A Moving Experience: Making Your Move Easy on Your Parrots

Moving is about as stressful a time as any in our lives and the lives of our fids. Having just completed moving the "gang" into a new house, I thought I would share some of the things that helped our move go smoothly. The feathered crew (Alex and Zeke, African Greys and April, Umbrella Cockatoo) have settled in nicely and things returned to normal quickly. Granted, the move was to a nearby city and we were not on the road in the U-Haul for more than an hour, but I believe preparing the birds had everything to do with their reduced stress level and smooth transition.

I also want to mention that there is the coolest service for moving called PODS (Portable On Demand Storage). I had it delivered to my old house the weekend before the actual move. This allowed me to pack up all my non-essentials at my leisure, clear out the house and cut down on the stress and chaos of the actual moving day. They took the "POD" away and stored it at their warehouse until the day I scheduled it to be delivered to my new house. I only had to rent a U-Haul for a few left over things and the bird cages.

Everything but a blanket, pillow, alarm clock, bird supplies and cages (that didn't get into the POD) were packed up in the U-Haul the night before the actual move. Renting the U-Haul for an extra day was really worth it! All I had to do on moving day was gather up a few things, place the birds in the carriers, load up the cages and away we went to our new home. My "POD" was delivered to my house later that afternoon and I had as much time as I wanted to unload it. It arrived on a Friday and I scheduled the POD pickup for the following Tuesday.

The reason I recommend a service like PODS is that it relieved so much stress. I was calm, the birds were calm and I could focus on making them more comfortable instead of running around loading things up at the last minute. I will never move without PODS again - it was that good!

The move actually took place in several stages.

Stage 1 - Keep the Fids Informed

House hunting is always both exciting and exhausting. But, when I found a house I really liked and the offer was accepted, I showed the flyer with the picture of the new house to the fids and told them all about it. I told them how nice it would be for them to have a bigger room with nice big windows and everything. Yes, I really did this! They may not understand all the words, but they get the fact that something is up.

When my old house sold and the paperwork was progressing along nicely, I started packing. I made sure they saw what I was doing and I would talk about the moving day and how exciting it would be.

Stage 2 - Prepare the Fids

A few days before the actual move, I cleared out my master bedroom and moved the fids out of their normal "bird room" and into the master bedroom. It was only across the hall, and not in totally unfamiliar surroundings. But, it conveyed the message to them loud and clear that change was coming. I made the move in the morning so they would have time to get used to the new room before bedtime.

After their first night in the master bedroom, I introduced the idea of travel. They have all been in carriers at one time or another, but I didn't have three carriers, I only had one. I went and bought a new one and borrowed another to make three. Three days before moving day, I placed each carrier in front of the cage of the bird that would be using that particular carrier. I placed them there all set up and ready to go with the doors open.

After they stated at the carriers for a few hours, I took each parrot and placed them in the carrier briefly. Just long enough to close the door, tell them how good they were and take them out again. The next day I kept them in there a little bit longer, about 5 to 10 minutes or so. The third day, I placed each into their carrier for about a half an hour. I also picked them up in it and walked around the house. All the while telling them how good they were and about moving day the next morning.

Stage 3 - Moving Day

I woke up early. We were supposed to arrive at our new house at 8 a.m. because the phone company, cable and internet company, etc. were arriving that day to set things up. And you know them, they are so exact on the appointment times, "Sometime between 8 a.m. and noon" was about as precise as it got. I needed my phone and internet hooked up pronto, of course, what's an online parrot supply store going to do without the online part and a phone?

I talked to the fids for a little bit and told them this was it. Moving day was here! Then I put them in their carriers and started loading up their cages. (They have big cages.) They all went in their carriers without a fuss. I put them by the front door so they could watch their cages being loaded and telling them how exciting their new home was going to be. The last thing I did was put them all on the front seat of the U-Haul with me and drove off to our new house.

Along the way, I picked up my helper for the day who would help me get their big cages up the steps to the new house. April actually greeted her with a big "Hi!" She wasn't stressing at all! Upon arrival at the new house, the first thing we did was to bring the birds inside and put them in their new room. Of course, I was talking to them the whole time. Then, we unloaded cages and one by one they were placed inside. I prepared their food and water like I always do and tried to keep things as normal as possible for them. All that was completed and the birds completely set back up in their cages before anything else was done.

