Agree or Disagree

Read this article today...
As a lot of you know, I will be taking home Kyleigh (that beautiful BG that I make way too many threads about) hopefully before Christmas. I've been reading a lot about "the first day/week/month with your parrot" and have gotten so many varied answers. I am wondering who agrees/disagrees with this article and why?

Ready...set...go..

Your First Month With Your New Parrot

I just read this article fast and didn't look at the training part... but I don't think there is a hard and fast rule about doing or not doing this or that. That's probably why you hear so many different answers. I think they're giving people who don't have the first clue, something to go by. Not all birds will act the same under the same circumstances, so therefore I'd read stuff like this and might find parts of it interesting or useful, but not take it as gospel word for word.

IMHO and IME, most parrots are so resilient, that if something doesn't go "perfect" or the bird has a scare accidentally, that it is not permanently psychologically damaging. Depending on the bird's personality, a little glitch might not even cause a set back at all!

In fact, if I were you Stephen, I wouldn't take any hard and fast rule to heart. What works for some might not be the best for another. Just use your common sense when Kyleigh (the individual) is home and you'll be fine. You know the 'basics' better than you might think you do, from the teaching you've already had, and from this forum! I wouldn't even worry about it. You'll be a great parront, I already know it

To start, I am NOT a fan of the Parrot Wizard. Yes, he may have some good training advice....but it stops there.

I already disagree with him in his second paragraph: "I feel very strongly that a new bird should remain in the cage for at least the first few days while she adjusts to the sights and sounds of her new home."

Rubbish IMO. It all depends on the bird, the environment, and the bond that will already have been formed between you and Kyleigh, Stephen. Why keep her in her cage? She will be curious, she will want to explore, preferably WITH you and while ON you. Isn't it much easier to carry her around and show her everything?

I hope you didn't click 'here' and 'there' for his cookbook and/or other gimmicks, LMAO!!

I do agree not to overwhelm her with the toys, yes. Keep the cage simple, yet interesting. Niko's cage was ready for him when I went to pick him up. The only thing I added once I was home was the bowl of warm, cooked food. There were 3 toys in there, one of which was a foraging toy.

You and Kyleigh will learn together, Stephen, I promise.

Julie said it perfectly!

A little of both.

Like Wendy, I very strongly DISAGREE with this part:

"I feel very strongly that a new bird should remain in the cage for at least the first few days while she adjusts to the sights and sounds of her new home. Birds that are let out of the cage before they are comfortable with the comings and goings of their family are often frightened into flight by something unfamiliar."

SORRY BUT TO ME THE FIRST FEW DAYS IN A NEW HOME ARE YOUR BEST CHANCE TO RE-PATTERN THE BIRD TO THE NEW ENVIRONMENT. THEY ADJUST BY ADJUSTING. THEY DON'T ADJUST BY SITTING IN A CAGE UNHANDLED. ESPECIALLY A BABY! THIS ADVICE BORDERS ON THE IDIOTIC! A BABY IS LIKELY TO FEEL ABANDONED IF LEFT ALONE IN A CAGE LIKE THAT FOR DAYS... Maybe, if the bird has been traumatized, (but I pretty much try and handle those as soon as possible too... )

I BELIEVE YOU INTRODUCE THEM TO THEIR NEW HOME, AND SET THE NEW ROUTINE, AND THEY GET IN THE FLOW OF THINGS. I DON'T BELIEVE IN A LONG SETTLING IN PERIOD. UNLESS THERE IS SOME PARTICULAR REASON SUCH AS THE BIRD IS AN OUT OF CONTROL BITER THAT HAS TO BE TAMED DOWN, OR AN OUT OF CONTROL PLUCKER WHO WILL MUTILATE HERSELF IF THERE ARE TOO MANY CHANGES TO DEAL WITH...

THOSE ARE THE BIRDS YOU HAVE TO GO SLOW WITH...

