brand new parrot owner

[NBA]

I brought home a baby parrot today. He seemed to be somewhat playful in the beginning, but for the past few hours he seems to be frozen with fear. My five year old was trying to hold him and he nipped at her and refused to go to her. He's been sitting in the same position now for hours and hasn't eaten or drank a thing. Is this normal behaviour? I am feeling so sorry for him. Thanks

 

[riddick07]

You need to let him settle in before letting people handle him and giving him too much excitement. Some parrots can handle being thrown right into the mix but most need to settle for a couple days at least. So stick him in a cage with food and water...don't bother him and let him have some quiet time.

What did you get? Parrot is kind of a broad category

 

[NBA]

Its a senegal, 3 months old

 

[Allee]

Welcome to the forums! Congratulations, enjoy your new addition.

I agree with riddick, your Senegal needs time to adjust, he's probably a little overwhelmed in his brand new environment. Here's a helpful link to get you started.

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

 

[Kalel]

As stated above, he needs time to adjust to his new home. My first bird, a budgie, clung to the side of his cage from about five or 6 PM until I went to sleep at about 2 AM. He was in that exact position the entire day and when I woke up the next day he had moved and actually ate and drank. I was concerned much like you are, but sometimes they just need time to adjust before feeling comfortable that's all. I'm sure he'll be bouncing around in no time

 

[KrisandPenelope]

Same my conure took a week to even take a treat from my hand and about 2 weeks until she felt comfortable enough to step out of her cage. Quiet time to settle into the new environment and watch everyone from a safe place will make a better relationship in the long run.

 

[Psittaciformes]

My GCC took about 4 months to tame, her previous owners didn't handle her that well. A lot of grabbing and not reading/understanding body language.
So it might take a little while, completely normal

 

[NBA]

Thanks all!

 

[BirdGuy21]

Just a side note regarding your five year old- be cautious around your new Senegal and your child. Especially as the new bird settles in, he or she may be more prone to biting out of fear. And since children are prone to loud noises and sudden movements which can easily frighten a bird, this could result in an unfortunate situation.