Bird proofing the house

[rangerktc1]

I had the biggest scare last night. Bianca stays with me in living room during the day. I bought her a large playstand which she loves. I could leave her on their all day with no issues. She just discovered however she can get down-even over the large seed guards.

Yesterday she got down 4 seperate times and each time I put her back. After the last time, I noticed she kept going behind my recliner so I took a look there. Much to my horror, she had been chewing on an extension cord that was plugged in. She chewed down to the copper wire on about a 5 inch section. I can't believe she wsn't electrocuted or started a fire. I am so nervous now when she gets down. How can I deal with electric cords?? I'm sure others have had this problem. Is there anything I can do to stop her from getting down from her playstand?? I don't want to leave her locked in her cage.

 

[LordTriggs]

for covering the extension cord you can get stick on coverings that attach either to the wall or to the floor off Amazon fairly cheaply. I got a small section for a couple £ to cover a wire trailing in front of my kitchen door. Might be a cheap way of keeping things safe

 

[Kiwibird]

Cords can be wrapped in clear vinyl tubing made for beverage dispensers (i.e. food safe). I get mine at Home Depot, it looks like oversized airline tubing for aquariums and is down the PVC pipe aisle. I cut the tubing down the center, wrap around the cord and sew shut with 30lb fishing line. It would be difficult for a bird to chew through, even if given extended time to do so. It would take barely any damage if only chewed on for the time it would take you to reach your bird if you saw her chewing it.

 

[Scott]

Wow, glad you inspected Bianca's private and dangerous "chew toy."

It will prove hard to prevent her from climbing down as cockatoos are stubborn. However, removing the source of the attraction may encourage her to stay on the cage. Other than relocating the cord, durably wrapping with a hard substance, as previously suggested, is the best bet. Umbrellas have powerful beaks, so you'll have to inspect frequently to update. You might also find metal conduits that are made from flexible nodules, but the problem is the metal may be itself hazardous because of lead, zinc, etc.

 

[SailBoat]

Great answers provided above. Since you are faced with replacing the cord anyway, consider hard PVC plastic conduit or like products. Route the new wire thought the conduit and connect the ends to the appliance and the new plug end. The closer you can get to the ends inside of the shielding the safer.

Note: Plastic conduit can be color coordinated by simply lightly sanding its surface and spray painting. Use the new Shaker Can Spray Paint designed to adhere to plastic surfaces. Remember to follow directions.

We have a large number of foot toys place around that our Amazon enjoys relocating to his special hiding places. Its a distraction from other more dangerous stuff he could find. So, look not only at eliminating the wire issue, but remember to be building more into your Too's World to keep her Busy!!!

 

[Siobhan]

I have a cockatiel who has chewed through so many cords on the fish tanks that I lost count long ago. Nothing made him stop and somehow he kept from electrocuting himself. I finally took a piece of an old garden hose and threaded the cord through that and taped it SECURELY to the tank lid and that seems to have done the trick. Because 'toos are even worse about gnawing than tiels, I would use the heaviest PVC pipe you can stand to drag home. Freddie did try gnawing on the garden hose piece, but it must not taste good because he gave up pretty quick. Thank goodness my 'too doesn't have a thing for cords. He likes to chew up furniture. So we buy thrift store couches and when one gets ragged, we pitch it and buy another for $25. Parrots are not for the persnickety housekeeper type.

 

[GaleriaGila]

Good input!

My paranoid motto? ZERO TRUST. The Rb is completley unreliable, unpredictable, and untrustworthy. When he is on the loose, he is never out of my sight.

Good for you, for being so vigilant!

 

[ToMang07]

There aint much a 'Too can't chew through, given time and (usually obsessive) motivation.

Only thing that keeps Willow on her perch....

Is the vacuum.

(Not joking)

 

[rangerktc1]

Thanks all for this very helpful input-it is geatly appreciated!