Hello, got a question, do you guys cover your cages or not? My African grey has to be covered at night or he's crabby, now the IRNs we don't cover, yet! But they seem to be very tired all morning long, but they are young, but I feel phase they aren't getting enough sleep not being covered, they are all here in the family room where we watch t v and eat and live, spend most our time here with them!
Yes, no???
Ann
To cover or not to cover?????
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ellieelectrons
- Posts: 2708
- Joined: Mon Jul 19, 2010 1:17 am
- Location: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
Re: To cover or not to cover?????
I cover my guys. At first they were apprehensive when the cover would go on but fine once it was on. Sometimes when it's dark outside and the house is lit up they get a bit cranky waiting for me to cover them so they can have their peace and quiet time.
I don't do this but I know some people have separate sleeping cages for their birds that they put in a quieter part of the house.
Ellie.
I don't do this but I know some people have separate sleeping cages for their birds that they put in a quieter part of the house.
Ellie.
Re: To cover or not to cover?????
The first couple times I covered one he dropped to the bottom of the cage and was freaking out so I uncovered him and he climbed back up to his perch to sleep, should I keep trying?
Re: To cover or not to cover?????
Well I covered them last night and they all slept till 9am and wow what a difference that made, everyone is up eating, playing, chit chatting and bathing!!! Poor babies have not been getting good night slept for 3 weeks, hopefully this will help with the getting to know us process!!
Ann
Ann
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ellieelectrons
- Posts: 2708
- Joined: Mon Jul 19, 2010 1:17 am
- Location: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
Re: To cover or not to cover?????
Hi Ann
I don't think there is a hard and fast rule regarding covering or not covering. I like to do it because as you say, they get a good night's sleep... but if it is terrifying your bird then it's not worth it... you really just have to weigh it up for yourself... although it sounds like they were okay with it last night.
Also, FYI, I half cover their cage during the summer months - just enough to block out the artificial light so they can sleep but exposed enough so they can get the air circulate through (especially if I decide to sleep in one morning) and almost fully cover it in winter months for warmth.
For me, it's not so much about keeping them in the dark but stopping the artificial house lights from annoying them when they are trying to sleep. I hope that makes sense. Also, I usually try to have the house lights off in the area where they sleep - although they can still see lights from other areas of the house.
Ellie.
I don't think there is a hard and fast rule regarding covering or not covering. I like to do it because as you say, they get a good night's sleep... but if it is terrifying your bird then it's not worth it... you really just have to weigh it up for yourself... although it sounds like they were okay with it last night.
Also, FYI, I half cover their cage during the summer months - just enough to block out the artificial light so they can sleep but exposed enough so they can get the air circulate through (especially if I decide to sleep in one morning) and almost fully cover it in winter months for warmth.
For me, it's not so much about keeping them in the dark but stopping the artificial house lights from annoying them when they are trying to sleep. I hope that makes sense. Also, I usually try to have the house lights off in the area where they sleep - although they can still see lights from other areas of the house.
Ellie.