Sometimes my birdies are really crazy rascals. And they make me sweat a lot!

Two times. Count that... TWO times this weekend my birds were chased around by my dog. Usually they don't even think of going in the kitchen. Unless something freaks them out. I guess they were overly edgy!

 

Now usually this wasn't such a freak out because my dog's restricted to the kitchen. Also, the stairs to the basement are in the kitchen and the dog used to be dead scared of the stairs. He'd run after the birds but as soon as they jumped in the basement he would stop giving chase. But no more. Nope, now he LOOOOOOOVES 'em stairs.

 

So friday Godzilla decided to fly in the kitchen. Comet saw the nice flying toy and took chase. And well, so did I of course. But they're both MUCH faster than me. So by the time I get to the basement, Comet has Godzilla cornered in the basement's bathroom! Eep! But he didn't have time to touch him. That was close. And saturday now it was Bud and Pat that trekked in the kitchen. It was the night though, and they're pretty smart... So they hid in a corner of the stairs, let the dog run by, and then I grabbed them and brought them back to the living room. Phew!!!! ...And then I clipped all three's wings. Finally. Oh hum.

 

...Crazy dog doesn't understand what "no" means. <_< He's just so stubborn.

 

Oh and yesterday? I was playing Mario Kart Wii, and the next thing I know there's a bird in my glass of water trying to drown. HEY!!!

Oh my you are playing with fire with budgies and dogs, I would never let my budgie out if I knew the dog would chase it. Cabela is very ignoring of all other animals so I don't worry but I am always there, Niketa our husky would eat them or kill them without a thought. Not wanting to lecture but I would rethink letting out your birds with the dog. I always put the "predator" ...in my house the cats and dog before giving Merlin flight time. Now with their wings clipped them don't even have a chance to get away...not saying clipping was bad it is a good decision but please for the sake of the budgies don't think the dog will just get used to them it is too risky.

Just watch them closely too. I know the dog is in the kitchen but even with their wings clipped they can still fly a little so they could potentially make it into the kitchen but then not have enough puff left to get away from the dog.

I think you are going to have to be a lot more aware of where the birds are in relation to the dog and everything else in the house. It would be a good time to rethink the whole thing and be very sure the home is birdsafe. It sounds scary to me, and the wing clipping might just make them a quicker snack for the dog now as they cannot escape if it all happens again. Please be careful.

Just watch them closely too. I know the dog is in the kitchen but even with their wings clipped they can still fly a little so they could potentially make it into the kitchen but then not have enough puff left to get away from the dog.

Well guys... Let me explain a few things. It's all about the house's design.

 

Well, I got Bud for over a year and half now. I got her in september 2006. I bought Pat in January 2007 and Godzilla was born June 12th 2007. And last I got Comet (my dog) in September 2007. And well, I wouldn't have gotten a dog if I wasn't sure there was a way for me to trick things to be 90% safe. I know their habits, and I know where they can flop around when they are with clipped wings: not nearly high enough to land somewhere totally dangerous. What happened this weekend was just a case of "OH YEA!!! THE WINGS! I forgot." It was stupid of me to let them go with their wings like that.

 

Also, the way the living room is designed... There's a gigantic hole in the wall which gives directly to the kitchen. Right next to their cages. Now you'd think that's a problem, but it's actually not. Not when their wings are clipped.

 

 

Picture right there looks scary but its nearly not as bad as it seems actually. First... They NEVER. EVER. EVER. go through that hole for some reason. Even when they have their wings. It happened a few times that they did, but they prefer taking the door. And through the door is the barrier to the kitchen. With their wings clipped they can't possibly cross there. So they either just stare at the barrier, wait for me to come along, or hop down the hall.