Stage 4 - New Digs

I kept things as normal as possible for them. After a day or two they were pretty darn comfortable. That's when I started being a tour guide. Each was given a tour of a different room. I went from room to room, one a day or a whole house tour. It depended on the bird's comfort level. I made sure to point out the windows to them and have them touch it so they know not to fly into it. Things returned to normal quickly and they really love their new space!

I really believe that it went so smoothly because each of the steps prepared them for the next. I was shocked at how quickly they adjusted to life at the new house. They were even back to talking within hours of the move. April even talked IN THE U-HAUL. I hope this has been helpful to anyone considering a move in the near future!

Your Parrot Place
Taylor Knight is President of Your Parrot Place, providers of the highest quality parrot food, toys, cages and supplies available. YourParrotPlace.com - Only the Best for Your Parrot!

Free Parrot eBook
140 pages of parrot tips, information, nutrition advice, safety and more! http://www.yourparrotplace.co m/ebooks/ypp2004ebook.htm

---

Training Your Dog To Jump The Rope Trick: Simple and Fun Dog Trick

To teach a dog to jump, with your right hand... Read More

A Look at Discount Bird Cages

Buying a pet bird can be quite an investment. After... Read More

A Moving Experience: Making Your Move Easy on Your Parrots

Moving is about as stressful a time as any in... Read More

Does The World Need More Cats?

Aren't they cute? Yes, they are! A nest of meowing... Read More

Treat Fleas Naturally and Avoid Vaccinations, for a Truly Healthy Dog

An essential to your dog's health is his/her regular annual... Read More

A Cat Tale

My son and I have a cat. Her name is... Read More

Breeding Piranhas

Piranhas are unique creatures that have gained popularity not just... Read More

Cat Arthritis

Cat arthritis is not a very common ailment among healthy... Read More

Whats the Real Deal on Pet Insurance?

Even if you haven't had a run-in involving your pet... Read More

Puppy Development

Puppy development and growth is very exciting. After a puppy... Read More

Pet Bird Home Hazards - Keep Your Feathered Friend Safe

Interacting with a pet bird outside of it's cage is... Read More

Broken Trust

The large animal organizations and the public money.It is said... Read More

Dogs, Cats, Horses?We Love Them All!

We have a long history with domesticated animals and even... Read More

Dog Lover Gifts

Whether you are searching for something to say "Happy Birthday"... Read More

How to Build a Dog House for Your Puppy

So you'd like to know how to build a dog... Read More

Good Dog Care Is Vital

Dog careAccepting responsibility of your new pet friend is truly... Read More

Petting a Dog is Good For Both of You

Studies have shown that regularly petting a dog brings a... Read More

Nutrition and Your Dogs Behavior

Nutrition and Your Dog's Behavior Proper nutrition is the fundamental... Read More

Do You Know About Boxer Dogs?

Boxer Dogs Information - What Are Boxer Dogs? Boxer dogs... Read More

Cleft Palate In Dogs

Sometimes puppies are born that can't suckle properly, and it's... Read More

Identifying and Treating Health Problems in Your Dog

An essential to your dog's health is his/her regular annual... Read More

Caring for an Older Cat - Cat Health and Cat Care

Cats are living longer lives thanks to dedicated care from... Read More

Flea Control

Last summer, we added a new pet to our family... Read More

Westie Puppies For Sale ? 7 Important Questions To Ask Your West Highland Terrier Breeder

Let's say you've made up your mind on the breed... Read More

Pet Food Label Secrets Revealed! Know What You Are Feeding Your Dog And Cat

Reading a pet food label, how difficult can it be?... Read More

Tips & Guide To Looking For A Good Dog Trainer

Dog training is definitely not rocket science and is easier... Read More

3 Tips For Dealing With Dog Emergencies

Have you ever thought about what you need to do... Read More

Got Fleas?

Author of Keep Fleas OffStill using all the chemicals you... Read More

Introduce Your Puppy To New Situations And Ensure Good Behaviour For The Rest Of Her Life

They may seem to be bold explorers - sniffing at... Read More

Training Your Dog To Lay Down On Command

Training your dog to obey commands is an important part... Read More

Understanding Dog Fleas: How Fleas Breed & Affect Your Dogs Health

Fleas belong to the insect order Siphonaptera. They are common... Read More

Keeping Your Cat Healthy

Cats need only be provided with decent shelter, food and... Read More

Dog Health Conditions and Terms You Should Know...

Some Dogs like Boxers unfortunately, are prone to several potential... Read More