[Skyebirdsmom]

Originally Posted by Vega

I need some insight on how to make moving as painless as possible. I'm planning on moving about 6 hours from where I am now. This will be the 4th house for both of my birds (one moved while with her breeder, the other is a second-hand bird) and I need to get some tips on making it as easy as possible on them, especially because the one seems to have just settled in. Right now we're all confined to my 2nd floor bedroom, so they are both flighted. Once I get my own place I'm thinking of clipping them for safety reasons...the open doors, hot stove, etc. Would it be better to clip them now and get them adjusted to this change or wait until I HAVE to clip them? We won't be moving for at *least* 6 weeks, possibly up to 3 months from now.

Also, it's a long drive. They've both gone on long trips like this before, but it's been over a year for the one. Anything I can do to help ease the stress of that? Or would they be best just kept covered throughout the drive?

What about setting their cages up. I don't want to leave the poor things in shock, would it be better to allow them to watch me set their cages up (while still in their carriers) or should I have everything ready and waiting for when they come out?

Oh, and where can I find "safe" pots and pans? I doubt my mom will allow me to take her old set with me when I go!

First, don't think I am crazy, this really works! TELL your birds what is about to happen. And tell them as soon as you can so they can get used to the idea. Someone told me to do this when I was rehoming some of my birds, I did, and it made the transition much easier for them. And two of them were going to New Mexico from North Carolina!! The other two went to Alabama and were en route for a week before getting there. Those 2 were Quakers, and they were very bonded, so were lucky to have each other during the trip and stays in hotels(which were in a state where Quakers are illegal! Yikes!). But birds are smarter than you think and understand much more than are given credit for. So do tell them. Explain it all.
Next, about cookware. You want all stainless steel. I see where a set of good stainless can be purchased at KMart. It's a Martha Stewart line of pans and I think they are about $59-$69 for a basic set. You can't beat that with a stick!!!
Good luck, sorry I don't have any other advice, but I hope you take to heart what I have told you. It makes such a big difference to the birds when they 'know' what is going on.
Linda & HRC~