Neglected Parrot With Severe Anxiety

[Gretchhappens]

I've recently "met" my partners dad's Australian Ringmeck which he acquired unwillingly from his brother who unwillingly acquired him from his mother who unwillingly acquired him etc etc. He's unbonded, hasn't been out of his cage in 2 years, and shakes if you get too close to him. I can't stand seeing any bird trapped in a cage like this and started trying to bond with him. He's given food and water and in a room with light but other than that has little human contact. I've taken to sitting in the room with him playing music (he LOVES the Vengaboys) and talking to him and offering apple slices but he won't come near me. I'm worried to try and get him out of the cage too quickly and scare him but I don't know what to do to make him more comfortable around me. The bird is also about 7 or 8 years old and like I said he's changed hands a couple times and never bonded with anyone. What can I do to have him bond and trust me more? In all honesty ive always been terrified of birds and never wanted one so this is all entirely new to me...

 

[wrench13]

Hi There! Well for someone who is scared of birds, and never owned one, your doing amazingly well and hitting the right notes. First, read, read read the threads in this forum - there are literally hundreds of years of experience when totalled up , on this forum. Second, move at the parrots pace , not yours. Lower your expectations, in fact have no expectations - this little guy may never move much beyond where he is now. Its not likely, but .. Third, keep up what your doing. Sitting and reading to him, offering treats and good vibes ( parrots are astonishingly aware of our moods and feelings). Move your chair, just that tiny bit closer to him every time you sit and read to him, and back off that tiny bit if he gets upset only to try again tomorrow. Offer him a varied diet of veggies, fruit, a good quality pellet and seeds, in that order of quantity. If he's not there, go slowly to change his diet. Tons of info on how to do that in the sub-forum . Lastly, THANK YOU for taking in this parrot, who is in this state thru no fault of his own. He did not ask to be cared for by Humans but here he is. With your patience, care and love, he can become a loving life long companion and friend. Thanks again, and Welcome.

 

[Gretchhappens]

Thanks! I'm really trying because whatever fear I have for birds (parrots and parakeets especially) isn't nearly as bad as a poor creature being locked in a cage without love. My partner let him out (against my better judgement since he's so skittish) but I'm happy he has some time to stretch his wings as well. I know older birds can bond with people and I really hope he finds some sort of comfort with me being there and talking to him and playing music. I've also taken on the habit of leaving the radio on for him when I'm not there so he has something to dance to.