Valentino RFM week and pics

Valentino on his Java tree. I really love this picture of him


Valentino loves his Java tree and spends quality time on it. I have provided him lots of hanging toys and foot toys to help keep him busy

December 15th 2012


Today is day six that Valentino has been with us. It has been a very eventful week for this baby parrot with his adjustment and bonding. I am very thankful and grateful to God for such a lovely and healthy parrot.


The first few days I took it pretty slow with him. Because Valentino is such a confident parrot I never saw him stress out or become frightened. He quickly learned I was the feeder of good foods and warm mushy hand rearing formula. Valentino would fly to the table perch, which is what I use to hand feed him on, when he is hungry and wants to be hand fed. I let him run the show for the first few days. I also have to establish that he does NOT have run of my home. Right away I taught him that the Java tree, table perch, and his cage were appropriate places he could fly too. When he flew to a “non-approved” place I would calmly walk up to him tap the surface and say “no” pick him up and put him down where I wanted him to be. I also made sure his java tree has a lot of toys to keep him busy so he will not get bored. Now he only flies off the Java tree to the table perch, cage or to me. Every once in a while to push my buttons he will fly to a forbidden place. Believe me he KNOWS what he is doing and will normally be “naughty” when he is testing me.


It did not take long for Valentino to learn to trust me. He also is bonding to me and has displayed behavior that he likes to have me around and enjoys it best when I am in the room with him. He does enjoy being petted and I now can touch him anywhere on his body. So for he is not into cuddling but I hope down the line as he becomes more comfortable and bonds to me more that he will enjoy cuddling with me. I so want to experience the “Red Fronted macaw meltdown” RFM owners talk about when the macaw is comfortable and bonded to you they will melt on you by rolling down your chest and trust you to make sure they do not fall. I have also heard that they will take their wings and “wrap” them around you giving hugs. Someday I hope to have a very close relationship with Valentino so he would do affectionate Red Fronted macaw things with me.


Thursday I took Valentino to the vet. He did very very well and never stress out once. I have a very good avian vet for my parrots and Dr. Blair always takes her time and will work at the pace that is comfortable with the parrot. She and I stared the appointment chatting while Valentino was perched chilling out. He preened and stretched which are sighs of comfort and non-stress. He stepped up very nicely for the doctor who he has never met before and let her pet him enjoying her touch. During the exam and blood draw Valentino didn’t even make a sound. He began to fall asleep while toweled for the exam/blood draw because of his head being rubbed. After the exam/blood draw he acted like nothing had happened and charmed everyone who came in the exam room to see him. Dr. Blair was very impressed with his confidence and health. Wendy Craig and his parents, as always, has done a very good job raising my Valentino.


Valentino is down to one or two hand feedings a day. He has begun to eat his pellets and fresh foods with more gusto and is nearly there with consuming enough where I am comfortable he is getting enough nutrition. I will continue to hand feed him the formula at night before bed so that he can sleep well. I believe that last feeding helps him feel more secure and he sleeps better though the night. Who would not want to be fed a warm meal before bed right?


I have started light training and as he becomes more comfortable with me I ask more of him and provide bigger rewards as he learns. This parrot is very smart. It is funny to me how he obviously tries to manipulate me into doing what HE wants at THAT moment.



I think that Valentino is adjusting remarkably well to us and our home. Today he got his first soaking to the skin shower and he even did well with this. Lupe took more pictures of him for me while I was doing laundry and some came out really nice.

That's all around great news! I'm happy for you (and Valentino)

Awww valentino is gorgeous! Such a handsome bird. Sounds like you guys are getting along really well, I can't wait for the photos of him giving you a big hug

Valentino settled right in and made himself at home. AND you can touch him all over already - which is AWESOME news!

And look at him...he is just SO beautiful!!!

You've certainly come a long way in a very short time.

Thanks for sharing him with us...he's such eye candy.