Parrot-Sitting Advice, Please!

NandaTheFae · Aug 31, 2016

Hello everyone!

I just signed up for this forum in hopes that I can get some swift advice.

I am currently watching over two parrots while a friend of my roommate's sister moves out of state.
She estimates she will need me to watch them for a few months but is also open to permanent adoption.
If things go that way, I want to be as educated as possible!

One is a orange-winged Amazon (I think?), Spanky, who's about ten years old.
The other is a male Eclectus, Cosmo, who I'm unsure of the age.

I literally just met them this morning as they were dropped off last night and
I was already asleep so my roommate helped them move in.
When I went to see them this morning the Spanky, the Amazon, was quite skiddish at first.
After a few minutes they were sitting at the bars of the cage and vocalizing to me/mimicking my clicks.

They each have a nice cage but I'm going to be making them some new perches from natural wood rather than them using those smooth dowels.

*I've never taken care of either of these types of birds and I am open to any and all advice that this community can provide!*

Here are some things that I've noted so far:

Cosmo, the Eclectus, has some seriously over-grown talons:

My first idea is to take him to an avian vet to have those monstrous claws taken care of.
Can anyone advise me on if that's the best idea or if there's some way I could help him with a less-traumatic method?
From the notes that the owner provided, it seems that this is the majority of their diet:

Plus table food from their owner's plates.

I have a baby African Grey myself and I know that a diet concentrated around seeds and nuts can be pretty harmful to a parrots health considering the high fat content and such.
It doesn't appear that these parrots are given any fresh veggies for calcium or any supplements to make up for the lack of vegetation.
I do know that, for Eclectus especially, it is recommended to have a VERY high amount of natural soft foods due to their longer digestive track as opposed to strictly pellets or seeds.

My baby Grey eats a mixture of Roudybush Daily Maintenance with a small big of Roudybush Breeder mixed in as well as fresh fruits and veggies (whenever I can get her little toddler butt to eat them rather than sling them everywhere!)
Can anyone advise me on if it's a good idea to try to get these new parrots to try these pellets and, if so, the best way to introduce them to the birds?
Cosmo's, the Eclectus, feathers look a little... Odd?

Please refer to the pictures above; it looks maybe as if he doesn't preen properly or maybe it could be his diet?
Does anyone have any input on that?

OutlawedSpirit · Aug 31, 2016

I am going to tell you what I can about the male Ekkie, as that is where my experience lies. He should be eating a lot of fresh foods, such as veggies, fruits, cooked beans and cereals, such as quinoa. I also supplement my Ekkies' diets with a handful of pellets at night, after all their fresh foods have been taken out of their cages, but ensure it is a dye-free pellet. Ekkies can be extremely sensitive to the dyes used in colored pellets. Some Ekkies can do okay on a species specific pellet as their main source of food, but I personally do not recommend it if fresh foods are an option.

As far as his overall grooming, taking him to an avian vet for his nails is your best bet. It may be somewhat "traumatizing" to him, but being dropped off with someone he has never met probably was too. I wouldn't worry about the vet trip stressing him too much, especially considering how badly he seems to need it. As for his feathers, I am fostering/adopting a 25 year old blind male Ekkie now, and his feathers looked pretty rough when he first got here. Part of it is that his beak is slightly overgrown, so he cannot preen like he should. Again, that is a grooming thing the vet can take care of for you. It is done with a dremel similar to how the toe nails are done. Just please ensure it is an AVIAN vet. Also, it has really helped his feather condition that he is getting regular showers. I am unsure as to if you can handle or pet him, but if you can, see if his feathers feel oily. That could cause his feathers to look like that. That is a rather easy fix, it just involves making sure he gets regular showers, and good, soaking showers. It can take a while for the water to be able to penetrate the oil to actually wet the feather. It will also encourage him to preen himself more.

I hope that helps at least somewhat. Kudos to you for taking the two of them in, and planning on getting them the vet care they need.

CherylCali · Aug 31, 2016

Welcome! You came to a wonderful place, there are so many helpful and knowledgeable people. You might try also posting this thread in the species specific forums for both the Amazon and the Eclectus for fast help.

