TRANSFER TO NEW ENVIRONMENT
A) Transfer the birds from cage to cage.
B) Adapting to new environment.
C) New Birds are to be quarantine.
A) Transferring the birds from cage to cage
Instructions
1. How to Move Birds from one Cage to a New Cage?
- Place the cage you wish to transfer the bird inside the respective aviary. If the bird, for example Aki is in his cage, then place the cage with the bird (Aki) beside the new cage you wish to transfer the bird in to. This is applicable if the bird already has a cage within the aviary of course. Ensure there is food, water and toys in the new cage you wish the bird to go in to.
- Line up cages, door to door, and clip together, using metal quick-link clips or plastic cable ties if necessary. Make doors as flush as possible; don't leave a space big enough for the birds to escape. And then open both cages' door slowly.
- Slowly coax him/her to cross over the other side. Gently talk to him and encourage him with hand gestures, tapping on the cage he is in to persuade him/her in to the other cage you want him/her in. Never shout or make sudden loud noises or hit the cage hard!
- If this fails then use a towel to gently wrap him up and quickly transfer him to the new cage.
- If this also fails, then you may try to catch him by slowly encouraging him on to your hands. Make sure you always have your hand in a fist form when nearing a big bird like Sun Conure, Cockatoos and African Greys as they can bite your fingers off! If in doubt or have no confident, please contact a bird expert/Rajendra/KB/BK only.
Tips & Warnings
- Before the big move, if possible, transfer some of the perches and toys from the old cage into the new. The birds will appreciate seeing familiar things in their new home.
- Be sure the cages are stable and secure, so they won't topple.
- Don't forget to leave water available to the birds at all times.
- Place a towel to cover the cage when travelling.
Video of Bird Handling: http://video.about.com/birds/How-to-Safely-Handle-a-Bird.htm
B) Adapting to new environment
Observe the new bird for 2-3 weeks on how he/she is adapting and reacting in the new environment while still in his/her own cage. In total, it takes approximately 6 weeks to fully observe the bird's adaptation to a new environment.
Reactions we should look out for:
- Is the bird shying away?
- Is the bird acting nervous, is the heart beating very fast (observe the chest), moving about vigorously?
- Is the bird making fearful screaming noises?
- Is the bird being aggressive like wanting to attack when other birds come near him/her?
- Is the new bird making friends with the other birds?
If the bird is comfortable and showing signs of wanting to play/come out from his cage after 2-3 weeks of observation, then open his cage door. Observe for another 2-3 weeks to see if he comes out to explore. Ensure food and water are placed both inside the cage and outside, near his cage so that it is easily accessible. Always leave his cage door open.
If the bird is finally out in the big aviary, eating (outside of its cage) and adapting well with other birds, it is a good sign. This means that the bird is ready to be in the big aviary.
We should still leave the bird’s cage in the aviary and the cage door opened for at least 3 more weeks. It gives the bird a sense of security. The bird can return to its cage whenever it feels like returning “home”. We can remove the cage only if the bird does not go back to it at all. Observe for a minimum of 3 weeks.
If the bird is not responding positively to the new
environment and not making friends with the other birds, please call to seek
advice from the vet or bird specialist for the right steps to be taken.
