Will my dogs and cats be a problem with my cockatiel?

[Atwee921]

Its my first ever bird. Im really excited! But.... I have 2 cats+2 dogs. Both of the cats are outdoor cats and they hunt rats/mice/moles and sometimes birds. One of the cats is scared of birds though! One of the dogs is really old and I dont think he would care about the bird but one of my dogs is 2 years old and she is veryyy hyper. Is this bad? And how could I keep them away from the cage? Im planning on putting my new baby in the main room of the house so I can't just not let them [the dogs and cats] go into the bird room...

 

[MikeyTN]

You probably should place the bird into a room where you can keep the other critters out. Its best to prevent stuffs from happening to begin with. Otherwise get a glass cage like mine then there's nothing to worry about.

 

[Atwee921]

A glass cage would be too expensive... I dont know where to put it now because the main room is basically all of the floor where everyone always is and then theres a side room and It'd be perfect cuz it has glass doors so It could see out when the doors are closed but it'd be safe from the animals. The only problem is that that room gets very cold in the winter and very cold in the summer because it has 5 windows and a glass door going outside.

 

[MikeyTN]

Then your best bet is to place the cage in a bedroom and bring it out when there's no other animals around in the living room...

 

[Parabuteo]

I would never leave the dogs or cats unattended with your bird. If possible keep them seperate. I have a unique pack of animals my birds rule the house and will case the cats and dogs(when they see the birds they all run away). Evernthough they are all ok together I NEVER leave them unattended.

 

[Atwee921]

But I always read that the birds should be where most people are because they should feel like they're part of the family. Is that true? I don't know where I can put it. Possibly I could get a heater and put fans running in the room with the glass doors.... But Im not sure. Or maybe I could get a play stand and just bring my bird out when ever Im home? The only problem is I am not home about 7-8 hours a day.

 

[skycon]

I have two huskies which is a breed known for its high prey drive, but I am able to keep everyone in line and under control. Of course you won't be able to in this case, but it is always a good idea to socialize young puppies and kittens to all sorts of different animals and experiences when they are young so as to avoid potential problems, especially with large breeds.

Anyway, my dogs would certainly go after Savannah if given the opportunity, though they know to keep their distance after a little bit of training. They have both had a lot of obedience training and know to stay put when Savannah is on the ground. Otherwise, she is up where they can't get to her. When we first brought her home they were much more curious and interested in her but now they only roam over to her cage to eat the scraps she drops.

Growing up, we had a Sun Conure along with two cats and two dogs. The cats were hunters and had been known to catch birds here and there. Other than watching him, they left the Conure alone. They seemed to know the difference. But, you can also train cats. Loud noises, spray bottles, or strategic placing of tape is a good way to deter any cat.

It is best to have a cage where the animals can't get to the bird. I have a floor cage that has legs taller than my dogs. The legs combined with seed catchers make cage sniffing impossible for the dogs unless they jump up. For you, possibly a hanging cage or a tall floor cage would work. Make sure to not place the cage near any surfaces the cats can jump up and attack through the bars until you are positive they will not.

If you have no option other than to place the cage on a surface or near a table/counter then I would suggest putting a few pieces of duck tape upside down so that when/if the cats jump up they will almost immediately regret it. Cats are smart and will learn very fast. You could also place tin foil on the surface, or on top the cage(if you think they will get on top, as some cats are scared by the noise. Spraying them is also an option to punish negative behaviors. Though i don't find it as useful.

It is possible but you have to be willing to put the time and effort in to train the animals to exist happily together. Sorry this is so long. Hope it makes sense.

 

[Atwee921]

I have two huskies which is a breed known for its high prey drive, but I am able to keep everyone in line and under control. Of course you won't be able to in this case, but it is always a good idea to socialize young puppies and kittens to all sorts of different animals and experiences when they are young so as to avoid potential problems, especially with large breeds.

