Moving into an apartment, help with noise control

[Cheli]

Hello.

On September 1st I'll be moving into an apartment for the first time with my birds. I am not concerned about the noise that most of them will make, but I'm worried about my Quaker. She's very talkative (which isn't the problem) and screams a lot.

I've told the landlord about the birds before I signed the lease (I guess he's picky about his new tenants because he wants to make sure everyone is happy) and he cringed a bit, asked if they were any louder than a dog (I said at times, lol) and then I assured him that it should only be during the day that they make any noise.

My problem is that, although the noise level is highest during the day, I'm afraid of upsetting my new neighbors. I personally hate noisy neighbors, and I really don't want to be one of them. Worst thing is that I have all hardwood floors, so even though I'll be laying down an area rug, I still think the noise will be amplified by the absence of carpeting.

I was wondering if anyone has any tips to try to keep my quaker from screaming so much. I know some of the reasons she does it (ie. when I take her friend my GCC out of the room), but other times it just seems like part of her daily vocal warm up. I've tried having quiet time (covering the cage for 5 min when she gets really loud) but darkness doesn't matter to her. I work afternoons, so the place is often dark until late morning (well after the sun comes up normally) but somehow she seems to sense that the sun is up regardless of the lack of light in the room, and she wakes up and starts her morning vocal routine anyway.

Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks :)

[shosh]

Wish I could help but birds are birds and some of them are LOUD!!!

Not sure if there is anything you can do to quiet her down, all you might be able to do is work on the environment. Since sound proofing the apt. isn't reasonable, you might want to try and place her in a room that isn't connected to an adjacent apt. Depending on the size and layout of your new place, you may be able to find that ( if it's a bachelor pad, you are out of luck but some places have solariums or a second bedroom which is either on an outside wall or is an inside room).....Carpet certainly cuts down on the sound but the walls are another issue and you can't really carpet them...

If that doesn't work, I would try placing the bird's cage in an area of the room that is not connected to the next apt. ie: not next to the wall which is next to their apt.

I would also make an effort to introduce yourself and your flock to the neighbours. It's amazing how a little hospitality goes a long way when it comes to endearing yourself and your "potential problem."
If they love your birds and have an interest in them and your birds learn to like them not only may they dismiss any future noise, but they may be great
( and convenient) babysitters if the need arises.

[Lori~D]

I have a Macaw, Cockatoo, Amazon and Grey. My birds are pretty quiet during the day. I either leave the TV on to something subdued or the radio with talk or somekind of subdued music. You can also hang allot of things on the wall made of materials like Quilt decoraations or wall hangings and pictures made of heavy cloth things - get creative. The more carpet and cloth in the place the more the sound is muffled - esp on the walls! Hang HEAVY curtains insted of blinds. Better to keep the sun out during the day and use artificial light when keeping birds quieter. Windows and sunlight is good for them but the stimulation will get them going! Place your birds cages close together so there is no need to "call" to one another.
Look for sound proofing panels and you can make some neat wall art by covering the sound squares with fabric or painting them.

[shosh]

aren't you clever!!!!
Nice ideas, huntress....requires a little creativity but necessity is the mother of invention, right?

[Cheli]

thanks guys! i'm not so concerned about the person next to me as i am the person below me. i was planning on introducing myself and giving everyone my phone number and feel free to contact me with any concerns. the landlord told me that the building mostly has young people who work during the day, so hopefully it isn't a problem!

as for the TV or music...that seems to get her more excited! like she has to be louder than anything else in the room, lol. maybe if i play it quiet it'll make them quiet...who knows! i love them but they are so unpredictable! lol

[loyallyroyal]

How to soundproof a room

[shosh]

Yes, I find that TV and music definitely gets them chirping more, too.
Maybe it's different with some birds....mine just seem to respond happily to the noise.
I did like the tile idea, though....and if you are more concerned about the people under you, I wouldn't be concerned much at all. Carpeting will do wonders to dampen the sound....they probably won't hear much at all.

[Lucky Feathers]

Originally Posted by Cheli

as for the TV or music...that seems to get her more excited!

I am a big believer in leaving the TV or radio on for my birds when I am not home. I have never run into any problem and actually have noticed my birds get quieter and more relaxed with the TV or radio.

However, I did rescue an Indian Ringneck and the plan was to tame her up, get her on a good diet and rehome her to a forever home which was golden. When she was with me she would just scream her head off at the TV. It was actually funny - I would be watching and she would be screaming her head off as loud as can be and I would mute the TV real quick and there would be no sound, I would put the volume back on and there she would go again.

Anyway, if your quaker is anything like the ringneck was, definitely don't play the TV.

I am sure that if you put throw rugs down on your wooden floors it will definitely help limit the noise. I wish you the best of luck!!

[Oscars Mom]

Does anyone know where to buy soundproofing tiles? Thanks

[jenseits]

Now you've got me worried. I introduced my first bird to all my immediate neighbors, but I never thought about the unit below me!

Luckily we've got cement walls so my neighbors tell me they can't hear him; hopefully the same holds true for the people downstairs!