Dogs and birds in same house?

We are picking up my son's conure this afternoon. We have two dachshunds. I have read that saliva from birds can kill a parrot? Kaleeko (conure) will be staying in my son's room, which is upstairs. Our dogs generally hang out on main level or in basement (they have crates in basment). Any tips on keeping both dogs and bird in same home? Is it true that the dogs cannot even go near the cage? The cage is low enough the dogs could jump up on it and sniff the bird - so even doing that could kill the bird? Should we keep them seperated at all times?

I also want to know if this cage is okay? My son has been reading non-stop and he keeps telling me that zinc is dangerous for birds. The cage does say non-toxic, but it was so inexpensive compared to other cages of same size, so just want to make sure it's good quality.
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Hmm? i dont think your gonna have a problem with the bird saliva coming into contact with your parrot.LOL im joking! but i would keep them away from the cage but introduce them under very close supervision away from the cage. you don't have to keep them separate unless you don't trust that the dogs wont do anything to him. but even then you still only let them out together with someone watching them accidents happen!

and that cage looks good to me i think thats the one that comes with the conure im thinking of adopting haha!

You and your son must be so excited about getting the conure this afternoon.

The cage you got looks GREAT! Have you "decorated" the cage already, in anticipation of its soon-to-arrive occupant?

As for your Dachshunds, ALWAYS supervise when they are out together. They can smell the cage, as long as they don't frighten the bird. They will get used to each other as well, but please don't ever let them interact, as accidents can happen.

Here is a link you may find helpful:
Top Ten Bird Killers

Best of luck with your son's new friend.

I have always had the dog/bird combination and they have all been fine. My conures were never even slightly scared of the dogs....some of my dogs are afraid of the birds. One 'warning'--hehe--dachshunds are a bit like chihuahuas (mouthy on occasion) and my chihuahuas sit on the back of my sofa and bark out the window at passing people, dogs, squirrels, etc. This starts the 'alarm system' of my house--3 barking dogs and a conure who squawks in time with the barking. Oh what fun. haha Good luck with the new baby. Share pics when you get a chance.

We also have dogs, cats and a bird. there's not that much to worry about, we have a senegal parrot, 4 dogs and 5 cats. the bird actually antagonize the cats and dogs. He'll start the come here whistle for the dogs, and at times if he sees a cat near his cage he'll meow n sometimes say here kitty kitty. When we first got him the dogs wanted to check him out, all they really did is sniff the cage, now they can care less about it. and we only have to watch one of the cats who look at him like mmm lunch, all the rest won't go near him, esp with the fact that his cage sits in front of a double window ie: nice breezy window ledge for cats to lay during summer and they won't go in it cause of him, he'll dip his head in the water dish and throw it at the cats, which of course they don't like water lol. As for your new addition just be sure to introduce em slowly, let the dogs check out the cage and the conure, just hope they don't wanna mark the cage as their territory lol. good luck

Thank you! I was getting concerned after reading online that they can die from the slightest dog saliva, even if it's on your hands? We will be EXTRA careful!
Yes, the cage is decorated with 5 toys, a wooden ladder and has food and water in it. Oh, and a little furry snuggly pouch thing for her to lay in.
They are picking her up now. Pictures later!
Thanks!

That is a nice cage for a conure. My cage on a wheeled stand is a 24 by 24. Anyhow, I have a Australian terrier and he pretty much ignores my green cheek conure. Of course they are never by themselves. I don't consider my dog a saint since if it was a flying squirrle or sugar gliders he would be more focused on it. (He likes to chase squirrles). As a child my sister had a cat that always tried to knock over my budgies cage. I am not expert on ferrets I would never have them in the same room with a bird considering how they are meat eaters and how they seem to have a strong prey drive (some people feed their ferrets live mice).

She's home! She is so sweet. What do we do now that she's home? She is just sitting in the corner of her cage. She looks too scared to move! Should we leave her alone to get used to her cage? Or stay and talk to her? She lets you pet her through the cage. She is very sweet!

FirstBird said:

She's home! She is so sweet. What do we do now that she's home? She is just sitting in the corner of her cage. She looks too scared to move! Should we leave her alone to get used to her cage? Or stay and talk to her? She lets you pet her through the cage. She is very sweet!

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I would give her some time to settle in~ sit near her and talk to her, see if she will accept treats from you. How old is she? Congratulations!

She is, I think, 4 months old? She has warmed up to everyone and likes getting out of her cage and 'eating' my hair. Should I turn the lights out when she naps? Or wait until bedtime at night to turn lights off? Her cage is in my son's room. She seemed really tired after being out of her cage for an hour or so.