Safety concerns with a young bird

[ShaunaR]

Hi all,
We are facing a dilema with our 4 month old Caique. She is flying short distances now with successful landings most of the time. What can we do to minimize her flying into windows? I have tried taping a star on them with painters tape. I have tried closing the curtains or blinds and that didn't stop her. I have introduced her to all of the windows so she can see that they are solid. Today she flew into a window that had the blinds half closed and bruised her beak for the second time. We want to keep her flighted and will only clip her if there is no other choice. What have you all done to help your young birds figure out flying so that they are safe?

 

[Phlox]

I would probably consider a long clip until she figures out what she's doing, since you've already tried the usual options. I like flighted birds too, so I'm not saying take all the flight feathers, but try a graduated clip to let her get a little lift but not so much to hurt herself. By the time they grow back, she should be more ready.

 

[MrsKay]

I think I would put light sheers on the window, either in front of or behind the blinds.

 

[RavensGryf]

Shauna, I asked a similar question here, regarding my flighted Budgie. Have a look at some creative answers in the link below.

http://www.parrotforums.com/questions-answers/46886-window-decals-avoid-crashes.html

What I've found is that once the bird knows there is a window there in that location, they will avoid it. My Budgie learned very quickly how to navigate and who's cage NOT to land on

If they're in a bird room, bedroom, or office (any smaller room with a door) there is such a small chance of getting startled and flying crazy and crashing that I'm not worried. If in the living room, just be aware it can and has happened to birds, but rare.

 

[weco]

You say you've introduced her to your windows, did this introduction include allowing her to beak and/or lick the windows? Often letting them get up close and personal with windows works better than you carrying them around & you tapping on the glass.

If that doesn't work, then MrsKay's suggestion about sheers might be your solution, at least it would prevent impact with the glass.

 

[Phlox]

If closing the blinds didn't help, I doubt curtains will be any more helpful. It sounds like she can't even stop for WALLS unless I misread something.

 

[SilverSage]

This is a critical development time for her. If you ever want her to be flirted it is important to let her be lighted now. It is a learning process. You can't learn to ride a bike with out falling. Make your windows dirty, or put up sheer curtains, etc, and just be watchful in case she gets hurt, but all in all I would not be too concerned.

 

[Terry57]

I have to share a loss I had several years ago. I had a LS2 who was an adult bird, and a great flier. One afternoon he got startled at something and flew into the wall and broke his neck. He had been flying in that room for ages, but was startled.
I agree with Phlox, if she is getting hurt, a long clip may help if all other avenues are not working.

 

[khaiqha]

Is your bird just now fledging? It's pretty normal for a bird that's learning to fly to crash into things. It could help to start your bird flying in small spaces, and gradually increase the room size (closet, bathroom, bedroom, living room) so that your bird learns to turn, slow, and land indoors.

 

[ShaunaR]

Thanks for all of the great advice! You guys are awesome! Firstly I am so sorry for your loss Terry! That must have been horrible to lose a bird like that!! I sure hope that never happens to me! I am going to step up Pixie's training to 2x per day for flying and start in a small space. She has already learned to stick her feet out once she reaches he destination so landings should follow. I think she is just a very stubborn, curious little creature and we need to remember she will make mistakes sometimes. I have put the tape back on the windows and will fly her in the bathroom during the day so the light won't be a burning risk. I will let you guys know how she does! Oh and I am happy to report that she has a very slight bruise on the beak, no visible cracks, which is nothing compared to the large bruise she sustained when she fell in her cage.