Catching finch in a large cage

[suninthewinter]

Hello,

I recently purchased a large cage (nearly 5') for my two societies. However, I am wondering how I will catch my finch in a cage so large when the time comes for nail clipping, etc. I have heard of cage dividers but am not sure where to find them and I am not sure a net would work alone. Any suggestions would be deeply appreciated. Thank you all so much for your help!!

[Jeff McKee]

Someone recently had a note on here, in regard to having a feeding cage. It was a little cage that hung on the edge of the bigger cage. He could rig it so that the door could be shut, once the birds entered the small cage. Seemed like a pretty good idea for cleanliness and catching the birds!

[suninthewinter]

That sounds like a very keen way of catching them if I could replicate it. I will look for that note!! Thanks!

[tinysparrow]

Someone recently had a note on here, in regard to having a feeding cage. It was a little cage that hung on the edge of the bigger cage. He could rig it so that the door could be shut, once the birds entered the small cage. Seemed like a pretty good idea for cleanliness and catching the birds!

Here is the thread that Jeff was referring to!
http://www.finchforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=23230

[30 Seconds to Bob]

Also, you could probably get a large tropical fish net into a cage like that without too much difficulty. Any time I try to catch a bird, it's always easier to throw a towel (or in the case of a large cage, a blanket) over it to first make it dark. Bob

[tinysparrow]

Also, you could probably get a large tropical fish net into a cage like that without too much difficulty. Any time I try to catch a bird, it's always easier to throw a towel (or in the case of a large cage, a blanket) over it to first make it dark. Bob

I like using a net too It makes it so much easier (and a whole lot faster!) to catch the birds.

[finchandlovebird]

I too use a net; and often take out the swings or other perches to make catching easier

[Lisa]

There's always the nighttime method ... and believe me, though I had doubts when I first read about it, it works like an absolute charm. No panicking birds, no flapping - just grab them. Even when they feel your hand closing around them or if you absolutely bump them with your finger, they won't move.

Make it dark in the room but first, undo the latch on the door so you can quietly grab the bird. Note the bird's location and then switch out the lights, you can easily reach in and grab the bird instantly, no fuss.

I didn't believe it until I tried it but trust me, it works sooooo easily.

[birdclaws]

I have done the night time method as well.
Other than that, I will try and catch with a net. Some species are easier than others.
My last resort is to open one of the larger doors on my cage and try to shoo the bird out of the cage, then catch with a net in the room.

[suninthewinter]

Thank you all SO MUCH! Wonderful, helpful replies. I will try the methods listed above. Unfortunately, my birds sleep inside of a hut/nest. I have tried before to grab the hut while they are asleep, but they become spooked and panic. The net might just do the trick, though! Thanks again!

[finchandlovebird]

If you are going to catch them in the dark, how do you prevent "night fright" ...... I would think all the birds would fly & flap around crazily

[debbie276]

If you are going to catch them in the dark, how do you prevent "night fright" ...... I would think all the birds would fly & flap around crazily

That's what always happened when I tried to catch them on the perch at night, though I thought it was because I had to walk up to them in the aviary rather then slip my hand into their cage.

[Lisa]

If you are going to catch them in the dark, how do you prevent "night fright" ...... I would think all the birds would fly & flap around crazily

That's what I always thought too, but because it's instantaneous (turning out the lights), they kinda go into shock like what just happened and you can grab them easily. Instead of flapping, they all just freeze in place.

That's what always happened when I tried to catch them on the perch at night, though I thought it was because I had to walk up to them in the aviary rather then slip my hand into their cage.

Debbie, this would definitely be trickier with a walk-in aviary. You would essentially have to already be in the space and have them settle around you, within reach for it to work. Having to walk up to them would probably not work.

[poohbear]

I think the catching cage is the best idea..I've used a larger version on my flights and aviaries for years...much less stress.Although releasing into and catching in the room (with window glass covered) comes a close second.