Early Parrot Education - Stage 5 - Fledging Acquiring Independence
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Transcript of Early Parrot Education - Stage 5 - Fledging Acquiring Independence
Stage 5 of Early Parrot EducationFledgling Acquiring Independence
Weaning independenceA glimpse of life outside the fledgling environment and
flockDesensitization is facilitated by the guidance & assurance
from the mentor (caretaker)Visual environmental enrichmentTraining one on one away from the flock or cage matesPrimary lessons and basic commands learnt will be
reinforced Introduction of fledgling to new caretaker if possibleTraveling experience, since the fledgling usually leaves the
breeder at this stage for a new companion life. .
Educational Focus
Stage 5 of Early Parrot EducationFledgling Acquiring Independence
Educational Focus
Motor skills, agility and confidence have greatly improved
©2005-2015 HARI, all rights reserved
Stage 5 of Early Parrot EducationFledgling Acquiring Independence
Nurturing MonitoringSocialization DesensitizationModelingMentoringPlay
TOOLS
Stage 5 of Early Parrot EducationFledgling Acquiring Independence
Characteristics of this Stage
Dexterity is clearly visible at this stage. Strength acquired in both feet allows the fledgling to firmly perch on one foot, while eating morsels with other for longer periods of time.
Perch sizes can be smaller at this age as the feet can firmly grip .
Stage 5 of Early Parrot EducationFledgling Acquiring Independence
Housing
Fledgling spends some time alone in day cage to acquire independence from flock mates. Be aware that “separation anxiety” can result in regression, so daily health assessment and interaction with caretakers must continue. It is recommended to revert to daily weight monitoring during this time.
In addition, full spectrum lighting can be introduced to day cage for few hours a day.
©2005-2015 HARI, all rights reserved
Stage 5 of Early Parrot EducationFledgling Acquiring Independence
Housing
Fledglings can also be accustomed to sleeping alone in the night cage, ideally the same cage that has been purchased by the future caretakers. Note: at this young age , hormonal issues are not yet a concern, therefore using the same dwelling for both day and night may not be associated just yet as a breeding nesting cavity often resulting in hormonal territoriality. In a few months as the birds mature through their juvenile age , a distinctly separate cage should be considered to use for sleeping. This will also aid to provide versatility of lifestyle. Birds living in a bird room as a flock may not ever need to have separate sleeping quarters and may thrive and never associate their cage to a breeding cavity.
Undisrupted sleep is extremely important and will remain as important throughout the various life stages .Routine weight monitoring is easy to fit into the routine when stepping up from the sleeping cage, down onto scale perch in the morning
Stage 5 of Early Parrot EducationFledgling Acquiring Independence
Housing
Visual environmental enrichment & versatility of living quarters
The fledgling cage can be brought to a safe outdoor environment (weather permitting).
Stage 5 of Early Parrot EducationFledgling Acquiring Independence
Feeding Strategy
Weaning Independence is Acquired
The fledgling maintains its weight now without assisted feedings, although for some the nurturing can include “occasionally/ very small quantities “of hand feeding formula or offerings of soft soaked weaning morsels, mainly when flocking with other younger birds that are being fed. Although it is best not to regress the now independent fledgling by touching his commissures or beak when feeding or offering food that is too warm.
©2005-2015 HARI, all rights reserved
Stage 5 of Early Parrot EducationFledgling Acquiring Independence
Feeding Strategy
Foraging activities continue to be offered away from the flock
Stage 5 of Early Parrot EducationFledgling Acquiring Independence
Feeding Strategy
Although feeding enrichment will be explored more in the next stage, fledglings that have maintained a healthy weight without assisted feedings can be offered Tropimix
Stage 5 of Early Parrot EducationFledgling Acquiring Independence
Primary Lessons
Advanced foraging sessions further away from flock, gradually preparing fledgling that will leave clutch mates and flock to continue to engage in occupational skills without the separation anxiety, as they have now gained more independence and coping skills, reassured by their flock and human mentors
©2005-2015 HARI, all rights reserved
Stage 5 of Early Parrot EducationFledgling Acquiring Independence
Primary Lessons
Water bottle training should ensure all fledglings are familiar with drinking from this dispenser. A water dish is still provided at all times in their living quarters although a water bottle both in the day cage and transport cage can be added to help keep the water quality as hygienic as possible. Water consumption can also be easily monitored when birds are accustomed to drink from bottles. For optimal hygiene, glass bottles without rubber stoppers are most easily disinfected. Daily cleaning of the bottle and spout is recommended, preferably with routine disinfection, which can be facilitated by having a replacement bottle.
