Getting new bird/moving out...

[Mrspy]

Hey guys, as most of you know i'm getting a green cheeked conure. Since i'm going to be moving out in maybe 2 years i'm wondering what did some of you do with your bird when you moved out? Was he a hassle to take with you when you traveled? I'm just wondering because I don't want to lose this bird in 2 years when i'm outa here. Thanks!

 

[Birdamor]

It depends on where you are going. If you are moving within the same country, it's not hard but if you are moving internationally, you could have a problem.

 

[Auggie's Dad]

Is this 'moving out' for going to college?

There have been a few discussions on this topic. It is certainly possibly to find apartments that allow birds.

 

[Mrspy]

You know I really don't know. I might be getting a job in another State when i'm old enough, or i'm going to college. I"m definetaly going to college some time but I might get the job first. A talked to my bro who's in doing the job I might be later on and he said he's in an apartment and actualy WISHES he had a parrot with him. He said it's pretty lonely.

But don't birds get a little stressed with to much change? I'm sure if he was with me he'd be happy.......

 

[Auggie's Dad]

Yes, change can stress a bird, but they live a long time - some change is inevitable.

It's expected that there will be some drastic changes of location and routine in the life of an animal that can live 20+ years. The key is not to worry about avoiding those changes, but rather when they come work to settle into a new routine.

I've moved with Auggie a couple of times - the moves were stressful, but once we arrived he settled in quite well.

 

[Mrspy]

Thanks Auggie.

 

[HRH Di]

AD's right...you can't avoid change, so you have to work out the best way to deal with it.

It also depends on the bird. Some birds love to travel. Some hate it. And some are in between. The cockatoo we were bird-sitting a few weeks ago traveled very well - we let him out of his cage and he sat on my lap the entire 7 hrs of the trip when we took him to my in-laws' house. He's also settled in amazingly well.

 

[Mrspy]

Yeah so even if I did decided to get one later he'd still probably have to get used to change.

See I was asking because my Dad was worrying about how i'm going through a transitional stage of my life(about ready to move out and all)So he thought that I could spend the money on something more useful. But I won't always have this opportunity!! What if in 2 years the perfect breeders i'm buying from just decide to stop breeding and then what!!! I think it's good for me to act now. I can buy power saws and all that other cool equipment later in my life.

Anything any of you could tell me so I can tell my Dad?

 

[Auggie's Dad]

Well I'd certainly support the idea that stress on the bird should not be a major factor in the decision.

However, depending on many factors, your father could have a very good point in questioning whether it is the right time to invest money into a pet. Not to sound *too* old as I'm sure you're well aware of the responsibilities of caring for a pet - but when you move out on your own and money is tight how confident are you that you will be able to provide good food and the necessary vet care for your birds?

Maybe this wouldn't be a concern at all, but it's something to consider. It seems that health problems in people and in our animals only tend to happen when we really can't afford it. Unless you've already put some savings away to care for your current bird in the event of such an emergency then perhaps this could be a better first step.

 

[Mrspy]

Very good point. However, if I do leave home in 2 years it will be because I got a good job offer. If not then i'll stay home for another year and go to WITC. And work on a farm so i'll still be earning money.