Anyone have a parrot?
I picked up a senegal parrot this weekend. It was a "rescue" but too long of a story to post. I have never had a parrot, but I have read some things they cant eat.. like avacado. (Which I thought was odd) She lived in a drug dealers house and shows typical signs of torture that any animal would. I am sure there are some people here who have or have had birds so I figured I would post for anything you guys think I should watch out for. She hates to be left alone so she goes to the office with me daily. She also likes to chew holes in the shoulder of my shirts so I now make her sit on a towel. Ok wise ones [;)] fill me in....
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MrSeattle has birds.
Ben0 -
What information are you looking for? I have about 30 years of experince, and a bird curator I can consult with. Try to get the bird off of a seed diet and on to a pellet diet. Mazuri brand made by Purina is a good choice. Then save the sunflower for training rewards and treats.
You might find this site useful.
http://www.wingscc.com/aps/poicep.htm0 -
I've had cockatoo's, macaws, and various incantations of parrots and the one thing that runs common among them is, not one breed has enough fat content to make a decent gravy. 0 -
They taste like chicken.[;)] 0 -
quote:various incantations
[?]
Incantation: The chanting or uttering of words purporting to have magical power.
Doing a little wicca number Dan?0 -
quote:Originally posted by He Dog
quote:various incantations
[?]
Incantation: The chanting or uttering of words purporting to have magical power.
Doing a little wicca number Dan?
I was attempting to do some pre-seasoning and marination.[;)]0 -
I have several large parrots ranging from the largest sub-species of Greenwinged Macaws, the "giant Greenwinged" Macaw; a very rare Buffon's Macaw (believed that only 200 pairs exist in the wild, but are coming back in captivity), several Blue and Gold Macaws, one Military Macaw, an African Grey (Congo), a pair of Moluccan Cockatoos, and a few of the smallest species of parrots, the Pacific Parrotlets. Most have constant access to large outdoor aviaries as well as indoor areas and indoor nest boxes.
Diet is a primary concern for healthy birds. I don't recommend putting them on a 100% pelleted diet, like many "experts" and vets advise. They need pellets as supplements because of mineral and dietary deficiencies, but I have spent thousands - THOUSANDS - of dollars on lab tests comparing a 100% pelleted food versus a mixture of pellets, dried fruits, nuts and yes - the evil seeds. In either case, they got regular, daily amounts of fresh fruits and *some* vegetables. Note that some vegetables are poisonous to them just like the avacado. The birds on the mixed food faired far better than those on pellets alone. They love to try your food, but be VERY careful to limit the amount of salt in their diet. Their kidneys are just not able to filter it and it becomes a problem.
They also abhor change, and many don't deal well with it so be careful the routine you establish for them. If taking her to work is not a long term option, consider tapering off and getting her used to being in the house alone. If she comes to expect it and then all of a sudden she can't go with you, she may not deal with the change well. Also, don't be surprised if she attaches (bonds) with you somewhat to the exclusion of others. Many birds will pick their favorite and be somewhat hostile to others. One of our "Giant" Greenwinged Macaws is my constant buddy and is as gentle as can be - with me. My wife can't even touch him without running the risk of losing a finger!
You should be very observant and attuned to her, because while birds are very resilient, they don't exhibit overt signs of a problem until the problem is pretty advanced. Look for changes in poop color, consistency, or frequency, changes in eating habits, and the dreaded plucking of feathers. These are just a few signs of problems. There are many others. I highly recommend a subscription to Bird Talk magazine. Tons of good articles, often with species-specific information, and a lot of entertaining stories as well as some really good pictures each month. If you get the chance, go to a couple of bird shows. You can pick up toys and supplies more much cheaper than at pet stores and can always find someone who can answer any questions you may have. The ones around here even have a couple of avian specialist veterinarians that drop in and are willing to answer questions and give a bit of free advice. If you are in Ga, there is a big show at the farmer's market in Atlanta (in Forrest Park, actually). It is a really good source of information, supplies at a good price, and just seeing all the different kinds of birds out there.
