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You’ve fallen in love with someone with feathers.
It happens to the best of us. Now that you’ve decided to bring home a bird (or
the bird has decided to come home with you!), there are steps you can take to
assure that your first few days with your new feathered-friend are stress-free
for both of you.
Size Matters
Your bird must have a place to live, and that usually means that you will have
to buy a cage. Try to buy the largest cage that your home and your finances can
handle. Birds appreciate space, and will become unhappy confined to a small
area. Realize that your bird will need some out-of-the-cage time daily—you might
want to invest in a cage that has a built-in play gym on top, or buy one
separately and place it on or around the cage. If you are lucky enough to have
the space, you might want to consider building an aviary.
Location, Location, Location!
Where your bird lives in your home is important to its emotional health—birds
are sensitive beings that get their feathers “ruffled” easily, and that can lead
to self-destructive behaviors. Your bird’s home (most likely its cage) is best
placed against a wall, or even better, in a corner. If you leave the cage
free-standing, the bird will feel extra vulnerable—most birds are prey animals
and spend much of their time avoiding being eaten! Having only two or three
sides of the cage exposed will offer a sense of security. Do not place the cage
directly in front of a window—your bird will be disturbed by the sight of hawks,
cats, and other predators and won’t be able to fly away from those perceived
dangers.
Place the cage in a room where the bird will get some attention, and where there
is sufficient light. Do not think that your bird will be happy in a bathroom,
kitchen, or closet. Birds are social creatures and need interaction to remain
healthy. Be sure that the room is consistent in temperature and that area around
the cage is free from drafts.
The First Few Days
You and your bird are strangers that have just been introduced. Do not think
that because you know something about the species that you know your bird. Your
bird is an individual and needs some time to get used to its strange new home.
Give the bird a few days of quiet time, talk and whistle to him, introduce the
other family members and instruct them to do the same. If you have another bird,
do not try to introduce them immediately—birds are territorial, and may need
some time to get used to each other.
Creating a Routine
Birds are creatures of habit and will thrive on knowing exactly what will happen
and when. Set up a daily routine and stick with it. This means that you must try
to attend to your bird at the same time each day. Birds are generally most
active in the early morning and at dusk, and like to be fed at these times,
though some sort of food should always be available. Your bird needs fresh water
at least twice a day (water should be available at ALL TIMES) and will fuss over
a dirty water dish. The watering dish should be clean enough that YOU would
drink out of it. You can use a mild bleach solution once a week to sterilize it,
but make sure to rinse it thoroughly.
Once your bird is set on a specific diet, he will appreciate regularity—feed
seed every day, along with a wide assortment of sprouts, fruits, and vegetables.
Food that can spoil should only be left in the cage for two to three hours and
then removed. Don’t worry if your new bird is reluctant to touch “new” foods.
Keep offering them and your naturally curious bird will eventually take a chance
and try them.
Handling Your New Bird
How soon to handle your new bird depends upon how tame and friendly he is from
the start. If you have determined him to be a untamed “bronco,” then you will
want to wait longer to attempt to handle him than if you bought a sweet, handfed
baby who will want nothing more than to cuddle under your chin from the first
second you bring him home. If your bird seems to want to play, dancing about his
perch and calling to you, then you can certainly hold and cuddle him right away.
Be gentle and
soothing—remember, this is part of the bonding process that will begin the
relationship between you.
If your bird is a “bronco,” either because he was wild-caught or because someone
mistreated him, you must take the handling process slowly and patiently, and be
prepared for a possible bite or two. The untamed bird is naturally suspicious of
humans, and will need your time and understanding to become tame. Never try to
“break” your bird using gloves or sticks; instead, “gentle” him, gain his trust
using a calm voice, treats, and consistency.
The First Few Weeks . . .and Beyond
During the first few weeks your bird will become accustomed to you and to its
surroundings. Your bird views you as a flock member, not as a master or owner,
and this is important to your understanding of its behavior. If you treat it as
such, with dignity, respect, and caring, you can expect that it will become a
treasured family member for years to come.
Article courtesy of Nikki Moustaki www.birdyworks.com
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