We recently acquired a Bourke Parakeet who landed in our backyard about a month ago. We tried to find the owner without any luck, so we thought this would be our family's first pet. We have two kids, ages 5 and 7. We told them that they had to be gentle and treat her with respect. Our five year old really likes the Parakeet and, the bird has been willing to go on her hand and shoulder. The bird is a sweet heart. Today, when I was gone and the kids were being watched by Grandma, apparently the bird was in the 5 year olds hand and tried to fly away, my daughter grabbed her tail and all of her tailfeathers came out. Other than a bunch of feathers on the ground, the bird seems ok. There is no blood and she was able to fly around the room and back to her cage. Right now, she is on the floor of her cage, rather than her perch, but she seems ok. So, two general questions:
1. How concerned should I be about the loss of her tailfeathers. From what i've read, this is mainly a balance issue and that the tailfeathers are meant to be shedded as a response to a predator. What should I be on the look for and is there anything I can do to make the little girl's life easier.
2. Of course, I had a long conversation with my daughter about the proper treatment of her and I will limit her contact with the bird for the near future. Does anyone have any advice on navigating the kid/bird connection?
Thanks!
1. How concerned should I be about the loss of her tailfeathers. From what i've read, this is mainly a balance issue and that the tailfeathers are meant to be shedded as a response to a predator. What should I be on the look for and is there anything I can do to make the little girl's life easier.
2. Of course, I had a long conversation with my daughter about the proper treatment of her and I will limit her contact with the bird for the near future. Does anyone have any advice on navigating the kid/bird connection?
Thanks!