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You've picked out your parrot and your ready to bring him
home.Congratulations! Remember a move for the intelligent parrot is both very
stressful and very exciting. There are several ways to prepare the house for the
new arrival.
First have the new cage set up and ready for the new bird.
Place in in an area where the bird can see its new family members and what they
are doing. A corner of a family room is a great spot because not only does it
see the family but a corner gives the bird a sense of security. Make sure a
parrot as at least one side of his cage against a wall. Parrots can grow nervous
with all sides open because things can "sneak up" behind it. Also avoid putting
a parrot directly in front of a window. Direct sunlight can over heat a
sensitive bird and drafts can make a bird cold. Place only a few toys, maybe one
or two in the cage along with its food and water. Lastly cover a corner of the
cage with a towel to give it a place to "hide" for the first few days. The new
parrot will be very nervous and giving it a hiding place while it gets used to
its new surroundings makes the bird more comfortable.
When the bird arrives home it is key not to shower it with
lots of attention. It will be upset and stressed. Talking to it in a soothing
tone, introduce the bird to the rest of the family and leave it be for at least
a few hours. Make sure to check that it is eating and drinking. I have had
parakeets refuse to eat after coming home. This isn't a big problem, simple take
the food dish and gently hold it in front the parrots face let it eat of the
dish for a few moments and slowly put it back in the holder and walk away. This
action shows the new parrot where the food is and shows the parrot that you wont
disturb it eating.
Its better to leave the new parrot in its cage for at
least a day before you try to take it out. When you feel it is ready for its
first out of cage experience open the door and slowly place your hand in front
of the bird and give it the "step up" command. Most new weaned hand feed birds
will scramble on to the hand willingly. Once the bird is securely perched on
your hand slowly remove it from its cage and take somewhere quiet. Talk to the
parrot and calm it down. Show the parrot you mean it no harm, you can now give
the parrot treats such as Millet Sprays for being a "good bird". Do not let the
parrot perch on your shoulder quite yet, you first need to let the bird now you
are the "alpha bird" and your word is law.
If your new parrot refuses to leave the cage after a few
minutes gently towel it and remove it to a safe room. Never simply reach into a
new parrots cage and try to grab him with your gloved hand. Not only does it
terrify the parrot but it makes the parrot trust you less and puts back
training. After taking the toweled parrot to a secure room gently remove it from
the towel and let it perch on your knees. It if flutters away don't worry,
simply gather the parrot up and place it back on your knees. Once the parrot
stays on your knees gently talk to him for a few moments to calm him down. After
a few moments give the bird the "step up" command. If the parrot still refuses
to get onto your hand the slowly push your hand against the birds stomach area.
This forces the bird to become unbalanced and it will step onto your hand to
secure itself. After a few minutes of talking to the bird on your hand return it
to its cage and give it some treats. Repeat these steps no more than three times
a day, and keep doing it into the bird is comfortable with the "step up
command".
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