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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

892.0. "Changing size and style of cage" by HOTLNE::CORMIER () Tue Apr 04 1995 15:28

    I searched as much of the directory as I could before my eyes seized on
    me.  If this is discussed elsewhere, please relocate it!
    I have an 11-year old pied cockateil (Bubba).  He has been in the same
    cage (not really, but identical cages) the entire time.  I would like
    to move him to a nice big cage (which I already have), but someone told
    me I can't move him now without causing him tremendous stress and
    possibly killing him!  He spends most of his time in his cage (his
    preference) mostly because we have cats and dogs.  He can be coaxed out
    probably once a week, but prefers the security of his cage (even tried
    to close the door himself!).  
    The new cage is not the same shape or size.  He needs a new cage soon,
    and I would like to use this larger one.  Any problems?  I will
    relocate all his favorite toys, and keep his schedule identical.
    Sarah

T.R	Title	User	Personal Name	Date	Lines
892.1	try a gradual approach...	USHS05::VASAK	Sugar Magnolia	`Tue Apr 04 1995 17:48`	12
	Although Bubba may be stressed and fearful at first, I certainly don't think you will be putting him at any particular risk! Can you put the new cage next to his for a while? Maybe put some of his special favorite treat foods in the new cage (where he can see them), or on top of the new cage, open his old cage, and encourage him to play in/around and explore the new cage well before you take the old cage away. This might minimize the stress factor. /Rita
892.2	what .1 said...	TAMDNO::WHITMAN	the 2nd Amendment assures the rest	`Wed Apr 05 1995 12:43`	11
	< -< try a gradual approach... >- reply .1 was right on. One thing you might do is to connect the 2 cages so his old cage opens directly into the new cage (open a feeder door on each cage if the main doors won't mate together well.) As .1 said put feed and toys in the new cage and let Bubba make the transition at his own pace. I suspect that within a few days Bubba will be spending lot's more time in the big cage than in the small one. At that point take the old cage away. Al
892.3	Loves his ferris wheel	HOTLNE::CORMIER		`Wed Apr 05 1995 14:04`	6
	Thanks! He definitely has specific tastes - prefers ONLY one certain type of toy, prefers to be in his cage with the door closed, very picky about his food, will NOT take a bath, the list is endless! I'll try to butt the cage doors together and move his ferris wheel (favorite toy) into the new cage to see if he will go for it. Sarah
892.4	As in .2	REPAIR::DRAYTON		`Wed Apr 05 1995 14:25`	19
	--< Give Him Time >-- We inherited Dixie (Gray cockatiel) when our elderly neighbour died. At a guess he was at least 10 years old and had never been out of his cage. Before our neighbour got him he had also been mistreated so he was very touchy and nervous. We got another cocatiel to keep him company and put their cages together, doors open and waited. It took about a month, but his curiosity got the better of him and he started to explore. A couple of months after that we moved the cages apart and put a ladder between the doors and again he started to explore. Now he spends most of the day on his cage, walking round the living room floor (we have no other animals), or sitting like a tiny vulture on the living room door watching us go in and out. They are very intelligent,inquisitive creatures so give Bubba time and he'll work it out for himself. Best regards Derek.