Parrots friends with cats/dogs?

Question

I envy those people on youtube who have their budgie crawling over their cat or their Indian Ringneck playing with their dog. How is the dog/cat so well behaved with them? My dog will chase anything that moves (apart from our cats). And my cats ALWAYS catch wild birds and mice. I really would love my Cockatiel to be friends with them but I will never try it. It's just too risky right? 

So how do people get their cat/dog to be so well behaved with their pet bird? Is it because they were raised together from a young age?

I'm just curious by the way, I'm definitely NOT going to introduce my bird to my other animals.

Thank you :)

Jay · Accepted Answer

It depends on the nature of all the animals involved. My father in law has a jenday conure that chases their 12 year old sheltie. The sheltie is easy going, low to no drive, low energy, etc. The bird pretty much terrorizes the poor dog! 

My Rottweiler on the other hand is all drives! When I was stupid enough to leave my birds cages open all day and night, it ended in an accident when my black cap conure found a way under the bird room door and into my rotties mouth... :( 

Best suggestion is to be cautious. Birds are a prey animal to most, no sense in risking it. And learn from my foolish mistake and always keep your bird safe and secure in their cages when around other animals or when unsupervised!

Anonymous · Answer

Depends on the animal's attitude. I would probably put a leash on the cat or dog and bring it in and just let them get to know each other. I had a shih-tzu and a blue-crowned conure. The dog would basically let my bird ride on his back haha. I let them get use to each other.

Parrots friends with cats/dogs?

2 Answers