 

Second, when we see them there we usually remove them on sight. But they even have trouble reaching there... Look at Pat's wings on the picture there. He has plenty lift to fly up to there and that's how he got there. With trimmed wings we see them trek their way to there. They have to climb up the couch or jump on Godzilla's cage and climb there. They then have to jump on the top of the couch. Then, jump on whatever book there is on the top of the couch. And finally reach the hole in the wall. Sometimes they manage to jump directly from the top of the couch to the hole in the wall but they usually prefer the easy way around. So by the time they get up there we're pretty aware of their scheming.

 

Third... What's not apparent in the picture is the stairs down there. Right in front of the dog. And beyond the stairs is the table. So either they land on the table, either they glide down the stairs... So the dog would really have to see them flop down there, or they take a turn and end up right where the dog is standing there. Never happened with trimmed wings either. I don't know why but the idea of dropping down stairs from a big hole in the wall is absolutely unappealing... When they go in the stairs, it's from the long way around the door, the barrier, around the table, and down the stairs.

 

In other words... Yes. With clipped wings they can reach in the kitchen from the hole in the wall but they'd rather not and well, they rarely go there. There's no way they can reach from the door because the barrier is too high. Unless something scary happens and they're right there. But the reason they had such long flight feathers was because I was letting them grow - I was wondering why they looked so messy. I usually never do. But with trimmed wings it really takes one long trek of bad luck. And that never happened. They do get some lift when they're used to it, but not nearly enough to go in the kitchen.

 

PS: Yea, right behind the dog on the picture is the door to the outside. So you can see why their wings are trimmed anyway. And I'd never restrict my birds to their cage. That, in my opinion, is far worse than anything else.

Edited April 28, 200817 yr by Michelle

Considering the dog is so excited about a possible "budgie lunch" I dont think I would have them this close and be behind the camera taking a picture :hap:

 

...Sigh.

 

They're not stupid. They saw the dog was right there. And do you think I would've taken that picture if I thought it wasn't safe? If the dog would scare them... They would fly back in the living room. Not in the kitchen where the dog is.

 

Don't you guys think you worry a bit too much?

Edited April 29, 200817 yr by Michelle

:hap: I have to supervise my 3 species of birds when all out at once, I shudder to think about my late dog unattended with birds, he was good boy and the love of my life having never had children, but I NEVER would have trusted him for ONE second unattended. You just never know. It's not worth the risk. Better to be proactive than reactive if there are sad results.

...Sigh.

 

They're not stupid. They saw the dog was right there. And do you think I would've taken that picture if I thought it wasn't safe? If the dog would scare them... They would fly back in the living room. Not in the kitchen where the dog is.

 

Don't you guys think you worry a bit too much?

 

 

I get what you are saying but panic can make an animal do strange things, why do you think a roo(or a deer) will run back across a road infront of an oncoming car even though they know it's there?

I will never forget the day once with friends, whose tame budgie was out and flying across the yard back and forth in front of their "supposed bird friendly dog" ......The shock we all felt and the mad dashing to rescue the bird...when the dog leapt 6 ft into the air and gulped the bird down its throat. Quicker than lightening it was...everyone dashed to grab the bird. The dog knew it and with two hard chomps down on the bird to eat it before we got there, the bird was gone in a split second.

These are the things in my memory that make me advise what I do.

Thing is that you guys suggest that my birds aren't safe. I consider they ARE safe right now, as safe as I can offer them (which is a lot I think.). I think I'm being pretty responsible and aware of my birds's safety.

 

My birds ARE supervised. Why do you think we ran after the dog this weekend? And why do you think I was there to take a picture? If they ever do get snapped by my dog... It'll be a fluke. A bad accident. It happens. Rarely but it can (And chances are it WON'T happen but I don't deny the possibility.) Just as they can happen to fly out the door because someone walked in. And I never seen my birds fly "in danger's face". They're animals, true, it can happen but hey.

