Moving with a pet bird can be a traumatic experience for feathered friends, and acclimating to new climes can be a challenge. Once the move is made, there are several tips that can assist an avian in adapting to a new house.
A bird in a new home should be placed in an environment as much like their past environment as possible. If the birdcage was placed in a corner, with a window to the left, a similar situation should be presented, if possible.
Bird toys should be brought along from one home to another, providing birds with a constant as they acclimate to their new environment.
Before bringing a bird into a new home, the house should be bird-proofed. Windows should either be shut, or covered with an intact wire screen. If any screens are ripped, they should be repaired or replaced before the bird is introduced to the new environs. Otherwise, avians may sneak through the rip, potentially injuring themselves in the process. Also, many people purchase new plants when moving into a new place, especially if it is larger, or has more windows, than their old home. Birds are susceptible to toxins from many common houseplants, and any additions should be checked for their effects on avian companions.
Moving a bird during a holiday should be avoided whenever possible. Peace and quiet will be important to a bird after experiencing a move from one home to another. The noise and commotion of people coming over for a party can stress birds who are already facing challenging times.
Although it may increase stress for the bird before moving, people should try to move a feathered friend after as many goods as possible are in the new home. This will make the new environment as familiar as possible for the bird. Ideally, Polly’s cage will be cleaned and completely set up at the new house, ready for occupation. Once in her familiar home, the bird will find favorite toys and treats to be soothing.
Stress in birds is often exhibited in behaviors such as becoming withdrawn and plucking at feathers. In extreme cases, this can lower immune response, contributing to a wide variety of diseases.
Flocking behavior is ingrained in avians, meaning they will turn to their friends – human and bird – in times of distress. This means they will need extra attention and assurance from their human flock companions when first exposed to a new location.
Birds do not like change, and moving from one house to another can cause the animals stress, potentially leading to health problems. But people can make a new home a little easier for their feathered friends.