My first bird!

[xStatic]

Hello everyone!

I'm here because just yesterday I rescued my first bird! Well... that's not completely true as my family had a budgie and a cockatiel when I was very young, but looking back on it those birds were not well kept.

I've been thinking about getting some type of small parrot for a while now. at first I wanted a parrotlet or a lovebird, but the rescues in my state didn't have any available and it was looking like I would have to travel quite a ways to find a bird I could adopt. Then yesterday I stumbled across an add selling a little white budgie for $10 and I couldn't resist and decided to take him in.

I was told they owned him for about 1.5 years and before that he came from Petco. He previously had another budgie friend but that bird passed away. They told me they thought he was a female but I'm pretty sure he's actually a male... I think he is an albino though (he has dark red eyes) and his cere is a pearly pink/baby blue color.

The cage he has been living in is a 12"x18"x18" cage with plastic perches. When I first got him I noticed his nails were extremely long and that was forcing him to stand weirdly on his perch. This morning I decided to get it over with and clip his nails for him... it went surprisingly well and although he was not happy during the process I managed to get it done quickly and he seems to have forgiven me for the time being. Good thing I have experience with clipping nails on my bunny who is much larger and stronger than a budgie and very much not okay with nail clipping time.

Other than the nail clipping adventure I've been leaving him be in his little cage. I do have a very large cage I want to move him into (it's a "critter nation" cage I used for pet rats years ago, clean and sterilized of course) that is 25"x36"x62" with 1/2" bar spacing. My main question is how to go about introducing him to the new cage? I was thinking about letting him get use to the house in his little cage for a week, and then placing the little cage inside of the bigger cage with the doors open for another week, and then finally taking the little cage out and leaving him in the big cage for the third week. I still want to get some more perches and toys and stuff for the big cage, but I think it would be okay for him to go into soon anyway.

My other major concern is diet... he came to me with a bag of Western Family "wild bird food" seeds and I actually haven't seen him eat any of it since I got him yesterday. I did offer him some green leaf lettuce from my fingers though and he ate quite a bit of that, that that's maybe good? Or should I not do that? I know it can be hard to get adult budgies switched to pelleted food, but any tips for what I should do immediately to make sure he's getting enough nutrition.

And finally... the nail clipping adventure taught me that he is willing to step up on my finger already, even though he doesn't really want to at this point. That made me pretty happy He is fully flighted though and I'm pretty nervous he's going to take off in the house and hurt himself. For now I'm just keeping him in a budgie-proof room with all the doors closed.

Thanks for reading my long intro post! I'm happy to be here!!!

 

[Scott]

Welcome to the forums, thanks for rescuing beautiful Shiro! I don't know enough about budgies to confirm the sex or any other characteristics.

Ugh, almost anything is better than a generic wild bird seed. Fresh vegetables/fruits and a pelleted diet are far better. I would recommend getting started with diet early, while respecting that he is managing a big change.

Some may question the rehabbed rat cage. Of utmost importance is the material; if galvanized the chemical process can cause heavy-metal toxicity to a bird. I'll let other members better versed with Critter Nation cages render an opinion. Your acclimation technique to the new cage seems flawless!

Shiro seems inclined to bond with you, so he will be a great companion! Definitely use extreme caution with flying for reasons of injury and escape. Some folks acclimate their birds to the home interior by placing them on a finger and walking throughout to include physically touching walls, lamps, furniture, etc.

I'll post a links you may find helpful!

http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-...7-converting-parrots-healthier-diet-tips.html

http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-...afe-fresh-foods-toxic-food-lists-sprouts.html

http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-food-recipes-diet/65841-poppy-s-jolly-jungle-bread.html

http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/49144-tips-bonding-building-trust.html

 

[xStatic]

Welcome to the forums, thanks for rescuing beautiful Shiro! I don't know enough about budgies to confirm the sex or any other characteristics.

Ugh, almost anything is better than a generic wild bird seed. Fresh vegetables/fruits and a pelleted diet are far better. I would recommend getting started with diet early, while respecting that he is managing a big change.

Some may question the rehabbed rat cage. Of utmost importance is the material; if galvanized the chemical process can cause heavy-metal toxicity to a bird. I'll let other members better versed with Critter Nation cages render an opinion. Your acclimation technique to the new cage seems flawless!

