Need a crash course in Pois!

This weekend, we are picking up 2 retired pairs of Pois...a pair of Meyers and a pair of African Red Bellied.
The woman told me yesterday that the Red Bellied are around 40, but she is not sure. She has had them for 25 years.They were wild caught and imported back before the law changed, and I am hoping there is at least a year of importation on their bands to give me a better idea. They have always been used as breeders and are quite wild.

She said the Meyers have years on their bands and that it is sometime in the early '80s. These are not as wild as the Red Bellied, and she said the female talks and likes scritches.

Now for my questions. I have a cage to use for the Red Bellied, but am figuring out one for the Meyers. How strong are their beaks? Would a flight cage work or should the bar gauge be heavier?

What kind of toys do these guys prefer? Do they like parrot toys, or closer to conure size toys?

Both pairs have had a nestbox their entire lives, and the Red Bellied have not laid eggs in years, so I am going to let them keep that. She said the Meyers may lay again, and I do not want babies...should I remove that nestbox even though they have always had one? Will they be overly stressed if I do that, along with a change in their environment? Should I do it in steps? Or should I leave it and just keep checking to make sure I don't end up with babies? I have never taken on an older pair of breeders and want to make sure I do the right thing for them.

Thank you in advance for any help you can give, I just want these guys to have a stress free and enjoyable retirement

I have never had a poi, but I DO have an idea about stopping the meyers from breeding. Have you ever seen those replacement eggs? They are pretty heavy duty and you can get them in just about any size. If taking the nest box seems to be causing undue stress, allow them to have it. Check it every day, and always IMMEDIATELY replace any egg you find with a fake egg. She will brood them, they will not hatch, and she will most likely get bored and leave them alone. Replacing the eggs is better than taking them, because taking them can often stimulate her to lay another clutch which will stress her body a LOT. This is of course only if you choose to keep the box. Most species I would think would be fine having it removed, after all they do not maintain a box year round in the wild, though like I said I don't really know Pi's at all.

As for taming, I suggest keeping the meyers inside so they can get to know you. If the female is tame and likes scritches, the male is likely used to humans being around, and you could start target training in the cage right away. I find that birds are often easier to tame AFTER training has begun, as it gives them a basis for interaction. Also because it allows them to safely come out of their cage before they are tame, and they seem to feel less cornered when approached when they are outside their cage. Theya re also less likely to be territorial when not in their cage, and I like to never allow a bird the chance to bite me until he is tame, so he never "learns" to bite me out of fear, or any other reason. Also I have had success target training bonded birds at the same time, you just have to watch out for aggression. If you are going to clip them I suggest getting someone you trust who you do not need the birds to like to do it, and being out of the room as that trauma in a not tame bird could be hard to get over. I also suggest doing it ASAP so as to not allow them to start to feel safe with you, and then have that safety shattered.

The RBs I would put outside, but near the house, like on a back deck or something and more or less "ignore" them, but hang out near them quite a bit. Truly wild birds do not want to be focused on by humans (predators) and any efforts to even look directly at them could be threatening. . Once you can walk up to the cage without them flying into a panic, and when they will sit calmly while you feed and water, then I would bring them inside and begin target training, etc.

As I type this all out it occurs to me that you most likely know most if not all of this already, so please don't be offended if I have just covered a bunch of stuff you already know. Most of my experience has been with birds who came to me completely wild, in fact my experience with hand raised birds is all fairly recent.

As for Meyers, I don't really know the "strength" of their beak, but it is about the size of a GCC beak if I remember right. I would always suggest heavier rather than lighter of course, but make sure the bar spacing is safe for your lovebirds The meyers I have seen were much smaller than I expected.

Keep us updated!

Thanks so much for your post, Dani! I could never be offended by information, and I so appreciate your help.
The Meyers are going to go in the same room with my other large fids after quarantine, and the Red Bellied are going to go in with my small birds. It will be nice and quiet in there and they won't have to put up with us being in there all the time. We are in Canada and it is already getting too cold at night for any to be outside, unfortunately

I am going to try your suggestions with taming the Meyers and see what happens, hopefully they will warm to us. I have only seen them once, and man, they are beautiful. I only saw the Red Bellied female and am looking forward to seeing the male.