I could go on and on, but the best advice is just like with every other hobby, read, read, read. And ask questions. Learn all you can. Good luck with the Senegal.0 -
Congrats on the new friend. They like variety, but a base diet of pellets is a good idea. leave a bowl with seed mix in the cage for only a few hours a day that way they will know they have to eat the pellets, otherwise they will only eat the seed. Also, there's no way to scientifically prove this, but the more expensive the bird food, the less insect eggs in the bag. Even the real expensive stuff from petco has insect eggs, so make sure you change the bottom waste tray every day of you will soon have a moth problem. Birds are cool and very intelligent, even the little ones. Most parrots are "flock" creatures, but they do tend to bond with their primary caretaker. If it was handfed as a baby, it may be tamer, but will really develop with the right care and attention.
Check out my Girlfriends site... sosupercute.com most of her birds are Conures (small parrot cousins)0 -
Thanks! I can take her to work every day so it's really not a big deal. I would love to know what veggis I cant feed her. Right now I am sticking to things I KNOW she can have. She had pellets when I picked her up and I have been giving her a few pine nuts a day and a small slice of apple when we first get home. She seems to eat her pellets between the time I goto bed and get up. I have a small bag but will be heading to pet smart this weekend to find some. I know she has already 'bonded' with me, and that's cool. Even though David was the one who wanted her.. oh well it gives him a chance to get one later. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by csi-cyberspace
I have several large parrots ranging from the largest sub-species of Greenwinged Macaws, the "giant Greenwinged" Macaw; a very rare Buffon's Macaw (believed that only 200 pairs exist in the wild, but are coming back in captivity), several Blue and Gold Macaws, one Military Macaw, an African Grey (Congo), a pair of Moluccan Cockatoos, and a few of the smallest species of parrots, the Pacific Parrotlets. Most have constant access to large outdoor aviaries as well as indoor areas and indoor nest boxes.
Diet is a primary concern for healthy birds. I don't recommend putting them on a 100% pelleted diet, like many "experts" and vets advise. They need pellets as supplements because of mineral and dietary deficiencies, but I have spent thousands - THOUSANDS - of dollars on lab tests comparing a 100% pelleted food versus a mixture of pellets, dried fruits, nuts and yes - the evil seeds. In either case, they got regular, daily amounts of fresh fruits and *some* vegetables. Note that some vegetables are poisonous to them just like the avacado. The birds on the mixed food faired far better than those on pellets alone. They love to try your food, but be VERY careful to limit the amount of salt in their diet. Their kidneys are just not able to filter it and it becomes a problem.
They also abhor change, and many don't deal well with it so be careful the routine you establish for them. If taking her to work is not a long term option, consider tapering off and getting her used to being in the house alone. If she comes to expect it and then all of a sudden she can't go with you, she may not deal with the change well. Also, don't be surprised if she attaches (bonds) with you somewhat to the exclusion of others. Many birds will pick their favorite and be somewhat hostile to others. One of our "Giant" Greenwinged Macaws is my constant buddy and is as gentle as can be - with me. My wife can't even touch him without running the risk of losing a finger!
You should be very observant and attuned to her, because while birds are very resilient, they don't exhibit overt signs of a problem until the problem is pretty advanced. Look for changes in poop color, consistency, or frequency, changes in eating habits, and the dreaded plucking of feathers. These are just a few signs of problems. There are many others. I highly recommend a subscription to Bird Talk magazine. Tons of good articles, often with species-specific information, and a lot of entertaining stories as well as some really good pictures each month. If you get the chance, go to a couple of bird shows. You can pick up toys and supplies more much cheaper than at pet stores and can always find someone who can answer any questions you may have. The ones around here even have a couple of avian specialist veterinarians that drop in and are willing to answer questions and give a bit of free advice. If you are in Ga, there is a big show at the farmer's market in Atlanta (in Forrest Park, actually). It is a really good source of information, supplies at a good price, and just seeing all the different kinds of birds out there.
I could go on and on, but the best advice is just like with every other hobby, read, read, read. And ask questions. Learn all you can. Good luck with the Senegal.
Good advice here! A bird can keel over and die on you in less than 10 minutes from a respiratory problem that didn't show up till it dropped.
csi. You didn't mention the dreaded "seed spitting" syndrome. [:D]
Allen0 -
My mother had one that loved her to death.....it didn't like anyone else and if Chuckles (devil bird from heck) was where he could get down he would chase me around the room and bit the crap out of my shoes. My mother had him for about 7 yrs (until he decided to attack her for no reason at all.) She had to go to the hospital due to all of the wounds on her head. BE CAREFUL....these birds can be crazy!!!!