Shiro seems inclined to bond with you, so he will be a great companion! Definitely use extreme caution with flying for reasons of injury and escape. Some folks acclimate their birds to the home interior by placing them on a finger and walking throughout to include physically touching walls, lamps, furniture, etc.

I'll post a links you may find helpful!

http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-...7-converting-parrots-healthier-diet-tips.html

http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-...afe-fresh-foods-toxic-food-lists-sprouts.html

http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-food-recipes-diet/65841-poppy-s-jolly-jungle-bread.html

http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/49144-tips-bonding-building-trust.html

Thank you so much for the help! I'll check out all of the links!

I have found some older threads on this site where members used Critter Nation cages for various parrot species so I believe the material is safe for birds. It's made by the company Midwest pets and I believe they also make bird cages but they're quite pricey. I think the cage is powder-coated... it's definitely not galvanized. I actually have the double unit so the total dimensions are 3 feet wide x 2 feet deep x 4 feet high. The main problem with it I think are the large doors... I think it might make it hard to get into the cage without risking Shiro flying out into the room.

 

[Flboy]

Welcome to you and your new companion!

 

[xStatic]

Welcome to you and your new companion!

I and my bird thank you very much!

 

[SailBoat]

Welcome and thank-you, for bringing this Parrot into your life!

Galvanized process uses Zinc to protect the steel from rusting. Zinc tends to flake and Parrots tend to rub the bars. The results is Heavy Metal Poisoning.

Take a look at Bird Cages 4 Less, once on their site look for Small Parrot Cages.

Like the process that you are planning to use in transferring to a new cage.

 

[xStatic]

Welcome and thank-you, for bringing this Parrot into your life!

Galvanized process uses Zinc to protect the steel from rusting. Zinc tends to flake and Parrots tend to rub the bars. The results is Heavy Metal Poisoning.

Take a look at Bird Cages 4 Less, once on their site look for Small Parrot Cages.

Like the process that you are planning to use in transferring to a new cage.

Thank you! I'll check out that site just to see what they have. But the cage I have is powder coated, not galvanized.

 

[Billdore]

Welcome awesome looking little fella I have never seen that color budgie.

 

[keakea]

Welcome! Please be careful when allowing him to fly. My mother in law's budgie flew into a mirror and died instantly. It was horrible and that bird had been flying around her house for years. I know another person who had a budgie that flew into a window and also died instantly. A neighbor had a cockatiel that flew out an open door one day when one of her kids came in. They never saw that bird again. I keep all of my parrots clipped because I just do not want tragedies such as this to happen! Yes, birds are supposed to fly, but pet birds are not equipped to deal with the outside world if they escape and it is almost always a death sentence. Every home has windows and mirrors and the chance of a pet bird flying into one is just too great. Heck, I live in a rural area and not a week goes by that a wild bird doesn't fly into my front window! It happens all the time, fact of life. I just won't allow my birds to suffer that fate. As a result, they all spend the day outside of their cages and have the ability to go in or out at will because I do not have to worry that they will fly out the door or into a mirror! I can also take them places with me and do not have to worry they will take off. My conure goes everywhere with me and it is because he is clipped that I am able to have him be such a big part of my life.

 

[Scott]

Welcome! Please be careful when allowing him to fly. My mother in law's budgie flew into a mirror and died instantly. It was horrible and that bird had been flying around her house for years. I know another person who had a budgie that flew into a window and also died instantly. A neighbor had a cockatiel that flew out an open door one day when one of her kids came in. They never saw that bird again. I keep all of my parrots clipped because I just do not want tragedies such as this to happen! Yes, birds are supposed to fly, but pet birds are not equipped to deal with the outside world if they escape and it is almost always a death sentence. Every home has windows and mirrors and the chance of a pet bird flying into one is just too great. Heck, I live in a rural area and not a week goes by that a wild bird doesn't fly into my front window! It happens all the time, fact of life. I just won't allow my birds to suffer that fate. As a result, they all spend the day outside of their cages and have the ability to go in or out at will because I do not have to worry that they will fly out the door or into a mirror! I can also take them places with me and do not have to worry they will take off. My conure goes everywhere with me and it is because he is clipped that I am able to have him be such a big part of my life.

It is very sad some birds cannot adapt to our homes and fly safely. Curious about your Goffin; also clipped? I have 5, 2 of whom are wild caught, and they are all excellent fliers. Extremely capable and nimble, never fly into anything, ever!

