Questions about moving

[Vega]

I posted this in the Lounge, but didn't get any responses! So I'm posting it here. I should be moving within the next month and would like to get some tips on preparing them for the move in general, along with these more detailed questions.

Basics:
I have a female ekkie and a male conure. As things stand now they are pretty much restricted to my bedroom. In the new house I will have their main cages in the dining room (no room in the living room) and sleep cages in a spare bedroom. Now, this is going to be the 4th home for both of them. The ekkie was born in 1 home and the breeder moved while she still had her, then she came to live with me 2 years ago. The conure was with his breeder then sold to someone who in turn sold him to me (at about 9 months of age), and I've had him close to a year.

Questions:
They've both been in their soon-to-be sleep cages before. But I don't want to stress them out too much at one time. Would it be better to let them sleep in their regular cages (at the new house) until they get settled? Or should I immediately get them used to the new routine of being in their regular cages during the day and sleep cages at night?

Also, since they are in my bedroom I leave the tv on for them while I'm at work. I swear the ekkie actually watches the cartoons! lol But with them being in the dining room...they won't be able to see the tv. Should I get them used to this now and start turning off the tv? Would it be better to still put their cartoons on for them in the new house so they can at least hear them?

And Finally, the place I'm moving to is being completely redone. How long should I wait to move in after the new carpets are laid? Painting/etc will be done prior to the carpets. They won't be able to be aired out (with open windows) as I live in the north and it's already pretty cold here! I do have an air purifier that I could put in the house before hand (has charcoal inside the filter)...just not sure what to do.

Any other suggestions/tips are welcome!!

[The Outlaw]

I think I would allow them to have things stay the same for as long as possible. Birds are very adaptable. It will take time for them to adjust, but once YOU do, they will be just fine. All that they really care about is how YOU react. If you are calm and happy, they will do be the same.

I would try to find a small tv for them if you can. Its very entertaining for the birds. My birds love children's programs. Good luck.

By the way, don't feel that you were being ignored. This is a very busy time of year and its the countdown to Christmas. Everyone is otherwise distracted.

THE OUTLAW

[kp_in_scott]

IMO I would get the birds used to changing into the sleep cages before the move. Can you use them on a daily basis now? Or do you have room? As for the carpet, I don't know how many days but I would think you would have to leave some windows open for a few days even if it is cold there. I'd run some fans too to force out the bad carpet smell. If your ekkie is used to the TV and suddenly she has no TV, it might be upsetting. Why not try getting her used to a radio before the move and then you could have a small radio in the new dining room. My birds (macaws, and amazon) have the radio on all day. If something happens and the station fades out, they sure let us know about it to. Good luck with your move.

[Vega]

Hey there, thanks for the input! I'm hoping to get over to the new place within the next couple weeks to do some measuring. I'm still trying to figure out how to get the cages in the living room without it being too cluttered.

They are used to the sleeping cage as I use them for their "outside" cages in the summer. Unfortunately my bedroom (now) is already packed with me and the fids occupying it. After I measure, if it's not possible to get the in the living room, I'll see what I can do to get a small tv. I know there's always cheap used ones in the paper! I'm also going to start leaving the radio on for them too...see how well that works out...any music suggestions?

Any tips on introducing them to a new person would be great too! They are awsome with new kids, it's new adults they're a little leery of. I've been dating a new guy that's kinda clueless on birds, but seems really open to finding out more about them. What concerns me is how tall he is. Nobody else in their surrounds comes close and I'm afraid it'll freak them out a bit. (does that sound really stupid?) When I move out he'll be around them more often and I'd like to help both him and the fids find some level ground.