Sivin, sleep habits

[henryswife]

There was no 'reply' to your post. It was hard to answer the poll.
Because we only cover the cages half-way in the back and sides. That way they have their choice where they want. I made several new covers last fall out of 'king-size sheets on sale' to cover the whole cage, but sewed large button-holes to fit the handles on top of the cages and just rolled the front part and clipped the front and sides open. It was just in case of cold weather etc.
Only cover the travel cage to not scare them, and put on the radio on and keep talking to them, and seat-belt them.
Alice

[Sivin]

Hi Alice,

Do you recommend covering the travel cage just partially, then?

Thanks!

[henryswife]

Hi Sivin,
I cover the travel cages leaving a few inches from the bottom so they do get air flow. I use a light color sheet or towel cut to size, they hate anything dark above their little heads. [budgies] I have 12in.wide-10in.deep-12in.high. One very low perch and pull out food & water dish, so if we stop along they way I don't have to open the cage. I wish they would use the water bottles, but no luck with them. I also put a soft pad on the bottom of the cage, can be one of those plastic chair cushions cut to size, and 'Please sew or tape under, no staples!' And clean-up is easy. A towel for a short trip.
Pic. of one of our travel cage or hospital cage & some extra cages.
Click to enlarge


I know you know that to put millet & fruit & veg. on the bottom of the cage.
The cover over the cage so they don't see flashing things going by or at night, car or street lights.
I just added a few things for others who don't post, just to give some info.
Anyone out there with more to add??

Alice

[Sivin]

Thanks, Alice,

I've purchased a nice travel cage. It's about the size of a cat box but is designed for small birds and has a perch. I found it in the Drs Foster & Smith catalogue and decided it would fit my needs though it doesn't have the pull out food cups, which I would have preferred. The three budgies will ride in that. Each cockatiel will have his or her own catbox. Hope they don't think too hard about that one!

[henryswife]

' LOL'
I was going to suggest the cat box, but didn't know if it would be tall enough for cockatiels. Looking at my cat carrier, umm? maybe you can remove a few air-vents and find water & food dishies to fit the opening & use zips-ties to secure, they're cheap, clip off and replace as you travel. And maybe drill a hole maybe on each side 1 0r 2 in. for a low perch. But, I would still cover them with a light sheet on top because plastic-wire-etc. still can get heated-up even with the AC on.
I wish Kerry was on lately, she travels with her show birds a lot. I remember when she said she and her Mom were taking their cats to the vet and had to use a bird cage for one! LOL
I won't tell them about the ?-box if you don't tell them about the pic. I've posted ?? yr's ago.
Click on to enlarge