Anniversary surprise...I’m not prepared!

So my husband decided to surprise me with a canary winged parakeet for our anniversary. I was not made aware of these plans until the bird just showed up. Literally, he (or she, but I’m going with he for now) was in the house when I got home from work yesterday. Had I known ahead of time I would have said no we can’t, but my husband didn’t exactly ask me. So here I am, completely unprepared. And of coarse he had to bring home a species that has very little helpful information online. And this bird is absolutely terrified. I can’t blame the bird, but I’m a bit unhappy with the situation as it is right now.

“Hey honey, how was your day, oh by the way I bought a new bird and didn’t ask first, happy anniversary “. Yup...I’m a bit...angry. As sweet as the gesture was, I’m just...ugh. I think he learned his lesson.

Anyways, what the heck do I need to feed this baby? He’s about 16 weeks old (according to my husband) and I refuse to look over the paperwork he came with. I told the hubby to file it under “dumb idea” for now. Yes, that was petty, no I’m not sorry for losing it on my husband. Yet.

All frustration and venting aside, what do I need to know? The resources online seem sketchy and outdated at best.

I know he needs veggies. But the rest isn’t really out there. And what is out there is contradictory. Right now the only thing he is eating is sunflower seeds. Which happen to be in the mix he was “sent home” with. I’m happy he’s getting something into his body, don’t get me wrong, but he literally has not touched anything except the sunflower seeds. I honestly don’t know where my husband got him from, and I didn’t ask. I’m to angry to have that conversation at the moment.

I have romaine hanging in the cage. Broccoli, peppers ( red bell peppers and jalapeños), and shredded purple carrots are the fresh veggie options until Friday morning. I made that up this morning. Friday-Sunday offerings will be decided Thursday night when I go to the market again. I’m thinking that some squash will be in the next batch because we have lots of that in our garden almost ready to pick.

The vet is booked 6 weeks out (stupid virus) unless it’s an emergency. Which currently this is not. Thank God for that at least.

The only photo I have taken is below. He’s cute, and I will do my best, but right now he’s scared and I’m angry. Not a great combination.





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These little guys have been a favorite of many. Then became less available. I think Salty had one years ago, really loved the species, smart fun little bird. I met one st pet store and held it it was as adorable

Ohh this is a gift of love, and I think you will really love this guy once you get the chance. Once they settle , they can start out a little afraid, they are supposed to be really sweet and friendly

This type of bird is known to be sweet and affectionate. IF IF someone is going to give an UN-Asked-For bird --(never a good plan)-- this is at least would be one of the best possible choices.

Oh dear. My former MIL gave us a dog as a surprise once, and I was fit to be tied. Today that dog is my pupper soul-mate, although my ex and I share custody so I only have him every other weekend. Anyway. My point is I understand how furious you are, and I hope you come around to love that cute little guy as much as I love my PopTart.

In the meantime, you deserve high praise for joining here to get more information, and it sounds like you’re already improving his diet. As you seem to know, sunflower seeds are not ideal and are best saved for treats. Birds are flock eaters and he might be more likely to try something if you “eat” it in front of him and make a big deal about how wonderful it is.

Foods on the no list are avocados, chocolate, onions, garlic, caffeinated beverages, alcoholic beverages.

Also on the no list is nonstick cookware and anything else with nonstick coating-sometimes curling irons/straighteners, space heaters, ironing board covers, etc etc. it’s everywhere. Also no candles/wax melts/smelly things, nothing with a strong scent, no chemical cleaners (vinegar, baking soda, and dawn dish soap will pretty much do it all). Birds are a lifestyle. I think the bird would make me angrier than the dog did, because it’s really a more difficult transition.

I hope that you and the little guy wind up being besties. When you toss your husband out for this, the bird will be an excellent companion [emoji23] HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!


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First. This isn't the birds fault you became the new owner. I know you're pissed, understandably, but it is what it is.

May I ask why you're so mad about this? Do you not want to take care of the bird or is it the fact your husband surprised you without consulting you?

I sympathize with your frustration. Cars, kids and pets (birds are somewhere between kids and pets, IMHO) are matters that a couple should always decide on together and should never be done as a "gift".

On the other hand, I wish my husband would bring me home another bird for a surprise present.


Seriously though, give the little guy (bird not spouse) a chance and you may find that he brings your more love and joy than you would ever have imagined possible from a non-human companion.

Ceri said:

First. This isn't the birds fault you became the new owner. I know you're pissed, understandably, but it is what it is.