 

What you guys are saying is that I should lock down my birds all the time because I have a dog. That's silly. You have memories of a dog snapping a budgie (6 feet in the air? I have a cocker here. When in training he could barely leap over one fence.) I have memories of my grandma's incredibly old budgie. 15 years old at least. It's a great longevity. But:

 

It never. Ever. Ever. Ever. Ever was taken out of the cage. Ever. Not even once.

 

I think death to her cats and dog would've been better.

I have budgies, a lorikeet, a tiel, a galah, a cat and a dog, all which are allowed in the house. HOWEVER, I recognise that the galah can't be trusted with smaller birds and the lori can't be trusted with ANY birds, the cat is locked in the back of the house or she is outside when the birds are out and so is the dog. Time is partitioned between all the animals so that they each get a good amount of time when they are allowed in the main area of the house but at no time are the small birds out when the larger birds, cat or dog are in the main part of the house. There is absolutely no way that they can get themselves into any area where they could run into the other animals. My dog is very obedient, she is a well trained kelpie who trots around the backyard with our bunny and has very good control under the 'leave' command but I till wouldn't trust her. The only bird that is allowed out when the cat is inside is the galah because she is terrified of him! (I don't blame her ) I understand completely that it is about keeping a balance, I think what people are worried about is the possibility of access. I there any reason that the dog can't be put outside or in a more secure area of the house?

I have budgies, a lorikeet, a tiel, a galah, a cat and a dog, all which are allowed in the house. HOWEVER, I recognise that the galah can't be trusted with smaller birds and the lori can't be trusted with ANY birds, the cat is locked in the back of the house or she is outside when the birds are out and so is the dog. Time is partitioned between all the animals so that they each get a good amount of time when they are allowed in the main area of the house but at no time are the small birds out when the larger birds, cat or dog are in the main part of the house. There is absolutely no way that they can get themselves into any area where they could run into the other animals. My dog is very obedient, she is a well trained kelpie who trots around the backyard with our bunny and has very good control under the 'leave' command but I till wouldn't trust her. The only bird that is allowed out when the cat is inside is the galah because she is terrified of him! (I don't blame her ) I understand completely that it is about keeping a balance, I think what people are worried about is the possibility of access. I there any reason that the dog can't be put outside or in a more secure area of the house?

 

Exactly...well put!!

 

If we worry too much I think that is better then not worrying enough, it truly is better to be safe then sorry because I can tell you (IF) it ever happened you would be high pissed at the dog and yourself and probably would never forgive yoursefl.

 

But your right, you live there and you can make the choices you want with your animals anyway you want but you can't expect (at least me) to read and see a story like this and not say something about it.

 

It may feel that we are ganging on you etc...but trust me the members that posted above and any others that may are concerned for the welfare of your 2 budgies 100%. Anyways, I am not going to go back and forth with me trying to convince you and then you back and trying to convince because you will do what you want and I know what can happen (I have experience it myself). I have said my peace and agree with melbournebudgie and others have stated.

Right it sounds like ganging. Sorry but what I get is that feeling that you guys think I'm not responsible. It frustrates me a bit. Seriously, don't you think I already considered every angle? :\

 

No. I can't lock my dog elsewhere while my birds are loose. He does have a cage but I only lock him in there when it's sleep time, or when I'm not home . I'm not gonna start rationing free time, I think that's cruel. When I'm home, my pets are loose. Otherwise it's torture on them. As soon as I get home my birds start calling out to me and jumping at the doors, and so does my dog. In fact, from the reaction of my birds... I think it's more likely for them to get hurt if I keep them locked than if I let them loose. Comet too.

 

I can't put him in another room than the kitchen. The basement is a no-no, it's a scary warzone. The bathroom would just be cruel, dad's computer room is a hazard, my parents' bedroom is an awful idea - they have a waterbed. And my room... I'm allergic.

