Playing Arrangements & Quarantine

[halogen]

I've got a Green Cheek Conure who I (hopefully!) will be picking up this Friday or Saturday. My first questions is regarding quarantine. I was planning on a 90 day quarantine, plus a vet visit both immediately after getting her home and right before I end the quarantine. My question to those of you who have QT'd is: how long was yours? Also, how hard was it to keep up? I know I have to wash everything separately, (hands included), keep separate food containers, dishes, etc. I have a basement where I will be keeping the new conure and my current bird is upstairs. (They will be on different air duct systems this way-- does this matter a lot or just a little?) I'm not certain if I'm just a narcissist, but I (think) can keep up such vigorous cleanliness standards for at least sixty days. What did you guys do? And how easily did you manage it?

Second, I ws hoping that eventually, after the QT is history and my birds have been introduced in the same room for some time, that they could spend playtime together, while supervised of course, and perhaps visit each other's cages. I'm not entirely needing to have the last cage bit happen, but it would be nice if they would climb on top of each others cages without the other freaking out and getting super nasty and territorial. My current bird is a cockatiel, and the lady who has the bird told me over the phone that her bird is 1 1/2 years old and pretty docile and curious? My tiel Arya is the same way, but she is a tiel. So I'm concerned any over curiosity by the conure might end in a fight between the two if Arya won't "defend" herself. Obviously I would be keeping my own eyes on this all the time, every time. But just wondeingf your varied-species birds are okay being out with each other at the same time. If so, what species are they?

Thanks, and sorry for the text walls. I just want to make sure this transition goes as smooth as possible! Thanks again guys!

 

[goalerjones]

All the reading, and posts here I've seen suggest 30 days as adequate for separation time. Change of clothing between birds is also strongly recommended.

 

[KeroRocks]

I've seen Cockatiels and Green Cheeks together. The main idea is to let them get to know each other slowly. After quarantine have their cages fairly far apart but in the same room, allow out of cage time on their own cages so they can see each other but can't interact. You can try holding your old bird and walking towards the new one etc.

Good luck!

 

[halogen]

Haha, I think I'll opt for closer to 30 then. And I do hope Arya and the new conure get along well. Thanks for the help guys!

 

[RavensGryf]

You will also need to find an Avian vet. Good practice is to get the 'big three' viral tests done. Polyoma, Psittacosis, PBFD. Even with quarantine, there is no guarantee that if a virus is present it wil pop out within 30 or 60 (or whatever) days since viruses don't look at the calendar. While it is more common for diseases to show up within the time the bird is adjusting and under stress, wouldn't you rather be sure? Unfortunately there are some diseases like PDD that can't be accurately tested for (and is not as uncommon as people might think) that we just have to cross our fingers about.

Not to be overly paranoid:52: but these issues are a reality and deadly:11:
BUT... if you don't have an extra quarantine room, or forget to change your clothes, etc, don't freak out about it just do the best you can, and remember to wash your hands between birds until you're sure. You'll be fine.

 

[halogen]

Thanks for the advice--I do have an avian specialist lined up, thank goodness I live near one! Should I ask specifically for those three tests? Anything else to check for? Thanks again for those names.

 

[RavensGryf]

Tell the vet you'd like a "new bird exam". If an avian specialist, he/she should know what to do. Usually do weight check, general inspection, blood panel, analyze poop for parasites& gram neg. bacteria, disease panel (blood tests) or anything else they think necessary. A good vet will go over itemized charges with you first too. Good luck!

Oh, wanted to add... These above tests have to be sent out to a lab for analysis, so the vet will call you with results

 

[halogen]

Thanks so much RavensGryf! I'm sure my vet will know what to do, should I have both birds checked or just the new bird? My current bird is healthy, and we had her checked for sickness. Is it a good idea to do both again just to be certain?

 

[RavensGryf]

I think it's a good idea for both just to be sure

Julie