©2005-2015 HARI, all rights reserved
Stage 5 of Early Parrot EducationFledgling Acquiring Independence
Primary Lessons
Education for Future Breeding Individuals
Socialization & preening with younger chicks should be monitored,
encouraged & rewarded with praise and nurturing.
Stage 5 of Early Parrot EducationFledgling Acquiring Independence
Primary Lessons
Supervised Interaction with other compatible flock mates for longer periods of time during the day when they have access to a larger day cage or activity centre
©2005-2015 HARI, all rights reserved
Stage 5 of Early Parrot EducationFledgling Acquiring Independence
Primary Lessons
The maturing fledgling can now be brought to a shower away from the other fledglings to get further desensitized to this new environment , where it may possibly spend time showering when it enters its new flock and home as a companion. Ideally the mentor should enter the shower first with it so that it may feel more secure.
Stage 5 of Early Parrot EducationFledgling Acquiring Independence
Primary Lessons
Need to talk about nail grooming
Stage 5 of Early Parrot EducationFledgling Acquiring Independence
Primary Lessons
©2005-2015 HARI, all rights reserved
Stage 5 of Early Parrot EducationFledgling Acquiring Independence
Primary Lessons
Flight harness training outdoors- pectoral muscles have developed and conditioned to allow for controlled flight. Motor skills are fully developed at this stage as well as agility. Further desensitization and education of the environment surrounding the maturing fledgling is continued in the stage with the guidance & mentorship from the caretakers. Inspection of the harness for proper adjustment prior to flight training will also continue to enforce the desensitization to the physical exam. Foraging opportunities throughout the flight session will ensure the fledgling does not get hungry, as it is now weaned and no longer has the large crop to store quantities of food.
©2005-2015 HARI, all rights reserved
Stage 5 of Early Parrot EducationFledgling Acquiring Independence
Primary Lessons
Flight Feather Grooming
Should you wish to groom the older fledgling’s flight feathers once it has developed healthy pectoral muscles and has acquired flight skills, consult our video podcast on feather grooming techniques.
©2005-2015 HARI, all rights reserved
Stage 5 of Early Parrot EducationFledgling Acquiring Independence
Primary Lessons
©2005-2015 HARI, all rights reserved
Stage 5 of Early Parrot EducationFledgling Acquiring Independence
Primary Lessons
Misting & basking is continued daily to encourage preening and exercise
©2005-2015 HARI, all rights reserved
Stage 5 of Early Parrot EducationFledgling Acquiring Independence
Self preening must continue to be encouraged, especially when fledglings are allowed to spend time on their own following a misting activity. Engaging in this activity usually demonstrates the bird is comfortable in his surrounding and most likely healthy.
Primary Lessons
©2005-2015 HARI, all rights reserved
Stage 5 of Early Parrot EducationFledgling Acquiring Independence
Fledglings are gradually introduced to children, dogs and other pets that are trustworthy to be in close proximity to birds , always with with extreme caution & supervision. This desensitization will gradually lead to comfort and curiosity.
Primary Lessons
Stage 5 of Early Parrot EducationFledgling Acquiring Independence
Primary Lessons
Visual Environmental Enrichment
Visual environmental enrichment continues away from cage mates.
Engaging the fledgling to watch television , listen to music, get visually stimulated to observe fish through the aquarium glass will help alleviate boredom and contribute to environmental enrichment .
Discovery of Educational Toys
Stage 5 of Early Parrot EducationFledgling Acquiring Independence
Primary Lessons
Although some toys are specifically intended for psittacines to interact with, other toys suitable for human toddlers can also be used with strict supervision to awaken the senses and educate the maturing fledgling to sounds and color. Toys not recommended specifically for birds should not be left with the birds to play with without the caretakers supervision. Furthermore these should be evaluated for safety prior to being introduced in the educational sessions
Stage 5 of Early Parrot EducationFledgling Acquiring Independence
Mentors educating the fledglings can now utilize technologies such as Internet video communication to introduce future caretakers. This can be especially valuable when distance or accessibility to visit the
fledgling prior to its departure to a new home is not possible. The future caretakers can also have a better
understanding of the individuals’ personality, relationship, interaction and education it has received
, as they can see how the mentor interacts with the bird as well. Video footage of the flock and mentors
interacting with the fledgling can also be given to the future caretakers to be viewed along with their new feathered companion to ease the transition, prevent
separation anxiety and guide the new mentor to continue the education it has received
Primary Lessons
Stage 5 of Early Parrot EducationFledgling Acquiring Independence
Primary Lessons
Travel Experience
More time is spent in the avian carrier
This is the best time to learn new words, especially if the radio is playing while spending a few minutes in the carrier
Advanced foraging device is introduced in the carrier
A water bottle is offered in the carrier
The bird is taken for a car ride in the carrier and returns safely to flock