Help! Sleep set up

1251 Views 23 Replies 7 Participants Last post by ozzie3860, 4 d ago

Georgie’s Mom

Discussion Starter · Sep 27, 2021

Help. I have a sleep question. My little guy really likes to be with me day and night. My question is, if I sleep with the room too hot, I immediately get a migraine. If he sleeps in the other room, I notice a lot of feathers in the morning and he’s more nippy. I thought about putting a mineral space heater in his own room but he doesn’t seem to sleep as well in there.
Question is, do you think it’s OK for him to be in the same room with me if nighttime temperature is between 69 and 71? Does the psychological factor outweigh the room temp since we’re just talking a couple degrees? He does not like to be in his flight cage or sleep cage for even a few minutes without me. If he’s sleeping in my bedroom he is happy as can be. I would appreciate any advice. I have had him for about four months sleeping at that temperature. I have not seen any Ella fax yet. Any advice?

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ozzie3860

· #2 · Sep 27, 2021

As far as temp goes if you are comfortable then he is comfortable. The temp ranges you mentioned are well within normal ranges. He can regulate his internal temp by locking feathers on his down coat or loosening them up. So as long as you keep him out of breezes and drafts he can handle it.
His dependence on you may be an issue if he plucking when you are away. But he is young so the dependence may lessen as he grows more confidence with his world and his flock and if you work on getting him a bit of alone time so he understand you being away is not forever and will entertain himself during that time.

Georgie’s Mom

Discussion Starter · #3 · Sep 28, 2021

ozzie3860 said:
As far as temp goes if you are comfortable then he is comfortable. The temp ranges you mentioned are well within normal ranges. He can regulate his internal temp by locking feathers on his down coat or loosening them up. So as long as you keep him out of breezes and drafts he can handle it.
His dependence on you may be an issue if he plucking when you are away. But he is young so the dependence may lessen as he grows more confidence with his world and his flock and if you work on getting him a bit of alone time so he understand you being away is not forever and will entertain himself during that time.

Thank you Ozzie! That makes me feel better. I considered an oil heater…but I makes me nervous leaving that on at night. Also, thanks for mentioning the dependency issues. I have worried about that as well. I have seen that as he’s gotten older, he is much more confident. I know this is extremely controversial, but as he is grown back a couple of his flight feathers and can fly to whichever room I’m in, I notice he’s way way more comfortable being in a room by himself and being able to make the choice. I also have been making sure that I leave for about four hours a day so that he has alone time. And I also make sure that he is in his cage near me for an hour or two a day as well.
He’s a sweet little guy! I really lucked out. Thank you so much for your input that makes me feel much better!!!!

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aqueilo

· #4 · Sep 28, 2021

He will be OK in the room at room temperature. Do you cover him? I would recommend doing that if you do not already to signal to him that it is bedtime. One of the things that really helps Monty with separation issues is having a very strict time for bed and a regular routine for bedtime - i.e., lights start dimming at 7:30, he goes to his coconut for a bit, between 8 and 9 he gets a little snuggle in a shirt, has a drink of water, and goes to bed in his room in his cage and is covered up.

I think Georgie would benefit from that type of set bedtime routine, if you don't do this already. If he knows what to expect, he will settle down very fast. If he's not sure which room he'll be in every night, it may make him more antsy. I also find that giving Monty some alone "cage time" has been very beneficial. He eats and drinks then and practices his words and knows he's not stuck in there because we will come and get him in the afternoon. I think you are doing good to mitigate the separation early as he gets more confident.

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Georgie’s Mom

Discussion Starter · #5 · Sep 29, 2021

aqueilo said:
He will be OK in the room at room temperature. Do you cover him? I would recommend doing that if you do not already to signal to him that it is bedtime. One of the things that really helps Monty with separation issues is having a very strict time for bed and a regular routine for bedtime - i.e., lights start dimming at 7:30, he goes to his coconut for a bit, between 8 and 9 he gets a little snuggle in a shirt, has a drink of water, and goes to bed in his room in his cage and is covered up.

