New bird mom

[alys]

Hello! My name is Alys. I'm a new bird mom to a feisty, (currently hormonal) yet very sweet Green Cheek Conure named Loki. lol. We brought Loki home from the Pet store in July 2018. He had initially hated hands and ears, but has come so far in just the few months he has been home. Loki is almost 8 months old, and my first parrot, so I am always looking for new tips and reading up on everything I possible can. I want the absolute best for him. He only gets put in his cage at night, and when I leave for work. Other than that we are inseparable and do absolutely everything we can together. My husband and I can't have kids, so it is just us 2, our 3 dogs, and our parrot.

 

[Laurasea]

Welcome! Glad to have you here! Plunty to learn and share. Great progress with you Loki so far

 

[Grandmaofdragons]

Congrats on being a bird mom! I recently just bought an Indian Ringneck, also very hormonal haha. She is currently stepping up and HATES feet.

 

[GaleriaGila]

Welcome!
Sounds like you're doing stuff RIGHT!

Since you're brand new, may I offer a basic little tutorial? Grandma, I'm headed for your thread next!


Here's some reading on bonding for you.
http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/49144-tips-bonding-building-trust.html
General Parrot Information - Parrot Forum - Parrot Owner's Community
http://goodbirdinc.blogspot.com/2012...n-parrots.html


Most of us swear by our avian vets in the event of health concerns. I don't know where you are, but here are some links. I only have USA info...
Certified Avian Vets
https://abvp.com/animal-owners/find-an-abvp-specialist/
If none are near you...
Avian Veterinarians
http://www.aav.org/search/custom.asp?id=1803
In my opinion, any of the vets listed here should be better than a regular vet.

What's the diet? That's critical for health. Too many are kept on seeds or other poor-nutrition things. They need veggies, legumes, grains... pellets are a good staple. Here's what I use.
Harrison's Bird Foods
I feed Harrison's, supplemented by fresh healthy treats. My first, and later, my current avian vet recommended it. My bird loves the pellets now, but to get him converted, my avian vet suggested putting pellets out all day, and putting seeds (his old diet) out for two 15-minute periods a day. That would sustain him but leave him hungry enough to try new stuff. I presume the same technique could be used to get him to eat other healthy stuff, like fruits and vegetables! My guy was eating pellets in a couple of days, and now I can feed a good variety of other stuff, knowing he has the pellets as a basic. Pellets are out all day... fresh treats a few times a day. I also like Harrison's via mail because I never have to worry about out-of-date products.

Since you're new parront, I'll just drop a note about avoiding teflon pans, which are lethal to birds.

I'm glad you're here. Lots to learn and share and enjoy!

 

[Scott]

Welcome Alys and Loki! He sounds like a lot of fun!

 

[Flboy]

Welcome to our flock!

 

[noodles123]

Welcome!
Do not use any cleaners besides vinegar+water or something avian safe like the yellow variety of F10 SC.
Look out for Teflon/PTFO/PTFE in HIDDEN places (curlers, drip trays, irons, ironing boards, space heaters, bake-in-a-bag meals, microwave popcorn bag coatings etc)---many items that heat have Teflon coatings inside and they still give off fumes.
Do not use perfume or scented products like candles...even essential oils can kill..
Ensure that your bird has enough sleep (10-14 hours)--this impacts immunity and behavior.


RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH AND PREPARE TO BE BITTEN-- baby birds are sweet compared to those going through young-adulthood etc.