The Transition From My Home To Yours
After purchasing a bird from the birdhouse, or anywhere else people always have questions, which is why I decided to add this page to my website. Always remember that: "NO question is a stupid question, the only stupid question, is the one Not asked."
I have tried to include everything I can think of from, information on each individual species, to the food and watering, and caging, of birds on this website, hoping to help you as a new owner. If you haven't read the page on your individual type of bird, please do, it might have the answer to your question there, they are very informative. The one thing I didn't cover was the transition from my home, or anywhere you might buy your bird, to your home, and how stressful it is on them. You have to give them time to get used to their new owner and new home. I'll use my home to yours as an example... Here they are born and at a certain age taken away from their parents to be handfed, at which time they become dependant on me, and attached to me, they are used to their surroundings here where their are more birds and lots of activity, including a dog barking (Mya) most of the time. They are caged with their siblings and all given the same attention until they leave here. When you take them home, they are taken away from everything they have known since birth, and putting them in a new cage (think of yourself moving in a new home). They are moving to new surroundings, which would be like you moving to a new state. They are starting a new relationship with you, think of yourself in a new relationship (boyfriend, girlfriend, husband or wife). They remind me of teenagers at that trying stage with an attitude, seeing how far they can push you and what they can get away with. It's important to give them their space, but at the same time, let them know who's boss. They tend to fly away when you want them to stay, bite when they don't get their way, and do just the opposite of what you want them to. They are smarter than you think they are, they know the difference in the tone of your voice, and they will eventually get it, you just need to be patient! A simple stern "No", or when they do something you don't want them to is sufficient, don't ever hit or flick your bird, it will only hurt it and make it more aggressive, and that's what your trying to make it stop being, aggressive, so you would be working against yourself, not to mention, it's just not right, there is no reason to hurt your bird. And if the situation gets that bad then you should find another home for it besides yours! If you got it from me, bring it back!
Trying to bond with your new friend might prove to be difficult at first, as I said you’re new to him too! It's not going to happen overnight, if it does your very lucky. And I know it can get very frustrating, but be patient with him, it will be worth it in time. Just a few suggestions, from experience.....I've had more than my share of blood drawn from those sharp beaks, and I'm sure I'll experience more...So here's a few suggestions that worked for me, but as I said before, you must be PATIENT! If he's comfortable in his cage, try feeding him treats through the cage bars while gently talking to him. If he's somewhat comfortable with you holding him try putting the treat in your hand and letting him eat it. Another thing you might try is holding him close to your chest and stroking his back and scratching his neck and top of his head. They have to learn to trust you the same way that they did the person who raised them, and you have to earn their trust. The one thing that people sometimes forget is that these are wild animals that have been domesticated, the wild is always going to be in their blood, you have to gently and patiently mold them into the type pet that you want them to be and it takes time.
I do not believe in letting my babies go before they are completely weaned and eating well on their own, unless they are going to a very experienced person, another breeder. At that time they are also just learning that they have wings to fly with, and beaks to bite with, and very curious. I always clip their wings before they can get hurt, but not before they learn how to fly, so that takes care of half the problem. As for the beaks, I think they all go through a nippy stage, where they see how far they get, like I said that "teenage stage", but if you work with them, they will stop. Again BE PATIENT! Any of the birds I have hand-raised have went through this stage and turned out to be very friendly and loveable, and grown out of that jumpy, fly away, nippy stage. As I tell everyone, if you have a problem, don't hesitate to call me or e-mail me, I will try my best to answer your questions, and if I can't ,I'll try to find an answer for you. I am no expert… I can only tell you what I've learned from hands on experience and the research I have done. I promise I will do the best I can for you and your feathered friend....
Happy Birding!
Debbie
I will frequently update my pages with information, as I get it, I will supply it to you, so check back often.
** PLEASE TAKE NOTE: All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. The information on this site is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice of any kind. Debbie's Birdhouse assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. Any material found on this website was gathered from what I consider informative sources, as well as my own opinion. Keep in mind I am not an expert!! Please contact your nearest Avian Vet if you have a problem, don't take any chances!
This page last updated: 04/07/12
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