JOJO MY COCKATIEL

Question
I HAVE TO GIVE MY BIRD AWAY.  I LOVE HIM BUT HE IS DRIVING ME CRAZY.  HE'S 3 YEARS OLD.  I AM GIVING HIM TO MY DAUGHTER-IN-LAW.  SHE HAS WHITE COCKATIELS SHE KEEPS OUTSIDE IN A HUGH GAGE.  WILL MY JOJO BE ABLE TO ADAPT TO OUTSIDE WEATHER WITH OTHER BIRDS?        
                          BROKEN HEARTED DEE

Answer
Hi, Dee.  Thanks for posting your question.

Yes, JoJo should be able to adapt to the outside and to be with other birds.  How this is accomplished depends on the personality of the individual bird.  

He's going to be stressed to begin with by the move (unless he's familiar with his new home).  Then add to this the stress of being outside (with potential predators in the bird's mind) and being placed with other birds (which he is not used to, but should enjoy because birds prefer other birds to humans).  When a bird is stressed out, it's easier for them to become ill because their body doesn't function normally for a period of time.  So, there will be at least 2-3 major stressors that will be affecting JoJo with this move.  

If the temperature change from the inside of your home to the outside in his new home will be a drastic change for him, the change to the outside should be made gradually.  In other words and for example, if JoJo is used to being inside in a constant 75 degree F environment 24/7, and the change in temperature outside will range from say 55 degrees or less in the AM to 80+ degrees in the PM, then I'd recommend gradually acclimating JoJo to the outside.  This would mean that the move should occur first.  Then after he seems adjusted to being moved, he could go outside during the warmer hours of the day (but not overnight when it's cooler).  This would allow him to get used to being outside.  Gradually increase the length of time JoJo is outside (so he can get used to the temperature differences).  After a period of time, JoJo should be able to be outside with the other birds 24/7.

If the temperature where you live is fairly constant  (doesn't get too cool at night or too hot during the day), JoJo might do very well by being placed outside from the beginning (depends on the individual bird).  For example, if the temperature difference from night to day is plus or minus around 10-15 degrees F (60 degrees at night, 80 degrees during the day), then JoJo should do OK outside from the beginning.  You want to avoid putting JoJo outside in a colder or hotter temperature than he is used to without giving him the chance to get used to the change.  Parrots tolerate cooler/colder temperatures better than hot temperatures.  

In summary, how well JoJo adapts to his new environment depends on his individual personality and what he is used to.  Any drastic change(s) should be gradual to avoid excessive stress that could make JoJo ill.  He'll be exposed to bugs/germs, etc., outside that he is not exposed to inside and when a bird is stressed out, these bugs/germs take advantage where they can.

Chrys