 

[xStatic]

Welcome! Please be careful when allowing him to fly. My mother in law's budgie flew into a mirror and died instantly. It was horrible and that bird had been flying around her house for years. I know another person who had a budgie that flew into a window and also died instantly. A neighbor had a cockatiel that flew out an open door one day when one of her kids came in. They never saw that bird again. I keep all of my parrots clipped because I just do not want tragedies such as this to happen! Yes, birds are supposed to fly, but pet birds are not equipped to deal with the outside world if they escape and it is almost always a death sentence. Every home has windows and mirrors and the chance of a pet bird flying into one is just too great. Heck, I live in a rural area and not a week goes by that a wild bird doesn't fly into my front window! It happens all the time, fact of life. I just won't allow my birds to suffer that fate. As a result, they all spend the day outside of their cages and have the ability to go in or out at will because I do not have to worry that they will fly out the door or into a mirror! I can also take them places with me and do not have to worry they will take off. My conure goes everywhere with me and it is because he is clipped that I am able to have him be such a big part of my life.

Thank you so much for warnings. The room he is in now only has one small window and I have it covered by the curtain. There are no mirrors in this room (we only have the bathroom mirror in the whole house/apartment). I do recognize the risk in the entire house though. We only have one door that leads outside and it has a chain lock and we have a screen door as well. In addition to that all the windows in our house have screens and sheer curtains I can pull to cover them.

I'm pretty accustomed to pet-proofing the house as I have a free-range rabbit that spends most of the day roaming around on his own and only goes back to his cage for sleeping. Obviously rabbits are totally different than birds, but I keep a tidy house that is generally free of all the major pet hazards.

I'll have to wait and learn more about birds and my particular bird before I decide if I'll have his wings clipped or not. But I have to say I'm inclined to leave them as is and I'll instead take on the responsibility of making sure I eliminate as many of the risks he would face as possible

 

[keakea]

Welcome! Please be careful when allowing him to fly. My mother in law's budgie flew into a mirror and died instantly. It was horrible and that bird had been flying around her house for years. I know another person who had a budgie that flew into a window and also died instantly. A neighbor had a cockatiel that flew out an open door one day when one of her kids came in. They never saw that bird again. I keep all of my parrots clipped because I just do not want tragedies such as this to happen! Yes, birds are supposed to fly, but pet birds are not equipped to deal with the outside world if they escape and it is almost always a death sentence. Every home has windows and mirrors and the chance of a pet bird flying into one is just too great. Heck, I live in a rural area and not a week goes by that a wild bird doesn't fly into my front window! It happens all the time, fact of life. I just won't allow my birds to suffer that fate. As a result, they all spend the day outside of their cages and have the ability to go in or out at will because I do not have to worry that they will fly out the door or into a mirror! I can also take them places with me and do not have to worry they will take off. My conure goes everywhere with me and it is because he is clipped that I am able to have him be such a big part of my life.

It is very sad some birds cannot adapt to our homes and fly safely. Curious about your Goffin; also clipped? I have 5, 2 of whom are wild caught, and they are all excellent fliers. Extremely capable and nimble, never fly into anything, ever!

My Goffins are both clipped. One of them is a plucker and was like that when I adopted her, but she does have beautiful wings and is able to fly if her flight feathers are not trimmed. Both of them actually hold their wings out for me when they see me with the scissors in my hand, they enjoy the process of it. Then they stick the clipped feathers back into their wings, it really quite comical to watch. I have ceiling fans in most of the rooms in my house and I just feel more comfortable if they are clipped. Also, I have noticed that they are much friendlier when clipped. As soon as they start being able to fly they get real cocky and have an attitude. Clipping makes them better pets and they are more cuddly and docile and less destructive. Luckily my Goffins are able to be allowed on the furniture because they do not chew it up like some cockatoos are known to do! They have ruined an occasional curtain now and then though. My cockatiel is the most destructive bird I own believe it or not! LOL!

