How to Move Birds to a New Cage

By Kimberley Jace

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

Measuring tape
Portable tables
Books
Millet spray
Assistant
Metal clips or plastic cable ties
Long, thin perch or dowel rod that fits between the bars
Dark blanket

How to Move Birds to a New Cage

Step 1:
Measure the height of the bottom of the door on the old cage. Using tables, books, and engineering skills, temporarily position the new cage in front of the old one so the doors line up. You might need an assistant to hold the new cage while you slide books underneath.
Step 2:
Hang millet spray inside the new cage. Remove food dish from the old cage, but leave water in place. Clip door on new cage open, but leave door on old cage closed.
Step 3:
Line up cages, door to door, and clip together, using metal quick-link clips or plastic cable ties. Make doors as flush as possible; don't leave a space big enough for the birds to escape.
Step 4:
Carefully raise the door on the old cage. Slide the perch or dowel rod so that it passes through the doorways of both cages, creating a natural perch "bridge" between the cages.
Step 5:
Cover the old cage with a dark blanket, blocking out as much light as possible, but leave new cage uncovered. Wait patiently. If you can make the set-up secure enough, leave it overnight. Eventually, one of the birds will hop down the perch towards the light and millet, into the new cage. Once one does, the others will follow. When all birds are in the new cage, slide the doors closed, un-clamp the cages, remove the old cage, and fill the food and water dishes in the new cage.

Tips & Warnings

Before the big move, if possible, transfer some of the perches and toys from the old cage into the new. The birds will appreciate seeing familiar things in their new home.
Be sure the cages are stable and secure, so they won't topple.
Don't forget to leave water available to the birds at all times.

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