Picking up a 1st bird do's and don'ts

[BarneyAndMonty]

Greetings one and all, out there in the IFF:grin:

I've had a good mooch around in the archives but can't find anything on picking up a new bird. :o

What are the do's and don'ts?

David

[Mikey]

Lo m8!
If you are not sure what to look for in a new bird,then your firstconcern would be to find some one that knows to go with you to the breeder!He can check the bird over for/with you.You'll learn a couple of things,you'll not be so intimidated and the whole experience will actually be an exciting and awsome time.The experienced friend/helper can put you at ease when you get home too,when you have to take the (wild to all intense purposes)bird out of the box n kit it out with its furniture.The help and advice will serve both you n your new charge well in the first scary moments!!

[Mikey]

You can pm me if you like m8.

[Dave G]

if i was buying a new bird ??? in the hunting season i would go out with the breeder and watch the birds hunt and see if i could handle and fly the birds to check out they were of good temperment ;)

[Pitbull]

i would say take some equipment ie anklets, jesses, swivel, etc etc
And a travel box. (not the ones that cats and dogs go in though)

[OutFlying]

Wet the feathers before placing in the travel box, lined the floor with a towel.


Travel box- cardboard box with adequate vent holes.

Jim.

[BarneyAndMonty]

Wet the feathers before placing in the travel box, lined the floor with a towel.


Travel box- cardboard box with adequate vent holes.

Jim.

Hi Jim,

A cardboard box? I got the impression, from a previous thread, that this was not looked upon as ideal.

Does anyone use the mesh tail guards?

David:grin:

[Merger]

You have not really stated what species, to some of us that will make a difference, I always take my equipment box, ask to net the bird myself, then any feather damage is my fault! equip with traditional jesses, and leg bell,taped tail, then wetted down , a hawk, or owl placed in a cardboard box, pet carrier type, on carpet, a falcon is fitted with a good hood, I now use gortex braces it must never come off while traveling,,wetted down, then walked about till balancing steady, travelled home on box cadge, have not had problems in recent years, but plenty early on!!!!

[BarneyAndMonty]

You have not really stated what species, to some of us that will make a difference, I always take my equipment box, ask to net the bird myself, then any feather damage is my fault! equip with traditional jesses, and leg bell,taped tail, then wetted down , a hawk, or owl placed in a cardboard box, pet carrier type, on carpet, a falcon is fitted with a good hood, I now use gortex braces it must never come off while traveling,,wetted down, then walked about till balancing steady, travelled home on box cadge, have not had problems in recent years, but plenty early on!!!!

Hi
Just a general discussion point, as I couldn't find any previous posts. There's obviously going to be alot of 1st birds being picked up soon and preparation for this event is as important as all the others. I found myself making a list the other day. Perhaps that's a bit sad.:rolleyes:

KEEP THE POINTS COMING.

[Merger]

Never.. the more preperation the better,, physically and Mentally,, you keep making notes!!

[OutFlying]

Hi Jim,

A cardboard box? I got the impression, from a previous thread, that this was not looked upon as ideal.

Does anyone use the mesh tail guards?

David:grin:

Why not a cardboard box ? never had a problem with them. I use a tail guard but not the mesh type.

Jim.

[MoltenMetal]

depends on the bird i plan to bring mine home on the fist

[Mikey]

OK ...lets put some reality into this.My first experience was thus!......Did a course c/o hawkmaster(bargain and couldnt find anyone more qualified ...he's a gem!)Got some experience with other kind peoples birds(gyr sakers to the lure ...harris ,eagle owls etc!)Learnt as much as i could with my patience eating at me!!!But being told that i'd only learn so much until i got my own bird!!Whether you take years or months learning there is a point were you have to go do it to learn the rest!
Picking up my first bird i took my mentor with me,a CARDBOARD BOX with vent holes punched in the bottom inch all round(plenty ventilation and holes are down low so bird cant catch site of owt that will set it off on one!!two or three bits of carpet upside down in the box as we had a couple of hours drive...you can simply pull one piece out if it gets too mucked up.I wanted to take almeri n jesses with me,but mentor said no...wait till you get home then you wont feel a prat screwing up in front of the experienced breeder!!
Got bird home and mentor took bird out of box for me...fitted furniture for me...with my help and coaxed me through the next couple of hours trying to get the stubborn lil ***** to stay on me fist!! The dog was present during all,so were the kids n missus.It was in at the deep end for all n sundrie.Now i have a bird that is steady as a rock,i'm confident coping beak n talons.Confident in my handling and if i have any doubts i ASK MY MENTOR!And he normally confirms my gut feelings.Even now i still ask him loads!!(sorry paul!)
Basically...you need the mews biult...kit ready to fit...fridge n freezer full of food.Know of an avian vet nearby and a mentor that is willing to help.The rest is down to your own hard work and intuition!