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Parrot Advice - 8/13/2009 12:31:12 PM

FawneTwo

Posts: 98
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Does anyone have experience with parrots? I have an opportunity to adopt one and I want to learn more.
I'm told she is 4 year old yellow conure, tame hand fed likes people talks and is affectionate.

type of parrot http://www.petco.com/caresheets/bird/Conure.pdf Petco has nothing to do with it.

All thoughts are appreciated

Post #: 1

RE: Parrot Advice - 8/13/2009 12:36:10 PM

mnottertail

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cmail pahunkboy (especially if you have questions about parrots who masturbate)

Ron

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Have they not divided the prey; to every man a damsel or two? Judges 5:30

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RE: Parrot Advice - 8/13/2009 12:38:02 PM

lioncub

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Joined: 7/26/2009
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Conures are screamers!

I had a rescued green cheeked conure for four years, but had to get rid of her because she had very bad behavioral problems that I could not handle.

But birds are very messy creatures, cleaning is an every other day sort of thing. They also need a lot of attention or some interesting toys/puzzles and should be handled daily. And a varied diet is also necessary. Fruits, veggies, and grains. No onion, avocado, or chocolate, like most other animals. Also, if you have house plants, check to see if any or poisonous.

One thing I love about conures is there intellect! They can be taught a number of tricks. Mine would let me hold her upside down in the palm of my hand.

I wish you luck! Having a bird is very rewarding.

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In gentleness there is strength.

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RE: Parrot Advice - 8/13/2009 1:11:15 PM

FawneTwo

Posts: 98
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Thank you I'm having some coffee, clearing my head counting to... before I go see her.

< Message edited by FawneTwo -- 8/13/2009 1:13:10 PM >

(in reply to lioncub)

Post #: 4

RE: Parrot Advice - 8/13/2009 1:44:32 PM

pahunkboy

Posts: 33061
Joined: 2/26/2006
From: Central Pennsylvania
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I have a blue fronted parrot- which I had now for 4 years.

This is my first parrot.

Sure I have ALOT to say!

The parrot may never talk... so be ok with that. Parrots make NOISE- namely screaming. Do not put the cage hear a TV set-

In my time- my parrot has never allowed me to hold him. He has bit me 3 times where it broke skin.

Do NOT reach at the parrot.   It spooks them.   Also talk to your parrot alot- even sing even if you can not sing.

When the parrot it too noisey- do not yell at it.   Simply throw a cover over the cage.

Now- as far as pets go- you do not have to attend to the cage every day - it is easier then a dog -cat and even fish.

Parrots- are sensitive to smoke- and perfume- and chemical fumes- they also need light.

In the US a parrot will have a band on its leg to proof it came in legally.

Dont pay any more the $600 for it.    I traded $100 and some stuff with a lady - for mine.   Maybe the items were worth $300.

....the parrot will spill the food onto the floor.    so- if your rug is irreplaceable know that.

(in reply to FawneTwo)

Post #: 5

RE: Parrot Advice - 8/13/2009 1:50:18 PM

pahunkboy

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From: Central Pennsylvania
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..a parrot can live 75-80 years....

for some people it is a good set up.

Mine gets noisey when I am on the phone. He is quiet all day long- but if I get on the phone he gets loud.   But now suppose I shout at it and kick the cage- he then will cackle and do a victory dance. When I cover him- he then will go to the floor of the cage and peek out- maybe even moan like he is suffering. lol-

A parrot wants to be higher then any other creature in the room.   Also if he sees me he thinks it is time to make noise.

Big rule- do not reach for the parrot.
do not scream at the parrot.

do not ignore the bird.

your parrot will be somber- late at night and as you wake up.

in the winter-I cover him at bed time- I do not in the summer.

Your parrot will be the loudest thing in the house- so a TV is a no no. as the parrot will outscream it.

I have gone maybe 3-4 days with out doing anything to the parrot.....   so you could go on a weekend trip and not need a sitter.

