>Any ferret owners out there have experience with ferrets and pet birds -
>particularly parrots or birds larger than a canary or budgie?  All of the
>"bird" books talk about how horrible ferrets are in regards to birds...
 
Nancy,
 
I have a Cherry Headed Conure, which is a small parrot about the size of a
blue jay, that I've had for about 12 years, long before I even knew what
ferrets were!  The bird cage hangs from the ceiling, so no wingless critters
can get to it.  I've never clipped my bird's wings, as I also have cats and
would not trust them with my bird (actually, one cat is OK, the other would
nab the bird at any opportunity).  For the most part, my ferrets are not
even aware of my parrot, floor-bound as they are.  Parrots are very clever,
and soon learn the parameters of their environments.  My parrot is always
watchful for the whereabouts of the other species that share his home.  He
knows, for example, that the dog won't bother him, but he doesn't trust the
cats or the kids.  He will walk across the breakfast table to steal my
cereal, but not if there is a child sitting there with me!  And he checks
the chairs for sleeping cats before he lands on the table.
 
My three ferrets have expressed curiosity, not really aggression, when they
have noticed the parrot, but I would never let them get too close.  I'm
afraid for the ferrets as well as the parrot, as those big beaks can do a
lot of damage!  When we're not home (even for a short time), and also when
we turn in for the night, both ferrets and parrot are caged for their own
safety and our peace of mind.  I don't know whether this really answers your
question, but it is simply one family's experience with a multi-species
household.
 
______
Nancy Farlow <[log in to unmask]>
[Posted in FML issue 1844]