New to parrots

[op2myst]

Hi, I'm in my mid 50's with experience with dogs, cats, and mice as companion animals. I've been volunteering one day per month at a parrot rescue an hour from my home for about one year. I've read several books about parrot care, the latest by Michael Sazhin. My potential friend is Tasha, an Alexandrine parakeet who was neglected in a basement for some time and covered with boric acid powder when she was surrendered. She has been at the rescue for 3 years. Prior to rescue she plucked out all her chest feathers and she is shy, but otherwise seems calm and healthy. My concerns are my 3 small/medium sized dogs, the time commitment, and my ignorance. Am planning to foster her initially for a few months, and if we work out, to adopt her permanently. I'm happy to find this forum with so many experienced parrot owners and so much useful information. Thank you!

 

[RavensGryf]

Welcome to the forum. I think it's wonderful that you've already read about parrots and volunteer at a rescue! That's the BEST way to learn... to be with the different species of parrots first hand. The books give general guidelines to supplement your experience. You say you're concerned about your "ignorance" yet it sounds like you've already done more homework than many people. Keep doing what you're doing, and you'll be on the right track when you meet the perfect bird for you, whether it's Tasha or someone else.

 

[Ducatimom]

Welcome to the forum!

Dogs can learn to maybe not get along with your new family member, but at least tolerate him and not look at him as food all the time. We have two dogs of our own. It took a couple weeks. Our little one would try and catch Ducati when he'd fly over. Now it doesn't even phase them. Our cat never even cared. We still lock the dogs up when we leave for work because we don't trust them to not mess with Ducati when they're by themselves. But I have hope that eventually they will get over their initial curiosity.

 

[Betrisher]

Ooo, I love that you've had mice as companion animals! I used to breed fancy mice (not so long ago, either) and miss them very much.

As others have said, dogs can get used to parrots and will come to ignore them while they're in their cages if you handle things correctly. We've recently adopted a new young dog and she was extremely interested in all the flapping going on in our cages. She would yelp and jump up and carry on like a pork chop. All it took was for us to consistently lead her away from the cages when she got excited. Now, she doesn't even look at them.

Of course, it's a different matter when the birds are out of their cages. Most dogs have some kind of prey drive and so, for safety's sake, Rox is shut out when the birds are exercising. I don't think it's fair to put a flapping, squawking creature in her vicinity and then expect her to restrain herself. Better to be safe than sorry!

I hope you bond well with your Alexandrine and become fast friends. They really do make a wonderful companion bird! They're clever and funny and loyal and extremely interested in everything that people do. While mine don't like to be touched or handled excessively, they still prefer to be on me than anywhere else in the room. They also like to taste everything I might touch or use (just keeping me safe from harm, y'know?). Best of luck with it and do let us know how you get on!

 

[Allee]

Hello and welcome! Volunteering at a rescue is such a great way to learn about parrots.

My dogs are never allowed in the room when my birds are out but they are fine when the birds are in the cage. Just takes some extra time until the dogs know the birds are always off limits, and they aren't to touch the cages or bark at the birds.

Good luck with your foster. Tasha sounds like a real special bird in need of a special home and human. Thank you for getting involved.

 

[op2myst]

Thanks all!! Tasha has been with us since August 30th and the dogs don't pay any attention to her. She is so sweet and even if she's upset at me (for putting my hand near her in her cage) she just touches me with her beak, no biting! She talks to me (in Alexandrine) and is very interested in anything I'm eating. I'm trying to tame her by never trying to touch her if she's not agreeable (she lets me stroke her beak through the bars) and by clicker training for her favorite treats (macadamia nuts and almonds). She hates vegetables, but I'm still trying. I have 3-4 toys in her cage at a time, which she seems to enjoy. I just can't wait until trusts me enough to step up, and maybe have some out-of-cage time!!

 

[Featheredsamurai]

I'm so impressed that you did volunteer work at a parrot rescue first, that is incredible and a wonderful thing to be able to do for people without hands on bird experience.

Wow, poor Tasha how tragic that is! It breaks my heart to know birds are neglected or abused, my own Rosie had been in a abusive home, then was rescued ink a neglectful one D: so much amazing information here, you'll be amazed by how much you'll learn.

As for dogs, it's easier that you have small medium rather than large. I have two small dogs and one medium. From day one I tought my dogs to fear and respect Rosie, and now Kenji. (Not intentional feat though, but having wings open and a bird scream at you was scary for all my dogs).

My dogs have such a great respect for my fids, exept Shaymus who is too dangerous for the dogs. Just takes time and observation, we understand our dogs, don't allow them to get excited and start bounding around. That's a easy way the fids may be unintentionally harmed.

 

[Betrisher]

Great news and thanks for letting us know that Tasha is now at home with you. It seems as though you're off to an excellent start and your patience is a great platform to work from. Many Alexes (mine included) don't like to be touched by way of hugging or snuggling. That doesn't mean they won't allow you to step them up, though! Here's a favourite video of mine that shows a good way of step up training:

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pe0pW5v7vOs"]Parrot Training Clips from Parrot Care & Training Seminar - YouTube[/ame]

Just keep on as you are with Tasha and be willing to spend long periods just sitting with her. I'd keep the macadamias as an extra-special treat as they're a bit on the fatty side. You might squash them up and use the bits as training treats if Tasha likes them so much.

Do stay in touch! Ask questions if you have them and please post photos of the lovely Tasha!