(in reply to pahunkboy)

Post #: 6

RE: Parrot Advice - 8/13/2009 1:52:36 PM

Muirren

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Joined: 7/6/2009
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Hand fed are the nicest birds. I raised parrots for several years. Always be sure to check that they have seed available at all times. It may look like they have food in their bowl, but a lot of times, it is only seed hulls, and I have seen people unintentionally starve their birds to death. I would also give them mixed veggies (no lettuce, it has no nutritional value and causes diarrhea) They also like grapes, oranges, apples,,,almost any fruit, but no avocado. They usually love the dried hot peppers, and go easy on the honey stick treats, as they will cause diarrhea also.

(in reply to FawneTwo)

Post #: 7

RE: Parrot Advice - 8/13/2009 2:02:57 PM

pahunkboy

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From: Central Pennsylvania
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I used to let mine out.

But a year ago- he was pecking a hole in the staircase.   He refused to go back into the cage- he then flew into the TV set a few rooms over- and he screamed out of panic- that told me- that I had frightened him.

I put blocks or wood and a few rocks from the yard in his cage. and of course I watch the foods---- he is always fed.

The extra cleaning - really is not bad considering it is a pet.   Maybe 2 feet around the cage has to be swept every few days.. no big thing as I have hard wood floors.

A parrot that talks and will sit on your shoulder will cost you more.   Often an owner ignores the parrot- and when it doesnt work out- get sloppy.

..which brings me back to how to approach the parrot. Put your hands behind your back- and lean forward to him. Parrots read body language.

Sunflower seeds and bread at ok for the parrot.

(in reply to Muirren)

Post #: 8

RE: Parrot Advice - 8/13/2009 2:23:29 PM

pahunkboy

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From: Central Pennsylvania
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When doing the cage the food is the last thing- - as the parrot will want to explore . The like bells and mirrors. He can tell real silver from fake silver. lol.

the parrot will get bored- so change the cage and the toys every so often- the like stabilty- but the also like the attention. a bonding is more likely if you face to face with him just before bed and when waking up.

If a bird is in your future save old bells and mirrors.

When a parrot stands on one foot that means he is content. He also will puff up his feathers.   If they are anxious they will pull out all their feathers.

...the also like baths-- but - that can be hard to arrange.   ....some lady put her parrot cage out on the porch on a nice day- somehow it all was stolen -lol.

I have 2 cages. 1 big one- then a smaller one for temporary use.   One time when I was away- he went in the small cage to the neighbor ladies house- other times she comes here to look in on him.

The prior owner had him in a dark crowded smoke filled house...   so he perked up- but he does have a habit of making the sound of a puppy being stepped on... it is either that- or the prior owner- had one heck of an orgasm... ;-0

(in reply to pahunkboy)

Post #: 9

RE: Parrot Advice - 8/13/2009 2:42:22 PM

thishereboi

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quote:

ORIGINAL: mnottertail

cmail pahunkboy (especially if you have questions about parrots who masturbate)

Ron

Oh no, they have to discuss this one in the thread so we can all read about it. Just let me run and get some popcorn.

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"Sweetie, you're wasting your gum" .. Albert

This here is the boi formerly known as orfunboi

(in reply to mnottertail)

Post #: 10

RE: Parrot Advice - 8/13/2009 3:07:45 PM

MissJanice2

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Joined: 3/4/2009
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I have two cockateils and a parakete. They are very demanding birds. I love them, but when they want their seeds, they want their seeds.
They sing pretty, but loud.
A parrott talks and can copy a lot of things, and if you are adopting one that talks, watch out. No telling where they were raised.

Respectfully, Mistress_Jan

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RE: Parrot Advice - 8/13/2009 4:35:11 PM

maybemaybenot

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Joined: 9/22/2005
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There is a very good message board/forum for bird owners. The link you posted showed a conure so I am linking you to the conure board. Some of the posters are a little radical in their animal rights, but you get good solid advice from people who live for their birds.
http://luciedove.websitetoolbox.com/?forum=76805

Please do keep in mind that conures are screamers. It can be quite annoying. To give you an idea, here is a youtube. turn your speakers up to get full effect.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYFMo5Ar1k0

mbmbn

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Tolerance of evil is suicide.- NYC Firefighter

When tolerance is not reciprocated, tolerance becomes surrender.

