Sun Conure moving house

Question
Hi, I have just moved out of home with my partner. My pet Sun Conure has not moved with me yet as we have been getting the house ready e.g. renovating, before bringing him over. He is staying at home (where he has always lived) with my family but I am ready to move him now. My question is basically what is the best way to move my bird into my new home? I am worried that he might become stressed when he is placed in a new environment or when he does not get to see the same people every day. Is it best to just move him in one go or gradually ease him into the move by sharing him between the 2 homes while he gets use to it? Is there anything I should do to help him adjust to the new environment?

Answer
Hello Jessica,

Your bird is going to appreciate the thought you are putting into this move. I found with all of my foster parrots that a quick move is best. We discouraged previous owners from visiting as this would cause the birds stress. Birds are very adaptable, the key is to allow your bird to adapt and expect him to adapt. Birds look to their humans for leadership. Whatever mood you portray about the move is the mood your bird will have. If you take on a calm, this is what the flock is doing, not something to worry about attitude, then most likely your bird will follow your lead. If you worry that your bird will be stressed or not adapt then your bird will be nervous (because his flock leader is nervous) and will not adapt as easily. Actually many species do migrate in the wild, so a move can be a perfectly natural occurrence for your bird.

I recommend that you make the move quick and easy. What ever bird rules he has had in his old home are the rules in the new home from day one. If you can, give him a couple of weeks to know this is the new home for the flock before having his old family members visit.

Good luck!

Jennifer
www.feathersandscales.com