Grey Fisher
Baby and bird can happily coexist
 I am a bit concerned because my "baby" for 10 years, Figi, is a one-woman bird, and I have discovered that I am pregnant. Once the baby is born I know I won't be able to spend very much time with Figi, at least in the beginning. What should I do to prevent Figi from being crushed by the new arrival and the new set of rules?
-- Dana Koenig.
 Congratulations on the new baby! In situations like these, it's tempting to spend more time with our pets because we won't be able to spend as much time later. However, all this does is set the animal up to expect the same amount of attention in the future. The best thing you can do to prepare Figi is to start varying your schedule now. At various times throughout the day, take him out to play for short periods, then put him back in his cage.
Another thing you can do is train him to entertain himself. Too often we don't spend time teaching our birds to play on their own. We love that they want to be with us 24/7 but it isn't healthy for them - or us. Start training Figi to be happy sitting on a perch or playstand by himself. Make it a positive place for him by giving him lots of treats there, letting him eat his dinner there, scratch him on the head whenever you walk past. Equip the stand with swings and ladders and lots of chewable toys and rotate them to keep him interested.
By the time the baby comes, Figi should be comfortable with his new space and willing to hang out and wait for you to have a few minutes of cuddle time. By starting now, once baby makes four, the transition should be smooth. Good luck!
Grey Fisher is a trainer at the Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Australia. Previously he was a trainer with Natural Encounters, Inc., a world-renowned organization that helps zoos all over the world train birds and many other types of animals using positive reinforcement.
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