Am I timing this wrong?

[BeatriceC]

Or is there just going to be an adjustment period?

I set up a night time cage for Leopold. He really was only getting about 4-5 hours of uninterrupted sleep, and everywhere I read says that Senegals need at least 10 hours. Since Goofy stays in his same cage, and doesn't appear to be any crankier than usual, he stays on the main floor where most of the activity is (I've been talking to MrC about changing that, but he's taking some convincing), I feel comfortable moving Leo from his second floor daytime cage to the first floor night time cage (the house is three floors, with the second floor being the main floor of the house) without breaking quarantine.

Last night was the first night I did it. As soon as it was dark I brought Leopold downstairs, gave him a small dinner and made sure he had water. I left him alone until the first rays of light this morning (I'm up before light because of the kids' schedules). Leo was beyond angry with me, and mustered up as much indignation as his tiny little body could manage. Tonight, once the light faded, I prepared his food and water for his night time cage, took him out of his daytime cage and headed downstairs with him. As soon as he saw the nighttime cage he started freaking out and was difficult to convince to get on the perch. He fought with every ounce his little body (and sharp beak) has.

So is this normal for a change in routine? I've only had him for a week now, and I have no real idea what his schedule was with his former human. Am I doing something wrong with the transition? Or do I just need to wait it out while he adjusts?

Thanks in advance.

 

[plumsmum2005]

Hello, if you turn this round and think of this as happening to you do you feel differently?
Presuming strange cage, strange room? Use some familiarisation exercises before you adopt this as a permanent routine. Go visiting the cage/room in the day, give treats and if poss let your bird climb in/on/around the cage if he wants to. When you think he's ready try again. Good luck.

 

[BeatriceC]

You are right. I did introduce hi to the new cage but I probably didn't give him enough time. So I will double back here and bring him downstairs during the day for short periods a few times a day and just hang out with him there, then try again. Thank you.

 

[Doublete]

I agree with that. Some birds don't like sleep cages either.
Mine sleep in their room and come out to their play stands. Chiqui gets a treat when she goes back in her cage which makes her much easier to put in every time.

 

[Taw5106]

Some don't like change but you could work with him to get him comfortable with the sleep cage. My Amazon loves his cage, no separate sleep cage, my Ekkie is more acceptable to change. Where does the family sleep, which floor? My fids are next to our room.

 

[BeatriceC]

The family sleeps on the third floor. It's a tri-level split, so the third floor is directly above the first floor, with the second floor forming a T with the 1st and 3rd floors (it's a giant house, which is good in some ways and not in other ways). Now that you mention it, maybe he's too far away from the rest of the family in that spot. I really need to find a place that's farther away from the main activity though.

I'll just harass the family to keep quieter for now until I can get him happy with the sleep cage and reconsider his night time spot.

 

[plumsmum2005]

Hi you said "maybe he's too far away from the rest of the family in that spot" but from my experience once they get used to the peace and quiet and adjust to the different 'normal' noises in that part of the house I think you will find it works well. Mine will tell us off if we come into the room he's in at night. It could be that he needs to hear you to feel safe and secure so move him in degrees if possible. Gosh what a to do? Good on you for putting him first though. I'm sure you will see a benefit in the long run.

 

[Staples915]

Have you tried covering him with a darker blankie, or maybe tried using a bird tent?? I have a Dusky who doesn't like to be totally covered but will accept a blanket over the area she sleeps in.