Vero Beach, Florida
Exotic Bird Free Flight
The birds are brought to the room leading to the free flight door for 4 to 5 days to allow them to hear, see and smell the other birds. Following this, the bird is brought inside the free flight, while remaining in a private birdcage with a cover on it. This allows both the new bird and the current birds to be more aware of each other while still allowing a little privacy for the new bird.
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That process is 1 to 2 weeks and the birdcage is opened and the cover removed. We place it close to an open or unclaimed perch allowing it to go out to eat when it wants and go back to its cage if it feels it needs safety. This allows them to learn their surroundings slowly and once they determine they are more comfortable inside the free flight and not their private cage. Finally, the cage is removed and they are closely monitored to ensure no issues arise once their private birdcage is gone.
Our Free Flight birds consist of many different varieties including African Greys, Moluccan Cockatoos, Blue & Gold Macaws, and many others. People purchase exotic birds because of their beauty, often not realizing the amount of noise they make and interaction they need.
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These birds usually live 20 to 30 years and many of our birds came from an elderly owner who had since passed and their heirs did not want the animal. Birds do not typically acclimate well to new surroundings, especially when they are older.
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With so many birds in our free flight, we have to keep a close eye to make sure everyone gets along. All new birds brought to Critter Haven are given a medical exam followed by a structured acclamation process.
We Need Your Help
Critter Haven has been primarily funded by its founder Gary Brady since it began over twenty years ago. With additional funding from generous donors, we have been able to sustain the substantial cost that comes with caring for these amazing animals.
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Despite these contributions, we are still in need of all the help we can get. With the licensing, food purchases, medical equipment, and medication, the costs add up quickly.
Every dollar you donate will help keep the animals at Critter Haven fed, healthy and happy for years to come.