Anyway, my dogs would certainly go after Savannah if given the opportunity, though they know to keep their distance after a little bit of training. They have both had a lot of obedience training and know to stay put when Savannah is on the ground. Otherwise, she is up where they can't get to her. When we first brought her home they were much more curious and interested in her but now they only roam over to her cage to eat the scraps she drops.

Growing up, we had a Sun Conure along with two cats and two dogs. The cats were hunters and had been known to catch birds here and there. Other than watching him, they left the Conure alone. They seemed to know the difference. But, you can also train cats. Loud noises, spray bottles, or strategic placing of tape is a good way to deter any cat.

It is best to have a cage where the animals can't get to the bird. I have a floor cage that has legs taller than my dogs. The legs combined with seed catchers make cage sniffing impossible for the dogs unless they jump up. For you, possibly a hanging cage or a tall floor cage would work. Make sure to not place the cage near any surfaces the cats can jump up and attack through the bars until you are positive they will not.

If you have no option other than to place the cage on a surface or near a table/counter then I would suggest putting a few pieces of duck tape upside down so that when/if the cats jump up they will almost immediately regret it. Cats are smart and will learn very fast. You could also place tin foil on the surface, or on top the cage(if you think they will get on top, as some cats are scared by the noise. Spraying them is also an option to punish negative behaviors. Though i don't find it as useful.

It is possible but you have to be willing to put the time and effort in to train the animals to exist happily together. Sorry this is so long. Hope it makes sense.

Im glad its long... the more info the better! Do you think I could put the bird in the room that gets very hot and cold for just about the first 2 weeks that I have the bird just to train it? I am getting my bird in the middle of August and that is not the time when that room is very hot or very cold. Do you think I could have him in there for about 2 weeks then move his cage to where I was planning on putting it?

 

[MikeyTN]

Ive got 2 huskies as well...they've killed birds, kitten, rodents outside. My girl tried to kill Dixie when Dixie flew on top of her. I was lucky that I was able to save Dixie. Not so lucky for my Quaker that escaped during cage cleaning time and was killed by the boy husky. They don't bother my macaw but they will not hesitate to kill any other birds. All it takes is one single mistake! I cried for weeks.... is anyone willing to take that sort of chances with their beloved parrots? I no longer clean cages while the cats or the dogs are around. It is very painful to watch your bird die in your arms!!!!

 

[Atwee921]

Ive got 2 huskies as well...they've killed birds, kitten, rodents outside. My girl tried to kill Dixie when Dixie flew on top of her. I was lucky that I was able to save Dixie. Not so lucky for my Quaker that escaped during cage cleaning time and was killed by the boy husky. They don't bother my macaw but they will not hesitate to kill any other birds. All it takes is one single mistake! I cried for weeks.... is anyone willing to take that sort of chances with their beloved parrots? I no longer clean cages while the cats or the dogs are around. It is very painful to watch your bird die in your arms!!!!

But do you think my bird could be killed in the cage? If I was ever cleaning the cage I wouldn't have the dogs around and if my 'tiel was out I could go in another room with it or I could just put the dogs+cats in the other room. The 2 year old dog I have is part chihuahua but she can still jump very high and easily kill a bird. My big dog is very calm and I think he would learn that he can't get to the bird in the cage and the smaller dog usually does what he does so Im thinking that they will probably be fine. My only worry is the cats.

 

[ann]

i would still be careful with your dogs. there was a lady who said her dog "wouldnt hurt a fly" and he killed her bird. all it takes is 1 sec for tradgedy to strike. just be careful, im sure you will be a great owner, good luck!

 

[skycon]

Yes, unfortunately there are a lot of breeds with high prey drives and that can never truly be trained out of them. It is instinct for dogs, especially huskies, to go after small animals. Which is why I always stress the importance of socializing them while they are puppies. Some will never be okay with small animals even after socialization but most can be trained commands to curb it. My two have never killed anything other than small insects. This is of course not because they do not want to but they have good recall and other commands they have been taught since they were puppies.

