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About Rev. Dr. S.August Abbott
Expertise
Certified Avian Specialist; Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council member; Own animal rescue org; National Wildlife habitat #66378; bird care, nutrition & behavior consultant; International Assoc. of Animal Behavior Consultants Associate; National Wildlife Federation Leaders Club member; published bird care, info and behavior articles and guides. Ongoing education in exotic bird behavior and nutrition I can answer behavioral, nutritional, environmental, characteristic/personality questions as well as general health and health care. No animal emergency can ever be addressed on the internet. We cannot see your animal, perform an examination, provide necessary care or medication. Please value your companion for the priceless, living creature they are; not for what you might have paid for them.

Experience
Certified Avian Specialist. For more than 30 years I've worked with veterinarians, protective facilities, nature centers, preserves and on my own in providing care and education with regard to multiple animal species, including raptors (hawks, kestrals, owls, etc) and marsupials. In recent years I've focused on parrots, usually rescued from abusive or less than ideal situations and helping educate owners as to proper care. Expert in behavior studies and modification of problem behavior.

Organizations
4AnimalCare is the organization I run as an animal ministry; World Wildlife Association, Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, National Wildlife Federation Leaders Club and more

Publications
Bird Talk Magazine articles about rescued and problem macaws.

Education/Credentials
Doctorate, Ordained Minister

You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Pet Birds > Parrots > my parrot

Parrots - my parrot

Expert: Rev. Dr. S.August Abbott - 11/8/2009

Question
she was raised at home from time she was born 3 years ago. I got her about 6months ago an was wondering about should i cover her at night or not? the woman got her from said she never covered her at night.

Answer
I am an advocate of covering, but I take it a step further with a sleep cage.

A typical day in the life of your bird would be rising at daybreak, vocalizing with the rest of the nearby flock, sort of making sure everyone is still there and learning the sound of each other’s voices again; then they’d head off for a day of exploring, foraging for a variety of foods, socializing, reinforcing their territory and pretty much staying busy.

As the day comes to an end and the sun goes down, everyone returns to their night perch, a place to roost that has proven safe since they made it through the night before.

I like to work with a bird’s instinctive behaviors, especially when it encourages their sense of safety and confidence.

Establishing a separate "sleep cage" is a good idea. A smaller cage with just the basics: A soft perch (I use rope perches for sleep cages), a food and water bowl and a 'snuggly'. The snuggly can be an old, clean, thick sock tied through the bars at the side or hanging from the center-top. It's just something for the bird to snuggle up to and give them the feeling of roosting near a flock mate.

In any case, covering a cage at night is a good idea. Leave about 1/2 of the front door uncovered so the bird can see out and have a sense of security.

It's important to regulate these sleep hours carefully. If you normally start your day at 8 a.m., then covering your bird at 8 p.m. (as early as 6 p.m. during winter months) is what you should aim for.

Don't be late though - when you start your day, uncovering the bird is the first thing you need to do.

Keeping the noise level down while the bird is sleeping (or in their sleep cage) is important too.

You can see the sleep cage set up and more about all of this here

www.4AnimalCare.org/birds

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