in Tucson Arizona, where it's usually quite warm although we do have
    some nights where we get frost.  I have a large covered patio where I
    could place a good sized cage.  Patio living would solve the problems,
    at least I think so!  We do spend a lot of time outside so the bird(s)
    would have company but still I think an independent type bird would be
    best considering the situation.
    
    Is there a bird that could fit into my lifestyle and situation?  If so,
    I would love to know about it.  Also, I'm partial to love birds (they
    are so beautiful).  Can they withstand cool night time temperatures?
    
    Thanks for your help!
    
    P.S.  My hubby really does love all animals (even birds).  He feeds the
    wild cactus wrens on a shelf outside of our kitchen window.  One day,
    he said he was going to lock the cats in the bedroom and open the
    windows to see if the wrens would come in!

T.R	Title	User	Date	Lines
315.1	House Cats & Birds	MEMV01::COMPTON	`Tue Feb 13 1990 23:43`	19
	I can't comment on the outdoor aviary possibility (I'm in Massachusetts), but about cats and birds....we have four house cats and several cage birds. The birds are in a separate room when we are not home, but the larger birds come to 'visit' in the evening in the living room. The cats are very curious, but mostly leave the big guys alone. Anything smaller than a conure I would worry about, whether or not there is supervision. Even with conures and larger parrots, I would recommend you make sure someone is always in the room -- and ready to intervene if necessary if one of the birds decides to go for a short flight (loud TV noises can do it). We also keep the cats claws trimmed down, just in case...and they furry ones are well fed ;') The cats often sit on the back of the couch while we are sitting there with the birds on our shoulders. The conures have more than once chased the cats off the couch. If your cats are outdoor cats, used to catching birds, you may have more problems..... Linda
315.2	Through all kinds of weather	USHS05::WALZ	`Wed Feb 14 1990 13:42`	9
	In Houston, many breeders keep their birds outside. The birds adapt better to the cooler temperatures than to the very hot ones, but over- all do well. Heaters/heat lamps are provided for weather below 32 degrees. Temperatures here can get very cold, but not very often. We have at least six months of ninety plus humidity and temperature. Hope this helps.
315.3	A BIRD FOR THE PATIO	FDCV07::BOURGAULT	`Thu Feb 15 1990 16:19`	24
	Love Birds an Indian Ringneck parakeets can live comfortably in cooler evening temperatures. Also Pat's suggestion of small heaters or heat lamps work out very well. I live in N.H. and keep my birds in a large foyer (which has minimal heat) until late November and they are fine. I would say that it has gotten down into the 40's on some evenings, but they have been conditioned to cooler temperatures and seem very comfortable. A handfed indian ringneck may be a bird to consider. Lovebirds are beautiful (I have 4), but can become quite noisy and very messy. Australian parakeets are also very beautiful and easy to keep. I have an indian ringneck (import) that is not handfed and cannot be petted but loves the attention we give him. He struts around his cage and does all sorts of antics - however he does not demand constant attention and make noise. In fact I rarely hear him unless we are making over him and clapping at his antics. He then has to put in his two cents. My husband has grown quite fond of him. By the way, we also have 4 cats and 21 birds and they all have grown accustomed to eachother. Best of luck in whatever you decide on. Denise B.
315.4	good news!	SALSA::DEFRANCO	`Mon Feb 19 1990 14:42`	17
	Hi, Well, it looks like I will be getting a new, handfed, two month old baby cockatiel. I met two people at our local grain store who raise them and I got to see the birds first hand. They were so friendly and gentle. I was very impressed. I also looked at the lovebirds but they seemed more high strung than the cockatiels and that's not what I was looking for. I,m so excited!! And guess what, although cockatiels can live outdoors in our area all through the winter my husband won't hear of it. He thinks it would be cruel to leave it out in any weather that he wouldn't want to be out in. So.... it looks like our little bird will in indoors after all. Jeanne