STRESS
It’s important to understand that all new birds are stressed to some degree. This is highly dependent on the individual bird. Age, captive vs. domestic status, breeding cycle, and health all play a significant role in the amount of stress an individual bird will be under at any given time. Let’s look at what stress does to the body.
Nature has given all animals, including birds and humans, a fight or flight response. this allows them to cope with stress and avoid danger. When con fronted with a stressor (Something that causes stress), certain changes occur in the chemical makeup of the body. This assists the animal in running faster to get away from the stress, or helps protects the body if a ensures. Thus, “fight or flight’! This is truly a phenomenal occurrence. Providing the stressor goes away, the body can return to normal. In animals, if the stressors never go away, they will have to live with these chemical, physical and emotional changes.
Just how do these changes affect a bird? Stress causes decreased resistance to disease. this is due to their immune system being suppressed during period s of stress. It can also leads to other problems throughout the body.
CAUSES OF STRESS
• New home/ new owners
• Separation anxiety from cage mate or previous owner
• Temperature extremes
• Overcrowding
• Daylight/ darkness excesses (greater than fifteen hours per day of either)
• Inadequate caging
• Loud noises
• Harassment from other animals (including man)
• poor nutrition, changes in diet
• Molting
• Breeding
• Disease
MINIMIZING STRESS:
Do buy your bird from a reliable source. This is one of the most important things you can do to combat stress. It will greatly reduce the problems encountered.
GETTING STARTED:
Do obtain as much basic information on your new bird as possible. For example, what is the normal diet, what type of cage has it been in, what toys does it like or dislike?
These questions will help you to create an environment that is as similar as possible to your new bird’s past. This is not to say those circumstances cannot be changed, but remember change is stressful, and during these first few weeks, minimizing stress is an important priority. (of course, if the conditions the bird was being kept in before you acquired it were unhealthy or dangerous, immediate change is for the better, Remember, there are no set rules-every situation is different).
Do get a health checkup for your bird. Detecting any physical problems early will help minimize the long-term effects of illness. Many health guarantees require a new bird exam by a veterinarian.
Do allow time for the bird to acclimate to its new environment. This varies with each individual bird. If your new bird has been well socialized and likes attention, then continue to give it. This is where a good history can help (“He likes to be scratched here, but hates to be touched there”). Knowing what type of attention the bird likes will help minimize stress. if your bird is not accustomed to people and not well socialized, give it “Space”. During this period, keep handling and interruptions to a minimum.
Do ensure plenty of rest and relaxation. Quiet time is very important Allow maximum time for sleeping, and realizes that total darkness is important for sleep. Cage covers can be used if needed, but only if your bird is accustomed to one. Otherwise, you may be adding a new stress.
Do isolate the new bird for a thirty-day period from any other birds you might have. Keep the newcomer in a separate room and avoid cross -contamination of food and water bowls. This will help to prevent the spread of disease if there is a hidden problem.
Do provide the ideal cage environment .Introduce new cage toys and other accessories slowly over time.
Do keep the new birds diet similar to what has been fed. Try to introduce new foods slowly, but always keep an adequate supply of the previous diet available unless it is very deficient.
Do keep the cage area warm. Birds can expend tremendous amounts of energy trying to stay warm. provide warmth and the bird can conserve energy for other essential life functions., An ambient temperature of 75O to 80OF is ideal, and avoid cold drafts and the consequences the can bring.
Do consider having the wings trimmed if the bird will be allowed out of its cage on a playpen or with you. This will prevent flying away or flying accidents that frequently happen.
SAFETY CHECKLIST Poisonous plants
Paint fumes, insecticides and other poisons
Windows-closed, opened or conducting direct sunlight on the cage causing overheating.
Mirrors
Ceiling fans, cold drafts
smoke
Kitchen –open pots on stove, hot dishwater
Teflon pan burning, causing toxic fumes
Lead – paint, drapery and fishing weights, stained-glass caulking, toys
Spoiled foods, moldy grains, unwashed fruits, vegetables
long toe nails, beaks
Cages-sharp edges, bars too wide, broken bars
other household pets, inquisitive children.
THE DON’TS
Don’t expect too much too soon. New bird owner are frequently unrealistic in their expectations of their new bird. Untamed birds cannot be “broken” over night, and birds cannot always adjust quickly to new foods overnight. Birds also can’t be trained to talk overnight. These desired behaviors require time, effort and trust. Once again, have patience. Create a lasting relationship based on trust, not feat.
Don’t create too many changes at once. Remember, everyone is a stranger to your new bird. Avoid parading your friends and neighbors in front of its cage for now. Wait until the adjustment periods is well under way and then slowly introduce the bird to new people.