I think Georgie would benefit from that type of set bedtime routine, if you don't do this already. If he knows what to expect, he will settle down very fast. If he's not sure which room he'll be in every night, it may make him more antsy. I also find that giving Monty some alone "cage time" has been very beneficial. He eats and drinks then and practices his words and knows he's not stuck in there because we will come and get him in the afternoon. I think you are doing good to mitigate the separation early as he gets more confident.

Thank you! That’s exactly what I’m doing.

Lights down at 7:30, cuddle on my shoulder, his bed at 9:45. He will not go to bed a minute earlier. I can try of course, but he growls and or won’t step onto his “sleeping swing”… he prefers to swing above all purchase. During the day, he eats his breakfast and plays from 10 to 11, then around 11 or 1130 I put them back in his cage but I am nearby and quiet. And then I take him out for his lunch and more playtime. After that I put him back and his flight cage with some hidden treats for foraging, veggies, and of course a little bit of food in his bowl. Needless to say he has water dishes. At that point, depending on the day, I either work for four hours or I go to the barn to visit my horse. I have music or TV on for him when I’m gone. I get back between four and five. It is not exactly the same time every day and I don’t want him to get used to the exact time. But I try to make it within that range so he knows what to expect. At that point he comes out for an hour to fly around, play, have a snack. Then I put him back in his cage for an hour while I make dinner. After that starting about 6 o’clock, he comes out for the evening. Then we start the whole bedtime routine at about 730. The schedule has been absolutely perfect for him!!!!!
Today I rearranged my extra room into his own private bedroom.. I put up 100% black out curtains. Instead of fully covering his cage, I am covering three sides to protect from draft. I have a thermometer on the nightstand next to him that I can check from time to time to make sure the room temperature stays between 70 and 72. One funny little tip that I did to check for drafts… I have a toy that has a lot of tissue paper hanging from it. I hung that near his cage. That way when the heat or air came on, I could clearly see if the draft was getting near his cage. That was a huge help! I would suggest that for anyone because it will move at the slightest breeze. I also have an air filter going for filtration and white noise. Thank you for your help!

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aqueilo

· #6 · Sep 29, 2021

Georgie’s Mom said:
Thank you! That’s exactly what I’m doing. Lights down at 7:30, cuddle on my shoulder, his bed at 9:45. He will not go to bed a minute earlier. I can try of course, but he growls and or won’t step onto his “sleeping swing”… he prefers to swing above all purchase. During the day, he eats his breakfast and plays from 10 to 11, then around 11 or 1130 I put them back in his cage but I am nearby and quiet. And then I take him out for his lunch and more playtime. After that I put him back and his flight cage with some hidden treats for foraging, veggies, and of course a little bit of food in his bowl. Needless to say he has water dishes. At that point, depending on the day, I either work for four hours or I go to the barn to visit my horse. I have music or TV on for him when I’m gone. I get back between four and five. It is not exactly the same time every day and I don’t want him to get used to the exact time. But I try to make it within that range so he knows what to expect. At that point he comes out for an hour to fly around, play, have a snack. Then I put him back in his cage for an hour while I make dinner. After that starting about 6 o’clock, he comes out for the evening. Then we start the whole bedtime routine at about 730. The schedule has been absolutely perfect for him!!!!!
Today I rearranged my extra room into his own private bedroom.. I put up 100% black out curtains. Instead of fully covering his cage, I am covering three sides to protect from draft. I have a thermometer on the nightstand next to him that I can check from time to time to make sure the room temperature stays between 70 and 72. One funny little tip that I did to check for drafts… I have a toy that has a lot of tissue paper hanging from it. I hung that near his cage. That way when the heat or air came on, I could clearly see if the draft was getting near his cage. That was a huge help! I would suggest that for anyone because it will move at the slightest breeze. I also have an air filter going for filtration and white noise. Thank you for your help!

That paper trick is very clever! I like that.
I think your routine sounds great. I'm sure Georgie will settle down for bed soon. They really are creatures of habit, Monty gets so upset if we change things in his night cage (we changed a broken perch once and he was so upset). He doesn't care about day cage changes though LOL.

