New Parrot owner

[Robuk]

Hi All

I purchased my first Parrot last week. As a new owner i'd like to know more about what their body language means and noises. Sometimes he'll be in his cage and pin his wings back as if trying to stretch them, sometimes he'll stand on one foot, sometimes he'll ruffle his feathers.

Also sometimes if i go to get him to climb onto my hand he'll crouch down and go to nip me, same if i got to stroke him or tickle his head. What is the best way to stop this and also how can i begin to train him on commands.

He is a 7 year old male.

Hope to hear from you all soon with some top tips

Thanks
Rob

 

[wenz2712]

Welcome to the forum What type of Parrot do you have?

 

[Robuk]

I have an African Grey

 

[MaraWentz]

Take your time he may not be ready for all that lovey dovey, holding and head scratching time yet. When they stand on one foot with feathers ruffled usually it means their tired and ready for a nap or bed. My Mommom has an african grey and she says when the feathers are pinned down she is agitated and best o let her be, but then again the only time I can touch her is when her feathers are pinned down. If she's stretching her wing out it's a sign of affection, but doesn't mean run over and grab him, as he obviously isnt that affectionate yet. Every bird is different. It will be a learning process- for both of you. Each of you have boundaries not be crossed and you will both find out what they are.

 

[Zer0Kool]

Hello Rob,
Glad you got a into the hobby of owning a parrot. I use to own an African Gray Congo and will give you some helpful advice.

To begain with, birds are sensative creatures and due regard should be practiced at all times. Anytime you handle your gray, make sure your hands are clean.

The African Gray parrot is a great mimicing and talking bird. However, when it comes to holding them, they are much like cats. Gray's will let you know when they don't want to be bothered. However, you still need to show it who the owner really is. (Refer to training guides).

African Gray parrots can become sick very easy, and are susceptible to different illness. Do your best to keep his or her environment clean. Also, they need a welth of calcium, sunlight (Natural) and vitamines.

I lost my African Gray to a bacterial infection that was too late to treat. Parrots have seperation anxiety. If they are sick, they may not let you know till it's too late. I don't mean to sound so negative, but helping to know your bird like the back of your hand may safe their life.

Also, don't kiss on the first date, 900 lbs of pressure hurts...lol....African Grays need a lot of affection & attention. Get your bird a lot of toys, and switch them out often so it does not get board. When Grays get board, they become self destructive.

There is a welth of information on being a great owner. I wish you good luck,and many years of love and companionship with you new friend...God Bless...

 

[4theBirds]

welcome to the Forum. In my opinion, Greys are the most sensitive, affectionate and intelligent parrots. We've had Greys for 20+ years. Your Grey is a mature bird and is probably somewhat set in his ways. They do crave attention and are excellent companions.

Ruffled feathers and standing on one foot means, he's contented and wants to rest. Wagging the tail is a sign of being happy. Eyes pinning (the iris dialates and closes) is a sign of excitement.

It's important to realize that the beak is a very sensative part of your companion. It's used to explore as well as eat and defend. A gentle grab with the beak often steadies your bird. He may also "beak" your hand or fingers. Watch your friend carefully and you will notice when he's about to bite for real vs. just exploring.

Our two often raise their claw "begging" for a treat.

 

[antoinette]

Welcome, great forum, congrat's with your new addiction.　
Great advise from members above.

Top on your list, a visit to an avian vet is a must. Let the bird be checked over, peace of mind for a healthy bird. Your bird must have time to settle down and adjust. Just imagine how many new things the bird has encountered, during the past week. So many new faces and voices, it must be so scary, having been removed from his space of 7 years.
To gain your trust could take days, weeks, months even years. Each and every bird is so different. He obviously feels a comfort zone is his cage.
Sit near the cage, talking and singing to the bird. Let him become familiar with your voice. Leaving the cage door open, offer him treats through the bars at first. When he willingly accepts them, try placing a treat near the open door. Eventually he will starts taking the treats from the door, make no attempt to touch him. When he does come out, he will probably climb around on the cage. Let him explore in his own time. To get him back in, place a treat inside the cage, making sure it's visible.
When out the cage, he is jumpy. Are there perhaps not to many children surrounding him at one time. He might not be used to children, they may be excited being near him. Let them sit quietly, (which is difficult for any child) in the same room, for him to to become familiar with them as well. Please always be present, when the children are in the same room as him, especially if he is outside the cage. Birds can be extremely unpredictable, one of them could make a loud noise, and startled the bird, resulting in the bird biting one of them.
Please read the link below, very informative, so much to learn from it.


http://www.birdguys.com/pet-bird-articles-parrot.html


Good luck

 

[lotosha]

Hi All

I purchased my first Parrot last week. As a new owner i'd like to know more about what their body language means and noises. Sometimes he'll be in his cage and pin his wings back as if trying to stretch them, sometimes he'll stand on one foot, sometimes he'll ruffle his feathers.

Also sometimes if i go to get him to climb onto my hand he'll crouch down and go to nip me, same if i got to stroke him or tickle his head. What is the best way to stop this and also how can i begin to train him on commands.

He is a 7 year old male.

Hope to hear from you all soon with some top tips

Thanks
Rob

I am also relatively new AG owner, so still learning her body language. I can only say that standing on 1 leg is pretty normal.

Good luck with your new family member.

 

[timeh]

Im a new parrot owner also, a CAG rehomed. I love her and am devoted to her. Within 3 weeks of having her she has laid 3 eggs. Infertile..she is approx 15yrs old & this her 2nd clutch that we know of. She is not aggressive to me around her eggs, etc was told to let her sit for approx mo. I have made some changes to her environment, cover cage eves, etc. I would like more definitive advice. thanx all...

 

[lotosha]

Robuk and timeh congratulations on a new family addition. Enjoy your birds, they are awesome.