Can I “hide” a parakeet at another location until Christmas?

[Ijistcantsayno]

Hi bird people, I’m soon to join the club. Quick question...We are getting my 10 year old daughter a parakeet for Christmas. Yes, I know, poor timing, however she has been asking for ages and is responsible enough. Trust me, she is NOT your average 10 year old. Would it be extra stressful to pick it up Christmas Eve, bring it to another location 1/2 mile down the road from our house, then pick it up and bring it home after the kids are in bed on Christmas Eve? This is my daughter’s “big” gift, and I’d like for her to wake up to her new friend in her own room Christmas morning. The permanent location of the cage will be in her bedroom. However I also want to make sure I’m not causing to much stress on the parakeet. Worst case he can “arrive” early when we are out for a party Christmas Eve, but then I’m afraid us coming in late will disturb him. Everyone’s thoughts and opinions are welcome. Total newbie here. Trying to learn as much as possible before the new arrival gets here. So much information to take in, not much time!! And yes, I am a world class procrastinator, but a I’ve never missed a deadline and don’t want to mess this one up! Serious guys, lay it on me, I need the info!


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[Laurasea]

I wouldn't move it twice. I would move it Christmas Eve to your master bathroom, then give Christmas morning. Birds shouldn't be moved at night. They can get night frights and even die from them. It's best to move them during daylight hours, let them see the new place before lights out.
You've read all the household chemical that can kill them?
Did you find a breeder? Or is this a pet store bird?

 

[noodles123]

If you want to do this right, bring her along and see what bird is interested in her. They don't just bond to anyone. Plus, if you leave it somewhere for a long time, you have to bird proof that area (teflon, candles, cleaners etc) and worry about the bird readjusting to a new change all over again. I just moved with mine and she is HATING the change...HATING...(she isn't a parakeet, but you get the idea).

I am going to suggest strongly that you do not get a petco/petsmart parakeet...If anything, get one that is being re-homed and has been worked with or a hand-raised bird from a breeder because she is 10 ( honestly---because she is a first-time bird owner---even if she was 50). There are lots of parakeets that need new homes and are already comfortable with people to an extent.
I want to emphasize how much I think adopting can benefit birds---it is like a 2nd chance and there are so many who had elderly owners who died etc and just need someone...

Where do you live? ROUGHLY--I love a good petfinder quest lol- if you don't care to share, that is fine too ha!

 

[Laurasea]

You can find hand tame baby in craigslist, and hoobly. But ask questions and be smart. The breeder should show his own he bird will step up for them.

 

[Laurasea]

This is a good size cage for a budgie. They really do need a lot of room. You could easily go larger.
Like Noodles said above and I said in your other thread. It is beyond worth it to get a hand social baby , in my area hand tamed babies go from 40-60, an English Budgies 60-125 and worth it if you have to drive an hour or more to get. If you get a pet store bird it may never be tame, and if you can tame may take months and months of calm patience , and the ability to read and adapt body language...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B075R7NGGK/ref=psdcmw_2975226011_t2_B00176F5L0

 

[Ijistcantsayno]

We already have the bird picked out and paid for. He is going to be stunning, white, yellow and blue. He seemed quite interested in my daughter and seemed curious. I plan to bring her to visit the store frequently over the coming weeks to hopefully be a semi familiar face when we do bring him home. Not sure if that will work, but I know birds are quite intelligent so I’m hoping it will help a bit. He has been purchased from a local pet store that deals with breeders in neighboring states. They have him in his own cage now in the back of the store and are working with him until we pick him up. We are in RI. The building he would stay in for maybe 8 hours (max) is where I work, there are no candles, scented anything, or any harmful cleaning chemicals used as I cannot tolerate them. We use vinegar, baking soda and peroxide only, just like in my home. The harsh chemicals literally make me sick to my stomach from the smell so I cannot imagine how animals with a better sense of smell cope in that environment.

If it will be to stressful or traumatic we will have a family member pick him up and bring him to our home around 3PM on Christmas Eve )after we leave but before it gets dark).

I just realized I keep referring to him as a he, but I actually have no clue if its a he or she...I doubt the bird will mind, BUT I’ll have to figure that one out before he lays an egg I guess.

The cage has been ordered and will arrive in 2 weeks. It’s quite large, I could get in there and lay down (if the door was large enough) with my knees bent, then again I’m vertically challenged at 5’1”. The cage is also taller than I am, granted it will be on a stand so that adds a bit of height.

Unfortunately it is difficult to find anything on petfinder for Rhode Island that is actually in RI. Lots of shelters and rescue organizations will ship here, but there isn’t much that is actually here. Thats the downside of living in the smallest state I guess.

There are only 3 breeders close that I have been able to find and none of them have available babies for various reasons. Out of the 3 breeders I found none handraise the babies either. I did think to ask that and was quite proud of myself when I learned that was a good question to ask while browsing through various articles.

The cage that I have ordered is actually larger than the link above. I’m going to assume the more room the better but if not it isn’t to late to cancel the order. Also the one in the link happens to be SIGNIFICANTLY less expensive...food for thought I guess.

I can’t thank you all enough for the insight, I appreciate it so very much!


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[Laurasea]

Larger us better!!!! My Budgie cage is twice the size of the one I linked. I was just trying to show ideas
Soundsije you have picked a beautiful bird, and are doing all you can to have it be freinds.
I'm excited with you!!!

 

[Ijistcantsayno]

Larger us better!!!! My Budgie cage is twice the size of the one I linked. I was just trying to show ideas

Soundsije you have picked a beautiful bird, and are doing all you can to have it be freinds.

I'm excited with you!!!

Thank you! I’m sort of in panic mode, so much to learn, so little time. And so many conflicting websites. My head was spinning. I’m so glad I found this place, I know I’m looking in the right place to find the right answers! [emoji3]


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[TrebleMama]

We did this a couple years ago for my daughter (parakeet as well), but instead of giving the bird on Christmas morning, we set up the cage (with toys etc) and gave that to her, along with a certificate to get the bird the day after Christmas. Then the next morning her and I went out and had a fun mom/daughter day-we went out for breakfast and then bought the bird Reason we did this is Christmas day is very busy for us with family get togethers etc, and I was worried that it would be too stressful to have a new bird in that environment. The day after was much calmer! My daughter was super excited when she opened the cage and it gave her time to get it situated in her bedroom (ie power cleaned it, LOL), before her new friend came home.

Now, we just bought our Amazon last week and this is a family Christmas gift (ie we're now completely broke ). Our kids were with us and we just told them this was their big Christmas gift, it's just coming early lol. They were cool with it and then on Christmas day they'll just get a few small items so they have something to open, (plus they'll be spoiled at grandmas later that day). So one option would be just to give the bird early?

 

[Melscamp]

Don't let Santa take credit for this gift. It's a surprise no matter when it happens. I second the idea of giving the cage and letting her pick out her baby.

 

[18WheelsOfSteel]

Just make sure that the cage bars are spaced so as to be appropriate for a budgie, too large a spacing and the bird can hurt itself, I would also recommend perusing the site for information about dietary needs, daily routine requirements, and our primer on how to best begin bonding and training with your bird, welcome to the madness!