One Step At A Time

This weekend we were able to transport the six pairs of breeders to our new home. We decided to transport the birds in their cages rather than transport them in pet carriers. We carried three cages at a time on a 12' flatbed trailer. The cages were wrapped in plastic to keep any wind off of the birds. The first trip went smoothly with no problems.

On the second trip I heard fighting sounds from the trailer. I thought the birds were fighting through the bars since the cages were sitting with the sides touching. When I stopped to check, it turned out that Elvis and Prescilla were fighting inside their cage. He apparently was trying to get into the nest box with her and she was having none of it. By the time we got to the house he was bleeding from the foot and was looking a little shocky.

We captured him and have him in a Plexiglas cage in the nursery for observation. After a few hours he seemed OK and all bleeding stopped. This morning he was sitting quietly with telltale signs of cooked sweet potato on his beak. We'll give him another week in the house before he re-joins Prescilla.

The birds really seem to be enjoying their new surroundings. We're still worried about (pick one): raccoons, hawks, foxes, small panthers, bald eagles, black bears, coyotes, snakes, etc. Any of which could do harm to parrots. They are all rumored to be in the area although we've only seen the panther and fox.
- posted by J-Birds @ 8:31 PM |