Over the weekend we were able to arrange our living room to a real room instead of one that was overridden with boxes. The process moved Cupid and Psyche from between two windows on top of a 3 shelf bookshelf to an end table in the corner of the room (sofa height). It is right under the air conditioner unit, and after checking for downdrafts from it (none that I could feel at the time), I put a sheet over the top and back of their cage to prevent chilling anyway. They are typically noisy as all get out through all times of the day, and they've been all but silent since they've been moved.

 

Well, actually, since I started typing this very message Cupid started up a little bit of quiet banter, but its not near his usual carrying on.

 

I'm guessing they were just a little disturbed by their move? They haven't been as active and they both seem to be in their tall, thin, scared pose a lot of the time. It just occured to me now that they might not be able to see Baby from this position too. They're now on the same wall as her instead of kitty corner across the room. The side of the cage that faces them is covered, so I suppose that could add to their discomfort. She's been quieter than usual too, so that could be adding to it too.

 

Other things that are different.... They're closer to that scary doggy that lumbers and thrashes about (but he hasn't done anything but the random snuffle of the cage) too. Maybe the ac sounds MUCH louder and scarier to them (even though it was only a 10 or 15 feet difference)? We've also been trying to turn it off when we can to save energy and could the silence be scaring them?

 

Are most budgies this easily frightened? My goodness! *L* We're just living! *(Laughing out loud)*

 

I'm trying to figure out how to bring them out of their shell again. I should try some millet.... Maybe time will help. And how can we make them less sensitive to changes? Or is it really just a function of being a bird?

maybe they got alittle disturbed that the room has changed for them . l remember reading some where that budgies don't like change that much . so l'm sure that in time they will be there usual self once they get use to there surroundings again

Hi armchairangel

 

Sorry to hear your birds do not approve of your new living room layout!! Seriously, I think all budgies hate change and react according to their particular characters. My little chap gets very upset if anything is changed! He likes the security of having his stuff in the same place!

 

Is there no way, in your new arrangement, that you could put them between the windows again or will this spoil the look of the room? If they have to stay where they are now, they will get used to it eventually. Perhaps you could put them a little higher to make them feel safer from your dog and just safer all round? That's the first thing I would try as if they feel safer, I assume that they will accept their new position more quickly. Oh, I am forgetting about the air conditioning unit, which you said they are right under! Is there another position in the room where they could be a little higher and not spoil the look of your new living room?

 

I probably haven't been much help but it is all I can think of at the moment. I am sure plenty of people here will give you some more suggestions and advice.

 

Luv

 

Vonn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

maybe they got alittle disturbed that the room has changed for them . l remember reading some where that budgies don't like change that much . so l'm sure that in time they will be there usual self once they get use to there surroundings again

It's sometimes called the "honeymoon period", which you would appreciate if your birds were louder (screaching cockatoos and lorries come to mind ... ). They will settle and get back to their old noisy selves, they are just nervous of change which is quite reasonable when you consider they really have no direct control over what we do to them. Change must be pretty scary from their POV.

 

Cheers,

KathyW.

Change is good especially for hormonal budgies and they will adjust and be up to their old antics in no time. I like to change Merlin's cage around 1x a month

They acutally did seem to be a bit more comfortable later this afternoon. I fed them a lilttle sprig of millet from my hand and Cupid had to sit on my hand to eat it and Psyche bullied Baby out of her way for some. Cupid sang for quite a while too. Slowly it looks like they're getting used to it. Silly little guys!

 

I'm not sure if we'll be able to put them back in their spot and still have the room be a functional living room. We'll need a little creative juice to see if there's another arrangement that will put them in that spot and still have the rest of the room work.

 

As for the AC, I was concerned about it too, but we have the vent for it blowing upwards and seriously, its cooler way across the room than it is right by it. I stood underneath it and held my hand under it for cool drafts and coulnd't feel any. I haven't seen them fluff up at all, so I'm assuming that the sheet I have on the top and back of the cage is doing its job. I'm going to be keeping an eye out for that and if they do seem like they're trying to stay warm, I'll definitely move them.

I'm glad they're starting to adjust to the change.