Introducing our new friend to the mad house

[Claireannette]

Hi. This is my 1st posting on here and a bit of advice would be great. I'm collecting the new love of my life on Saturday, a galah called Louis. She is 2 1/2 silly tame and by all accounts has no behavioural problems. I am a little concerned tho as she has only lived with her current owners for a month. How do I introduce her to our family? Do we start as we mean to go on or take it slowly? I have a hand reared cockateil too and I do want them to be friends if possible but in time. Any tips would be great!
Claire x

 

[antoinette]

Welcome to our forum
Is it wise to mix two different bird species together?
Sure many galah and cockateil guardian will offer their advise.
Enjoy the forum

 

[Claireannette]

Not mixed... Separate cages and separate play times... For now anyway!

 

[SharonC]

Welcome!

Take things slowly with Louis ar first...he will probably be scared, and scared birds bite.
He's only been with the owner for a month...maybe there is a problem?

 

[Claireannette]

No. It was a case of bad timing they got her then changed jobs. Been a really hard decision to rehome her. Should I leave her in her cage for the 1st day or will that scare her more. She's used to being out for a lot if the day

 

[wenz2712]

Welcome to the forum

You will find alot of difference in owning a Gala to a Cockatiel.

Do you have any pics?

 

[Claireannette]

Oh I know. I've had experience of them just not owned one. No pics yet... Or at least I can't work out how to get them on here :31: I'm lucky enough to work from home so we will have plenty of time together

 

[wenz2712]

Look forward to seeing the pics.

Here is how.....


When you are creating your post, go into attachments, click on upload from Computer, then browse.. click on the pic you want to show, then click on upload.... or if you have photobucket just hover mouse over the image then left click on IMG and it will say copied, then just paste into your message box, go onto preview post and it will show if it has gone in properly

 

[Molcan2]

Just take your time when your new arrival gets home. Allow a few weeks for the bird to get settled in. I would just open the cage door and if he wants to come out then he comes out, if hes not comfortable yet then he'll stay in. Don't pressure too much on trying to cuddle and form a relationship, it will happen in time. If he wants to come to you then good, but if he starts to seem a little nervous, I would put him back in his cage. The fact that hes only been at the other house for a month isn't really going to be much of an issue. In fact it will probably work in your favor.

Good idea to quarantine birds for 30 days before introducing them to any of yours. When introducing I would keep them in the same room but have their cages, stands separated by good distance. It may take weeks/months. They need to get comfortable with the way each other sound and move before allowing to become close. Good luck

 

[mycarsound]

If you are looking for any supplies for your new pet the best place to buy them if at a bird fair. you can check www.suncoastexoticbirdfair.com or www.birdshows.net

 

[MonicaMc]

If the galah and cockatiel are opposite sex, they could hybridize. Size differences and hybridization may be one reason some members may be hesitant about the two being "together".

Gratz on your soon to be new addition! I've heard that galahs are wonderful little toos (mostly!)



As far as when you get her home, let her be the judge. If she's comfortable coming out right away, allow her to! If she's not and she's upset/unsure about all the changes, then give her a few days to settle in prior to seeing if she'd be willing to come out. Let her decide what she's comfortable with, and during the transitional time interact with her in hands off kind of ways. Talk to her, maybe read next to her, eat next to her and offer her food or treats by hand, etc.