As of the time I have posted this I have successfully brought the budgies in the carrier and shut the door. They were quite tense and flapped around panicking. I was going to open the door so they can fly out but they seem calm now eating their millet. I am seeking next steps and I wish to know how long it will be for them to settle down.
Update 1 On Carrier Training
- Thread starter Snow2023
- Start date
Botsari
Active member
As far as the time it takes - could be a day, could be a couple of months. I would say for my Greys the process has always been weeks. All the greys I have known - when they do not regard a new object with outright hostility and panic - always stay away from it and give it the stink-eye for 3 or 4 days. Then they start to cautiously investigate. And only much later do they reach comfort level. But I think it depends a lot on the species, and sometimes on the individual bird. And some of it may go right out the window the first time you pick it up and move it with them inside. You could train a bit for that as well. Bring the travel cage into another room for them to hang out with you for a while, then back later.
IMHO, the biggest problems with carrier training is the birds never go anywhere with the exception of the Vet's clinic and as a result they quickly come to understand that carrier means a Vet visit and all your effort quickly goes away.
Our Amazon self-loads when the carrier is set out. That is because it means he is going for a ride and more commonly to the cabin and only occasionally to the Vet's.
Our Amazon self-loads when the carrier is set out. That is because it means he is going for a ride and more commonly to the cabin and only occasionally to the Vet's.
Botsari
Active member
Parrots are WAY too good at making associations, and it certainly takes next-level planning to eliminate any negative connotations. If only the trips to the vet didn't involve strange new people and the occational sharp poke!