May I ask why you're so mad about this? Do you not want to take care of the bird or is it the fact your husband surprised you without consulting you?

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It’s the surprise factor that has me in a tizzy. It’s not the first surprise pet. That was a dog. Then a kitten. Then another kitten. Now a bird. I’ve made it very clear each time that surprise pets are not acceptable. Pets are a family decision. A new pet effects everyone in the household so everyone should have a chance to voice their opinion and concerns. The kids point of view may or may not hold as much weight as they would like, but they still get to take part in the discussion. It’s much easier when everyone is in the same page.

I’m sure I will love this little guy, but right now I’m angry with the circumstances of his arrival. If my husband asked I would have said no, not right now, I don’t think it’s a good time and explained why I feel that way. At that point he still could have brought the bird home. I would have been frustrated. Instead I’m angry because he made the decision on his own without talking to us. He made a lifelong commitment without asking how the rest of the family feels about it. That’s the part that I’m angry about.

I 100% agree, this is not the birds fault. I’m not angry at the bird, I’m angry because of the way the bird was brought into our home.


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Ijistcantsayno said:

Ceri said:

First. This isn't the birds fault you became the new owner. I know you're pissed, understandably, but it is what it is.

May I ask why you're so mad about this? Do you not want to take care of the bird or is it the fact your husband surprised you without consulting you?

Click to expand...

It’s the surprise factor that has me in a tizzy. It’s not the first surprise pet. That was a dog. Then a kitten. Then another kitten. Now a bird. I’ve made it very clear each time that surprise "pets" are not acceptable. "Pets" are a family decision (for the responsible/care-taking members, but in my opinion, even kids should be involved). A new pet affects everyone in the household so everyone should have a chance to voice their opinion and concerns. The kids point of view may or may not hold as much weight as they would like, but they still get to take part in the discussion. It’s much easier when everyone is in the same page.

I’m sure I will love this little guy, but right now I’m angry with the circumstances of his arrival. If my husband asked I would have said no, not right now, I don’t think it’s a good time and explained why I feel that way. At that point he still could have brought the bird home. I would have been frustrated. Instead I’m angry because he made the decision on his own without talking to us. He made a lifelong commitment without asking how the rest of the family feels about it. That’s the part that I’m angry about.

I 100% agree, this is not the birds fault. I’m not angry at the bird, I’m angry because of the way the bird was brought into our home.


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I 500% percent agree with what you said, and your feelings are totally valid. I am sure his intentions were good, but, like I said, I am team "Ijistcantsayno", based on what I know so far lol. A pet is a life and a huge responsibility. I'm sure you will make it work, but I would be mad too, given the fact that you have been over this before.
You have a big heart, and the bird will (no doubt) be treated well/integrated into your home-- it just sucks because it is one more responsibility and a potentially complicating dynamic to just be sprung on you like that!

If my husband came home with a child randomly, I would be freaking out...At least when someone gets pregnant, you have 9 months to plan!!!

I think the fact that you are annoyed shows how seriously you take this, and more people should think that way, because it isn't something to take lightly, and it does have an impact on the whole flock/house/finances/stress etc.

I just don't think sentient beings should ever be gifted...period...

Truth be told, I would be LIVID with "surprise" a dog or cat (unless it was an extreme situation where they were on the side of teh road etc and even then, I would expect a phone call at the very least)....let alone a parrot (who is even more complicated).

Like I said, you will make it work I am sure, but I don't understand anyone who wouldn't be upset...It should have been a discussion, 1000%

It's not cool to gift living things unless there has been a discussion...because it impacts everyone (including the animal being gifted)l, as well as your family dynamics and other pets if you don't have a plan.

SO....BAH! I'm annoyed by this whole thing just reading it lol.

Maybe I am wrong, but I feel like he just wanted the bird and decided that this was the best way to cushion the blow. "HERE HONEY!!! LOOK WHAT I GOT YOU!" LOL

Ijistcantsayno said:

Ceri said:

First. This isn't the birds fault you became the new owner. I know you're pissed, understandably, but it is what it is.

May I ask why you're so mad about this? Do you not want to take care of the bird or is it the fact your husband surprised you without consulting you?

Click to expand...

It’s the surprise factor that has me in a tizzy. It’s not the first surprise pet. That was a dog. Then a kitten. Then another kitten. Now a bird. I’ve made it very clear each time that surprise pets are not acceptable. Pets are a family decision. A new pet effects everyone in the household so everyone should have a chance to voice their opinion and concerns. The kids point of view may or may not hold as much weight as they would like, but they still get to take part in the discussion. It’s much easier when everyone is in the same page.