MACAWS?! JUST PAY ATTENTION TO THEM... THEY'RE ATTENTION ORIENTED BIRDS. YOUR BIGGEST PROBLEM THERE IS PATTERNING/ TEACHING THEM TO SELF ENTERTAIN.

DISAGREE WITH MOST OF THIS AS WELL:

"After a few days you can open the cage door and let her make the decisions about when to come out. She will do so when she feels safe and not a moment sooner. When your new bird eventually comes to you for attention, don’t make assumptions that she is inviting your hands to the party. Let her sit with you and enjoy your company with no stressors. Keep in mind that humans are predators and your bird knows that."

I guess... IF YOU WANT TO ESTABLISH THE PATTERN WHERE THE BIRD IS IN CHARGE, AND DOES WHAT SHE FEELS LIKE DOING, WHEN SHE FEELS LIKE IT. Macaws will take that scenario any day of the week...

You don't force the issue, but you do have to work on establishing trust. Since yours is a baby, and you have already handled and hand fed it, then doing this would be taking a HUGE step backwards.

"I may be a predator, but I am your friend, bird. I'm not going to eat you. I am here to teach you, and protect you, play with you, and scratch your head. Stick with me, I'll show you the ropes." YOU PATTERN THEM! STARTING NOW, NOT DAYS OR WEEKS FROM NOW.

"You're in a new place, and you're a little bewildered, but it's safe, you're loved, and here's how things work here..."

THIS I agree with - somewhat - and would modify:

"In the early days, your bird will probably not have much interest in playing with toys you have provided. Part of the reason is that her concerns will be more about her safety than her entertainment. The other part may be that she has not had much exposure to toys and may not understand their purpose. For many birds, toys are just one more thing to be concerned about in the new environment. For this reason, fewer toys are better in the beginning."

YES, AND NO!

WHAT YOU DO IS INTRODUCE THEM TO THE TOYS. SIT THEM DOWN ON YOUR LAP, AND SHOW THEM TO THEM, AND PLAY WITH THEM WITH THE BIRD ON YOUR LAP. SHOW THEM THERE'S NOTHING TO BE AFRAID OF. THEN HANG THEM UP IN THE CAGE... AFTER THE BIRD IS FAMILIAR TO THEM, AND IT'S NOT SOME BIG SCAREY THING HANGING OVER THEIR HEAD. AND IF THERE ARE TOYS THEY AREN'T COMFORTABLE WITH IN YOUR LAP? SET THOSE ASIDE FOR NOW...

Many birds are very fond of paper and cardboard products and sometimes these make good choices for early toys. Depending on your bird, who may not be the explorative type, you might find yourself needing to show your bird the merits of toy play. An emotionally healthy bird knows how to entertain herself with toys. They will keep her mind AND her body active throughout the day whether or not you are there. You can add foraging to her world down the road.

ABSOLUTELY TRUE. TELEPHONE BOOKS, CARDBOARD BOXES, STUFF LIKE THAT ARE GREAT BIRD TOYS, AND THEY ARE FREE...

Pre-training DOs and DON’Ts:

DO determine what you bird’s favorite treat is by offering a choice of a few small pieces of different nuts and take note of the first one she eats. That will be the treat you use for training and she will only get that treat when you train.

DON’T freak her out by suddenly presenting a target stick. You need her to willingly come over and touch it which won’t happen if she is afraid of it. Gently introduce it by keeping it passively in your hands whenever you approach her cage.

DO encourage her to come to the side of the cage when you visit with her early on and entice her to accept a treat from your hand.

DO begin training while she is in the cage once she has begun to show relaxed behavior in your presence. There is no time frame to impose on her readiness to begin training. She will be ready when she trusts you enough to approach you.

DON’T ever force training on your bird! That is the best way to ensure she never participates in it willingly.

