Conference 7.286::pet_birds

    Diane,
    
    I would say that the loft would not be considered Drafty. I beleive
    that when we refere to drafts we mean a breeze of air that is
    considerable cooler than the surrounding air. A problem that you might
    find that with the high circulation of the warm air over them they need
    more humidity. In the summer it might be a draft problem.
    
    Doug

    The loft itself is fine.  It's the fan I'm worried about.  In the
    winter I want to run it to circulate the warm air from the forced
    hot air system.  In the summer, obviously for cooling.  So I
    guess the issue is whether or not "moving air" is a problem, and
    does it differ summer to winter?
    

	If a draft from one particular direction is the problem, try heavy
	clear plastic (like the stuf 3M advertises for storm windorw) on 
	one side of the cage.

	This protects from the draft, adds additional warmth, but does not
	affect the light the bird gets.

	-dick

    If you use plastic wrap as suggested in -.1 reply, be sure your bird
    isn't the type who pulls it into the cage and chews on it!  I learned
    the hard way with a baby sun conure chck recently--fortunately got 
    the stuff away from her in time be prevent some gastro-intestinal
    problems.
    
    Linda

	You do NOT use thin plastic wrap.....use heavy several mil thick
	plastic, and stretch it tight.

	I have used it on the side of a MACAW cage, and if the bird can 
	not get a grip on the plastic, they can not chew or cut it....

	-dick

    Thanks for the clarification...I did use the thin stuff and it was
    too flexible...just enough for the bird to get ahold of it.  Dumb
    on my part, but learning keeps me humble!! ;') 
    
    Linda

	Yup....I know what you mean, owning (or being owned by) a bird,
	is one of the surest ways I know of to convince a person that
	they don't know nothin'!

	As a matter of fact, Avalon convinces me of that every day...

	Did anyone read the article in BT by the bird trainer (pyschologist?)
	that disipline doesn't work with birds because they have NO sense
	of time passage....

	Arghhhhhhhhhhhhh.....and here I thought I was really accomplishing
	something....(by making Avalon go in his cage as dicipline)...

	Don't get me wrong, Avalon loves his cage, as long as the door is not
	locked.  As a matter of fact, we had to get a climbing crampoon,
	which so far is too complex for Av to open, and too heavy for him
	to trash, since he has broken three AE cage locks.

	Anyway, if the article is correct, its back to square zero!  As I said
	at the beginning, birds make me humble (and frustrated!)

	Although my wife and kids keep telling me  I would not have these
	problems if'n the bird was not SO spoiled.  Both my kids can't 
	understand why I never spoiled that as badly as I do the bird.  I
	tell them its because I know I will never have to pay for car
	insurance for the bird!

	-dick

    I'm not entirely sure of the article you describe in BT...  I've had a
    problem with my bird with biting.  I've used the approach by a famous
    author (who will remain nameless), of dropping her to the floor from a
    safe distance (2-3ft) when she does this.  After about 3 times, she
    realizes I am serious.  Then she becomes a sweet little bird...
    
    The part I agree with, is that "bite, goto jail", doesn't seem to have
    much effect.  She doesn't remember why she went to jail...
    
    Ed
    

    back to the original question.......
    
    Do we think "moving air" is a problem, or just moving air that
    is much colder (like from a window when it's cold outside).  
    
    Thanks,
    Diane
    

    My vote goes for a problem is only with air that chills the bird....not
    simply 'moving air' -- LC

    I am in agreement with the biting reprimand.  I have a male cockatiel
    who became very aggresive and bit to draw blood after he lost his
    mate.  It took a flick to the beak which made him loose his balance
    and fall off his perch ( about 12" down) He has not bit since.