Inheriting a flock

[X45kylekatarn]

[Hey guys, I'm new to this forum, and I have a bunch of questions for you guys. I'm 17 years old, and am starting to breed reptiles, so I'm pretty busy with that. My mom has always been in to birds..she has a double yellow head Amazon, Congo Grey, Citron Sulfur crested cockatoo, rose breasted cockatoo, and 3 cockatiels. The prime of her interest in the parrot hobby was about 20 years ago. All of the big parrots, besides the Gallah, are 20+ years, the Gallah and cockatiels being about 10. Well, having a kid can put a damper on giving attention to parrots. Earlier this week, I bought a sun conure, I believe to be a male, named Helios. He's doing great, gets attention 24/7, and I want to get my moms flock comfortable with me and happy so I can give them the attention they deserve. They'll be around a lot longer than my mom, so they'll be my responsibility, and I don't like the thought of rehoming them, since my mom hand fed them since they were three weeks. Here's a rundown of the personalities. Karaoke, the Grey is timid, never makes a sound that isn't an imitation, but despite her timidness (no aggression she's just weary of me), I think she may like me the most. Sierra, the Amazon is also timid, and likes to have space but will talk to me and respond. Only Karaoke, Sierra, and Helios will take food from my hand. Rosie(how original), the Gallah has recently bonded to my mom's boyfriend, and he doesn't like anybody else. He is the only one to attack my Mom. He plays really rough with my mom's boyfriend, often biting and drawing blood "playfully". He doesn't mind because he's been a hard laborer his whole life, but snake bites make me bleed enough as it is. Maggie, the citron sulfur crested was my mom's pride and joy up until I was born. She has never liked me, and I credit it to my mom not giving her attention after I was born. The cockatiels are always angry when I come around (mouth open, lunging, etc). My question is what to do with all these guys, and where to start. I'm prepared to work hard to give these guys better lives. Any advice or resources would be much appreciated. Note that all of the birds have been well taken care of despite the lack of attention.

 

[Kiwibird]

Welcome to the forum. I think it's great you want to give the family flock more attention I would start by simply interacting with the birds more. Go in the bird room and talk to them, if any of them like being petted, pet them, offer them toys ext...

They sound well cared for, and it is SO rare for large parrots (especially cockatoos) to stay in the same family all their lives. Good job on your mom's part, and I'm so glad you're excited to inherit them someday! I grew up in a bird home too, and my parents birds are all in the 40+ year old range now. Funny enough, their cockatoo has also hated me since I was born. I can't say I "look forward" to inheriting Alfie I'll have to hire a bird whisperer for him lol. Keep in mind, when you have 3 or 4 of them, they don't get as lonely if theres a time in life where theres less human interaction. They have each other to squawk at. Doesn't mean they don't still need the human love of course, and I'm sure if you are patient and persistent, they will all grow used to you and come to enjoy the extra attention.

 

[X45kylekatarn]

That's what I've been trying to do, though they're mostly too scared to take toys. The Amazon, Grey, and of course my Sun Conure will take treats. The Cockatoos are picky eaters and the Gallah seems to feel it's indignant to take food from your hand, haha. My Conure is awesome, he's happy calm, and trains pretty well. I've already trained him to step up and touch a target.

My Conure doesn't know how to play with toys.

 

[SilverSage]

Can I just say bravo? How many times have I read a Craigslist ad saying that the owner died/went to a home, and now junior wants to sell all the birds? Either for top dollar or just as fast as he can, and it makes me sick. THANK YOU from me, and on behalf of your mothers birds who won't have to spend 40 years bounced from home to home. Bravo.

 

[X45kylekatarn]

Hey these guys hold great nostalgia for me too. I did grow up with these guys, after all. And how could I get rid of such interesting, amazing animals?