Introduce Myself and Max

Hi everyone, just joined this Forum today and I've been reading up on various topics - you are all obviously a very educated experienced bunch.

Anyway bank holiday Monday just gone I've brought a Alexandrian Parrot as I've been wanted one for ages. Anyway he's called Max and is 6 months old. Max came with a cage and seems to settle in quite well to his new owner and new surroundings. One of the first things I did was Order Max a new bigger cage. The first couple of days when we brought him Max was in his old cage and was happy and content and would fly around at his own will. A few days later and I moved Max into his new cage. Max seems different, almost a little quiet and not as active. He hasn't come out of it yet ( 3rd day today)

Question: Is this normal - I'm assuming he getting use to the new cage. I give him loads of attention and talk to him constantly. I'm sure he's trying to speak back as he's like clearing his throats but not quite forming the words yet.

I'm really quite hooked on this little fella and want the absolute best for him. Any thoughts on the above ?

Thanks Guys

Alan

Hi and Welcome... I'm sure the Alexandrenites will chime in. In general, parrots get attached to their cages - it is home for them and they feel secure in their cage. Most people advise bringing in the new cage, letting the parrot see you put it together, and if they are at all apprehensive leave the new cage next to the old one for a while so they can get used to it. Some parrots don't care - we got Gus a new cage and he took to it immediately. Do you still have the old cage, and can you set it up next to the new one for a few days? Maybe Max will calm down, and then after a little while he'll be totally cool with the new cage and you can move him over. Many people keep the smaller cages as roost cages or sleeping cages, so the parrot can go sleep in a quiet dark room. They usually need about 12 hours of sleep a night, and keeping a smaller cage in a separate room can help if the main cage is in the main living area of the home.

Good points, thank you.

Another point, Max is almost 6 months and I've really started talking to him mainly quoting 2 phases "Hello" and also "My name is Max"

I'm sitting next to him now as he's in his cage and I'm saying the words and I'm sure he's really trying to say them back. I never brought Max cause I wanted him to talk as I see this as a bonus but I've been teaching him loads. Question: If Max is a "Talker" how long do they on average take to pick up words or more so their very first word. I appreciate it's all about timing and perseverance etc but I was just wondering.

Welcome to the two of you!

Aij615 said:

Good points, thank you.

Another point, Max is almost 6 months and I've really started talking to him mainly quoting 2 phases "Hello" and also "My name is Max"

I'm sitting next to him now as he's in his cage and I'm saying the words and I'm sure he's really trying to say them back. I never brought Max cause I wanted him to talk as I see this as a bonus but I've been teaching him loads. Question: If Max is a "Talker" how long do they on average take to pick up words or more so their very first word. I appreciate it's all about timing and perseverance etc but I was just wondering.

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Its much like Human babies talking. Lots of general bird sounds, some will try when no one is looking - sounds /mumbles and then a word. The timeline, when it happens and how consistent you are in providing examples. I strongly recommend reading aloud to your Parrot.

Welcome to the forums, Alan and Max! I too am unfamiliar with Alexandrines, but Max may have an overload of newness to contend with. Not a long-term problem, but perhaps placing the new and old cages nearby for a while will be of help! Some birds crave the familiarity of their old cage, particularly when new to a home. It'll all get sorted out nicely!

That's what I thought. Trying to figure out how to post a photo of Max's current cage layout, wanted to see some other cages set up from you find folk. I was initially concerned Max couldn't get out the opening at the top of his cage but I've since put some more perches in and I know Max is (as I'm sure others are) an excellent climber using his beak for a climbing tool more than anything 👍

Hi, welcome! Oh, he does look young and fluffy in that photo!

I have an Alex, mine was quiet for a few days when he arrived, my guess is you are right, he coped well with the move when he was in a cage he knew, but the new cage was just a bit unsettling and he'll take a while to adjust.

In terms of his cage can I make some suggestions? The perches you have aren't really any good for their feet and nails, a range of sizes and materials are better. Also, can't tell if he has his full length tail feathers, but when he does perches that attach to one side of the cage will be better for him than ones that go the whole length of the cage. That toy is fantastic for an Alexandrine, when he starts you won't believe how quickly he chomps through it! That looks like all he has though? I'm sure he'd love more.

My Alex loves to stand, climb and sleeping on unsteady toys like rope boings, swings anything that wobbles when he's on it, but I only have one in his cage at a time because they don't help his nails like the textured perches do.

He really looks lovely, can't wait to hear more!

Aww thanks for the tips. What type of perches would you recommend then. Local pet store has the rough type (like sandpaper type of feel) - I'm sure I read they wasn't good for him.

I've just brought him outside in the sun while I sit and have a cuppa for a few hrs - here is a full photo of his cage

Getting real sun is sooooo good for him! My McCoy will be jealous!

I use a mixture of natural branch perches, the textured concrete, the sandpapery and the calcium ones. I have the roughest ones by his food and water so he definitely stands on them a lot and wipes his beak on them too.

You're right, sandpaper isn't good, especially if the perch is the same diameter all the way down. The sand on concrete aren't so bad, but the best thing is lots of variety.

Just being nosey, can you handle him at all?

Great advice above.
Welcome!
About perches...
I really recommend getting those nail-trimming perches... they can eliminate nail-trimming, which was always so stressful for me and the Rb. It took a few years, but I eventually established a pattern/rotation that keeps him trimmed. I haven't had to do his nails in 20-plus years. I keep a dowel as the main "highway" down the middle of the cage, but the special cement/trimmer/textured perches are all over.
A few brands... but there are many: Polly's Sand Walk... Pumice Perch... Trimmer Perch...
Be sure to introduce them gradually: they're abrasive to their tender feet at first. I LOVE them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
These are smooth on top and abrasive underneath. Very easy to install/clean, oo.
Sweet Feet and Beaks Pedicure Perch xsmall for parrots, Feather Fantasy

Jottlebot said:

Getting real sun is sooooo good for him! My McCoy will be jealous!

I use a mixture of natural branch perches, the textured concrete, the sandpapery and the calcium ones. I have the roughest ones by his food and water so he definitely stands on them a lot and wipes his beak on them too.

You're right, sandpaper isn't good, especially if the perch is the same diameter all the way down. The sand on concrete aren't so bad, but the best thing is lots of variety.

Just being nosey, can you handle him at all?

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No not yet, he's very tame so I can stroke him and also feed him by hand but he is still a little cautious of me, his body shakes a little when I apparochbhim sonetimes. I'm sure it's the new cage as well as moving to a new owner all wrapped up. I'm sure he'll be fine soon

Update: So today Max was really brace, the top of his cage was open and he must of climbed a dozen times to the very top perch on the roof and flap his wings and looked like several times he was attempting to fly off. He didn't but I think it's neves from his new cage being a lot taller (almost 6ft) of floor.

I think he's just building his confidence back. I've brought him one of them 'Treat wheel' where as you load it with different kinds of foods and let the parrot figure out how to turn the front plastic see through disc and work out how to get at the different type of treats

He's looking at it and doing the odd peck but not quite grasped it yet - does anyone else use anything like this and has your bird mastered it 😂

Max is a little slow lol

man those beaks are huge. I bet he's got quite a bite huh?

Only had him just over a week. He's just turned 6 months and to be fair he's so gentle when he takes a seed out my hand or a grape etc. I can either feed him with seed pinched in between my fingers or have it lying flat on me palm. Either way he's a gentle Jesus ������