Novice saying hello

[Nina_W]

Hello ParrotForums!

I don't have a parrot, yet, and am joining here before I adopt a bird. I am in contact with a local parrot rescue, they have you come in and meet the birds a few times, to build a bond with your intended bird, before checking that you have appropriate caging and so on - and only then can you adopt.

We have never had birds in the family. What prompted my interest was a friend of a friend of a colleague's distant family (or something like that) trying to find a new home for their badly plucked cockatiel. They bought the bird for the kids, who got bored, it was neglected, and so we ended up at the above. In trying to help, I started reading about pet parrots, and I was fascinated. And horrified, at how poorly they are treated so very often. I also discovered our local parrot rescue.

The little cockatiel's story ends abruptly, they had it put to sleep at a vet, for reasons unknown to me.

I'm a portrait artist, working from my home studio, and I've been thinking and thinking and thinking how lovely it would be to have a birdy as a companion.

But! I know that I know nothing at all. So, here I am, ready to learn. Any good books you can recommend? Where should I start?

I'll admit, I'm really keen on a smaller parrot, a poicephalus or a small amazon, or a parakeet... any recommendations for a first parrot of this kind? I'll also let the rescue guide me here. Better to get a bird well suited to me, than one that meets an arbitrary list of attributes made up by someone without good knowledge

Hello, everyone. It is a pleasure to meet you all, and to join you, even if as an outsider for now.

 

[Flboy]

Hello and welcome!

 

[LauraC]

Hello Nina,

It sounds like you are doing all the right things to be an educated first time Parront ��.

I bought myself Bird for Dummies and read that when I got my first bird. Also be sure to read the threads on this forum about things that are toxic to birds. Cooking with teflon is a big NO NO. Also there are foods that are toxic like avacodos and chocolate. There is a whole list of the NO NO foods on this site or you can google it. When you clean your house with cleaning products it is best to move your bird into a room that you are not cleaning.

As far as what bird you should get, many on this site will say let the bird pick you. Go visit the rescue place. Birds can live a long time so you want it to be a right fit for both of you.

Please keep us posted on which feather friend you take home from the rescue and Welcome to the forum.

 

[Nina_W]

Hi David, Hello LauraC.

I'm headed for the rescue, Brainy Birds, on Monday.

Birds for dummies sounds like a good idea. Thanks for directing me to read about everything toxic to birds.

I'll definitely keep you all posted, first things first, though, just go and meet the birds They have over 200 birds at the rescue, isn't that terribly sad?

 

[Scott]

Welcome to the forums, Nina! Love your beautiful introduction and deeply respect your motivations and preparation! While there is much to be learned, the hardest part is acclimating to the realities of living with a companion parrot. Working with a rescue will give hands-on experience and invaluable insight.

Once you have a few finalists selected, letting the bird choose you is often the bedrock for success. Bonding is a two way street, and many members can attest to this wisdom.

A few informative threads:
http://www.parrotforums.com/general...species-precautions-emergency-procedures.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/8769-so-you-want-get-parrot-first-time.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/12857-top-10-hazards-companion-birds.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/7244-parrot-me.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/general...e-s-pfoa-s-silicon-ceramic-cook-bakeware.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-...afe-fresh-foods-toxic-food-lists-sprouts.html

 

[Terry57]

Hello Nina and welcome! I think it's great that you are doing your research and going to the rescue to meet the birds. I think that whichever bird picks you will be very lucky

 

[bigfellasdad]

Hi Nina, a rescue is perfect. keep your mind open to the bird you want, maybe you will be fortunate and one of the birds chooses YOU. Half the battle won already

good luck and welcome !

 

[itzjbean]

Hello Nina! Joining the forums here is a great place to start, there is an abundance of information and members here who have owned all kinds of species of parrots!

Be sure to check out this thread: The cost of owning parrots! It will give you insight into what it costs for proper care, especially the larger species like Amazons, Cockatoos, Macaws, Greys!

 

[smbrds]

Welcome to the forum and wonderful about the rescue. You will find this forum to be very helpful with a wealth of information.

 

[DAislandR]

Hi Nina!
Glad you're here... I am a future "parront" myself. I think it amazing that you are looking to adopt a rescue. I am open to the idea but I have to be sure I can find the right bird for my household. I am leaning towards a Quaker. If you hear of a rescue in or near TX with Quakers, let me know!!
Good luck and enjoy! Birds are amazing creatures... No other pet like them! (My mom has one, that's how I know.)

 

[Soyajam]

Hi and welcome Nina!

It's good you're going to the rescue, good to meet all the birds.
I've found there's no good "first bird". You either have the exact bird in mind, or the bird you meet ends up matching you perfectly, even if you didn't intend to have that species.

The forum is completely bursting with advice, the threads others have posted here contain awesome information.

If there's any advice as someone who's owned their first bird for less than a month? No matter how much research you do, you're not ready lol. For me it was like having a baby bit a bit more sleep :\

 

[Nina_W]

Thanks so much for the warm welcome, everyone.

