Hawk Head Parrot

[JensFlock]

A friend of mine is rehoming most of her birds and I'm taking in a hawkhead.
He's sweet with me, but with some people he can show a little feisty side. (to say the least!!!)
Has anybody had any experience with them? This is the only one I've ever seen and there's not much info on the web other than the basics.
I'm taking him no matter what, and I love him to death, I just like to research things so I know everything I can.

 

[cdog]

Oh my gosh, you are so lucky! Hawk heads are the coolest birds ever! I'm sorry I can't help with the advice but I have to tell you, post pics when you get him!

What I wouldn't give to just be able to see one in person.

 

[greycloud]

My best friend has an 8 yr old male HH. He is a great bird. He does prefer to not be touched. But he is a character. I talk to him over the phone several times a week. He is a goof. They are actually a bird for experienced avian people. They can tend to be moody. If you take your time you should do fine.

 

[JensFlock]

My friend is on vacation, so I'm going to her house and "babysitting" her 12 parrots. It's like a zoo. Sebastian, my soon-to-be new hawkhead likes to fly and land on my head.
He steps up for me, flies to me, and talks to me, but he doesn't like to be touched, either. When I tried, he gave me a little hiss and lunged at my finger, but didn't give me a real bite. He just kind of grabbed my finger and let go. He likes to give kisses, but it took me a little while to trust that one.
I have to find out his whole story, but I think he's around 7 or 8.
I'll definitely post some pics when I get him home.

 

[PetoftheDay]

Cool, congrats on the future new addition! It's great that you are getting to know him before the big move, that should help a lot!

 

[henpecked]

How does he get along with the other 11 birds? My experience is many don't get along with other birds.

 

[RescueMe]

All I can say is that I am so very jealous. I want a HH so badly and will in all likelihood end up buying one since they are so difficult to find. I'm not adding one anytime soon, but that is the plan.

 

[jaimmorr]

Wow, congrats! Pics would be awesome! I did a little bit of research on them when trying to pick a species and they are so very cool looking, but I decided they're a little bit too nippy for me. At least that's what I read. Good luck with the little guy! (P.S. I LOVE his name!)

 

[Featheredsamurai]

Those are awesome birds Soooo pretty! They like to bluff a lot and will act like they are going to bite you but don't, if you pull away they have won and might cause problems. Just remember to not pull away and if you do get bit at least your bird won't think it's able to intimidate you

 

[JensFlock]

henpecked, he's good with other birds. He's used to them being around. He has a couple that he's buddies with, and tolerates the others.
copper, my friend with the bird told me the same thing, and he's tried to bluff, but I didn't move, and he's never bitten me. From being around my friend's birds (from a lovebird to macaws and cockatoos), I've learned a lot. I'm not afraid of a bite. I don't want one, but if I get bit, I'm not flinching. My eyes might pop out of my head, but I won't flinch.
If you put your hand up to him and he lunges at you and you move, he'll bite you hard and then laugh hysterically. It's adorable.

 

[mysteryfoxes]

Dive bomb! Hehe. Oh Sebastian. He's a sweetie. I'm sure he'll blend right in with your flock.

 

[IcyWolf]

All I have to say is that I'm super jealous! I love hawk heads although I've never actually met one! They are such rare birds, at least around here, you're so lucky that you not only got to meet one but it sounds like he really picked you! Good luck with him, I'm sure he will fit right in with your flock.

 

[JensFlock]

Thanks everybody, for your help.
MysteryFoxes met him in person. I will definitely get some pics on here. I'm hoping to bring him home this week.

 

[keepsmiling]

Congrats on your soon to be new Hawkheaded Parrot. I have one also. He is 17 years old.

 

[Alisana]

Nice little read here Old World Aviaries: Hawk-headed Parrots

 

[Alisana]

Nice little read here Old World Aviaries: Hawk-headed Parrots

You also have:
Hawk-headed Parrot, Red Fan Parrot, Deroptyus accipitrinus Information on Hawk-Heads and Hawk-headed Parrots or Red-fan Parrots

Best of luck with your guy

 

[JensFlock]

Thank you everybody!!!! I'll let you know when he comes home.