How to introduce bird to the rest of my house

[Livy]

Hello!
I've had my Budgie for almost 3 weeks now and although he's fully comfortable with me and my room I'm wondering how I can introduce him to the rest of my house. My main concern is that he will get spooked (I have 2 dogs which he's comfortable with unless the bell rings) and frantically fly. He know how to come to my hand from distances/flying but in a new environment I'm anxious to what will happen. Is there a way to ease him into this? Or do I have to just try it out and wing it?

Thanks,
Livy

 

[noodles123]

You probably should warn the rest of the home and put the dogs in the backyard (if you have one). You will need a system with them and the bird, because the bird NEEDS to be with a "flock" but dogs can kill them-- or scare them. I am not saying it will happen, but you want to have as much control over the environment as possible, so that nothing additional frightens your bird. Make sure fans are off, windows/doors shut, obvious mirrors covered, clings or blinds over glass windows...no boiling water...no suddenly opening doors or crazy loud sounds..Definitely wouldn't let the dogs anywhere near on the first few rounds and even them BE EXTREMELY VIGILANT.

 

[Scott]

Many techniques, but please ensure your dogs have no access to an uncaged bird. Our Bereavement Forum is filled with examples of "trusted" situations that turned tragic for the bird. Particularly the size differential of any 4-legged creature and a budgie.

Some folks suggest taking a hand or shoulder-tamed bird on a "walk" throughout the house, showing all potential hazards such as mirrors, etc. All doors and windows must be secured closed or robustly screened. Kitchens have endless hazards including stoves/ovens and undetectable fumes from Teflon-type products at high temperatures. You might let our budgie fly in smaller areas such as bedrooms to help acclimate to larger areas.

 

[plumsmum2005]

Please take not mixing fur and feathers very seriously. It all looks very cute but remember one cannot turn back time! It takes just a few seconds for things to go seriously wrong.

 

[wrench13]

Yeah, I agree dogs out of the house, all windows doors secured, and play "Real Estate Agent" showing him room by room, with him on your hand or shoulder. I still do this with my 'zon after 6 yrs, occasionally, lest he forget where things are.