This could have been an awful post...

[Piasa]

Some of you may know my little Jimmy is quite the Houdini. Her regular cage has a strong spring-loaded lock that she can't maneuver, but since finding out she has a fungal infection in her sinuses from mold (or recovering from one we hope at this point), we left our home and have been staying outside during the day and sleeping inside in a clean vehicle so she can heal. She's been using her travel cage, which she is a pro at jailbreaking.

She's mastered the sliding door catch, knows how to break carabiners and unscrew toy rings. Bungies don't slow her down. So during this time, I've been using a spring loaded toy ring (D ring or whatever they're called).

Yesterday, when she was caged outside, she figured out this last clip. She unscrewed it and jammed the nut part off to the side. When something scared her, she was out the door and into the air.

I am so thankful she knows the area from taking walks with me. She flies well and circled around and came back to me when the danger was gone. Oh how I snuggled her before I put her back in her travel cage!

Now I've got to think of some other way to lock the door...

 

[Terry57]

Oh my gosh, how scary! I am so happy this has a happy ending!
I don't have any locks as my guys are not good at escaping, but hopefully someone has a good idea for you.
I am so thrilled that Jimmy's adventure was short lived.

 

[CherylCali]

I bought a matching set of four master locks and I keep the food doors locked permanently, I use the twist off acrylic bowls, not the ones that came with the cage. And put the other two on top and bottom of her door. My fear is that my bird will get her head through and panic.

Im so GLAD your baby came back. You genuinely sound like an awesome parront from the drastic measures you've taken to get her well

CherylCali

 

[plumsmum2005]

Ah firstly so sorry that Jimmy isnt 100% and gosh my heart was in my mouth reading your post. So glad Jimmy was a good girl and came back to mom.

Sounds like it's padlock time for little Houdini? If you not keen of this then go overload and put on several different types in the hopes she wont make it round all of them?

Hugs to you, you are a wonderful mom.

 

[Piasa]

Thank you, everyone.

I think padlocks might be the next move. Doubling up on clips until I can get to the hardware store for some real locks. She really is amazing when it comes to mechanicals. It makes me proud, if not a bit worried!

And she is a lot better than she was this past year, health-wise. She's got some of the best avian vets in the world helping her case, plus she loves life

 

[SailBoat]

Can you get a traditional pad lock 'key style' to work?

 

[Allee]

Im so glad this was not the awful post it could have been. Sorry to hear Jimmy has been ill, I hope she is well on the way to a full recovery.

Three of my birds are escape artists, all their food doors required custom locks, but locks with easy human access. Best of luck, I hope you find an easy solution.

 

[Printer bird]

Oh what a scary moment! I am so glad Jimmy flew back to you safe and sound! Jimmy is Dipper's WCP mentor but Dipper is definitely not a lock guru so I haven't had to worry about that yet. She is quite easily startled when she's out of her cage, though, so we do have to watch for sudden take-offs. Glad she is back and hope she continues to be on the mend from her infection.

 

[GaleriaGila]

WHEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Rb's travel cage is a "show" cage... solid on three sides, bars in front, locking (with a key, from outside). I like its safety and rigidity, plus it's not so scary in unfamiliar settings, with just one side open, which I can face towards me.

 

[Marileen]

Ooooohhhh ..... I'm glad this adventure has ended good and that she came back to you.

My Grey Boys also get everything open.
If they go outside in the cage I do a chain with a padlock icon at the doors of the cage.
Maybe you could try that too.

 

[AmyMyBlueFront]

Can you get a traditional pad lock 'key style' to work?

That was the only way I could keep Smokey in her house when I wanted her to stay put! Had to lock her food,water,and nummy bowl doors too,a BIG p.i.t.a. for me...but.... She wasn't very pleased with me.


Jim

 

[wrench13]

Houdini must be part Blue Throat Macaw, as these are recognized as a species as being highly mechanically inclined. Most owners have to weld cage sections that bolt together, because the birds take the nuts and bolts apart. At least your little guy is not at that point!

 

[Anansi]

I am so glad your post didn't wind up being an awful one! But wow, your heart must've been up in your throat! Yeah, that Houdini gene is equal parts cool and terrifying!

 

[CherylCali]

WHEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Rb's travel cage is a "show" cage... solid on three sides, bars in front, locking (with a key, from outside). I like its safety and rigidity, plus it's not so scary in unfamiliar settings, with just one side open, which I can face towards me.

Hannibal Lecter bird cage oh RB....

CherylCali

 

[GaleriaGila]

WHEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Rb's travel cage is a "show" cage... solid on three sides, bars in front, locking (with a key, from outside). I like its safety and rigidity, plus it's not so scary in unfamiliar settings, with just one side open, which I can face towards me.

Hannibal Lecter bird cage oh RB....

CherylCali

He says he'd love to join you, CC, but he's having an old friend for dinner.