New Parrot Baby/New Owner

[KasiaAndy]

Hello Everyone,

This is my first post in this forum.
We are expecting our new family member to arrive tomorrow.
It will either be a pineapple or cinnamon conure.
Both will arrive for us to choose the one we want.

While I'm sure a lot of people have asked this, are there any tips for new parrot parents? Anything we should ask the breeder before they bring the new family member home (we have already asked about their diet)

My partner has had 2 parrots in the past, but I have not.

We are hoping with the Canada Day weekend upon us, we will be able to have a long weekend for our new bird friend to adjust to new environment and us.

Additionally, we are still on a hunt for a name. We are not sure if it's a male or female.

Ideas for male included: Rex (as in T-Rex because they look like little dinosaurs when walking) and Chico.

Ideas for female included: Sunny and Peach (as in Princess Peach).

One more thing I wanted to ask. Both of us work day shifts and will hate to leave our new friend home alone. Can we make this easier for them? Is putting music on for them a good idea? Or background sounds? Is there anything I can do in the morning to make my departure for work easier for them?

Again, any help would be appreciated.

Thank you,

Kasia

 

[Classy]

Congrats! I really like the name Chico for a boy and Peach for a girl. But, there is no way to tell what gender they are by just looking at them. You have to get a blood test done, so unless the breeder is doing that you'll have no idea what gender your new baby is. I mean if you have done your research I don't really know any good tips I can give, but when you are gone from the house for work you can try putting on some cartoons or TV shows. Parrots really like to watch TV so that could help entertain them while you are out of the house + the toys you have for the new baby. Congrats!

 

[Terry57]

Hello & welcome Kasia!

Here are a couple of links you may find helpful:

http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/49144-tips-bonding-building-trust.html

http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-food-recipes-diet/24213-bird-safe-fresh-foods-toxic-food-lists-sprouts.html

We have music playing all day for our birds, they really seem to enjoy it. I would suggest having lots of toys for them to keep themselves occupied while you are at work as well.
I hope you have a wonderful Canada Day long weekend with your new baby and hope to see pictures of your new baby!

 

[DoubleTake]

After my fiasco with trying to find my lovebird it has made me a bit cautious buying from breeders. Is this breeder well known? Does he have a health guarantee? I had every bird i bought tested for diseases, which i am glad i did. If i didnt my current birds already living with me may have not survived.

Im sure your partner knows but one of the most overlooked things new birds forget is their cookware. If you have teflon plans, please keep the baby away from the kitchen. Put him/her in a room, open a window and close the door. I normally leave the radio on for my guys if i am gone fore more than a few hours. Good luck and congrats on the new baby!

 

[Aratingettar]

Hi Kasia,
Green cheek conure is IMHO a great choice, all conures are

Try to intereact with your new baby as much as possible. In the morning before departing to work, let your friend be with you e.g. when preparing him/her the food, changing the water etc. I don't have much experience with leaving a conure unattended, as my Cytrynka is lucky to always have someone with her.

Btw, your name seems familiar to me, may I ask if you have Polish roots?

 

[MonicaMc]

Can you find what what mutation the parents are?

I'm thinking that if these two are clutchmates, the cinnamon might be a male and the pineapple a female. It all depends on what mutations the parents are, though! And may be able to help save you paying for a DNA test!


As mentioned, it is a good idea to figure out what household items are safe vs toxic, starting with your cooking pans. This can also include hairdryers, toaster ovens, ovens, candles, air fresheners, plants, etc. The key "ingredient" we are looking for is PTFE (*ONE* brand name is Teflon, but there are other names out there that it can go under)

 

[KasiaAndy]

We can definitely try to find out. Thank you!

All of our pans are T-Fal which based on the research I have done, are non-Teflon. I will check the other items.

 

[KasiaAndy]

Yes, my name is polish. I see Cytrynka name is polish too. Very fitting!

 

[GaleriaGila]

T-Fal is considered unsafe, too, according to what I hear and read...
https://www.google.com/search?q=t+f...ome..69i57.10902j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
I'm glad you're here, reaching out. You'll be a great addition to our community.

 

[KasiaAndy]

Thank you for forwarding this information.
I appreciate it.

 

[sweetpeamusic]

Congratulations on your new bird! I remember one of the most important things Nico's breeder told me is to only purchase toys from reputable sellers who sell their toys either packaged, away from live birds, or both. She told me that parrots can contract PBFD (Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease) from feather dander that can land on toys in stores that sell them close to other birds. PBFD is often fatal and has no cure, so definitely don't want your bird to be exposed to it! Good sellers will also sell toys that are safe for your bird to play with, which isn't always the case with bird toys.
I would also make sure your birds get a checkup from a vet as soon as possible, and take things easy the first few days since it's a big change that can stress them out.

I love the name Chico, probably because it's very close to the name I chose for my bird lol. I love names that end in "o".

 

[Aratingettar]

One more advice, regarding making the choice. You write that you'll see both birds, and will be allowed to choose one.
Don't choose the bird. Allow the bird to choose you. Get the bird that will want to interact and be with you, not necessarily the one that will look better to you. It's a conure, so it's beautiful anyway

 

[KasiaAndy]

Ah yes, we will definitely see which one is calmer around us and wants to interact more.

Today is the day! I'm excited!

 

[Aratingettar]

And pics, pics, pics...... please

 

[EllenD]

T-Fal pans are NOT SAFE!!!! They still have a non-stick coating on them that once it reaches a certain temperature releases fatal fumes to your bird...you cannot cook with them at all!!! This kills birds instantly, there is nothing you can do about it...So please, toss them! You need to get either ceramic non-stick, cast-iron, stainless steel, etc. That's it...

Don't mean to be harsh in your first post, lol, just don't want a tragedy with your new baby! Even locking them behind a latched door does not stop the fumes...Congrats, and let us know which bird you choose, and photos!!!

 

[wrench13]

Make sure the babies are 100% weaned and eating solid food on their own. DO not accept a baby parrot that needs 1 or 2 feedings a day. NO! Come back in 2-3 weeks and then make your selection. If this breeder says "Oh hand feeding them makes the bond stronger" NO! Inexperienced people doing hand feeding makes dead babies.
THey should be fully fledged and flighted before going off to a new home. Anything else is a breeder trying to move inventory to make room for new.

 

[KasiaAndy]

Thank you everyone for the warm welcome and the advice.
We really appreciate all of the information provided.

Without further ado, here is our baby. (No name yet)

 

[Classy]

So cute! Congratulations and enjoy your new feathered friend.

 

[KasiaAndy]

Hello,

One of my pans is PFOA free.. is that the same as PTFE free?

Please let me know as I'm not an expert and not sure what the difference is.

Thank you,

Kasia

 

[Aratingettar]

Such a lovely conure . Do you know if it's a male or female?
Regarding pans, it's best if you post brand name and model if you know and maybe someone with the knowledge will comment on that. Until then, I'd avoid using it if it's a nonstick other than ceramic.