My new Parrotlet: Peru

Hello

I’m new here and new to having birds (had them when I was a child). I recently purchased a parrotlet and that was my first mistake - I didn’t get him from a pet store - or what I would (now) call a reputable breeder. Now I know but it’s far too late. I’m completely in love.
I was told he was handled and 10wks old. He is not banded. I was told he was grumpy because there were females laying near his cage and other males around. The grumpiness has not subsided in three weeks. Tickle tickle still has aggression occasionally - I find this odd.
I have been doing my best to handle him on his terms, leaving his cage open as much as possible (he is clipped for taming). He has been converted to pellets but doesn’t seem keen on many fresh fruits or veg yet and not tempted by treats on the table next to his cage. Sometimes he comes out and sits on the windowsill. At no time is he particularly interested in me, even when I have seeds it’s hit and miss.
I noticed the other day that he has bald spots. Also, he seems to be molting equally around his legs left and right quite evenly. The areas that are bald for the last while are still bald, feathers are growing in on his legs.
How concerned should I be? Will he eventually come ‘round and want to play with me or is it too late if he wasn’t hand fed (and I can’t confirm his age)? I’m a bit heartbroken, as my last little guy had such a sweet disposition, but met with untimely misfortune when I was away for one night (my father feels terrible).
Attached are some pics - best I could get with bleeding cuticles.
Advice and polite comments are much appreciated.


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Well in my opinion...it is only my opinion he probably wasn't handled or socialized much.

A bird also needs time to get used to it's new cage, it's new surroundings, and especially it's new servant. Keep trying and give it time. Be gentle and encouraging even when you are frustrated. I am sorry to tell you this could mean many months. Take your time, give him time. It will be worth it in the long run.

Welcome! I would second the opinion that it will just take time - birds are pretty individual and have their own personalities. He is pretty young, and I think with time you’ll be able to build a good bond with him. Just keep moving at his pace and take your time. Don’t be afraid to keep trying new foods, treats etc. There’s a good thread here with ideas for bonding with him http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/49144-tips-bonding-building-trust.html.

Oh, I love parrotlets. That bald spot is plucking and hopefully another member will come by to help explain plucking as I am not the best with words. Plucking unfortunately is somewhat common in plets. I second the posts above, and good luck with your little "Amazon"!
Edit- I didnt even see how old she/he is! Thankfully Inger, the resident Plet expert, posted

Awwww yay another plet! I’m sure with time and attention he’ll come around. Have you had him in for a well-baby check at the vet? It’s always a good idea with a new baby. The plucking could have a medical cause and it’s worth having it looked at.

If he’s actually molting as well (10 weeks seems a bit young) that could make him grumpy. Sometimes a bath - whatever way he will take it - can help. Bumble turns into devil-beak when she’s molting.

Stick around and share stories and pics with us! There are several parrotlet parents, although generally I’m the loudest [emoji5]


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Something that you need to keep in-mind here is that a bird that was not hand-raised/hand-fed or handled/interacted with as a baby, as your bird obviously was not, is not going to just suddenly become hand-tame. That's not how this works. After he's with you and in your house for a while, and in his new cage for a while, he'll most-likely become more comfortable being around you, but not handled by you...not automatically.

If you want him to be hand-tamed, then you'll have to commit to actually hand-taming him, which is going to require working with him for at least a hour a day, every day, and sometimes takes months or longer to achieve...It can certainly happen, I've hand-tamed many birds just like your parrotlet, but it took months and months of hand-taming training every day...

I suggest you go to the training/behavior forums and look at the hand-taming stickies, as they explain the process step-by-step and what you'll need to do every day with him in order to achieve the results you're looking to have..

Welcome to you both!