Question:I have never owned a bird before and was wondering if there was any advice on interacting with my new family member.
Answers:
Just check out the articles on http://www.cockatootrainer.com/...
there's plenty of advice especially for new birds. Just don't give it too much attention at first or it will expect that forever and you'll end up with a spoiled, noisy bird.
Good luck and email me if you have any problems or other questions!
Interact with it all the time and with not only you but others so sa to aviod over bonding. Get lots of toys to play with it with. And basiclly lots of research and love. The best of luck to you and your new bird!
Have the bird spend lots of time with you and the family. This way the bird gets to know everyone and even if they pick favorites, then they will still get along with the family. Make sure everyone gives the bird praise when the bird behaves and make sure eveyrone is consistant in discipline. Give plenty of love and cuddles, and if eveyrone participates then you will have a well adjusted well behaved bird. Just ignore screaming, even a "Be quiet" will get the bird to think screaming gets it attention. And never scream it ends up to be a you scream, i scream...oh boy a game! And you don't want that. I got my conure to stop her excessive screaming by jsut turning my back to her till she was silent for a minute or so in only 3 days. Now she is much quieter and everyone is happier. Give lots of love and be patient, a new bird might be a little reserved, jsut trying to soak in the new soroundings. Go at their pace and let them get used to you. If you're patient and give lots of love the bird will learn to give lots and ltos of love in return.
NEVER HURT THE BIRD.they will never forget.this means if the parrot tries to bite you...endure and say or yell no.don't hit it ever! Once you earn the trust of your bird you will be able to train it to do anything. You didn't mention what kind of parrot. Change the paper in the bottom of the cage everyday and this is easy while interacting with your new friend. Give it sunshine and they love a play branch. Have fun.
Do you have a bird? What kind???
If you don't already have one, I recommend a lovebird or a Quaker Parrot - hand fed, of course.
we have 3 quakers and a conure. We give them lots of attention! They are just like children. Birds are very smart, and quickly learn (if you spend the time with them) to become a part of your family. Patience is the best thing with birds, don't get fustrated because they sense it (exspecially quakers and conures!) Quakers, depending on the state you live in (some states they are illegal), are great first birds. The more common green- gray quakers are inexpensive. What they lack in color though, they make up for in personality! They are smallish parrots, easy to handle for first time bird owners. They can learn to talk as early as three months, all of ours now and the ones we've had in the past, talk.alot! They love to chatter, and even though people say they are loud (and they can be) they are not nearly as loud as my conure. They don't screech on and on like him either. Parrotlets make good first time birds too. We've had these in the past. They are playful, tiny, they learn to talk, and don't squawk or screech at all. They do make noise, but it is nowhere near the level bigger birds make!! Good-luck with whatever you get! once you make your choice in species, you should find all the information on the internet you can about it. That way you can be a little more prepared, when you bring him home.
Congratulations on becoming a "bird parent"! Remember to keep fresh food and water available at all times and lots of toys. And handle the bird everyday. This establishes a trust between you and your bird. Most of all, read up on your particular species, because every bird is different and has different needs. Good nutrition is a must and make sure your bird has been vaccinated. Read up on all the dangers to birds, such as cat saliva, teflon pans, avocadoes, apple pits. But most of all, enjoy your new friend! With good nutrition and care, you will be together for a long, long time! Good luck!
Shalom,
Watch out for common household hazards such as: ceiling fans, a window the bird could fly out, poisonous plants or other things he could eat, wires he could bite, predators like dogs, cats or small children;), drafts in the winter time, an open fish tank. . .
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