 

The only thing we consider new is to put a bamboo beads curtain where the hole in the wall is. And that I considered long ago. The problem is that it's not my house; it's my parents. I have to convince THEM first, I been trying to ever since I got Bud (a year and half ago!) and I won a lot of points with what happened this weekend. With just Bud they wouldn't let me since there was practically no hazard (but I was worried of the stove.). I tried again once I got the dog but they would just let me put the barrier and that's because of my allergies only. Now my mom finally agrees to come shop with me for possibilities. Since Godzilla (whom is HER bird, she says... She won't even let me get him a girlfriend.) was the one that got cornered she got so scared I don't see how she can say no now.

Edited April 29, 200817 yr by Michelle

Not having a go here at all so please don't think I am but why do you have a dog if you are allergic? Did he come to your family for a reason? I'm not one to go people for something like that as I am allergic to horses but I like them enough that I used to go and help my neighbour groom her horses dosed on antihistimines and wearing a dust mask I'm just curious because as much as I love dogs I don't think I could live with one if I was allergic.

Not having a go here at all so please don't think I am but why do you have a dog if you are allergic? Did he come to your family for a reason? I'm not one to go people for something like that as I am allergic to horses but I like them enough that I used to go and help my neighbour groom her horses dosed on antihistimines and wearing a dust mask I'm just curious because as much as I love dogs I don't think I could live with one if I was allergic.

Well... To put it simply, I didn't know until I had my dog and had already fallen in love with him.

 

I wanted a dog for years. I bugged my parents to allow me to get one since so long, and I had finally gotten the okay. I had been in contact with plenty dogs before, but you know, it was just gigantic poodles and schnauzers. They don't cause allergic reactions in me, they're the (falsely called) "Hypoallergic" types. If they licked me I would itch a bit and go "Uh, well that's odd." but nothing more.

 

And on the day I brought him home, during the car trip... That's when I found out I was allergic. Cockers are big shedders unlike the other dogs I been in contact with so I got a near instant reaction. I DID visit him before buying him, but we were outside AND he was so tiny. Being in an enclosed area was different. For about two weeks it was *** then it started calming down, I got used to it somehow. Four months later (we have a slow healthcare system) I passed some tests and they confirmed it. But I'm also allergic to acarians. From the stats, I'm more allergic to these annoyances than to dogs. I been having sinus troubles and such way before I got the dog... I didn't know why. Finally they found out it's the dust mites. And by then I had gotten pretty much used to my dog. Things were pretty much back to my usual sinus problems.

 

The allergist did warn me I could develop asthma someday. But that went for dust mites too, not just the dog. There's WAY more dust mites in my house and at at my work place, the dog is just an addition that requires more vacuuming. So I'm pretty much in a "oh well." position right now. Either I go paranoid and empty my bedroom from anything but the bare essential like they told me to do (I wouldn't even have the right to DRESS UP in my room for sake. Yep. DRESS UP.), and maybe live in a plastic bubble... Or I could just you know... Have a life and keep my pets. (He warned me that I should also get rid of my budgies too. HA! FAT CHANCE!) S'what everyone around me told me to do. You DO end up getting used to it.

 

Since I was already used to feeling that way... sinus troubles and waking up coughing... I decided to keep my dog. The only new reaction I get is that I sometimes get itchy areas if he's in direct contact with my skin for too long. But it's gotten pretty rare lately.

 

Lots of allergic people still live with their pets. I mean, I have sister who has asthma and is heavily allergic to cats... and she lives with two cats. Two big furry, heavy shedding cats. She's a good example of my situation IMO.

I was told when I was a kid that I was allergic to almost everything with fur! Luckily I seem to have grown out of most of these now, but I'm still badly allergic to horses. I also have pet rats and they give me red welts if they try and sit on my neck so I understand.

I'm allergic to everything i love and hold dear(cats, grass, dogs,horses, pretty much anything and everything) along with being asthmatic, but what the point we're all trying to make here is that it was a warning sign to leave your dog unsupervised for even a milli second where they're able to get near one another.

You say you put your dog in a cage, so how is it cruel to cage the budgies but not your dog?