I think I may just take the nest box, I will know more after talking with her some more on Saturday. She leaves the nest boxes in year round. I think it has been many years since the Meyers laid eggs as well, but am going to check on that. If I do leave the box, I will definitely keep a close eye on it and use the fake eggs.

The cage situation worked itself out. A friend of mine has a nice cage with just over 1/2 inch spacing, with a heavy gauge, and she is going to let me use it.

Can't wait to post some pics of them, I am excited!

I am excited for you! I can't wait for updates! I think housing them with your other birds should work out great after quarantine - will you be doing any blood testing? Birds housed outside are likely to contract diseases from wild birds. That said, I am from the midwestern USA, and when I moved to a warmer area I was STUNNED by all the animal diseases, particularly in dogs and cats. Where I am from the sustained and bitter cold winter basically kills of all the diseased animals so they dont go spreading them around. Since getting here to Hawaii I am ultra paranoid because I feel like I live in a big warm virus and bacteria nursery! Of course it has also made me forget that not everyone can just have their flock outside...

Yep, we are going to have some blood tests done on them to be on the safe side. They are currently living in an aviary in an outbuilding, and it was really clean in there and temp controlled. And they are used to eating veggies as well, which is a bonus. The woman also has a pair of CAGS, 3 pairs of Caiques, 1 pair and a single BFA, 1 pair of Alexes and a pair of Derbyans. She is going to sell them all off and get out of breeding, but the ones I am getting she is just giving to me, probably because of their age.
I would have loved to have had the Derbyans as well, but can only take so many, unfortunately

I envy you living in Hawaii! Such gorgeous weather, and stunning sights. I have been twice, and would love to go back again. I do love snow, though, and would miss it if I lived somewhere without it...but for Hawaii, I would give it a shot!

I love snow as well, I figure it is just an extended vacation. We will probably get stationed in NY or something next Of course if you ever do get out this way while I am here, I would love to introduce my flock in person to a fellow forum member.

Pois have attitude. Pretty much all of them...

Match them attitude for attitude. Again, sort of like shrunken macaws that way. If they can push you around they will. If they can't they'll try for awhile, and then they'll push someone or something else around...

Inaniimate objects count. We can beat those up, and feel good about ourselves... It doesn't have to be fingers.

Terry, I am so excited for you! But, I'll be honest, I'm even more excited for the eight retirees that are about to join your wonderful flock. You're my hero, Sweet Lady. Can't wait to see photos and hear all about your new family members.

First, congratulations Terry! You will see how lovely Poicephalus are .

NO, I wouldn't use a flight cage. They have strong heavy beaks compared to the size of their bodies. They're known to be really hard biters (I have scars to prove it ). As a temporary it's okay, but long term I'd put a Poi in a cage with heavier gauge bars.

Wow, amazing if they're 40 :52:. One of my avian vets who's seen exclusively birds for decades (and used to breed Meyer's) says he's never had a Poi patient over mid 20's. Since Robin just turned 20, I told him just wait, Robin will be his FIRST Poi patient living to 30 something! I've read into the 30's is heard of but is exceptionally old for the smaller Poi's. Maybe these guys you're getting just have the secret to longevity, and I hope so!

Poi's can be real skittish when they're wild or partially wild. IF they were tame, they would have the same inclination as a conure for cuddliness, touching, laying on their back, etc. Poi's are more independent though. The usual Poi won't act like they 'need' you all the time (even tame bonded ones).

They're quiet too. How frequently they call varies from bird to bird, but generally males are noisier. As far as their volume, their loudest is no where near the volume of other similarly sized birds. It can be a shrill "whistle" rather than a squawk.

