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Post by biteybird on Dec 6, 2014 21:17:19 GMT -5
Just an hour ago I noticed one of my outdoor aviary canaries was sitting on a big main perch and its right foot looked like it was sideways with the back toe poking upwards (and the nail looks very long, so it could have been like this for some time). But the canary is able to fly normally, perch, land and looks quite happy.
My problem is that the aviary is big. It's a triangular shape across one back corner of my yard, about 9ft high and 8ft across each side & the front. There are 21 canaries, 2 cockatiels and 2 Bourke's parrots all free to fly around in there together. I don't have any segregated in boxes. The only way I've been able to catch a bird in the aviary so far (seldom had to) is with a net and it freaks the other birds out, so I've always tried to avoid it.
I am worried that if I try to catch this canary with a net it will make the injury worse. Does anyone have any ideas on alternative methods of catching birds safely? Thanks... |
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Post by easttex on Dec 7, 2014 6:40:51 GMT -5
I was going to suggest trying it in the dark with a small flashlight, but then read reasons why you might not want to do that, here: www.finchaviary.com/Maintenance/CatchingBirds.htmI hope there is something else there that you can use. Good luck! I look forward to reading about your successful technique, once you find it.  And I hope the little one is alright. |
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Post by biteybird on Dec 8, 2014 1:50:03 GMT -5
Thanks Easttex, I am off work tomorrow, so will apply my not-so-switched-on mind to the situation...
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Post by easttex on Dec 8, 2014 9:26:41 GMT -5
I thought the link provided some good ideas, especially if you have an assistant, but it still sounds pretty difficult. The flashlight-in-the-dark routine works very well with chickens, but with them you don't have to worry as much about the others flying into things. Tumbling off a roost, maybe. That sounds like an interesting aviary, by the way. |
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Post by biteybird on Dec 8, 2014 17:34:37 GMT -5
I think the best way might be to 'flush' her from the main aviary section into the front section, then close the main aviary door (the aviary has a double door). Then once she's in the small front section I can net her there without scaring the others so much. I'll try it today. Wish me luck!
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Post by biteybird on Dec 11, 2014 2:04:22 GMT -5
Well, here's an update. After all this worry, I went in there to catch this canary and there he/she was, sitting there all comfortable and with NO foot problem that I could see. O_oThe rear toenail does need clipping, though. I decided to put it off until I have more time and can perfect my 'canary-catching' technique. Thanks, anyway, for the advice!
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Post by siobhan on Dec 11, 2014 14:48:36 GMT -5
I learned this from a wildlife rehab friend. You get a towel, and for a canary a dish towel is probably big enough. You hold the towel up between you and the bird and you SNEAK up as slowly and quietly as you can, and drop the towel over the bird. Birds under a towel freeze because they can't see. Then you scoop up bird and towel together. I caught Trixie that way when she was out of her cage the one time, and I caught a wild sparrow who had somehow gotten into my neighbor's house the same way. You have to move VERY slowly and even stand perfectly still holding the towel long enough that they look away, but when it comes time to drop the towel you have to do it suddenly so the towel is over them before they see it coming. Jack (my friend, not my dog who has the same name, LOL) uses a big bath towel because he catches raptors who are injured and they have serious talons, but it works for him every time and it worked for me the times I tried it.
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Post by biteybird on Dec 11, 2014 22:17:59 GMT -5
Ah, sounds like that might work if he/she doesn't fly to the top above my head. I'll let you know if/when I try it! I have heard of some people putting the garden hose on them so they can't fly with wet wings, but I'm not keen on that idea (to me it seems cruel and I would worry about injury as a canary is only a tiny bird).
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Post by siobhan on Dec 12, 2014 0:26:28 GMT -5
I have a canary so I know how tiny they are, and as for not being able to fly with wet wings, tell that to Jade, who insists I spritz her with the spray bottle at bath time until she is soaked to the skin and then she takes a bath in the dish to boot, and can still fly.
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Post by easttex on Dec 12, 2014 4:21:14 GMT -5
I've done the towel thing with wild birds, but it has only worked when the bird was already ill or injured. A pet canary may be less wary, though, so maybe it would work. I think it would be a lot less stressful than a net. Worth a try.
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Post by biteybird on Dec 12, 2014 5:54:37 GMT -5
Thanks guys, school holidays coming up soon (I'm a Special Ed teacher), so will try to catch the 'nary when I have time and don't feel compelled to rush.
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And I hope the little one is alright.