How did he do that?

So, I had been trying forever to get this little Pionus (not that I knew that is what he was) Parrot away from a relative who hadn't been able to care for him for a while. I thought I'd find a rescue, people who understood parrots. He really bites and screamed a lot. Turns out no one wanted a parrot that bites and whos age is anyone's guess. My husband and I rescue roosters and we can deal with the meanest roosters. They don't just bite but sneak up behind you with a surprise attack of spurs and beaks. But in my head parrots were exotic, so one must need some sort of magic to work with them. We would keep him until something better came along for him. Well, today I finally went for an overdue grocery shopping trip and when I got to the store the only things I had on my list was the foods the Vet said Picollo should be eating. The only date I have on my calendar is his next vitamin shot, and I'm selling a house. I can't remember if the closing is the 24 or 25, but I know Piccolo's next vitamin shot is at 11:15 on 9/17/18. My husband and I swear his feathers got brighter after his first shot. We don't care if he bites, for now, it's how we trick him into eating his veggies. First bites out for blood, second for broccoli. He rarely screams anymore. We love him. How did he creep his cranky little self into our hearts?

Ahhh yes...tis easy to love a parrot even if it's your blood he seeks. Parrots are magic you know...cast spells over us so that we protect and serve.

aha you're in the hole now!

it's funny how daunting they appear at first, but once you settle into it POMF what once felt like miracle work becomes daily routine

Yup, you've got it

Yep and then heaven help you if anything ever happens to him cos it’ll break your heart!

They do have a way of doing that! And the more time that passes, the nicer he'll get. The secret to making friends with a parrot is to keep in mind they are instinctually driven to want to fit into their "flock" and in a domestic home, that means the humans there become the surrogate flock. Approach knowing that even if he is currently "grouchy" deep down he WANTS to be a participating member of your household, you just have to make sure he feels safe, welcome and valued in your "flock". If you guide and teach him, he will not just learn to like you but also how to be a good companion animal and what the rules of your home are. Our rescue bird did, and while he'll never be a cuddly bird, he is friendly and sweet and very well behaved. Took years to get there too. Don't give up!

You should read the thread, You know when you are parront when......

I'm so excited for you!

Want some meandering thoughts for a new parront? Here are a few. You may already know most of it since you're familiar with roosters, but just because I'm feel wordy today, here goes.


Here's some reading on bonding for you.
http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/49144-tips-bonding-building-trust.html
General Parrot Information - Parrot Forum - Parrot Owner's Community
http://goodbirdinc.blogspot.com/2012...n-parrots.html


Most of us swear by our avian vets in the event of health concerns. I don't know where you are, but here are some links. I only have USA info...
Certified Avian Vets
https://abvp.com/animal-owners/find-an-abvp-specialist/
If none are near you...
Avian Veterinarians
http://www.aav.org/search/custom.asp?id=1803
In my opinion, any of the vets listed here should be better than a regular vet.

What's the diet? That's critical for health. Too many are kept on seeds or other poor-nutrition things. They need veggies, legumes, grains... pellets are a good staple. Here's what I use.
Harrison's Bird Foods
I feed Harrison's, supplemented by fresh healthy treats. My first, and later, my current avian vet recommended it. My bird loves the pellets now, but to get him converted, my avian vet suggested putting pellets out all day, and putting seeds (his old diet) out for two 15-minute periods a day. That would sustain him but leave him hungry enough to try new stuff. I presume the same technique could be used to get him to eat other healthy stuff, like fruits and vegetables! My guy was eating pellets in a couple of days, and now I can feed a good variety of other stuff, knowing he has the pellets as a basic. Pellets are out all day... fresh treats a few times a day. I also like Harrison's via mail because I never have to worry about out-of-date products.

Since you're new parront, I'll just drop a note about avoiding teflon pans, which are lethal to birds.

I love roosters... photos, maybe, when you get a chance? I was very close with a Bantam flock at a neighbor's house when I was in New Mexico.

Parrots can be trained out of biting. Be careful you arent re enforcing that behaviour. Bites should always be addressed. Dont feed himafter he bites you - that is training him to bite.

No teflon pans, silicone baking pans or oven mats or scented candles as the fumes they give off can be toxic to birds.