David Miller

· #7 · Sep 30, 2021

Hi. If you want a good heater that is safe in every way, may I suggest a Mineral Oil Radiator ? ( costs about $49.00 and lasts for 15-20 years). They are quiet, no vapors, no fan, and you never have to re-fill them. There are 2 sizes...24 inches and 36 inches tall. It uses the same electricity as a blow dryer. The mineral oil heats up and expands through a few metal tubes, like a radiator, and the heat fills up the room. If it is in a large room, then put the heater 2 feet away from you bird cage and set on medium. It is safe to have and turns off if tilted. I put mine on high and it only got 112 degrees! Average hot water temperatures in your sink is 120 degrees. So, it is very safe. I used mine in the winter because I love to sleep in real cool temperatures around 60 degrees. Remember, the colder it gets, the more energy your bird expends to stay warm.

Dave

Georgie’s Mom

Discussion Starter · #8 · Sep 30, 2021

aqueilo said:
That paper trick is very clever! I like that.
I think your routine sounds great. I'm sure Georgie will settle down for bed soon. They really are creatures of habit, Monty gets so upset if we change things in his night cage (we changed a broken perch once and he was so upset). He doesn't care about day cage changes though LOL.

So true, creatures of habit! Funny story…I was having the worst time getting him to bed. A couple months ago, I happened to order a swing (fromBonka birds) that has fleece all over the top. It is not the type of fleece that he can get bits off. Instead of sleeping on the perch, he started crawling up to the top and laying in the fleece. Absolutely zero hormonal behavior so I am OK with this for him. One day as I was washing it it broke! Let’s just say he didn’t sleep very well that night. We overnighted three identical purchase for back up. 🤣🤣🤣 I feel like a mom with a young toddler and his or her favorite stuffed animal

Bird Textile Parrot Creative arts Macaw

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Georgie’s Mom

Discussion Starter · #9 · Sep 30, 2021

Georgie’s Mom said:
So true, creatures of habit! Funny story…I was having the worst time getting him to bed. A couple months ago, I happened to order a swing (fromBonka birds) that has fleece all over the top. It is not the type of fleece that he can get bits off. Instead of sleeping on the perch, he started crawling up to the top and laying in the fleece. Absolutely zero hormonal behavior so I am OK with this for him. One day as I was washing it it broke! Let’s just say he didn’t sleep very well that night. We overnighted three identical purchase for back up. 🤣🤣🤣 I feel like a mom with a young toddler and his or her favorite stuffed animal View attachment 46871

*perches

aqueilo

· #10 · Oct 1, 2021

Georgie’s Mom said:
So true, creatures of habit! Funny story…I was having the worst time getting him to bed. A couple months ago, I happened to order a swing (fromBonka birds) that has fleece all over the top. It is not the type of fleece that he can get bits off. Instead of sleeping on the perch, he started crawling up to the top and laying in the fleece. Absolutely zero hormonal behavior so I am OK with this for him. One day as I was washing it it broke! Let’s just say he didn’t sleep very well that night. We overnighted three identical purchase for back up. 🤣🤣🤣 I feel like a mom with a young toddler and his or her favorite stuffed animal

What a sweet picture 🥰

My budgie had a bell that he was obsessed with and slept on top of. He would climb up to the top, put one foot on the wood and one foot on the cage bars and sleep in the splits. Very funny little guy. I buried him with that bell when he died, so he could have his favourite toy with him. Luckily it never broke!! They really are like toddlers.

Georgie’s Mom

Discussion Starter · #11 · Oct 2, 2021

aqueilo said:
What a sweet picture 🥰

My budgie had a bell that he was obsessed with and slept on top of. He would climb up to the top, put one foot on the wood and one foot on the cage bars and sleep in the splits. Very funny little guy. I buried him with that bell when he died, so he could have his favourite toy with him. Luckily it never broke!! They really are like toddlers.

Thank you for sharing your experience. I can just picture him. What a love!!!! I hope you have many memories of him. 🥰🥰🥰

Rubydoo252

· #12 · Oct 2, 2021

Tumi can't sleep without a fleece strip to snuggle with. Fortunately he is okay with various different fleece colors, so I don't have to worry about replacing it.

