feeding, training and flying question

Question
HI,
WHat a wonderful resource- I have been searching for a place to have my questions answered and finally found this fabulous resource- thank you!  I have just purchased a cockatiel and a lovebird.  We will bring them home soon.  I am trying to get everything ready.  Two things I am wondering- do I leave food in the cages all day, all the time or do I feel them 3 times a day as with people? Also, What type of "treat" is best to use as positive reinforcent when trying to train the birds?  Lastly, when in the store, the cockatiel keeps gliding to the floor or flying to a play perch.  Is this OK?  Do I want to allow my tiel to fly aorund and glide to the floor at home?  Is this preventable or should I allow it?  The lovebird does not seem to do this- it just sits still and allows you to pet it and pet it.
Thanks so much!
Leslie


Answer
Hi Leslie - welcome to the wonderful world of being owned by parrots!!

This is a great resource for getting your questions answered.  I also recommend joining a parrot forum online - where not only can you ask questions and seek advice, you can share stories with other members as well as share ideas.  I belong the thee best parrot forum on the internet.  www.theperch.net (my username there is WonderMomma).  I cannot tell you the wealth of information I have learned from the wonderful people there.  On top of that, I have met so many great friends there.  There are great recipes and toy making ideas as well!  It would be a great resource for you on this new journey you're starting with your FIDS!  (feathered kids)

Birds are not like cats and dogs at all - they are intelligent and like a 2 - 3 year old children - will start having behavioral issues if bored or unhappy.  There is so much to learn!!

Now to your questions.  Some people fill their birds' bowls in the morning with the staple diet of a good pellet/seed mixture (I use Roudybush pellets and Volkman's seed) and then put an extra bowl of fresh fruits and veggies.  The bowl of fresh foods should be removed after a period of time as it will start growing bacteria and can make your birds sick.  Then there are some people who feed twice a day.  Basically, they should have their pellets/seed mixture and water available to them at all times - 24 hours, even at night.  Then you can provide fresh foods throughout the day if you'd like.  

As far as a treat - this is really going to have to depend on what your birds like.  Nutriberries are a great treat, just be sure that as with all foods you give your birds, they are appropriate in size for them.  Unlike larger parrots, Lovies and Cockatiels don't hold their food in their feet to eat (some will, but most don't). AviCakes are another good treat.  Millet is also a good treat for Lovies and Tiels but should be given in moderation as it's full of fat and just about nothing else.  But they love it!

As far as flight - this depends on your home and habits.  I keep my birds with a "baby clip".  This is not quite a full clip - they still have the ability to fly fairly well, but they can't get the height and speed as they normally will.  But I do not take them outside without either being in a carrier cage or on a harness as I know of many birds who've been lost even when clipped as well as taken by hawks!  In regard to the house - if you have any other pets you need to take extra precautions to protect your birds.  The littler the bird - the more attracted cats and dogs are to them.  If you have either a cat or a dog, I would put them in another room anytime your birds are out of their cages for play time - OR be in the room at all times supervising.  Cat saliva has a bacteria that is 100% fatal for birds, so even if the cat has licked his paw and bats the bird with it - the bird needs to be rushed to the vet.

Another danger to having your birds fully flighted is mirrors and windows.  Birds cannot tell that windows and mirrors are a hard surface.  If you keep your birds flighted, put some decals on your windows to show there is a surface there.

You can keep your birds clipped.  Most likely after floating to the floor several times and having you have to come and pick him up and put him back on his cage - he'll get the hint that he cannot fly fully.

I hope this info helps you and I wish you the best of luck with your new babies!