I just wanted to commend you for taking two parrots that you've never met and even considering getting them to a vet. They both appear to need it. I share the same concerns as you just from the pictures. I can't imagine their fear of being in a new place with a stranger. Bless you for taking them. Please, please keep us updated.

CherylCali

riddick07 · Aug 31, 2016

Disease Test them right away especially if they are near your baby grey already. Avian bio tech is a great option for that one.

First post covered everything else I was thinking. The feather condition is the bad diet they were on. At the shelter we feed Phoenix mix for the ekkies for the in the cage all day food. But they get fresh foods every day too.

The Phoenix mix.
UnPellet Mix

wrench13 · Aug 31, 2016

Nothing to add, ut blessings for taking these 2 souls in. But then again , the Fey always have big hearts.

SailBoat · Aug 31, 2016

In reading your Thread, this is really more a: You just got handed two Parrots by someone who just dumped them on you. So, it would be much better to first address what determines whether you will keep these two Parrots or move them onto someone else. Right?

Looking at the Amazon's picture, I'm not comfortable call it a Golden-Winged Amazon. Based on the single picture, it possible a Blue-Fronted Amazon. More pictures please.

The neat thing about Amazons is that in the Amazon Forum you will find a light blue highlighted Thread on Amazon Body Language. The best way to learn Amazon Body Language is to place a chair next to his cage and Read Aloud to him the Thread regarding Amazon Body Language. After reading the Thread several times a day for multiple days you will have a better understanding of what this Amazon is trying to communicate to you and the Amazon more comfortable with you.

Yes, get them into your Avian Vet ASAP for a 'New' Parrot Check-up!

Once you have been to the Vet and determined if you will be keeping the Parrots than it will be time to really get into the What to do's!

plumsmum2005 · Aug 31, 2016

Just to say hi to you, Spanky and Cosmo. Wow talk about thrown in deep, you have some good advice already so just to wish you luck and say welcome.

NandaTheFae · Aug 31, 2016

Thank you so much for this detailed information on the Eclectus! I greatly appreciate the advice.

The pellet's that I have are dye free from Roudybush so I feel confident that they'd follow your guidelines. I'm just hopeful that I can get Cosmo to try out fresh fruits and vegetables so that I can wean him off of that not-so-great mixture of seeds and nuts his owners have them on.

I am going to do some searching around for a good Avian Vet in my area and hopefully get them both to one before the week is out if not this weekend. Fingers-crossed that it wont burn a hole in my wallet! I also have a shower perch for my Grey so if I'm able to get the two newlings to warm up to me I'll be sure to test their liking for the shower.

OutlawedSpirit said:
I am going to tell you what I can about the male Ekkie, as that is where my experience lies. He should be eating a lot of fresh foods, such as veggies, fruits, cooked beans and cereals, such as quinoa. I also supplement my Ekkies' diets with a handful of pellets at night, after all their fresh foods have been taken out of their cages, but ensure it is a dye-free pellet. Ekkies can be extremely sensitive to the dyes used in colored pellets. Some Ekkies can do okay on a species specific pellet as their main source of food, but I personally do not recommend it if fresh foods are an option.

As far as his overall grooming, taking him to an avian vet for his nails is your best bet. It may be somewhat "traumatizing" to him, but being dropped off with someone he has never met probably was too. I wouldn't worry about the vet trip stressing him too much, especially considering how badly he seems to need it. As for his feathers, I am fostering/adopting a 25 year old blind male Ekkie now, and his feathers looked pretty rough when he first got here. Part of it is that his beak is slightly overgrown, so he cannot preen like he should. Again, that is a grooming thing the vet can take care of for you. It is done with a dremel similar to how the toe nails are done. Just please ensure it is an AVIAN vet. Also, it has really helped his feather condition that he is getting regular showers. I am unsure as to if you can handle or pet him, but if you can, see if his feathers feel oily. That could cause his feathers to look like that. That is a rather easy fix, it just involves making sure he gets regular showers, and good, soaking showers. It can take a while for the water to be able to penetrate the oil to actually wet the feather. It will also encourage him to preen himself more.

