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Re: where to start with a Red Bellied Parrot
Posted by Penny on 10/20/04

On 10/20/04, Jane C wrote:
> Hello all
>
> After much research one week ago we became parrot owners
> and bought a male red bellied parrot, a good sized cage,
> books and a good variety of toys etc.
>
> But, being relatively inexperiencing we have come up
> against some behaviours and some questions on training that
> we really hope you can help us with.
>
> Our Parrot- Jack, is about 18 weeks old (pet store
> estimate, and we have introduced him to his new
> surroundings by placing him in a area that he can feel
> safe, we change food and water daily and provide frequent
> attention in the form of lots of speaking and hand feeding
> with bits of fruit etc. However he is displaying some odd
> behaviour that we don't understand:
>
> 1. He stoops low over his perch (almost lying down on his
> belly) and flutters his wings very quickly for 5-6 seconds
>
> 2. He has started to screech REAL loud - the pet store say
> he was quiet when they had him. We read not to respond but
> he does it morning and evening (normal?) and during the day
> for extended period whether we are there or not - mostly
> while hanging upside down!.
>
> 3. He appears to have no interest in the toys we have
> placed in the cage ( all designed for parrots)
>
> 4.We really want him to be allowed out of his cage but he's
> not responding to our efforts to tame him - he doesn't
> panic if you slowly replace his food and water and will
> take grapes from your fingers (he throws them straight on
> the floor) but he looks terrified the whole time and for
> the most part shy's away and climbs to the top of his
> cage. On one occassion I placed my finger close and
> repeated UP UP but he bit me - presumably out of fear, and
> although it hurt a bit it didn't draw blood.
>
> Can anyone advise us on what his odd behaviour means AND
> how should we go about training him. He's a lovely bird
> and we want him to be happy
>
> Thanks
----------
The only information I can offer is that my bird will hold
onto her playstand branch and start flapping like crazy for a
few seconds, then repeat it a few seconds later. I think
it's just exercising her wings and it feels good, just like
if you were sitting a long time and got up to walk around. I
also encourage this by having her on my finger and making her
hold on and flap by lowering my hand quickly. This makes her
exercise and hopefully helps condition her. I think your
bird will always do the calling morning and evening but the
in-between stuff will lessen once she gets out of her cage
more. You haven't had the bird a long time, so give her a
little time and patience before you expect her to step up.
She's just got a new home, new owners, a new cage, so you've
got to expect her to be a little distrustful at first. Just
keep feeding her like you're doing and you'll make great
progress with a little more time. Sounds like she's already
adjusting if she's 'hanging' around.

Posts on this thread, including this one

• where to start with a Red Bellied Parrot, 10/20/04, by Jane C.
• Re: where to start with a Red Bellied Parrot, 10/20/04, by Michael L.
• Re: where to start with a Red Bellied Parrot, 10/20/04, by Penny.
• Re: where to start with a Red Bellied Parrot, 10/23/04, by Jane.
• Re: where to start with a Red Bellied Parrot, 10/23/04, by Michael L.
• Re: where to start with a Red Bellied Parrot, 10/23/04, by Penny.
• Re: where to start with a Red Bellied Parrot, 10/23/04, by Penny.