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debi
Flutterer
Joined: 30 Mar 2005
Posts: 117
Location: South Jordan, Utah |
| Cage size |
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I am wondering what is the best size for Bella's cage? Her 19 by 20 seems big enough. I think she is almost full grown. She is 6 months old now. The reason I ask is my neighbor gave me a parrot cage. the bars are about a inch. I am afraid her head will fit through and she will chock so I won't put her in it. I am looking for a cage that is the correct size. Can someone please tell me what they think.
She has lots of toys in the cage and her tail feathers are breaking She only has about 6 left. That is what I am worried about. I am afraid she will soon have no feathers left in her dark green tail feathers. Please suggest some sizes and types of cages that would be good for Bella.
Thanks
Deb  |
Wednesday June 15, 2005 6:11 am |
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Cheeta
Moderator
Joined: 06 Apr 2005
Posts: 7970
Location: Australia |
I'm so sorry, but can you please remind me what sort of bird Bella is again?!?!?  Sorry I can be very forgetful sometimes. |
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Wednesday June 15, 2005 6:27 am |
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Cheeta
Moderator
Joined: 06 Apr 2005
Posts: 7970
Location: Australia |
Oh I forgot to mentioned that the first cockatiel I had didn't have too many tail feathers because he was so playful!!! He'd somehow manage to break all his tail feathers!! Which is annoying sometimes, but then it's quite cute at he same time that it didn't have long tail feathers. Looks like a little quail!!! Could it be that Bella is a bit rough when she plays and breaking her tail feathers off? too many toys in her cage may be? |
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Wednesday June 15, 2005 7:06 am |
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Fluffy Sue
Joined: 13 Jan 2005
Posts: 10073
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| Re: Cage size |
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Hi there! I think that size is big enough IF she also spends time out of her cage, which isn't an issue I guess?
I think an inch is just a little too much. But you can try and hold her head in front of the bars..
I don't have problems with tail feathers breaking.. Perhaps it's because she's a little young? How old was she again? |
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Wednesday June 15, 2005 8:10 am |
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lyssie722
Bappie
Joined: 28 Apr 2005
Posts: 72
Location: Maryland, USA |
I agree -- I think I read 1 inch is too much space between bars for a senegal. Probably shouldn't be more than 3/4 inch. The cage size issue may be more related to having too many toys in it. I read recently either in Bird Talk magazine or a parrot book that if your parrot is in it cage and you can't see it because of toys, then there are too many. They need to be able to flap their wings and move around without their tails hitting anything or having to duck around branches and toys. I had over-crowded Piper's cage with perches and toys and after reading more about this, I removed a lot of stuff. Now I just rotate the toys while noticing which are her favorite (which I'll keep in her cage for a longer time). |
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Wednesday June 15, 2005 8:12 pm |
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debi
Flutterer
Joined: 30 Mar 2005
Posts: 117
Location: South Jordan, Utah |
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I appreciate the great tips. Bella is a 6 month Senegal Parrot. I have had her for 3 months. Part of that time about 2 full months I was out on disibility. I had knee surjery. She got very spoiled during that time. All I could do is sit in the recliner which is right by her cage and play with her. She is very smart but very teratorial.
I did not think the bigger cage would work. Bella's cage was ok for Kloie and she was a Green Cheek Conure, with long tail feathers. Maybe it is because Bella is more courious, and plays a lot. I do rotate toys, and have made her a play area. I am trying to keep her not in her cage when I am home. The book said that she will aquire behavior problems if she is bored.
I get her out in the morning and play with her. Then I put her in her cage and go towork. And when I get home the first thing I do is play with her until she goes to bed.  Do you think that is enough time with her. She will not let either of my sons touch her. My youngest son will do some of the things in the book I bought but my older son would just as soon not bother. My sons are 25 and 20.
One more question. Bella is 6 months old when would you consider her to not be a baby. I still think of her as just a baby. I dont know about bird years. |
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Thursday June 16, 2005 6:02 am |
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Fluffy Sue
Joined: 13 Jan 2005
Posts: 10073
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quote:
Originally posted by lyssie722
Now I just rotate the toys while noticing which are her favorite (which I'll keep in her cage for a longer time).