I sit on the ground or at the table with Savannah and they completely ignore her. It is not impossible and certainly not like I am risking anything as I know my own limits and what I can and can not do with my animals. Skylar and Kira have been around bunnies, birds, tiny puppies, and cats and never once have I not been able to control them. Heck, I ever roller skate with them and we have squirrels and rabbits that run across the sidewalk that they want to chase. A simple "leave it" command is really all you need.

My point is, Savannah is out nearly all day and so are my dogs. It took some good solid training for them to learn their boundaries and how to "respect her space" but they coexist quite peacefully in my house. Then again, they never really wanted to go after her in the first place. Just never rush anything and do not risk the safety of your bird. I personally would never leave my bird out around any cat. Whether they could care less or not.

 

[MikeyTN]

Even well trained dogs makes mistakes. I watch a video on Youtube of a police dog attacking police officer and was told to back down and he didn't. He was then shot because of it... the police man was hurt pretty bad....

To the original poster, the cats have claws, they can kill through cage bars... supervising is needed!

 

[skycon]

I understand. I was just explaining my situation because you made it sound as if no bird should ever be out when there are dogs present.

Of course dogs make mistakes because they are animals, but like I said I know my limits and what I am comfortable with. Anyway, usually it is not the animal and is instead the handler. Be it improper training or putting the animal in a situation it is not familiar with.

A vet also told me that the bacteria in a cat's saliva is deadly to a bird. So it would be best to be very cautious around your cats. Since you said they were outside cats, maybe only take the bird out when they are not inside?

 

[MikeyTN]

Not saying no bird. I did say I only have my macaw out with the dogs or cats. Willie is the only bird everyone backs down from.

To the original poster, my chihuahua is afraid of all my birds. He's 10lbs, how big is yours?

 

[antoinette]

A friend of mine had a AG for 11 years and her beloved Maltese poodle for 9 years.
They got on well for years, played together etc you name it they did everything together.
Without any warning signs, the dog attacked the bird, killing it instantly.
The two were together, for 9 years, always under supervision.
I would never let my bird out if I had a dog or a cat, just my personal opinion.

 

[skycon]

Yes, but that was because the dog was allowed access to the bird. And, from the story I gather that the owner allowed the bird to be near the dogs. My point is, my dogs are trained to stay away from Savannah. And she is only out when I am around. Even if they went after her, I have the commands taught to stop them such as "leave it," "stay," or "come."

Just as any dog could kill a bird so could any child or adult by accident. Things happen but that does not mean I am going to leave her caged up in fear for her safety as there are so many things that could go wrong. Savannah would rarely get out of her cage if I never allowed her out with my dogs loose. All the people I know with birds also have dogs and I have never personally heard any horror stories. Not saying they never happen, but with proper supervision and preparation things rarely go wrong.

Right at this moment Savannah is chatting away on top her cage while my two dogs are sound asleep in the other room.

 

[MikeyTN]

I totally agree with Ant there!

Even with my macaw being out, he's either on me or by me within reaching distance. Withme inbetween to block if needed...

Losing a bird is heart breaking!!!

 

[Atwee921]

Okay, if my cage was against a wall and not in a corner and there was nothing around that the cats could jump on in order to kill the bird, would it be alright? I will try to keep the birds and cats in a different room but still, if I messed up and forgot to do that do you think that would help to keep them from killing the bird?

 

[skycon]

Personally, I think you would be all right even if the cats were purposely in the same room. As long as the cage was tall enough that the cats could not jump on top and the legs were long enough that they couldn't stand up and swat at him through the cage bars. Also, seed catchers would help deter them as it would block most of their vision to the cage when under it.

Many people have cats, dogs, and birds that coexist within the same house with no issues. Like I said, all it takes is some training, supervision, and taking the needed precautions when it comes to placement.