But he made me figure out the fleece strip the first day I brought him home...even as a baby bird, he knew what he wanted and figured out how to let me know.

Georgie’s Mom

Discussion Starter · #13 · Oct 2, 2021

Rubydoo252 said:
Tumi can't sleep without a fleece strip to snuggle with. Fortunately he is okay with various different fleece colors, so I don't have to worry about replacing it. But he made me figure out the fleece strip the first day I brought him home...even as a baby bird, he knew what he wanted and figured out how to let me know.

Precious! By fleece strip, do you mean one of the cozy corner things? (Like the photo I’ve included?) Or something else? I was thinking of trying one of these for winter. Any thoughts?

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Rubydoo252

· #14 · Oct 2, 2021

I literally tied a piece of fleece to the side of his cage with a ribbon (about 4-6inches wide by 12 inches long, tied at the midpoint so that it hangs down). It has all the benefits of those cozy corner things with none of the dangers of them.

Georgie’s Mom

Discussion Starter · #15 · Oct 3, 2021

Rubydoo252 said:
I literally tied a piece of fleece to the side of his cage with a ribbon (about 4-6inches wide by 12 inches long, tied at the midpoint so that it hangs down). It has all the benefits of those cozy corner things with none of the dangers of them.

Great to know! Thank you!!!!!!!!

Georgie’s Mom

Discussion Starter · #16 · Oct 3, 2021

aqueilo said:
He will be OK in the room at room temperature. Do you cover him? I would recommend doing that if you do not already to signal to him that it is bedtime. One of the things that really helps Monty with separation issues is having a very strict time for bed and a regular routine for bedtime - i.e., lights start dimming at 7:30, he goes to his coconut for a bit, between 8 and 9 he gets a little snuggle in a shirt, has a drink of water, and goes to bed in his room in his cage and is covered up.

I think Georgie would benefit from that type of set bedtime routine, if you don't do this already. If he knows what to expect, he will settle down very fast. If he's not sure which room he'll be in every night, it may make him more antsy. I also find that giving Monty some alone "cage time" has been very beneficial. He eats and drinks then and practices his words and knows he's not stuck in there because we will come and get him in the afternoon. I think you are doing good to mitigate the separation early as he gets more confident.

Thank you so much! The coconut sounds so adorable! Georgie is doing better now with the same type of routine you mentioned.

He has his own quiet / dark bedroom now and loves it. Thank you so much for the advice!

aqueilo

· #17 · Oct 4, 2021

Georgie’s Mom said:
Thank you so much! The coconut sounds so adorable! Georgie is doing better now with the same type of routine you mentioned. He has his own quiet / dark bedroom now and loves it. Thank you so much for the advice!

I think you already knew what to do and it was just a matter of time before he settled

I'm happy he's doing better.

Georgie’s Mom

Discussion Starter · #18 · Oct 4, 2021

aqueilo said:
I think you already knew what to do and it was just a matter of time before he settled I'm happy he's doing better.

That is so kind of you! I appreciate this forum so much! It’s wonderful to be able to bounce ideas and questions back and forth. Thank you!

CaliBirdMom

· #19 · 12 d ago

I have never understood this concern over drafts and making sure there is no air moving around a p’lets cage…don’t p’lets encounter breezes and even heavy winds in the wild?? 🤷‍♀️. Can someone please enlighten me?

ozzie3860

· #20 · 12 d ago

CaliBirdMom said:
I have never understood this concern over drafts and making sure there is no air moving around a p’lets cage…don’t p’lets encounter breezes and even heavy winds in the wild?? 🤷‍♀️. Can someone please enlighten me?

Birds generate their warmth via locking their feathers together. Wind / breeze / drafts break that seal up. In the wild the birds can just go anywhere to get away from any breeze that bothers them. In our homes they are trapped where we put them, cages, rooms, etc so they can not get to a safe space to get warm when they want to. That is our constant concern. Forcing them into spaces where cool, warm, sun, darkness traps them since they can not just move away.

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