New Jardine Parrot in the Family

Our family has just adopted a 41/2 year old Jardine Parrot. "She" is/was a well socialized, super sweet, very gentle bird. She has now been at home with us for 10 Days. I am just wondering about her present demeanour. When we went to see her, and the ENTIRE ride home (8 hour trip) "She" was chatty, initiating relationship, Saying all her words...and just overall sweet...loving everyone.

Since the moment she has come in our door, she has become quiet...wanting her cage...occasionally using all her words...but talking to a wall, not to us. She is open to being held and hugged and scratched...Will always step up when asked...but still chirping for her cage...and NO mimicks (except kissing the kids and I goodnight)..unless she is on her cage talking to the wall. I'm starting to worry. Why the change? Should we be leaving her alone to adjust, or continue to initiate?

How long should we expect this adjustment to take?

She's still adjusting to the brand new environment. It's natural for any new pet (and you can imagine all the more for prey animal species) to be a bit uncomfortable at first in an entirely new environment. Some settle in quite quickly, others may take more time. It's hard to say, their personality is as individual as any intelligent being. Depends on that individuality, her past experience in life, and other factors that shape who she is and how she reacts to things.

Is she your first bird, or have you had other birds before? There is a lot of good reading in the Poicephalus section of the forum. It might give you some insight on what to expect as she becomes more accustomed to your home and surroundings and you. Good luck with your new bird!

We have had several birds...Senegal, Cockatiel, and Budgie but always adopted them as babies. Our home was always NORMAL to them...and adjustment was seamless. I've never seen one grieve...as it appears she may be doing.

Hi can you throw any light on her previous life please? How old is she?

It will help to gain a picture.

Thanks

She is 4 1/2 years old... What was her home before? I wonder if she was previously bonded to someone and misses them, or if she was from a rescue, or an adult bird from a store or what. Where did you get her? What makes you believe she might be grieving?

She was DEFINATELY bonded to her family...mostly Dad, and a 9 year old girl....she even played with the Boston Terrier. They had owned her for her entire life. Due to a recent divorce, they had to sell the family home, and could no longer keep the bird in the apartment. Here we are a family of 5...(3 kids 5, 9,10), 3 dogs, and a cockatiel. As I said, she is not initiating any interaction with us the way she did when we picked her up...and for the 8 hour drive home.

It kinda looks like she could be missing her 'old home' but all you can do is be kind and patient for the time being.

Be around her in a calm way, talk to her, so she can watch you going about your business and hopefully she will pick up and be more interested

Here are a couple of links which will be worth reading.

http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/3100-bond-forming.html

http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/49144-tips-bonding-building-trust.html

and here's the info for the breed.

http://www.parrotforums.com/poicephalus/

Give her time, be gentle and keep trying to interact with her, don't force anything. She sounds like a nice parrot, who likely does miss her previous flock, they are capable of feelings. Good luck, and stay active on this board, there are some very nice and knowledgeable folks here.

AL and Salty

Oh dear, I cried with Rosie today. I was Down the hall in my bedroom...and heard her talking...in the crystal clear voice of her previous owner...a 9 year old girl. She reenacted a playtime she had spent with her...with all the clicks, babble, coughs, words, and coos.

About ten minutes of this...and she went quiet. I went to her cage...in tears. Told her I had heard her. Told her I was sorry she had lost her friend. She came out and cuddled in my arms for about 3 minutes...her head cocked, eye watching my face as I cried for her and a little 9 year old who I KNOW has got to miss her just as much.

She was more snuggly and responsive to me for the rest of the day. I think it really helped me to understand her��.

Hi,I am come from China,Tianjin,my english teacher is a American,from the Huston texas.
I have one black winged jardine's parrot.He's name is GuoAi,I love this parrot verymuch and recommand them to my friends,now my little bird could say mandaring: ni hao very clearly