Funny thing about Chuckles.....he could sound just like a crying baby or the phone. I don't know how many times I ran for the phone.0 -
quote:Originally posted by Locust Fork
My mother had one that loved her to death.....it didn't like anyone else and if Chuckles (devil bird from heck) was where he could get down he would chase me around the room and bit the crap out of my shoes. My mother had him for about 7 yrs (until he decided to attack her for no reason at all.) She had to go to the hospital due to all of the wounds on her head. BE CAREFUL....these birds can be crazy!!!!
Funny thing about Chuckles.....he could sound just like a crying baby or the phone. I don't know how many times I ran for the phone.
you sure that wasn't a "pit parrot"..known to attack unannounced..bad news..[}:)]..Loko0 -
quote:Anyone have a parrot?
No. Both my parrots are dead...0 -
Sorry matey, mine went down with the ship... Which is really embarrassing for that was my duty!!! OK, so I'm weak!!! 0 -
We have a Peachfaced Lovebird I named Critter. He's about the size of a chubby Parakeet but with a personality.
We keep hookbill feed and water in his open cage but at mealtimes he wants to join us. Giving him his own portion doesn't do it. He'd rather sit on your finger and help you with your sandwich or on the edge of your plate to help you with it.
He likes toast, cheese, jams, most meats even hot or highly seasoned, some fish, chicken, potatoes esp. mashed, pizza, spaghetti, all nuts esp almonds, ice cream except chocolate, most cake, cookies, pie,whipped cream, grapes, pears, peaches, bananas and almost anything else he sees us eating except beer, wine or fruit juice.
It's clear these birds are survivors.
He pouts if we don't invite him at mealtimes.
He has the run of a screened porch in good weather.
Evenings he likes to be with you on your shoulder, in your pocket, in your shirt against your body or in a desk file drawer, burrowed into a mound of paper towels and napkins where he'll sleep until we put him in his covered cage.
I'm sure his diet shocks bird fanciers but he's a happy critter.0 -
I don't have any personal experience with the Senegal, but we do have 3 African Greys (Timneh and 2 Congos), Umbrella and Citron Cockatoo, several Quaker Parrots (we breed them too), and a bunch of smaller kids. There's never a dull moment around here, especially when they start talking to each other! [:D] Be real careful what you say around the bird too, it may come back to haunt you some day! [:p] If it was around druggies, it'll probably teach you some new phrases! [:0]
CSI gave you great advice. The only thing I could add would be NO chocolate or caffein...they can be fatal to a bird.
My Congos..the female on the left is insane! She was a rescue also!0 -
Csi-cyberspace and mrseattle covered it well, can't add much, except keep her in a spot that isn't subject to cool breezes.0 -
Just a couple of ours.... 0 -
Sorry if anyone mentioned this already.....
Avoid anything Teflon... Teflon particles can agitate the Birds sensitive respiratory system. Especially don't cook with teflon coated pans, even gun parts could be dangerous since gun barrels can heat to extreme temps... I think it takes something like 700 degrees for the particles to turn to a gas, but I say it is better to play it safe.
This is mentioned on several Bird forums or sites also.0 -
BTW - you're correct about about the Farmer's Market in Forest Park. They do have some of everything including an excellent gunshow every few months. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by gagirl
I picked up a senegal parrot this weekend. It was a "rescue" but too long of a story to post. I have never had a parrot, but I have read some things they cant eat.. like avacado. (Which I thought was odd) She lived in a drug dealers house and shows typical signs of torture that any animal would. I am sure there are some people here who have or have had birds so I figured I would post for anything you guys think I should watch out for. She hates to be left alone so she goes to the office with me daily. She also likes to chew holes in the shoulder of my shirts so I now make her sit on a towel. Ok wise ones [;)] fill me in....
From the looks of the pic in your post, looks like she ate a little more than a hole in your shirt!! I do see the towel though.0 -
Bonding is going well. She likes me most [^] She decided to share my dinner last night. (shrimp fried rice) She really hates going back in her cage but does not freak out when she gets in there.
CSI- your birds are beautiful! David is already talking about wanting another one. I told him we needed to wait at least 6 months though. I met a lady 2 counties south a few months ago that does bird rescue. If he still wants one in a few months I think I may contact her.0 -
I've spent most of my Avian Efforts trying to get them to breed with no results yet. I'm drowning in Fish Fry here but no success with the birds, yet.[:(] 0
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