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Post #: 12

RE: Parrot Advice - 8/13/2009 7:06:51 PM

pahunkboy

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From: Central Pennsylvania
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quote:

ORIGINAL: maybemaybenot
Some of the posters are a little radical in their animal rights, but you get good solid advice from people who live for their birds.

LOLOL. Bird owners are the WORST- at the animal rights- abuse thing. I mean some real nuts -that- unbelievable.... on birds rights. egads.

(in reply to maybemaybenot)

Post #: 13

RE: Parrot Advice - 8/13/2009 8:51:59 PM

lioncub

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Joined: 7/26/2009
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I cannot back up this claim, but I read in some Bird Talk issue that a full grown parrot, such as an Amazon or a Eclectus, is as intelligent as a three year old. That may not be correct, but they are still very smart! I cannot stress enough how much attention a bird needs. They will become depressed and naughty if emotionally neglected.

I never had trouble with reaching for my bird, though. I would put a glove on during the first few times you put your finger out. A bird will use its beak to test if a perch is steady. It is not a bite, but if you jerk your hand back they will learn that your hand is not a safe place to sit and will start to bite.

I do recommend the magazine Bird Talk. It is very very informative.

< Message edited by lioncub -- 8/13/2009 8:53:05 PM >

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In gentleness there is strength.

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RE: Parrot Advice - 8/13/2009 9:32:25 PM

pahunkboy

Posts: 33061
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From: Central Pennsylvania
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My parrot, I think was captured too old- or- the owner did not start training early enough.

A parrot is unlike a cat or dog- it can not be compared to it- it is a whole new ball game. When I look at him- he can not help it- that he is a bird and in a cage.

while they need attention- they dont need nonstop attention- much of it depends on the bird.   I bought like 7 books on parrots where I picked up some of the hints...that is how I learned not to out-yell him- and not to reach for him.    Things got easier- once that was established.

I heard a story of a new owner- that the bird screamed for hours and hours and hours- there was nothing they could do about it.   The lady was crying over it....

I dont know how smart the parrots are.... he does know the difference between a silver coin and a silver looking coin. I have 3 mirrors near the cage- he also can look out the window.

Today I tried to give him cantaloupe-- he made it clear this is not an option- he does not want it. lol.

...right now the hour is late- my parrot- would not scream and make commotion as- I have snuck up on him, he props his head back around his wing to rest. He knows that we are quiet at night.

He says "hello"- can wistle a few different types of wistles.    He likes music and - I dont want to make it sound like it is too quiet here. He is unbothered by the sound of the busy highway.

A parrot- is different from a parakeet.

...at times- I do feel sorry for the parrot- as he does not choose to be a bird or in the cage.

....I heard that many parrots outlive their owners-.....one outlived 3 of them.

He may never say more then hello-- and never be hand trained- but that is fine.   Just no screaming.   If he gets too bed with it- I will move the cage to a distant room....    when I was out of town and came home- the place was so empty with out him!!!   He adds life to the place.... I sort have gave him 1/2 of the double living room.... so he has his own room. ;-)

(in reply to lioncub)

Post #: 15

RE: Parrot Advice - 8/13/2009 9:37:56 PM

pahunkboy

Posts: 33061
Joined: 2/26/2006
From: Central Pennsylvania
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quote:

ORIGINAL: lioncub

I cannot back up this claim, but I read in some Bird Talk issue that a full grown parrot, such as an Amazon or a Eclectus, is as intelligent as a three year old. That may not be correct, but they are still very smart! I cannot stress enough how much attention a bird needs. They will become depressed and naughty if emotionally neglected.