I’m sure I will love this little guy, but right now I’m angry with the circumstances of his arrival. If my husband asked I would have said no, not right now, I don’t think it’s a good time and explained why I feel that way. At that point he still could have brought the bird home. I would have been frustrated. Instead I’m angry because he made the decision on his own without talking to us. He made a lifelong commitment without asking how the rest of the family feels about it. That’s the part that I’m angry about.

I 100% agree, this is not the birds fault. I’m not angry at the bird, I’m angry because of the way the bird was brought into our home.


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Now all of that I can totally understand!! Hubby has a history of spontaneous animal gifts. That sheds SO much light on why you're feeling this way!! Hubby needs the timeout and I'm so sorry [emoji21] this is for sure a family decision!

My next question is has he done the animal saving/buying thing his whole life? Why would he just do that? I imagine you didn't say that's the gift you wanted for your anniversary. [emoji2360]

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He isn’t the type to give a gift because he wants it. I think he truly thought I would love this surprise even though I’ve made it clear in the past pets are not gifts. I guess I may have opened that door because we did get Skye for our daughter as a Christmas gift. It was discussed, she even picked him out. Although now I’m wondering if he took that situation, completely different as it was, and ran with it.

The animal gifting thing seems to run in his family...which is how he got his first dog as a child. The pattern keeps repeating itself. I’m hoping he got the message this time. This time I told him if he does this again I will personally return whatever it is he brings home to wherever it came from.

He did file the paperwork under dumb idea like I told him to. [emoji23]


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Now that’s outta the way. I wanna hear more about the new birdie!

Laurasea said:

Now that’s outta the way. I wanna hear more about the new birdie!

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He refuses to eat anything but sunflower seeds. Doesn’t play, and decided to launch himself out of the cage when we were changing his water (that he pooped in) which forced us to move lots of furniture to get him back in his cage. He wanted to hide in the shadows under the furniture.

He also hasn’t made a single peep. Not even when I had to towel him to get him back inside the cage. I didn’t want to but I had to. I really wish his wings weren’t clipped.

He’s still settling in and seems to be curious when we talk to him from across the room. He’s still very nervous but he is starting to relax a bit. We only go right up to the cage for a quick check or clean and he always cowers in the corner upside down when we do.


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Welcome and be welcomed.

First off, you need to look up Brotogeris , as that is the taxonomic name for this family of parrots. if he's a yellow wing or canary wing (same thing), he is a Brotogeris Chiriri. There is a lot of info about them, when looked up like that. AKA BeeBee parrot. A few words about them, and Chriri in particular. They are one of the few parrot species that actually seeks out man as a companion in the wild, and are one of the favorite pet parrots within their native ranges. We had one for 6 years, very sweet, smart little parrot, who loved everyone. Loved to snuggle in a hand and took scratchies from everyone in the family. He didn't talk but whistled a few different tunes ( Beethoven's 9th was a favorite).

So how do we get your little Brotogeris to that place? SO first, back off. I would not let him out to fly around just yet, and the reason is that right now, he has no reason to trust you and chasing him around to get him back in his cage kills what ever trust might have been forming. What you will want to do is to use bribes, in the form of a treat, to get him used to you and to make him understand that only GOOD things come from humans. Every time anyone passes his cage, drop the little treat in his food bowl. Also, read to him, in a soothing voice. Could be anything, a story, the Bible, just do it in a soft voice, and start well away from the cage. Move your chair or what ever a little closer every few days. If he gets visibly upset, move the chair back a bit and start over. Parrots love to be read to !!

Food. As you guessed, eating sunflower seeds exclusively is NOT good for him. But you dont want to shock his system by withdrawing them all at once. Remove some of these from his 'mix' at first, and gradually draw down the number of them. These sunflower seeds now can be come your 'bribe' treat and later on your training treat. You should try adding a high quality pellet to his mix, and gradually increasing that. Good pellets are Harrisons, Roudybush, Tops and a few others. Stay away from multicolored ones, parrots can fixate on one color and you wind up with lots of waste. Pellets are supplemented with veggies and a small amount of fruit and nuts/seeds. This is true for the great majority of parrots with a few exception. Make sure the veggies you give him are safe and washed well to remove pesticides and dirt. Most parrots love hot peppers, the hotter the better, as they have only one taste bud to 100 of ours. Carrots, cooked yams and sweet potatoes are very good for them. We have a lot of nutritional information in our sub-forums here.

