Overwhelmed

[rosco]

So, my GCC is my first bird, and boy did i pick a doozy. He was a rescue and i dont know his history, but it seems like he was abused or just mistreated early on as he is completely afraid of hands/arms and is very, very wary of humans in general. He won't let you hold him, pick him up or get near him without trying to bite you/run away. Im not really sure what to do.

Right now as it stands, his nails need to be trimmed (or would getting a gravely perch be better?), his beak seems like it is too long. Although, i dont really know how long the beak is supposed to be. I just feel like i can't really get him to a healthy state right now.

On a plus side, he will take food (mainly nuts) from my hand but thats about it.
Also, his diet is the Kaytee brand Forti-Diet for conures and lovebirds. Is this a good diet or should i change it to something else?

Any and all information would be very much appreciated. I really enjoy watching him and listening to him talk and want to be in the best possible health.

If you want pictures, i can get some soon.

Edit:Its only been a week since i got him, and the only improvement i have seen is that he has gotten very loud!

 

[MikeyTN]

FIRST of all, a vet visit would be greatly appreciated! They can trim his beak and nails if necessary. Check his health and all. You can give him what he's got now until he's used to living with you. Then you can start changing his diet to a pellet diet and give him a few nuts as a treat. Giving him fresh fruits and veggies on a daily basis would do him some good. Make sure you know what NOT to feed him, do lots and lots of research!!!! For example, you can not feed birds avocado, ice burg lettuce, chocolate, etc.

BE patient! Sit and talk to him on a daily basis, give him treats from your hand. Let him learn to trust you. Since he is a rescue, you can not expect him to come right to you and loving you and such. Did you not try to spend some time at the rescue before you brought him home? The rescue SHOULD have told you how to properly care for him before they let you leave.

Please do ask all the question you need to ask as many people in here would be willing to help you out. Just remember you did a wonderful thing by choosing a rescue, but it will be some work effort put in to bring out the best in your rescued bird.

 

[Remy]

Thank you for rescuing.

Give him his space. I mean, spend time near him, but if he acts nervous or tries to get away from you, try to respect his feelings. It sounds like he is fearful, and needs to build up trust with you. I would recommend continuing to hand him treats. Many animals (myself included) can be swayed by food.

When he starts to calm down I would switch him to a pellet. I prefer the organic ones like Harrison's, and Totally Organic Pellets (I haven't tried TOP yet, but I'm planning to). Seeds and nuts are good for treats, but not as a main staple for parrots.

Foods that are considered to be poison to birds are avocado and chocolate. I recently met a lady who accidentally killed her bird because she didn't know they weren't supposed to eat avocados, which grow a lot in my area.

I second the vet visit too. It's a good idea when getting a new pet, especially a bird. I think a routine blood panel and poop test are good ideas.


Congratulations on your new baby!

 

[Spiritbird]

Can you give us some history on this bird?? I sounds like he may have been used for breeding.

 

[terry52449]

I agree completely. Get your bird to a vet. Should be the first thing you do for her. I recued two cockatoos now and giving them their space and letting them come to you is so important to establish a trusting bond. Giving the bird a proper diet and a clean living space and showing them love and respect is all you can do. The rest will come from your bird. Patience is your best friend and enjoy your birds activity as she gets used to her new home and friend.