I AGREE WITH ALL OF THIS, BUT THE BEST TIP WOULD BE TO ENTICE THE BIRD, BY PEAKING THE BIRD'S NATURAL CURIOUSITY, AND MAKING IT A GAME... MACAWS LOVE GAMES... PEEK-E-BOO WITH A TOWEL OR A BLANKET IS A UNIVERSAL TRUTH. THROW IT OVER YOUR FACE A FEW TIMES FIRST. PEEK-E-BOO. THEN AFTER TWO OR THREE OF THOSE... DO SWITCH OFF, YOU THEN THEN BIRD...

Other general tips:
Be sure to name your bird right away and use the name often. Because birds mimic our language and come to associate items with their labels, their name is your verbal connection to them. You will likely have nicknames for your bird at some point, but for now make a choice and use only that name.
A very good method of getting your bird to relax around you is to sit quietly nearby and read. This will give your bird a chance to observe you being relaxed and non-threatening. You can every now and again quietly address her, calling her by name.

You are going to be anxious to learn about your new bird and you will best learn by watching her. Try not to stare at her, though. You are a predator. Your staring will be highly creepy to your new bird.

(THIS IS GOOD ADVICE IF YOU HAPPEN TO BE IN A BAR... NOT SO SURE I'D BE QUICK TO BREAK EYE CONTACT WITH AN UNTRAINED LARGE MACAW, THOUGH.) NOTHING WRONG WITH MAINTAINING HEALTHY EYE CONTACT IF THE BIRD ISN'T FREAKING OUT AT THE SIGHT OF YOU...

Your bird, no matter what her species, is an individual and will act according to her own nature. She will not have read her manual before coming to live with you. Her success or failure will be determined by how well you do your job as her guardian.

EXACTLY, SO WHY DOES THIS GUY MAKE HIS LIVING SELLING ONE SIZE FITS ALL MANUALS?! (And obviously, if it didn't work, then you just didn't do your job as a guardian. It's all your fault! Guilt! Guilt! Guilt!)

ERR... UUUHHH... THAT'S THE UNIVERSAL TRUTH RIGHT THERE. TAKE THE TIME TO GET TO KNOW YOUR BIRD, AND FIGURE OUT WHAT YOUR BIRD RESPONDS TO, THEN DO THAT!! ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL.... IF SHE DOESN'T RESPOND TO ONE THING, AND RESPONDS TO SOMETHING ELSE, DO SOMETHING ELSE...

You may have heard about a “honeymoon period” with your new bird. With humans, that term is generally a reference to a time frame prior to when one person starts taking another for granted. With birds, it is the period before a bird decides he is not happy and begins to rebel OR has learned how to effectively manipulate his human’s behavior with his own actions. At this point it will be apparent that the bird’s behavior has changed. However, the honeymoon never really needs to come to an end, and it won’t if you are paying attention to details.

THIS IS ALSO TRUE TO A CERTAIN EXTENT...

I DON'T THINK OF IT AS A HONEYMOON PERIOD.

WITH A MACAW, YOU GET A TESTING PHASE AS SOON AS THEY FIGURE OUT THEY AREN'T GOING TO BE EATEN FOR DOING SOMETHING WRONG...

YOU HAVE TO PASS THE TESTS TO HAVE A WELL BEHAVED BIRD.

THEY WILL PUSH THE BOUNDARIES WHERE THEY CAN, JUST LIKE CHILDREN. MACAWS REQUIRE A FIRM HAND, AND CLEAR BOUNDARIES. (I BET YOU'VE NEVER HEARD THAT ONE BEFORE!) DO THAT AND YOU GET A WELL BEHAVED BIRD. DON'T DO THAT, YOU GET A BIRD THAT TENDS TO ACT UP...

I just realized that the link goes to the "Womach Brothers", not the Parrot Wizard - but my opinion is just the same.

My Ripley (the GW) was 18 months when I brought him home. He came from an enormous bird specialty store (Bird Paradise). It's beyond me that nobody bought him MUCH sooner, especially since he was raised there.