That keeps those parrot minds occupied! Also, if they're not interested in toys, try to hang them in different ways.. That'll help too! |
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Thursday June 16, 2005 8:34 am |
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Fluffy Sue
Joined: 13 Jan 2005
Posts: 10073
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So sorry to hear about your knee, hope everything is ok now?
Territorial?
I opened a topic: http://www.fluffies.org/en/viewtopic.php?t=608
Do you take Bella out of her cage yourself or does she come out of it herself? Taking HER out could also help!
I think you spend enough time with her.. Senegals aren't too fussy about out of the cage time. At least, Iago isn't.
I let him out for 12 hours or more sometimes, and take him anywhere.. (On trips)
On other days, less than an hour, though this is rare!
Sometimes, he is left in his cage for the day. He is fine with that.
I think she'll reach adulthood around 3-4 years? At least, when it comes to behavior?
I think she is a toddler now! |
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Thursday June 16, 2005 8:40 am |
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debi
Flutterer
Joined: 30 Mar 2005
Posts: 117
Location: South Jordan, Utah |
Thanks for the help. I have a book on Senegal Parrots and the others of her family. It was recommended in this forum. It is great, but it still leaves me with questions. Like Bella makes this weard movement with her neck and head. It looks like me to be that she is excited. But I dont know.
The other question is you said you take Iago on trips. Do you have a special cage. Do you take him far? Do you stay in Hotels? If so do you leave him in the hotel room at all by him self. What about on a plane. Can you carry him on, or do you need a ticket? I think with a dog you need a cage and a ticket for the cage. I was thinking about if we go somewhere this summer, taking Bella with us. I do not want to leave her with anyone. I have worked to hard to keep her happy and calm. I dont want the "fright or flight" to happen because I left her with a stranger. I think I am being silly but I dont want any unexpected suprizes.
Deb and Bella |
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Friday June 24, 2005 6:35 am |
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Fluffy Sue
Joined: 13 Jan 2005
Posts: 10073
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I do have some travel carriers for Iago.. I have the wingabago and a small thing for rodents.. And some kind of steel backpack..
I take Iago on many trips, far & nearby.. Sometimes walking the dog, sometimes when travelling by train, shopping etc..
I don't stay in hotels.. Not yet!
I don't know about planes. I think airlines have their own rules? Not sure?
I think you don't need a ticket when the bird can travel on your lap.. It would require some kind of airline approved carrier I think! |
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Monday June 27, 2005 8:34 am |
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debi
Flutterer
Joined: 30 Mar 2005
Posts: 117
Location: South Jordan, Utah |
| Bella the Cage Climber |
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We bought Bella a new cage. It did not look very big at the store but when we got it home it is huge. It has bars that go horizontal and some that are vertical. I have put all of her toys in there and the 3 perches that came with it and the perch she has been use to and chewed for a while. I thought she would have a hard time with the change but I have been moving her dishes, toys, and adding and subtracting toys and buying a new toy or 2 every time we go to the pet store. Plus I have made some toys. She loves the cage. It opens at the top and I put a perch that we made that works very well and a rope for her climb down. I can see that her other cage was to small.
Thank you for the information on traveling. My husband keeps saying how can we go somewhere with Bella at home. I told him we can take her with us.  He lovers her so much. We have 4 dogs and turtle and fish and I have never seen him play with one of the pets like he plays with Bella. He doesn't get upset when I buy toys and the cage, he took me to buy it.  I am beginning to think I talk to much. 
Thanks again for this forum I have really learned so much from all of the people that write to help me.
Deb and Bella the Cage Climber. |
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Monday July 4, 2005 3:14 am |
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Fluffy Sue
Joined: 13 Jan 2005
Posts: 10073
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| Re: Bella the Cage Climber |
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Great to hear she loves her cage that much!
How wonderful to hear that your husband is so 'in love' with Bella..
That's much nicer than a person wanting to get rid of birds.. (I have read some heartbreaking stories on this..  )
And.. I think I want a hubby like you have.. Taking me out to buy parrottoys! I'm envious now! |
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Wednesday July 6, 2005 12:47 pm |
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Cheeta
Moderator
Joined: 06 Apr 2005
Posts: 7970
Location: Australia |
Hey Deb.
Glad to hear that your Bella loves the new cage!! She sounds like she's having a blast in it! Good job. |
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Wednesday July 6, 2005 3:44 pm |
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