Adopting a breeder bird?

[VICTORYCC124]

Hey guys, as update I think it's important to first of give everyone my background. I currently have a Blue headed Pious who's 3, a Yellow-sided Green Cheek Conure who'd also 3 years, and a Congo African Grey who will be 5 in a couple days. My Pionus came to me a feathered wreck. Looked to be abused, neglected, and she was terrified of everything & everyone. We worked thru it. Now she is not so jumpy, and she is my sweetheart. We have a very strong bond. My GCC came to us sweet then a stinker/jerk, but he's a pretty good boy, although can be moody. He's good. We love him. My CAG came to us hatched from an egg buy this elderly woman who raised Baby right up until we got her. She's learning a lot about attitude from the other two, but also how to trust (from them) as well. She's building bonds with everyone in my house, even the 5 year old (who doesn't hold her, but talks to her and gives her treats). We've come a long way, the birds and the humans. Learning so much from each other, and building really awesome bonds. We absolutely love our birds.
Now... My 14 year has been on me for over a year. He wants a Bronze Wing Pionus. As most know, they're not easy to find. I've been given the opportunity to adopt one that is 5 years old (which is perfect to us, we prefer no babies), but she is a breeder bird. This guy has had her for the last 4 years or so, of her life. Can anyone please give me some insight here on what to expect, and/or how to prepare? Of course, this is a lot to take on for a 14 year old, but he has me to help him and work with him EVERY step of the way. I look forward to this, and so does he. Anyway, thoughts please. TIA

 

[SilleIN]

I don't know if my experience can be of help to you, but here goes.

I have recently gotten a 22 year old scarlet macaw, who has been a breeder bird in an outdoor aviary for the past 21 years.

He has settled in very nicely. He is not too trusting of men, as the only interaction he had, was when he got netted and moved to another aviary by men.

The "troubles" with him has been to teach him how to act around humans. To start with , when he would say "no" to something he would really chomp down. He has now learned to nip and doesn't draw blood anymore. He still has to learn that we don't appreciate his little love bites here and there.

The upside is he is really good at bird language and getting him to get along with the other birds has been a breeze (the others really like to hang out on his cage, however once in a while, he wants them to go home and he will bite their tail. Other than that, no problem at all).

I don't know how much she has been handled, but since she is a breeder, you will probably expect to tame her all over again. Compared to a rescue, who has a lot of trust issues because of ill treatment, my experience has been, it has been easier to get a breeder bird tamed, than a rescue.

I would go and see her and get a feel for her. Then make your decision based on gut feeling. That's what I tend to do when dealing with birds

Good luck. Hopefully someone with experience with pionus will write as well

 

[Loko]

I dont have personal experiencewith this but will say, it is not impossible. If she is being seperated from her mate, it is likely she will go through a period of depression, on top of that, learning to trust humans where she is used to being around her own kind. If she was hand raised, it will be a bit easier to "re tame" her, than if not. Regardless, I think it will definitely be a project and a half, but with proper socialization, stimulation, environment, and lots of patience and love, I think there is a good chance she can be a good companion. She may never be fully tame like a handraised bird - she may always be wary of hands and being touched, and it may be more of a hands off relationship, but I have seen previous breeder birds or wild caught that come around very well.. some never like hands but will sit on your arm or shoulder, and some you cant even tell they were never pets. The first few months will no doubt he the hardest, and will be a huge transition for her, so patience is necessary. Im not so sure its something right for a 14 year old, more for an experienced owner who has the patience and ability to see subtle things that most others would miss. I know when I was that young I wanted things quick, and not sure if I wouldve been happy having to work through 6 months just to get her to take a treat from my hand. It all depends on the specific bird - how it reacts to humans, and how well it adjusts. From what Ive heard, Pionus are not the most fond of change either. Not discouraging you, just laying out the truth that it may be a challenge, and experience is pretty necessary to keep things going in a positive direction. I would go visit the bird and judge it by the reaction. You will see if the bird is deathly afraid or aggressive towards humans or used to them. It really depends on her personality and experiences, she may fit right in from day one with some simple behavioral adjistments needed, or she may be phobic of humans. Only way to tell is to go visit her. Either way, good luck!