Whippets and Cockatiels (or any tame, pet bird)

[SouthWestWhippet]

When I went to Uni, I took my very tame, hand reared cockatiel with me. She was an absolute poppet, would crawl all over me, loved her tickles and scratches and her favourite activity was to get in the shower with me!!! However when I got my first whippet puppy, the dog just couldn't control herself from snapping at the bird as she flew past. My poor cockatiel found herself spending more and more time in her cage as the puppy had to be shut away if she was lose.

Eventually I made the sad decision to find the cockatiel a new home as it seemed unfair that she should have such a restricted life cos of the dog... especi8ally as she loved human company as was really friendly and tame.

However, I really have a hankering for getting another cockatiel as my old one was such a love. Both my whippets are adult dogs now (8 and 2) and I'm wondering if they will be able to learn not to snap at a bird - or even not have the instinct - now they are no longer puppies...

does anyone have any experience of keeping whippets or other sight hounds with birds? Obviously I'm not going to get a cockatiel only to have to part with it if the dogs can't be trusted so doing my research here...

thanks xx

 

[haycroft]

i have two whippets and four hens....when ive let my hens out to roam in our garden i wouldnt really trust the dogs as they still think its snack on legs but be honest they are more interested in the chicken poo....its fine if they are just pecking away but as soon they ruffle their feathers the dogs are more interestded...i used to use a childs water gun to squirt the dogs if they get too close and say no or leave

im sure with time and patience and firm handling they can live in harmony with each other...some do

 

[SouthWestWhippet]

Thank you, I will bear this in mind. Currently toying with what new pet to get and something the dogs would be nice to is a major factor.