Taking Birds Outside?

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Arroyo
Posts: 1
Joined: Thu Jan 15, 2015 6:49 pm

Taking Birds Outside?

Post by Arroyo »

Hello! I've never had an IRN before, and I'll be getting my first baby in a few months, so I'm trying to learn all I can in advance. In regards to socializing a bird and getting them used to unfamiliar sights/sounds/people, etc.. Is it a good or bad thing to take a bird out on excursions? Obviously in a harness, or some sort of carrier if it's a baby. Would it even be safe to take an adult or baby out to places? I know I'm going to go into over-protective father mode as soon as I get a baby, and not want to leave it alone as much as possible, is there a certain age/way I can take the baby with me, or would it better to leave the bird at home all the time, regardless? Thanks so much!
InTheAir
Posts: 2040
Joined: Sat Jan 12, 2013 4:24 pm

Re: Taking Birds Outside?

Post by InTheAir »

Hi,

It is a good idea to get your young bird used to new experiences in a pleasant, forcefree manner. Do use a carrier or harness, even if you choose to clip.
We socialised our first bird with a lot of people and took him places when he as young and he is pretty confident with well behaved strangers now.
One thing that I have noted recently is that he has been showing some sexual confusion as he is reaching maturity. He is displaying some courting behaviour to both myself and our feisty female indian ringneck. From the age of 3 months when we got him until he was over a year old he had almost constant human company and very little contact with his own species. He was also hand raised from a very young age. I can't say exactly what parts of his upbringing have contributed to this, but it is worth contemplating it further.
I think itis worth considering getting 2 male irns.

The other thing is ensure your bird is completely weaned before you take it home! Hand feeding it yourself doesn't create a stronger bond or anything like that, it just prevents your bird from socialising with it's own species at a critical stage in its development.

I just watched this awesome video guide to positive reinforcement and allowing choices this morning. I think it should come with every new ringneck! Check it out
http://youtu.be/QQ2MpmxUgSA
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