Anyway, I didn't have a cage ready for him. The cage was in my car (in pieces), along with Ripley (in his carrier). The cage needed to be assembled before I could put him in there, LOL. It all worked out in the end. Much better than I could have ever hoped for, too.

And no, Ripley didn't spent the first few days tucked away in his cage. On the contrary.

OK, Birdman666 has done it again and this thread needs to be set as a must read!

JerseyWendy said:

I just realized that the link goes to the "Womach Brothers", not the Parrot Wizard - but my opinion is just the same.

Click to expand...

Talk about making your living off of selling one size fits all manuals...

SailBoat said:

OK, Birdman666 has done it again and this thread needs to be set as a must read!

Click to expand...

HAHAHAHAH! Our Mark (Birdman) sure is good that way, isn't he?

100% agree. Nothing to really add, Wendy, Mark, and Julie have basically said everything there is to say.

Personally, I couldn't sit there watching the brand new baby I'd be waiting for just sit in a cage for a few days... it would drive me (and probably the bird) bonkers.

Ya'll are absolutely the best. Thanks so much. I disagreed with the article as well, but found some online information supporting it. I figured I would ask and see what the professionals (you guys!) would think.

Mark what's your thoughts on clicker training?

StephenAndKyleigh said:

Ya'll are absolutely the best. Thanks so much. I disagreed with the article as well, but found some online information supporting it. I figured I would ask and see what the professionals (you guys!) would think.

Mark what's your thoughts on clicker training?

Click to expand...

I tried clicker training about 15 years ago down at the rescue. Then a greenwing I was working with snatched it out of my hand and ran around on top of his cage clicking it... great sport (for him) "Keep away, can't catch me!" So, when I finally did corral him, crunch crack... that was it for my clicker. Lasted about as long as a peanut shell would in that beak...

I never bought another one.

Clicker training does work. I always used things like slivered almonds, cashew pieces, safflower seed, and those broken up "topping" peanuts - (itty bitty pieces, like the kind you put on ice cream. You can get a jar of unsalted ones for a couple of bucks, and those are just the right size, and you bird will be willing to work for them...) What ever you use for a training treat, should be something you don't normally feed him much of. That way they are more willing to work for it. And if it's stuff you want to give them in limited quantities, that works for limiting the quantities.

Frankly, macaws are all about the attention. They're pretty eager to please, if it means playtime and interaction. Voice inflection and praise can be just as effective as treats once they get to know you. Make training time play time, and you don't have to shovel treats in their beak all day long. (Just occasionally)

Just as they respond to the "angry" face and know they are in trouble... they also respond to the "happy face."

JerseyWendy said:

SailBoat said:

OK, Birdman666 has done it again and this thread needs to be set as a must read!

Click to expand...

HAHAHAHAH! Our Mark (Birdman) sure is good that way, isn't he?

Click to expand...

Thanks guys...

I posted this in another thread, but thought it would fit here...

This is Sweepea as a baby. (Notice all green, no reds or oranges. Just a spot.) Learning to skateboard. Like within the first week of her coming home, probably within days...

SO YES, ABSOLUTELY, LOCK THEM IN A CAGE, AND DON'T DO ANYTHING AT ALL THAT MIGHT SPOOK THEM! WE CAN'T HAVE THAT NOW, CAN WE?!

YOU'LL LOSE THEIR TRUST FOREVER, AND SCAR THEM FOR LIFE!!!

(Or not.)

StephenAndKyleigh said:

Read this article today...
As a lot of you know, I will be taking home Kyleigh (that beautiful BG that I make way too many threads about) hopefully before Christmas. I've been reading a lot about "the first day/week/month with your parrot" and have gotten so many varied answers. I am wondering who agrees/disagrees with this article and why?

Ready...set...go..

Your First Month With Your New Parrot

Click to expand...

I think patience is the most important thing personally.

I concur with all of the above, and highly commend Stephen for so diligently researching the standards of parronting!