 

[keakea]

Welcome! Please be careful when allowing him to fly. My mother in law's budgie flew into a mirror and died instantly. It was horrible and that bird had been flying around her house for years. I know another person who had a budgie that flew into a window and also died instantly. A neighbor had a cockatiel that flew out an open door one day when one of her kids came in. They never saw that bird again. I keep all of my parrots clipped because I just do not want tragedies such as this to happen! Yes, birds are supposed to fly, but pet birds are not equipped to deal with the outside world if they escape and it is almost always a death sentence. Every home has windows and mirrors and the chance of a pet bird flying into one is just too great. Heck, I live in a rural area and not a week goes by that a wild bird doesn't fly into my front window! It happens all the time, fact of life. I just won't allow my birds to suffer that fate. As a result, they all spend the day outside of their cages and have the ability to go in or out at will because I do not have to worry that they will fly out the door or into a mirror! I can also take them places with me and do not have to worry they will take off. My conure goes everywhere with me and it is because he is clipped that I am able to have him be such a big part of my life.

Thank you so much for warnings. The room he is in now only has one small window and I have it covered by the curtain. There are no mirrors in this room (we only have the bathroom mirror in the whole house/apartment). I do recognize the risk in the entire house though. We only have one door that leads outside and it has a chain lock and we have a screen door as well. In addition to that all the windows in our house have screens and sheer curtains I can pull to cover them.

I'm pretty accustomed to pet-proofing the house as I have a free-range rabbit that spends most of the day roaming around on his own and only goes back to his cage for sleeping. Obviously rabbits are totally different than birds, but I keep a tidy house that is generally free of all the major pet hazards.

I'll have to wait and learn more about birds and my particular bird before I decide if I'll have his wings clipped or not. But I have to say I'm inclined to leave them as is and I'll instead take on the responsibility of making sure I eliminate as many of the risks he would face as possible

Yes, be diligent about it and if your birds can fly around safely then that is great! I have way too many people living in my house to be able to control the safety as I have a lot of children! LOL!

 

[GaleriaGila]

I love stories like yours!

THanK YOU FOR SHARING!

I am so glad to know that little Shiro's world has been re-created.

Please give us updates of this wonderful partnering...

 

[Inger]

Cute Shiro! We had an albino budgie when I was in high school. Little Opie.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[haleyd]

Haha, having a free range rabbit can make you prepared for just able anything! I had one for 5 years (he died of old age, adopted) and he was never in a cage. It's so worth it for them but lord is it a hassle!

 

[Scott]

My Goffins are both clipped. One of them is a plucker and was like that when I adopted her, but she does have beautiful wings and is able to fly if her flight feathers are not trimmed. Both of them actually hold their wings out for me when they see me with the scissors in my hand, they enjoy the process of it. Then they stick the clipped feathers back into their wings, it really quite comical to watch. I have ceiling fans in most of the rooms in my house and I just feel more comfortable if they are clipped. Also, I have noticed that they are much friendlier when clipped. As soon as they start being able to fly they get real cocky and have an attitude. Clipping makes them better pets and they are more cuddly and docile and less destructive. Luckily my Goffins are able to be allowed on the furniture because they do not chew it up like some cockatoos are known to do! They have ruined an occasional curtain now and then though. My cockatiel is the most destructive bird I own believe it or not! LOL!

LOL, that sounds like typical Goffin behavior! They are little clowns and love to stick things under the wings, including pellets! I have had to clip one Goffin on occasion and his mood definitely improves!

 

[xStatic]

Haha, having a free range rabbit can make you prepared for just able anything! I had one for 5 years (he died of old age, adopted) and he was never in a cage. It's so worth it for them but lord is it a hassle!

They totally are!

The other night I didn't close the door to my rabbit's cage completely and he got out while I was sleeping. It's not a big deal because the bedroom is 100% rabbit proof but he did manage to break into the closet and dig/drag out about half a load of clean laundry. Then he woke me up because he was chewing the plastic bin where his hay is stored. Trying to herd him back into the cage when he had been having such a grand time destroying everything in sight was a total hassle. Plus I was exhausted from being woken up in the middle of the night lol He always thumps the ground behind him when I do anything that annoys him.

 

[xStatic]

A little update...

Shiro decided to be brave and spend a few minutes with me outside of his cage watching youtube video and munching on millet.

He's still getting situated in his little cage for now but I did buy him some new perches and food/water dishes to replace the old plastic ones he had before. His beak is green from eating green leaf lettuce... he really likes lettuce! I'm going to offer him some spinach soon and see if he likes that as well

 

[Scott]

Love the computer images! Wonder what Shiro is thinking? Looks to be settling in nicely!