I never had trouble with reaching for my bird, though. I would put a glove on during the first few times you put your finger out. A bird will use its beak to test if a perch is steady. It is not a bite, but if you jerk your hand back they will learn that your hand is not a safe place to sit and will start to bite.

I do recommend the magazine Bird Talk. It is very very informative.

Alot of times- I can touch him before he turns around to act like he doesnt like it.   He knows I am being playful.   -- there was maybe a week that I would quickly touch his beek before he could bite me- I thought my hand was quicker then the eye- so I tagged his beek- well- after a few days- he was a tad quicker then I was.... lol.   blood- but never any stitches. ...the power of his beek- I think could take a finger tip off.

The blocks of wood in his cage are fun for him.... I have a mirror that sets on the cage- so he can look up- and see himself.   One day he was in a silly mood and hung upside down for it seemed like an hour.

....his plumage is really pretty-- and a feather will come out now and then- I save them.

When I was in collage I house sat some folks with an African Grey Parrot- -- so I thought I knew how this would go- but man- you cant know what it is like unless you try it.   A parrot IS another ballgame.

(in reply to lioncub)

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RE: Parrot Advice - 8/13/2009 9:45:24 PM

pahunkboy

Posts: 33061
Joined: 2/26/2006
From: Central Pennsylvania
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..BTW- one point the animal rights people think- and I concur with this.. is when a parrot bites the owner it is the owners fault. ALWAYS. It is never the birds fault.

Ponder that for a while... as it is the truth.

With my parrot- he pretty much is adult- he does not want me in his space- so- I wont expect to train him to be on my hand. He does let me in his cage.

(in reply to pahunkboy)

Post #: 17

RE: Parrot Advice - 8/13/2009 10:35:28 PM

ThatDamnedPanda

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I hope Lady Hibiscus sees this thread soon. She knows parrots like Carter's knows little pills.

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Panda, panda, burning bright
In the forest of the night
What immortal hand or eye
Made you all black and white and roly-poly like that?

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RE: Parrot Advice - 8/14/2009 4:27:40 AM

MsFlutter

Posts: 1305
Joined: 11/12/2008
From: East Coast
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I have a Timneh (similar to an African Grey) that I rescued from a pet store a bunch of years ago.

He will talk your ear off and give kisses but hand-perching is out of the question. He's tagged me twice to tell me that he really did NOT want me to touch him. He tells me when its time to cover his cage at night. He stands on top of his cage and spreads his wings when he wants a shower from the spray bottle. Fruits and veggies are important, ice cream can be a bribe and chocolate is bad.

Before taking on any bird, be sure you are within reasonable distance of an avian vet. Birds never look sick until they are really sick. The vet will also be able to perform wing and nail clipping for you. That's useful because the parrot will cop an attitude with the vet but perceives YOU as the rescuer when its time to go home.

Birds are typically good travelers - mine go for rides with me frequently. I do this so they don't stress about 'traveling' automatically equating to 'going to the vet'. Have a good carrier handy.

Using a towel with birds is better because towels dont have a particular shape. The bird will associate the gloves with hands - and hands with some activity they may not like. They are smart and will bite the shape they recognize. Note - there is a difference between 'beaking' and 'biting'

With a little practice, you can develop a technique for creating a pretty passable 'birdie burrito' if you ever get comfortable enough to do wings and nails yourself. Dont use the same color towel every time - change it out so they dont associate any particular color with any particular 'event' that stresses them a bit.

I know several birds that LOVE their BirdBuddies and 'bird bunkers'. My parrots love to hide in things..grocery bags, draperies, blankets, etc.

Here's some more useful info

Parrots do not tolerate inattention well - they engage in self-mutilation and other destructive behaviors as a result. They are intelligent creatures that require a LOT of time and they love to learn. They are like bright little kids who live a realllllllllly long time.

Your house may get noisy and there will be feathers, corn and pieces of toys everywhere but it will never be boring :)

< Message edited by MsFlutter -- 8/14/2009 4:48:28 AM >

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Post #: 19

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