I Could really use some guidance/reassurance re: cage placement

[chris-md]

So I'm already in a delicate state right now with some family issues, and this stress is starting to project onto my future plans with Parker. I need to know I'm not about to do him a big disservice.

When I brought him home, DH and I agreed that he would stay on the main floor until the roommate moved out in a few weeks, then his main gigantor cage would be moved to the basement. The plan is that when we aren't home, or when we are sleeping, he would be down there. As long as we are home he would be on a playstand up with us in the living room.

I'm suddenly panicking, wondering if keeping him in the basement while we aren't home or sleeping for the night. We are both 9-5'ers, and are out of the house 12 hrs a day. Do you think it would really be that big a difference whether he's alone on the main floor or alone in the basement? Is this any different from keeping him in a dedicated bird room away from the living room? Please tell me Im overthinking this!

This is a finished, climate controlled basement mostly below ground, but with a single 1x2 window near the ceiling (ground level outside). Accommodations for uv light and radio can easily be made to keep him entertained.

 

[itchyfeet]

You're on to it and dedicated.
It's temporarysih.
I reckon some music and a little foraging each day and you'll be sweet as.
IMHO, you're overthinking it

 

[JerseyWendy]

If it were me, I'd place Parker somewhere so he'd have a view, too. Unless you have a TV in the basement that he could watch (I know that must sound silly), I'd put him on the main floor, either near a window or somewhere where he can watch TV.

 

[chris-md]

Thanks Itchyfeet and Wendy, I needed that.

Wendy, the problem is that the house is small. There is only one place we can put the cage on the main floor (where it currently is) and it only fits when the dining table is shoved off to the side. The only other option aside from the basement is the upstairs finished attic which is decidedly less climate controlled but has more light. Daytime temps could exceed 90 in the summer up there.

 

[junglenutcracker]

To me, and only because this is a temp situation, he could be placed in the basement during the day when both of you are at work - provided he has “visual and audio” entertainment (TV, as JerseyWendy said) and adequate UV lighting, etc. Try to put his cage as near as possible to the single window too.
He could spend time with you in the morning during breakfast and again in the evening,when you are both back from work.

 

[Anansi]

Just to clarify, I think Chris is saying the temporary part would be the current placement of the cage on the main floor. Due to size constraints, once his roommate is gone the intent is to move Parker to the basement. That would be the permanent placement. He's just inquiring as to the suitability of the basement as a cage location.

In my opinion, Chris, it could be made to work. As Wendy and junglenutcracker have pointed out, television would help given the lack of visual stimuli that might otherwise be provided by placement near/within sight of a window. (I'm not counting the basement window you mentioned because of its placement near the ceiling.)

Failing this, a radio should be set up down there at the very least. And no matter the setup, there should be toys. Lots of toys.

 

[chris-md]

Just to clarify, I think Chris is saying the temporary part would be the current placement of the cage on the main floor. Due to size constraints, once his roommate is gone the intent is to move Parker to the basement. That would be the permanent placement. He's just inquiring as to the suitability of the basement as a cage location.

In my opinion, Chris, it could be made to work. As Wendy and junglenutcracker have pointed out, television would help given the lack of visual stimuli that might otherwise be provided by placement near/within sight of a window. (I'm not counting the basement window you mentioned because of its placement near the ceiling.)

Failing this, a radio should be set up down there at the very least. And no matter the setup, there should be toys. Lots of toys.

You nailed it, Anansi

Thank you all, I'm feeling a little better. I was in a particularly delicate state when I wrote the above post, and was freaking out and in tears at the thought he might be too lonely and bored down there. The layout is great such that where I want the cage falls right in the window light, and a TV would be facing him. I think he will be OK down there with some uv supplementation.

 

[itchyfeet]

Whoops! I need to slow down when I read!
Chris-md, how much of the space can you dedicate to him? I dream of a bird room - one day.
My mothers rose breasted cockatoo is more obsessed with the movie 'frozen' than my own 4 & 6yr olds lol. The tele will make a world of difference.
Think of all the fun you can have in a dedicated space, nets on the roof etc..... you'll make it awesome

 

[chris-md]

Itchy, not sure I can do that. Love the sound of it, but DH would have a fit if I took over the space like that maybe I can usurp a corner...:09:

 

[drlisaort]

If it were me, I'd place Parker somewhere so he'd have a view, too. Unless you have a TV in the basement that he could watch (I know that must sound silly), I'd put him on the main floor, either near a window or somewhere where he can watch TV.

I'm with Wendy on this one! Oliver is situated in the center of the house where he sees who comes and goes along with a fantastic window view of the yard...