Bird Handling Classes?

Puddlingo

New member
May 12, 2013
16
0
NC
Parrots
A parakeet named Kiko
Hey again, guys!!!

It's been a while. :)

So, here's the thing.

I have a parakeet, named Kiko. I've had him for about 3 years now and I haven't been able to touch him once or do anything with him. He was the most stubborn bird ever, for the first year I got him I spent hours on end with him each day trying to get him warmed up to me. Nothing worked! So, by the second year, I gave up and so now I'm stuck with him. I take care of him and take to him and everything, but we just don't really have the connection that I was hoping for when I first got him. So, I basically blew it with this bird. I tried my hardest, though!

So, now, I've been wanting to get a Conure. I want to get one when it is a baby (or fully weaned) so it can bond with me throughout its whole life. I don't want an ordinary PetSmart bird, I want a bird that will love me and be my best friend unlike my parakeet. But, there's a problem ...

1.) My mom will not allow another bird into our house, not until I'm done with college and on my own. (I'm only 14, so that is going to take a while).

2.) I obviously do not know how to do anything with a bird! I tried to bond with my parakeet, I mean I spent months trying to get him used to my hand, being touched, petted, and everything. But, nothing worked. He is and will always be petrified.

So, for the main point of this topic ... are there any such things as classes for learning how to work and care for birds? Like a class where I would be able to interact and learn how to have one as a pet so I will be ready to get one when I'm older.

Keep in mind that I'm only 14, and I live in Mooresville, NC. There isn't a lot of opportunity here!

Thanks, guys! :green1:
 

goalerjones

Well-known member
Oct 24, 2011
1,390
30
Parrots
Hahn's macaw, RIP George, Jenday Conure
What most on here will recommend is going to a rescue shelter in your area. In fact, some shelters require you to volunteer at their location before they will allow you to adopt.
 

henpecked

Active member
Dec 12, 2010
4,858
Media
3
18
NC/FLA
Parrots
Jake YNA 1970,Kia Panama amazon1975, both i removed from nest and left siblings, Forever Home to,Stacie (YN hen),Mickie (RLA male),Blinkie (YNA hen),Kong (Panama hen),Rescue Zons;Nitro,Echo,Rocky,Rub
have you looked at joining a local parrot club? The parrot rescue is also great advice. You could also look for a local Avian Vet , he'd know about parrot related activities in your area. How far are you from Durham? I know of a lady with a parrot store there who often uses young volunteers. I realize being 14 with no car limits you but check around.
 

jenphilly

Active member
Oct 15, 2013
1,950
23
Lehigh Valley, PA
Parrots
BE2 (Ivory), B&G Macaw (Max), Budgie Group,
Granbirds- tiels; GCC (Monkey & Monster); Sun Conure (Loki); Bare Eyed Too (Folger); Evil Green Monster YNA (Kelly); B&G (Titan)
You may have done nothing wrong with the parakeet, he/she is just that type of bird... every bird has its own personality, we have 4 cockatiels and each has its own personality and behavior.

I would follow the suggestions of others and find a local rescue. Adopting a baby green cheek does not mean the bird will bond to you. We helped our birdsitter adopt her first green cheek. Marley was 2-3 years old and had some biting issues, but with hardwork and commitment, he has come around in just a couple months is now a wonderful and funny companion!

We adopted an almost 4 year old bare eyed cockatoo and you would never know she hasn't been with us her whole life, she is a wonderful addition to our family. I would definitely encourage anyone to consider adopting!!

Good luck.
 

riddick07

Well-known member
Dec 22, 2011
2,106
46
PA
Parrots
Blue & Gold Macaw (Titan) & Yellow Naped Amazon (Kelly)
I agree with my mother, jenphilly, sometimes they are just that type of bird. My one cockatiel Renji was adopted and he was mean and angry. Now he is pissy is the best word I have for him but he is not a cuddly I wish to spend time with you bird. He no longer bites unless he is being territorial about one of the females. Some birds just don't want to be your best friend.

I'm not sure why my mother jumped to green cheek when you mentioned conure but shes right a hand raised baby might not be friendly anymore than the parakeet. I would say visit a couple birds and see if one clicks with you when you are ready to get one. Also, if your mother is a sucker for you doing your research before getting yourself into something new...then make a report about the animal, how you plan to take care of it, etc...how I ended up with so many different animals when I was younger.... put more work into those reports than any school report thats for sure. lol

Also, if you do get a baby you will end up going through the hormonal I hate you stage that most birds seem to go through at some point. My one green cheek conure just got over his and he is much more interested in one on one time now. The cockatoo we just got has already gone through that stage before we got her so thats always a plus. There are a lot of birds who need homes so when the time comes I would look into adoption. I love the babies I got from breeders but they can be exhausting with the whole mood swings. I want a green wing macaw eventually and I will probably look for a older macaw that has older gone through maturity even if some adoptees have behavior issues.

I agree with the suggestions about rescues or bird store for experience. Also, do your online research and browse this forum. There is a lot of information and people here to help get you ready.

Is your parakeet located in an area that would upset him or in a small cage? My cockatiel Renji was in a cage too small for him at first and on the floor. Once he was in a bigger cage that was up high he was much happier and more likely to respond positively. Have you chased him around the cage trying to catch him and touch him because that can make it worse sometimes. Personally, I would suggesting clipping him,vet, if he isn't already and leaving the cage open and spending time in the same room with them without trying to force interaction.
 

MonicaMc

Well-known member
Sep 12, 2012
7,960
Media
2
43
Parrots
Mitred Conure - Charlie 1994;
Cockatiel - Casey 2001;
Wild Caught ARN - Sylphie 2013
It's not too late. All you need to do is work with your budgie. Use millet or his regular food to earn his trust.

Living With Parrots Cage Free: Bucky and Strider - Millet Eating Fiends!


[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUx81WHTUwk"]1 Bird in hand Leads to Many - YouTube[/ame]



[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlSm4uFZzVU"]More Budgies!!!! - YouTube[/ame]
 

nyspy

New member
Nov 5, 2013
157
0
Parrots
Pretty Birdy (BG Macaw)
Duke (BG Macaw)
When you say you "blew it" with the bird, can you be more specific? How often did you give the bird attention? How long? What did you do with the bird? If you could video a session, I'm willing to bet we can help you build a strong bond with the bird. It's never too late.. It's just a matter of persistence. It sounds like you're probably just not doing the right things with the bird.

While all birds have different personalities, it is possible to bridge the gap and build a semi-snuggly relationship with a bird..
 

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