Should I be worried?

Question

I have a blue-fronted amazon parrot and a cockatoo. During the day when I am home I put them in their play cage outback on my deck. However lately I have been noticing that the 'wild' doves are making themselves known to my 'babies' sitting on the fence and cooing to them... it is actually cute. I am sure it is just because they want the seed and food they have in the cage, but I am afraid that if they continue to be friendly that they may try to get into their cage or have contact with my birds. I am worried if they can transmit any type of diseases to my birds? If so what? Any information would be greatly appreciated.. How can I keep them away from their cage... (and no answer like shoot the doves).. Thank you

Answer 1

Wild birds can pass worms, mites, psittacosis and other nasty bugs to your birds. Bird flu is also common in wild birds, but I don't think it is found in doves. There's been no cases of it in pet parrots and bird flu doesn't transfer to humans unless it's in really horrid conditions where people eat, sleep and live in the birds' feces.

The good news is that as long as you have a roof over your guys and have the cages surrounded with some sort of netting or mesh, you should be okay. I bet one of those camping kitchen tents would work as long as the birds stay in their cage. The kitchen tent would allow natural light into the cages yet protect your guys from the birds. Plus the pigeons wouldn't be able to chew the netting. The other option is to make a small frame out of plywood and hardware cloth and cover 3/4 side of the cage that way, then place a plastic roof over the top to prevent dove poop from entering.

It's obvious your birds enjoy their wild visitors! I wish I had a feeder outside my apartment window but people tend to walk away with stuff like that. :-|

Answer 2

I am the same way. There are several at home treatments you can try. I find relaxation techniques such as yoga, breathing exercises stretching can work. Finding a happy place, a fun memory or favorite activity you can think about. For some people music will work, playing a favorite song can alter you mindset. If you feel as though nothing works it is always advisable to go talk to a therapist. There may be something triggering your stress that can be resolved. Good luck.

Answer 3

You could try a netted "fence" around their play cage. That would keep the doves at a 'safe distance' from your 'babies' (that's cute, btw), and keep them from either sitting ON their cage, which would be to close to them, and it would keep them from also possibly getting hurt by your babies, if they were to be 'scared' by them being / getting to close. If you cant find any kind of netting 'for' that use...... you could also try a medium to large outdoor 'dog fence'. (chain link, so you have easy access in and out of it, for getting to the play-cage. Set the dog fence out doors....and place the play cage inside the dog fence.... those are usually covered, by a chain linked ceiling also.)

Answer 4

if the doves get to your birds they may kill them dove are very agressive birds. as for disease i do not think you gonna have a problem. only way to keep them away is keep your birds inside od build a fence around them out of chicken wire.