What steps to take when introducing a new bird?
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2hounddogs
- Pip
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- Location: Denver, Colorado
What steps to take when introducing a new bird?
I have a young male Zebra finch who just lost his friend. I'm trying to find a new friend for him but I want to be prepared and introduce them safely. He is my only bird and I'm not planning or trying to breed him. Any advice on where to find him a friend and what I should do once I find one?
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Sally
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Re: What steps to take when introducing a new bird?
Welcome to the forum, though it is under sad circumstances. Your Zebra will appreciate another companion. Here is a link to an article on introducing new birds. There are many other articles at www.finchinfo.com about keeping finches, especially the Zebra finch.
http://www.finchinfo.com/general/introd ... _birds.php
http://www.finchinfo.com/general/introd ... _birds.php
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lovezebs
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Re: What steps to take when introducing a new bird?
2hounddogs
Welcome to the Forum.
Sorry to hear about the loss of your Zebra.
There are several options as to where you can find a new companion for your remaining bird. One option, would be, to find a breeder in your area. You could check through a bird club, or bird society in the vicinity to find a reputable breeder. You could also check on sites such as kijiji (where there are always people advertising birds for sale, or even to give away).
Another option, is your local Humane Society, where people will often surrender unwanted birds. A Pet Shop, is another option, only make sure that their birds, are not kept in overcrouded poor conditions, and that they look healthy, active and lively.
When introducing a new bird into your home, I would recommend keeping the newby in a seperate quarantine cage for several weeks, to make sure that he's healthy.
Once this has been done, placing the two cages in close proximity is a good idea, so that the two birds can get to hear and see each other before putting them in the same cage.
Once your ready for the big day, I would rearrange things in the existing main cage. Move seed and water cups to a different location in the cage, move perches, toys, plants and so on around, so that the environment will appear 'new' to both of your birds .
Good luck, and let us know how it works out.
Elana
Welcome to the Forum.
Sorry to hear about the loss of your Zebra.
There are several options as to where you can find a new companion for your remaining bird. One option, would be, to find a breeder in your area. You could check through a bird club, or bird society in the vicinity to find a reputable breeder. You could also check on sites such as kijiji (where there are always people advertising birds for sale, or even to give away).
Another option, is your local Humane Society, where people will often surrender unwanted birds. A Pet Shop, is another option, only make sure that their birds, are not kept in overcrouded poor conditions, and that they look healthy, active and lively.
When introducing a new bird into your home, I would recommend keeping the newby in a seperate quarantine cage for several weeks, to make sure that he's healthy.
Once this has been done, placing the two cages in close proximity is a good idea, so that the two birds can get to hear and see each other before putting them in the same cage.
Once your ready for the big day, I would rearrange things in the existing main cage. Move seed and water cups to a different location in the cage, move perches, toys, plants and so on around, so that the environment will appear 'new' to both of your birds .
Good luck, and let us know how it works out.
Elana
~Elana~
Linnies~ Canaries ~ Zebras ~ Societies ~ Gouldians ~ Orange Cheeks ~ Shaft Tails ~ Strawberries ~ Red Cheek Cordon Bleu ~ Goldbreasts ~ Red Brows ~ Owls ~ Budgies ~ Diamond Firetails ~ Javas ~ Forbes Parrot Finches ~
Linnies~ Canaries ~ Zebras ~ Societies ~ Gouldians ~ Orange Cheeks ~ Shaft Tails ~ Strawberries ~ Red Cheek Cordon Bleu ~ Goldbreasts ~ Red Brows ~ Owls ~ Budgies ~ Diamond Firetails ~ Javas ~ Forbes Parrot Finches ~