You may not want to, but animal concerns need to be taken seriously. You may know your dog, your budgies and trust your decisions, but your dog chasing the budgies should surely open your eyes and not make you feel defensive of the advice being given but accept the knowledge of others and that it's a high risk situation since it's almost happened once already.

No one is having a go at you or trying to make you out to be a bad owner, but more so looking out for your birds and helping you realise it's not cruel to seperate them when they're in risk the way you are running things at current.

Libby I suspect by cage Michelle means a dog crate. Many dogs, including mine, are trained to sleep in a crate and the dog sees it as a safe, happy place, much like a kennel.

Oh yes, i understand that... i have no problem with them either, i was asking what's the difference between caging the dog and the budgie, both feel content in their environment.

I think the issue is that the budgies aren't happy in their cages. This is why first and foremost my birds must be emotionally self sufficient so that they are happy to spend time oin their cages when it is someone elses turn to be out.

there's previous pictures of them in their cages. Birds learn to get comfortable, i'm sure they'll be much happier in there a few hours a day than being chased by a dog who wants to eat them. It's for the best intrest for the bird.

You misunderstood there - when the dog is in his cage (Crate... but let's face it, it's a cage.) the birds are most likely in their cage too (unless I'm outside with the dog and no one else is home. Then the birds ARE in their cage. I mean, I can't just take them along for a walk now can I.). The only times the dog is locked up when the birds aren't are for simple reasons like... I'm brooming the kitchen or vacuuming. Or if he's a bit overly muddy, I let him dry in his cage first. And of course he's in his cage when we're not home. Same with the birds. I never leave any of them unsupervised. When my mom and I aren't home they're all in their cages.

 

But when we get home all four just want to get out of there. They're content inside their cages... temporarily. The birds are in two cages and they wanna see each other (and hopefully me too?) and also go play in their playground, and the dog wants to go do his stuff outside, eat, drink and play.

 

As for the rest... I feel like a broken record repeating myself over and over again. I'll sum it up. I hope it's clear and it quenches your worries a bit. I feel a bit angry and annoyed but I appreciate your concerns anyway.

 

-They're in separate rooms.

-I know it was a close call. Bird had untrimmed wings though. Due to my curiosity at the messy look of the growing feathers.

-With trimmed wings that situation is a near physical impossibility.

-With trimmed wings they can reach the hole in the wall but they take long enough for me to notice.

-That picture I posted was an exception cuz it was terribly cute. But the dog would not leap on the wall. The birds would not go down to the dog unless something happened in the living room.

-I was behind the camera. I think that's called close supervision.

-You DO make me sound like a bad owner. Sorry.

-Um I wonder... no one mentioned anything about the last line of my first post. I'm irresponsible about the danger of my dog but not my dehydratation means? Not that I wanna start a debate on that too.

-Um I wonder... no one mentioned anything about the last line of my first post. I'm irresponsible about the danger of my dog but not my dehydratation means? Not that I wanna start a debate on that too.

 

Honestly I missed that last statement since I was so wrapped up with the dog chasing the budgies....yet another good point glasses and budgies DO NOT MIX for sure, toilet seats should always be down, sinks drained etc....

well you've already made it loud and clear no matter what any of us say you see your actions as acceptable and good care. I also didn't notice it, but now you made a point, yes any source of open water is dangerous, birds can drown easily!

Way to many wild birds fall into water troughs trying to drink and die from the livestocks sources... and they're well aware of what water does, so a tame bird certainly can. Best just to keep them away from water unless given a supervised bath and so on in shallow water or a light stream from a tap/shower.

 

P.s. by the way... you say your birds and dogs are only out when supervised compitently by you or your mother... but how can you be supervising them when playing a video game... if they were sitting on your shoulder or something i could understand that, but just having it nearly drown shows you weren't able to watch them properly whilst doing it???

Edited April 30, 200817 yr by *libby*