Taking my cockatiel to public places a bad idea?

[DrDivine]

I have to work this little school carnival haunted house thing saturday, and the theme is pirates. So I was thinking of taking my cockatiel as a parrot, I thought that she might be excited to see more people and be part of something. Im also kind of afraid I dont want anything to happen to her either though, what do you think?

[KGWatkins]

I don't think it's a good idea. All those strange people could be carrying some very dangerous bacteria and illnesses on their clothes, it would be just wafting around the grounds and she could inhale it and get lethally ill. Not to mention stress factor from all the screaming and the kids making... kid noises. It would probably be a better idea to buy a parrot beany baby and sew it to the shoulder of your costume so it doesn't fall off.

[DrDivine]

yeah good idea, the only time I take them into public really is when shes on my shoulder when im shopping at petco sometimes

[Greycloud]

I agree, don't take her. That is a very streeful situation. Also Petco is not a good place to take your at all.

[MonteDucklo]

From a stress standpoint, if you've never taken her out before, then that probably isn't the best day to make her debut. She might not like your costume since it makes you look "different", being a prey animal she'll most likely freak out about being exposed to so many new (and probably scarily dressed!) people, and worst of all you could be distracted by everything going on so she won't have your full attention.

I think it's awesome to take them out and about with you (Ducky goes everywhere with me!) but it's like taking a toddler out...you have to be really on the ball and be very comfortable with the birdie. You also want to go slow, like anything else, and make it a positive, non-scary experience for her.

As far as picking things up, I know some people who totally avoid any exposure to anything, and others who believe it may actually be better to give their immune systems the opportunity to build up. Personally I do avoid taking him to pet places with birds 99% of the time...maybe we've gone once. But he LOVES going out to do errands, visiting family, etc. The WEIRD thing is I actually have OCD bad (seriously), so I guess this is kind of theraputic for me! Anyway, it's a personal choice and it depends on the bird too!

[ThreeX]

Sorry, still laughing at the typo in the headline :D

[Ashling]

Originally Posted by ThreeX

Sorry, still laughing at the typo in the headline :D

Me too!!!



But yeah in all seriousness. When I was ten or so and I took my cockatiel Peanut to a public place (the grocer's) he ended up flying (yes he was clipped) and landing on the road. I had to jump in front of a car and make it stop, before he flew off again and up (yes he flew up even though he was clipped) into a tree. I had to climb the tree to get him.
This was a tame, clipped tiel that was 'used to people' and grew up in a house with noisy dogs and children. Any bird can get spooked, especially in the place you are suggesting. Anyway, you don't want to have to worry about your tiel the whole time, you want to party and have fun!

[Muchi]

Originally Posted by Ashling

Me too!!!



But yeah in all seriousness. When I was ten or so and I took my cockatiel Peanut to a public place (the grocer's) he ended up flying (yes he was clipped) and landing on the road. I had to jump in front of a car and make it stop, before he flew off again and up (yes he flew up even though he was clipped) into a tree. I had to climb the tree to get him.
This was a tame, clipped tiel that was 'used to people' and grew up in a house with noisy dogs and children. Any bird can get spooked, especially in the place you are suggesting. Anyway, you don't want to have to worry about your tiel the whole time, you want to party and have fun!

Wow, you just described a nightmare I had last night. Only difference was that the cockatiel I was chasing was a female lutino... o.o; And we were next to a petrol station on a very hot day.

[ThreeX]

So much for trusting wing clipping.. So far the Pros of clipping are between feeble and non existing.

Sorry for "broken record-post"..

[kali]

Originally Posted by threex

so much for trusting wing clipping.. So far the pros of clipping are between feeble and non existing.

Sorry for "broken record-post"..

lol............