As Birdman said, they typically have attitude. They try to act big and tough lol. Griffin (Ruppell's parrot) is dominant and much more active and assertive in his friendship with Raven the Pionus. BUT, one interesting thing I've found with my Poi's is that they are not stubborn parrots. I cannot say the same for my Pionus! The Poi's don't try to disobey too much once you set boundaries and rules.
BUT they will remain beaky and 'nippy' to an extent. It is my opinion that the same holds true here with Poi's as Birdman says with Scarlet Macaws regarding beakiness. This genus tends to naturally communicate with their beaks more than some species do, and sometimes forcefully.

Poi's have the SOFTEST feathers! An interesting thing I noticed is that I think the gray backed ones (Red Bellied, Meyer's, Ruppell's) are even softer than the green backed ones (Senegal, Brown Headed). The only bird I've felt that was actually as soft or a little softer than the gray backed Poi's are the Rose Breasted Toos.

I can't wait to see pics!!

About the toys... My 2 Poi's are so different in their preferences. Robin honestly doesn't like to play nearly as much as Griffin. Robin ignores most of his toys, and prefers to sit quietly, sometimes for HOURS on end (!) chewing on links of plastic chain. He also loves those hard plastic pacifiers, and other hard plastic toys. If those 2 types of toy was all he had for the rest of his life, he'd be satisfied lol. He occasionally swings around a stainless steel 'tube' bell.

Griffin on the other hand, what toy DOESN'T he like?!! He LOVES to play, and play, and play. He's not particular what type of toy. He'll use anything. Especially if they're Raven's toys lol. What's his are his, and what's Raven's are his too haha.

Mine aren't big foragers. Especially Robin. Griffin is a little more inquisitive, but generally speaking, if a foraging toy or smart toy is too difficult, they will lose interest.

SilverSage said:

I love snow as well, I figure it is just an extended vacation. We will probably get stationed in NY or something next Of course if you ever do get out this way while I am here, I would love to introduce my flock in person to a fellow forum member.

Click to expand...

I would love to meet you and your flock! Not to mention I want to see Hawaii again Are you on Oahu?

@ Allee...thank you so much for your kind words, my Friend We are only adding 4 though, not 8 I don't know if I could handle almost doubling my parrot population at one time..lol.
This will give us 15 of the larger guys after we pick them up...Holy cow, to think it all started with a single free Zebra finch, and we will be at 73 on Saturday.

@ Julie...Thank you so much for all the info! reg is picking up some toys this afternoon in preparation for them coming home, and this is helpful to know what kinds to start with
The Meyer's have toys in their cage now, but the Red Bellied don't. I will have to find out why, coz if they are scared I will start with hanging them near the cage at first so I don't freak them out any worse than the move will.

I can't wait to touch them and feel how soft they are I may only get one chance when we get them out of the cage to put them into the carriers..lol.
I will let you know how old they actually are once I see the bands. I am hoping that the Red Bellied have an import year on them, but I don't think they did that
All I know for sure is that she had them 25 years, and they had been breeding for a few years before she acquired them. That is good news since I also found several places that listed lifespan as 30 -35. If I figure out their secret to longevity, I will share it for sure I think Robin is going to hit at least 50, with the great care and love he receives

Yes I am on Oahu And sister just vacated our guest room.

Yay! Sounds like I need a trip to Hawaii Last time we were there we stayed just down from Makaha in a condo, and absolutely loved it.

WHOA, 73? That's wild. People look at me weird because I added 3 to original 3 and have 1-2 more planned...for forever. That must be a full time job!

It is definitely a full time job...and worth every minute

73 is impressive! We are hanging out at 21 right now and I thought THAT was a chore! Next time someone gives me "the look" maybe I will mention your number!

I think 21 is impressive, Dani...remember that so many of mine are finches...makes the number high, but they are so easy to take care of (except for the constant pooping!).
With the new additions tomorrow, we will have 15 larger birds (starting with the CBC size) and everyone else is smaller

The new ones tomorrow don't have names, and I have come up with names for the Red Bellied, and am working on the Meyers...I so love this part!