Should my blue crown conure stay with my daughter?

Question

My sister in law breeds birds and offered to give my daughter a baby blue crown. My daughter stays at her dad's house every other week. My question is whether I should send the bird with her or keep it at my house. I know they can be sensitive to changes, but if it was used to it since it was a baby would it be ok? I want it to really bond with her and if she only sees it every other week I don't think it will.

Answer 1

The bird may end up bonding with it primary caregiver. And if your daughter isnt around all the time there could be some hurt feelings. Moving a bird from one location to another will also stress the bird out.

I really don't think that a bird would be a good choice at this point.


Sapphyre
Certified Avian Specialist
http://www.borrowed-rainbow.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BorrowedRainbowAviary/

Answer 2

if you get the bird used to moving every week when it is a baby it should be OK as long as your daughter's father is OK with having the bird stay at his house half the time and is willing to help her care for the bird. Perhaps get two identical cages one for your house and one for his and put the bowls and toys in the same place in both cages so the bird always feels a sense of familiarty and you don't have the move the cage every week.

Answer 3

Get the bird used to a rhythm and it should be okay. I have an African Grey that travels to and from my shop with me. He frets if I have a day off and break the chain of what happens every other day. So if you get it used to the change every weekend and get it used to the traveling I am sure that it wil be OK.
It is far better that he is with your daughter all the time than with one parent so that it will bind with her.
Care sheets and training tips are free on my web site.
http://www.artsaquaticsandanimals.co.uk