I hope that helps at least somewhat. Kudos to you for taking the two of them in, and planning on getting them the vet care they need.

NandaTheFae · Aug 31, 2016

I sincerely appreciate the warm welcome and support from you! I will check out those two specific forums to see if I can find more tips about each birdie. Thank you again!

CherylCali said:
Welcome! You came to a wonderful place, there are so many helpful and knowledgeable people. You might try also posting this thread in the species specific forums for both the Amazon and the Eclectus for fast help.

I just wanted to commend you for taking two parrots that you've never met and even considering getting them to a vet. They both appear to need it. I share the same concerns as you just from the pictures. I can't imagine their fear of being in a new place with a stranger. Bless you for taking them. Please, please keep us updated.

CherylCali

NandaTheFae · Aug 31, 2016

Thank you for these suggestions! I will look into disease testing and check out that Phoenix Mix!

riddick07 said:
Disease Test them right away especially if they are near your baby grey already. Avian bio tech is a great option for that one.

First post covered everything else I was thinking. The feather condition is the bad diet they were on. At the shelter we feed Phoenix mix for the ekkies for the in the cage all day food. But they get fresh foods every day too.

The Phoenix mix.
UnPellet Mix

NandaTheFae · Aug 31, 2016

Indeed we do! Hehe. Thank you so much for these kind words.

wrench13 said:
Nothing to add, ut blessings for taking these 2 souls in. But then again , the Fey always have big hearts.

NandaTheFae · Aug 31, 2016

Thank you for your reply! I see your point but, unfortunately, I can't even be certain that their owners will *actually* let me keep these two. They briefly mentioned being open to the idea but I'm not sure how likely it would be for me to keep them permanently. I am hopeful though! Nevertheless, I will be caring for them for at least 2-3 months and I want to make sure I'm doing my very best to keep them happy and healthy.

The owners titled the Amazon a Golden-Winged but, to be honest, I'm not familiar enough with the breed to provide any better verdict. I will be sure to post a few more pictures once he's comfortable enough to come out of his cage!

I am definitely going to check out the Amazon Forum and try out that Body Language tip; thanks a lot for that!!

SailBoat said:
In reading your Thread, this is really more a: You just got handed two Parrots by someone who just dumped them on you. So, it would be much better to first address what determines whether you will keep these two Parrots or move them onto someone else. Right?

Looking at the Amazon's picture, I'm not comfortable call it a Golden-Winged Amazon. Based on the single picture, it possible a Blue-Fronted Amazon. More pictures please.

The neat thing about Amazons is that in the Amazon Forum you will find a light blue highlighted Thread on Amazon Body Language. The best way to learn Amazon Body Language is to place a chair next to his cage and Read Aloud to him the Thread regarding Amazon Body Language. After reading the Thread several times a day for multiple days you will have a better understanding of what this Amazon is trying to communicate to you and the Amazon more comfortable with you.

Yes, get them into your Avian Vet ASAP for a 'New' Parrot Check-up!

Once you have been to the Vet and determined if you will be keeping the Parrots than it will be time to really get into the What to do's!

NandaTheFae · Aug 31, 2016

Thank you for the warm welcome! My Quetzie appreciates your kind words, too!

plumsmum2005 said:
Just to say hi to you, Spanky and Cosmo. Wow talk about thrown in deep, you have some good advice already so just to wish you luck and say welcome.

plumsmum2005 · Aug 31, 2016

NandaTheFae said:
Thank you for the warm welcome! My Quetzie appreciates your kind words, too!

plumsmum2005 said:

Just to say hi to you, Spanky and Cosmo. Wow talk about thrown in deep, you have some good advice already so just to wish you luck and say welcome.

Click to expand...

