Acclimatization of new birds

Website design By BotEap.comNow that my services have expanded into the “pairing” business, I’ve realized we need to talk about the transition of a bird moving to a new home, whether it’s a hand-fed baby that’s just been adopted into a new home or an older bird going to a second home. This is a stressful time for any bird, but you can help reduce conflict and make the move easier for both your new bird and the rest of the family.

Website design By BotEap.comGood planning in advance is essential. A pet parrot should NEVER be an impulse purchase. Adopting a pet parrot is just that: ADOPTING a new family member – they are not used cars to trade in when you get bored! They are living, sentient, sentient beings that should always be considered PERMANENT additions to the family.

Website design By BotEap.comI will never forget the first local bird show I attended after moving to the Northwest. It was winter, cold and rainy, and I saw one person after another coming out of the exhibition, each with a little African gray baby hidden under their coats. There was a vendor inside with many cute gray babies and a cheap price; apparently, many people could not resist. Since no one seemed to have brought a carrier, it did not appear to me as “planned” purchases, but rather spontaneous purchases.

Website design By BotEap.comI wonder how many went home to a nice cage, with new toys and the right diet. Not many, I bet. It’s a lethal combination: cute, cheap and baby! I bet not many people had done their homework either, studying up on African gray parrots and bird care in general.

Website design By BotEap.comThe other common scenario is “pet store rescue” – the pitiful bird in a pet store who knows nothing about birds – there it is, in a small cage, eating sunflower seeds, no toys, tucked in among the hamsters. and snakes, while the resident store cat is free to climb through the store. So, we have a whim, you take it home.

Website design By BotEap.comSo, whether it’s the irresistible baby, the sad, overgrown rescue, or a thoughtful and carefully chosen new addition, there she is, walking through your front door, hoping to spend the rest of her life with you, her love. eternal. devoted family!! So how do we transition from frightened stranger to contented feathered child?

Website design By BotEap.comFirst, get ready. Have the cage, toys, and food ready before he arrives so he can slip in and not have to stand around while everyone frantically scrambles around looking for bird stuff. Normally, we advise putting a bird cage in the busiest part of the house, where it can be the center of attention.

Website design By BotEap.comBut new birds need some space, quiet, and privacy during the settlement process, so find them a comfortable, safe corner where they can watch, but from a distance. Of course, he should have made a trip to the vet first thing in the morning and it is always recommended to quarantine him for at least a month away from other birds. So this may not be your permanent location, but rather serve as a “pit stop” at the start. You may want to partially cover his cage, placing a towel over his back and one side to help him feel secure. If possible, mix some of your old diet in with the new (wonderful) cuisine you’ll be serving.

Website design By BotEap.comFind out as much as possible about not only his diet, but also his preferences for toys, playtime, bedtime, and daily routine. Maintaining some consistency helps transition time go more smoothly. Sweeping changes don’t sit well with many parrots, so go slowly. Introduce it to everyone in the family, but avoid letting anyone do too much “hands-on” stuff at first. Rather, spend time sitting next to him, talking to him and offering him some treats with your hand. Don’t force it or expect instant love. Work on building trust with “step-ups.” Play “The Towel Game” for some interactive fun as well as help with future handling needs by a vet or groomer.

Website design By BotEap.comPut your new guy on a regular schedule. Feed plenty of fresh vegetables and warm, well-cooked grains and vegetables. Hot food is “comfort food” and helps to strengthen the bond when fed by hand. Share a family dinner with him, preferably at a booth by the dining room table.

Website design By BotEap.comWatch TV together and preen his head feathers for him while you hang out on the couch. Include him in lots of family activities to help him feel like part of the herd. If everyone has gone to work or school for the day, leave the radio or TV on and make sure he has plenty of interesting toys that provide chewing exercise and mental stimulation. Talk to him before you leave, tell him it’s okay, and assure him you’ll be back. When you return, give him a warm hello and a big hug. If you have other birds, try to keep the order of the flock. It won’t help him relax if the other birds resent all the attention the new guy is getting.

Website design By BotEap.comAlways address your main bird first: first out, first to kiss, first to feed, etc. Don’t let the birds hang out until you’re sure they all get along. It’s your first time together, it helps if it’s a new neutral position where no one is territorial. If you’re hoping the two of you will eventually share a cage, remember that that will take time and patience – you don’t want the new kid to be intimidated by an overbearing, overbearing “resident” who thinks he runs the place.

Website design By BotEap.comOne important point to remember: Don’t make the mistake of totally adoring the bird at first and then ignoring it after the novelty wears off. You will definitely need extra attention in the beginning, but try to keep your balance from the beginning, to avoid bouncing problems in the future. So be prepared, go slow, build trust, and have fun getting to know each other. This is the beginning of a beautiful lifelong friendship.