I'm so excited - Dexter visited his vacation cage!

[DexMom]

We plan to travel quite a bit this year and I would much rather have Dexter with us, or staying with a friend, than boarding somewhere. I had a small travel cage that he did NOT like staying in for a 3 day trip last summer, so I knew he would need an upgrade this year.

I bought this cage [ame=http://www.amazon.com/Prevue-Pet-Products-BPV25217-21-Inch/dp/B004HIFX26/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1457375453&sr=8-2&keywords=prevue+square+roof+parrot+cage]Amazon.com : Prevue Pet Products BPV25217 Parrot Square Roof Cage, 25 by 21-Inch, Black : Birdcages : Pet Supplies[/ame] as his vacation cage. I drive an SUV and we fly in our own plane, so the size is not much of a limitation, it's more a case of weight and my ability to lift and handle the cage when bringing him places. Once I checked to ensure that it could be securely fastened in both vehicles, I "furnished" it with perches and toys and set it up in the room with Dexter's cage so he could get used to it.

It's been in the room since January, and for the last few weeks I've been putting it next to his cage (within climbing distance) when he's out. He was willing to climb on top when I put some of his favorite foot toys on it, but would not venture inside.

Today, he finally went inside! He not only climbed in, but he stayed there for quite a while checking it out. I am SO happy. My husband thinks I'm a little looney for doing this so far in advance of our first planned trip, but I really wanted this cage to feel like a piece of home when we take him places in it.

 

[Terry57]

Go Dexter! I think it's awesome that Dexter has plenty of time ot get used to his cage before your travels, and that he is liking the new cage. Your own plane? I am green with envy! So nice to avoid the hassles of commercial flying

 

[DexMom]

It's a small plane which limits how far we can go, but it is very nice to have. My husband has been a hobby pilot for years and his post-retirement plan is to give flying lessons and charter local recreational flights (sightseeing tours of the NY skyline, statue of liberty, autumn leaf peepers), getting the plane is the first step. We're enjoying it!

 

[Terry57]

I bet! Please share all your adventures so I can live vicariously through you, deal?

 

[DexMom]

Deal .

 

[chris-md]

Go Dexter!! You're doing beautifully with him. And isn't it great when you make progress towards increased mobility?? Its a euphoric sense for sure!

 

[Allee]

WooHoo, Dexter! He looks very cozy in his new travel cage! I think it's a wonderful idea to give him time to feel at home in his vacation cage before you take the trip.

 

[Anansi]

Your instincts are spot on! Dexter will most likely be far more at ease on his first trip than he might otherwise have been. Nice! I'm excited with you!

Only one thing, though. I know it's only for trips and such, but you might want to switch out the dowels for bird-safe wood branches. If one of your trips extends to more than just a few days, he could wind up with sore foot pads.

 

[DexMom]

Your instincts are spot on! Dexter will most likely be far more at ease on his first trip than he might otherwise have been. Nice! I'm excited with you!

Only one thing, though. I know it's only for trips and such, but you might want to switch out the dowels for bird-safe wood branches. If one of your trips extends to more than just a few days, he could wind up with sore foot pads.

Thanks for the advice about the perches. I had one natural branch that I planned to put in, but it's weighted in a strange way and I can't seem to get it attached securely enough that it doesn't flop around in the cage no matter how tightly I lock down the bolt. I have to replace it with something different.

Can I leave one dowel in place or should I replace them both?

 

[Anansi]

I'd personally replace both, but if only replacing one I'd replace the higher one. That's where he'd likely spend most of his time.

 

[DexMom]

I'll see what I find when I go to the parrot store tomorrow. I'm going to try and return the bad perch, but I bought it a long time ago and I don't know if they will take it back. Either way, I'll check out what he has available in natural perches in the size I need and decide what to do from there. We're not traveling until April, so I've got time to do some poking around.

There is so much wood on the ground now from the last storm, but I'm afraid of what the neighborhood trees have been sprayed with. I wouldn't feel comfortable putting something in his cage that might be contaminated with pesticides or fertilizer.

 

[Anansi]

You might want to try reaching out to Henpecked if the parrot store doesn't work out, tomorrow. He's really good about getting people bird-safe dragonwood perches.

 

[camo]

Well done Dexter. So good to see you getting him used to the cage early on!

 

[GreatBlue320]

This is great news!