By Scott Robins, Head Trainer

Scott Robins Edutainment, Inc.

www.scottrobinsedutainment.com

 Hello to our valued readers and customers here at Windycityparrot.com. As we approach warm weather season we will be keeping windows and doors open more frequently. For those of us with birds, this is a time of caution. Many bird owners have allowed their companions to come into full flight during the cold weather.

 With doors and windows open more frequently, we increase the potential to lose our companions. Now is the time that we must examine our bird’s primary flight feathers and decide whether or not we clip our birds for the season. When we examine the primary flight feathers, we also should be looking for blood feathers. Never clip a bird in a way that will expose an incoming blood feather to potential damage. I never clip a client’s bird in the presence of new blood feathers. I prefer to allow all feathers to mature first.

 Scott, can I leave my bird fully flighted? Well, that is really a personal decision. If you choose to leave your bird fully flighted, I highly recommend that you spend the time to properly train your bird to recall to you. This can be accomplished through positive reinforcement training.

 I also recommend that you take the time to train your bird how to wear a harness if you choose to take your fully flighted bird outdoors with you. There are several types of harnesses out there. I happen to like Steve Hartman’s Aviator Harness. Please note that harnesses are not perfect and some birds can quickly learn to destroy them. A bird should never be left outdoors, unattended in a harness.

Do you live in an area that has a large presence of birds of prey?  A hawk flying overhead can trigger a startled flight response from a parrot that is sitting on a play stand out in your yard. It is important not to leave your birds unattended.  Some bird owners like to gradually introduce birds to the outdoors by allowing them out in a modified crate or an additional cage for the deck. 

Make sure that all doors are secure.  Observe your companion and bring him or her indoors if your bird is showing signs of stress.  Outdoor aviaries are an excellent addition to our yards for our feathered friends. Although it is possible to build your own aviary, check with Windycityparrot on the availability of aviary kits for your yard.   Always have fresh water available to your birds outdoors. It is recommended not to feed your birds in outdoor aviaries unless they are living outdoors all season. Reason here is to minimize the attraction of pests and potential predators to our aviaries.

 It is important that we use common sense with our birds. As we prepare for spring, we need to consider all precautions necessary to keep our feathered companions safe. Every season, I get calls to help recover lost birds. Escapes are preventable. Just remember, “Caution, It’s Springtime.”