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Re: we've been asdopted by a bitey bird
Posted by Fran on 8/14/06

On 8/14/06, Zoe and Chris wrote:
> About two weeks ago a little love bird flew to our window
> sill and started calling. He? stayed for 40 minutes before
> we decided to keep him (we have a thirteen year old cat
> too). Since then we have gotten him a large cage and let
> him out a few times a day in the bedroom to fly about and
> hang out with us. He's social and comes down on the bed and
> lands on us, but won't let us touch him. He? is a green/
> violet and about 6 inches tall and we have no idea how old
> he? is, named him Rudy. Super sweet, he gets on a stick
> with the "up up" command but won't let us pet him and loves
> to chew on absolutely everything, including us. He doesn't
> break the skin or leave a mark, I don't think he's angry
> when he does it- but he's always doing it. We are trying to
> train him with a water spritzer. We have just covered his
> cage for the first time at night so he won't wake us up in
> the early early morning. Any advice about his biteyness,
> how to get to the petting stage or other issues of being
> adopted by a lovebird? Thanks, Zoe and Chris

Zoe and Chris, Birds use their beaks like "hands" for
feeling, experimenting, just checking things out. If Rudy is
not biting hard and breaking the skin, I think this is what
is happening. Don't use a water spritzer on him. It is not
proper to "punish" a bird for behaviour which comes
naturally. In addition, water should be a source of fun
(showers) for birds, not associated with unpleasantness.
Make sure your lovebird is on a proper diet, including
pellets, seeds, and fresh veggies and fruits. (no avolcado,
chocolate). Provide him with plenty of appropriate toys in
his cage for stimulation. If he is flying to you, then he is
making huge steps in bonding with you. Don't rush things and
let it happen in his time.
Be very careful with your cat, the smallest nick or scratch
from the teeth or claws can introduce a fatal bacteria to
Rudy. Wishing you all the best with your new adopted friend.

Posts on this thread, including this one

• we've been asdopted by a bitey bird, 8/14/06, by Zoe and Chris.
• Re: we've been asdopted by a bitey bird, 8/14/06, by Fran.
• Re: we've been asdopted by a bitey bird, 9/05/06, by Jane.