I've been reading so many threads. Heh!

I also read Mytoos in its entirety. That's an eye opener for sure. A good one, I think. Cockatoos were never something I thought about in that way, though I've never met one in person, cuddly or otherwise! I wonder how much of that applies to all companion parrots?

 

[Loz]

WELCOME NINA!
I've recently become a parront and like you, joined the forum prior to getting a bird. It's been a lovely experience and there's endless information available(thank you! Lol). I think what you're doing is wonderful and future parrot will be fortunate. Please keep us updated!

 

[Scott]

I also read Mytoos in its entirety. That's an eye opener for sure. A good one, I think. Cockatoos were never something I thought about in that way, though I've never met one in person, cuddly or otherwise! I wonder how much of that applies to all companion parrots?

Everything about Mytoos is relevant but does not equally apply to all cockatoos. A good read to balance the initial euphoria when meeting a beautiful, cuddly, chatty cockatoo. None of my cockatoos present nor act like the worst examples.

All parrots are capable of mutilation and neurotic behavior, just not typically as extreme as a cockatoo. The "bell curve" of behavior is pretty well distributed, but cockatoos do occupy some of the more extremes.

 

[Nina_W]

Everything about Mytoos is relevant but does not equally apply to all cockatoos. A good read to balance the initial euphoria when meeting a beautiful, cuddly, chatty cockatoo. None of my cockatoos present nor act like the worst examples.

All parrots are capable of mutilation and neurotic behavior, just not typically as extreme as a cockatoo. The "bell curve" of behavior is pretty well distributed, but cockatoos do occupy some of the more extremes.

Ok! That's good to know
In that sense, adopting an adult bird is nice. You have an idea of the personality.

I'm quite familiar with clicker training from training my doggies, so it's been nice to read how it's used with parrots also. I'm currently listening to a webinar by Barbara Heidenreich (you can find it here: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/rescuedparrot?autoplay=1), which is very informative. Next up I think will be reading up on parrot body language, suggestions would be welcome.

I'm also taking myself off to a large specialist avian pet shop tomorrow to look at cages, get an idea of what they cost (I have some idea already, having searched around online, but always good to know what's in a store nearby also) and what options there are available. Get my hands on some of them, open and close things... in general just fiddle a bit with the realities of bird cages. It will also be good to price food and toys, and to get a sense of the variety of options.

We have only one avian speciality vet in the province, but they are conveniently within 30 minutes' drive, and my nearby vet will take in birds in an emergency, in order to stabilise them for transfer to the avian vet. We also have a veterinary teaching hospital about 45 minutes drive away, where we can also get quality vet care for a pet bird.

We do not have any kind of qualified parrot behaviourist, it seems. A few people who claim expertise, but claiming expertise does not one a behaviourist make. My pomeranian dog is a rescue that came with some pretty difficult issues, and a behaviourist's help was invaluable in getting him to the lovable little guy he is today. It would have been good to have a professional on hand if it becomes necessary, but as of yet, no luck finding one. I'm planning on asking at the rescue too.

I am fully aware that dogs are predators and parrots prey, and that never the twain shall meet without risk - this is on my list of questions for the rescue. I've read on the forum here also, others' experiences with dogs and parrots.

Are there any dangers to parrots from an aquarium? I haven't found anything from searching. I have an aquarium with rainbow cichlids in our lounge area, and while I'm planning on having the actual bird house in my studio (there's a good 1.2 m by 0.9 m floor space in a corner, clear all the way to the ceiling, and I'm in there mostly also), future birdy will certainly spend time in the lounge with us at times. I can think of two - drowning, but then, the aquarium is well covered; and the additional risk of power cables, these are tucked into the stand and are nearly inaccessible. Do aquariums have pathogens that I need to be aware of beforehand?

Let me isolate my questions - a TLDR, of sorts:
Any suggestions for resources on parrot body language?
Parrots and aquariums?

Thanks everyone

 

[smbrds]

Thanks so much for the warm welcome, everyone.

I've been reading so many threads. Heh!

I also read Mytoos in its entirety. That's an eye opener for sure. A good one, I think. Cockatoos were never something I thought about in that way, though I've never met one in person, cuddly or otherwise! I wonder how much of that applies to all companion parrots?

Mytoos is definitely a needed eye opening tough love to the world of 'toos. They are special birds, and have "special" needs!! Like Scott says, doesn't apply to all and provides a nice balance. Something to have in mind when meeting 'toos in person. I remember my friend's moluccan and galah years ago. Loved both, both loved to be handled and of course the moluccan was expressing her excitement and happiness echos in the living room. The galah would happily just hop off my hand on the couch and waddle away in mischief while the moluccan would sit and cuddle while she was scratching herself! But surely boundaries are to be set, the bigger guys are 'toos be reckoned with!

 

[Squeekmouse]

Hi Nina! Welcome!

I work from home also, and my little Yoda (Green cheek conure) has truly made my home more alive, loving and wonderful. I hope you find the right one for you, you won't believe how sweet and amazing a parrot can be!

Good luck!