She is beautiful, welcome to Quetzie as well

Notdumasilook · Aug 31, 2016

Hope the "prior" owners give up those birds. From the sounds of it they are in a much better place now than they were. Ida like to shake your hand or hug your neck for taking on one hella responsibility. Can't add much more than the good advice you have been given already. Just be patient with them (which I know you will).. get their diets improved and plenty of attention and love. You got your hands full... that's for sure!. Best wishes.

BeatriceC · Aug 31, 2016

Pretty much everything has already been covered, but you mentioned being a bit worried about the cost of vet care, so I thought I'd add a little on that topic.

A basic "new parrot" workup at my vet costs between $300-$400. Multiply that by two and that's a lot of money! That said, most vets are pretty compassionate. My vet works with me to spread out the cost of things, or provides discounts when he can to help make sure that his patients get the care they need; not just for my birds, but for all his patients' humans. He's quite happy to work out a plan that works with the human's budget that also makes sure the medical needs of the animal are taken care of, and I think a lot of vets out there are like that. My own vet gives multi-patient discounts, and throws in a lot of things like grooming for free when he's already doing a lot of stuff for a particular family. Those are little discounts, but they do add up. It also may be worth explaining the circumstances and that essentially these two birds were just dumped on you, and ask if there's any way they can help you out with the cost of the vet care they need. Some vets will, some won't, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

SailBoat · Aug 31, 2016

The Family Amazon is large and contains several sub-specifics. So, when a 'name' comes long that I do not recall, I always double check. This since a few also have a couple different names (depending on region or island). Having done that I am not finding a Golden-Winded Amazon in any of the listings that I have checked.

Yes, I understand that the 'Owner' provided you with information regarding these guys, but errors do occur. So, when s/he becomes more comfortable, please provide pictures and we will get you an accurate species classification for your Amazon!

Thank-you, for taking on this responsibility!

NandaTheFae · Aug 31, 2016

Thank you so much for your kind words; I sincerely appreciate the support and so do these feather babies!

Notdumasilook said:
Hope the "prior" owners give up those birds. From the sounds of it they are in a much better place now than they were. Ida like to shake your hand or hug your neck for taking on one hella responsibility. Can't add much more than the good advice you have been given already. Just be patient with them (which I know you will).. get their diets improved and plenty of attention and love. You got your hands full... that's for sure!. Best wishes.

NandaTheFae · Aug 31, 2016

Those are some very good tips that I'll be sure to keep in mind! I've been searching for Avian Vets near me during my down time at work today and I also posted a thread on here in the General Health Care forum to see if anyone in my area can recommend any vets to me. I plan to be diligent about checking out reviews of clinics before taking them to one! And I'll definitely check in about payment plans if costs are outrageous. Thank you so much!

BeatriceC said:
Pretty much everything has already been covered, but you mentioned being a bit worried about the cost of vet care, so I thought I'd add a little on that topic.

A basic "new parrot" workup at my vet costs between $300-$400. Multiply that by two and that's a lot of money! That said, most vets are pretty compassionate. My vet works with me to spread out the cost of things, or provides discounts when he can to help make sure that his patients get the care they need; not just for my birds, but for all his patients' humans. He's quite happy to work out a plan that works with the human's budget that also makes sure the medical needs of the animal are taken care of, and I think a lot of vets out there are like that. My own vet gives multi-patient discounts, and throws in a lot of things like grooming for free when he's already doing a lot of stuff for a particular family. Those are little discounts, but they do add up. It also may be worth explaining the circumstances and that essentially these two birds were just dumped on you, and ask if there's any way they can help you out with the cost of the vet care they need. Some vets will, some won't, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

Rival_of_the_Rickeybird · Aug 31, 2016

This may be a little off the beaten path, but, there is a local nunnery (Ursuline) and the nuns house-sit to contribute income, and I'm told may nuns do such. She is of course trustworthy and kind and after some detailed preparations and plenty of emergency numbers to emergency vet and family etc., there is nobody my wife trusts more. She sits in a rocking chair in his room and reads the Bible to him. The bird actually seems to like her or at least hate her less than most other people. So you might contact any local nunneries. So far no improvement effect on bird from scripture exposure, unfortunately.

Parrot-Sitting Advice, Please!

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