We were heartbroken when our Max died very young at age 6, he was a part of our family. So slow down, let him get comfortable in his new home. Remember - only proceed at your parrots pace of comfort, not at the pace of your expectations. Parrots move very slowly in that regard. As you read about Brotogeris you will find one word that is used a lot - fearless! Our Max had no problems bullying cockatoos at our local pet shop when he was brought in for grooming - very funny to see this tiny green parrot chasing off cockatoos and Greys 10X or more his size.

Lastly, please read all the information here on environment for parrots. A leading cause of death of parrot companions is toxic environments. Teflon anything - pots, pan cookie sheets, crock pots, space heaters, toasters, microwave popcorn bags all have teflon ( PTFE or other acronyms) in them and when heated give off toxic fumes to birds. Smoke from cigarettes and burning cooking oil, aerosol cleaners, Fabreeze, scented anything are all toxic to birds. please read up a lot on that.

Sorry i took so long here, but I really love the Brotogeris family, they make such good companions, and I wanted to give you a solid foundation in learning more about them.

Here's a tip for preventing him from pooping in his water or food bowls - make sure there is not a perch directly above the bowls. Perches can be adjacent or slightly below the lip of the bowl. He will then use it when eating or drinking. Perches - get rid of those dowel type perches the cage likely came with. They are too small for even your little guy, the surface is hard ( maple is usually used) and is the same diameter all over. Invest in some natural branch type perches, with varying diameters and surfaces, some bark on them is good too. These will keep your boys feet in good condition, and birds MUST have good feet - they stand on them all day and night. Introduce new perches, like anything with parrots, slowly over a few days or a week or 2, so he doesn't freak out. Sand or cement perches with varying diameters can be used to help keep nails trimmed, but just use 1 - too many or just those exclusively can make the bottom of his feets tender and sore.

Good luck! What did you name him BTW?

I am keeping my fingers crossed that your sweet little parakeet will be the last spontaneous animal gift given to you and he has definitely learned his lesson!

Do you have a name picked out yet?

Sorry he is so fearful, probably picked up ion the tension in the household.

Penny cane to me only eating sunflower seeds, at first to tried to wean her off to fast sbd she lost a lot of weight. But I stuffed broccoli through her bars and she ate that the first day. We know yiu will get him on a great diet but it’s ok to go slow with a new fearful bird.

Like Wrench I’ve hear so many wishing this bird was easier to find, because it’s known to be a great smart sweet bird. You’ve had such success with your budgies I know you will make progress. I really can’t wait till he or she blooms in your care. I’m really excellent to have this species added to our community !!!!

Yiu might the only active member who has one!! I will need more pictures please!!

Laurasea said:

Sorry he is so fearful, probably picked up ion the tension in the household.

Penny cane to me only eating sunflower seeds, at first to tried to wean her off to fast sbd she lost a lot of weight. But I stuffed broccoli through her bars and she ate that the first day. We know yiu will get him on a great diet but it’s ok to go slow with a new fearful bird.

Like Wrench I’ve hear so many wishing this bird was easier to find, because it’s known to be a great smart sweet bird. You’ve had such success with your budgies I know you will make progress. I really can’t wait till he or she blooms in your care. I’m really excellent to have this species added to our community !!!!

Yiu might the only active member who has one!! I will need more pictures please!!

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Speaking of success with the budgies, Skye actually decided to land on my daughter for about 2 seconds a few minutes ago. It was so fast that I couldn’t get a photo. That’s also a first for him. He’s always been “look but don’t touch unless you have a special treat and when the treat is gone so am I” type bird. He will sit on a perch for a few minutes but not a finger. Silly boy. Oh well, he is who he is, Skye will get there or he won’t, but we love him no matter what he decides.

Okay, photos. I will make sure to try to get a few to post. In the mean time we haven’t settled on a name yet, so if anyone has ideas I’m all ears!


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That is excellent news about Skye!

As for name ideas, you can always choose a "unisex" name. For example, Bee Bee, since s/he is a Bee Bee. Or you can go all out and call s/he Anni - for anniversary LOL

I'm sorry - I couldn't help it!

Ceri said:

That is excellent news about Skye!

As for name ideas, you can always choose a "unisex" name. For example, Bee Bee, since s/he is a Bee Bee. Or you can go all out and call s/he Anni - for anniversary LOL

I'm sorry - I couldn't help it!

Click to expand...

I actually like it! That is going on the short list for sure! Lol.


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Just a couple of the baby for now, and one of my cockatiel Precious. Precious loves to pluck fabric and hair.






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