Conference 7.286::pet_birds

    Jack,
    
    If your bird gets used to your routine, then it will look forward to
    you coming home and anxious to play.  I would suggest that you don't
    cover it for it will indeed be resting when you get home and will not
    be ready to play.  I don't cover any of my birds and have not had
    any problems.  Unless you have a very cold and drafty home (which
    you should be very careful of if you own a bird) then it is not
    necessary to cover your bird.  When my birds are tired they take 
    naps even during the day when it is very bright and sunny.  Of course
    your bird does need a scheduled period of time to rest, therefore
    he/she will schedule his sleeping time around your play time once
    it is accusomed to the schedule.
    
    A handfed cockatiel is a very wise choice.  I would suggest a male
    if you can choose the sex.  They make better single pets I find,
    and you don't have to worry about eggs, etc.  Much better vocal
    skills as well.  If you are shopping around, I know of a
    couple of breeders that might have some available if you are in
    the Mass/NH area.
    
    Best of luck in whatever you decide!  Keep us posted.
    
    Regards,
    Denise

    Jack,
         I too have never covered my birds so I
    wouldn't worry about that. Get the bird and
    you will never regret it. I don't know if you
    have kids but you are about toexperience fatherhood!
    
    good luck-
               Chet

    
    Chet, my wife and I are always commenting how the birds act like kids.
    THey get into what they're not supposed to, argue all the time, ext.!
    It's a riot!
    
    Chris D.

    We don't cover any of our birds either. They do get used to your
    schedule - what ever it may be. As for a male vs female - I find
    either make a wonderful pet - I have 11 right now. (5 babies) But I
    live in Ohio - so can't help you. I am sure you will enjoy - but 
    definately get a tame one (hand fed).
    
    		Have Fun!
    
    			Dora

    I cover all my birds and have found this to be beneficial with the
    cockatiels and their "night frights/flights" or what ever it is called. 
    Now that they are covered, no more panics occur during the night.
    
    Also, birds are generally awake during the daylight hours and sleep
    when it's dark.  If you plan on having them play with you late at
    night, you might want to cover them so they will sleep during the
    daytime hours.  I assure you, a bird that has been awake all day will
    be in no mood to play at night.  I feel that a covering is a visual
    sign for them that means "O.K., its time to sleep" and where you're
    planning on bending the rules of nature, this may be of help to you.
    
    Jeanne
    

    Yes, I cover my two spoiled little brats (Zebra Finches) every night. 
    If it happens to get late in the evening, later than they think we
    should be up, they tap on their little beds telling us they want to go
    to sleep!  If we ignore this, they both get out of bed and peep loudly!
    
    I think by covering them it releives any stress they might have.  It
    also gives them security and privacy too.  
    
    My two will wake up early in the morning and play in the covered cage, 
    but just as soon as they hear us up, all hell breaks loose! "Uncover us, 
    we want to get up - NOW!"
    
    These two are unbeleiveable with some of the antics they pull!  For two 
    little, tiny, gray balls of fluff they have an awful lot of personality
    and have given us a lot of enjoyment!
    
    Regards,
    
           Max and Maggie's "Motherbird"!
    
                                  Susan
    
                 
    
    

    
    	Depending on which bird you are talking about....
    
    	My tiels like their cage covered on three sides leaving the 
    	front open. (where the door is, which is usually open too)
    
    	And my conure likes the top half of his cage covered on all
    	sides so when he wants a nap he heads up to his top perch to
    	sleep in privacy.
    
    	It all really depends on your bird.  They always find some 
    	wierd way of letting you know how they like things.  But
    	remember, routine is very important.
    
    	Welcome to the bird world,
    
    	kath

    Help!  I think my 5 year old (give or take) is having sexual whatever
    you call it.  He is getting into some weird positions and making some
    weird sounds.  What Do I Do?????  
    (Sorry, he is a 5 year old Yellow Nape Amazon)
    
    Roger

    
    When my yellow nape gets like that in spring, I do two things:
    
    	1) Give him some of my dinner, it puts him in ecstacy
    
    	2) Ignore the rest of his antics
    
    
    It'll stop when the breeding season urges pass.
    

>>   What Do I Do?????  

     STAND BACK!!!!!   :^) :^) :^)
    
    Chris D.