New Member with a question

[Abdull]

Hi all,

I am new here and I have joined your forum to be a part your birds friendly forum to share and learn from some of the stories.

We bought a plum-head back in Nov 2022 and he "That's what the owner of the shop said, the bird is a male" was 3 months old.

The bird is cute and I have 3 kids which he is friendly with. However, as every parents and family we get too busy with our life and pay little attention to the bird.

The bird became agitated and when we try to get close to him he get defensive. I notice recently that he start plucking his feather out and I am just worried if he is stressed out or under pressure?

My questions here,

1) Are these type of birds required a full attention? Do I need to play with him everyday and if yes, what do i need to do to make him comfortable?
2) He is feeding well, from seeds to vegi and fruit and he got 3 toys to play with but he rarely touch them. Do i need to get him another bird to keep him company?
3) I try to put my hand on his head to scratch it and he straight away goes into attacking mode. He does't bite until i annoy him but he open his peak trying to scares me. How can I get him to be more friendly, what shall i do to get him more close to us and play with the kids?

I am sorry if some of my questions are basics but we trying to raise a pet and we love our bird so much. I will post some photos later.

Thanks all.

 

[clark_conure]

1) Yes you need to interact everyday, you don't need to do full on play but it can sit on your shoulder and watch netflix or youtube or max and just chill with his "flock" If you can't do that then....find another owner....sorry for being blunt but parrots NEED social interaction. If you bought a puppy would you just put it in a kennel all day?

2) Do not buy another bird for your bird.....sometime they get along sometimes not. You bought the bird, you need to socialize it. Another bird may make it worse you need to socialize your bird first.

3) be patient and calm, don't lunge back everytime the beak opens. Just relax and approach when he's/she's calm. it will happen but you do have to spend more time with him/her.

Sorry to be a little mean but yeah a parrot is a highly social animal some like quakers live in flocks of over a hundred birds or more. If you want a good bird you have to put in the time. It doesn't have to be all quality time but you have to pull it out and let it sit on you as you do work or play so it becomes accostomed to you. They don't like a lot of change getting a pattern is the best way to get all your goals.

 

[Abdull]

1) Yes you need to interact everyday, you don't need to do full on play but it can sit on your shoulder and watch netflix or youtube or max and just chill with his "flock" If you can't do that then....find another owner....sorry for being blunt but parrots NEED social interaction. If you bought a puppy would you just put it in a kennel all day?

2) Do not buy another bird for your bird.....sometime they get along sometimes not. You bought the bird, you need to socialize it. Another bird may make it worse you need to socialize your bird first.

3) be patient and calm, don't lunge back everytime the beak opens. Just relax and approach when he's/she's calm. it will happen but you do have to spend more time with him/her.

Sorry to be a little mean but yeah a parrot is a highly social animal some like quakers live in flocks of over a hundred birds or more. If you want a good bird you have to put in the time. It doesn't have to be all quality time but you have to pull it out and let it sit on you as you do work or play so it becomes accostomed to you. They don't like a lot of change getting a pattern is the best way to get all your goals.

First thank you for being mean but you are right, I felt your words.

I never want to ignore it or not socialise with Plum but you know how life can be busy!.

I will try to engage more with him otherwise might put it for sale if I see no further development.

One last question, the shop owner stated that do not put it yet on my shoulder because he/she will start bossing me! Is that true?

 

[clark_conure]

Thats B*******T!

The closer the bird trusts you the better.

Ok you get a bossy bird......that learns how to talk, and sits at the dinner table.....and is really into say infographics or yellowstone or whatever excell spreadsheet youre doing......NOPE....THAT IS THE WORST ADVICE. Thats a breeder that doesn't love birds.

Being a shoulder bird is a privlige....for the bird. It means almost if not complete trust. Mine preen my eyelids.....

Let that bird on up and hang and you will forget all that silly BS.

Also its funny to trick birds into stealing your broccoli or cauliflour or carrot or apple because they feel confident and you want them to do it.

 

[Abdull]

Thats B******T!

The closer the bird trusts you the better.

Ok you get a bossy bird......that learns how to talk, and sits at the dinner table.....and is really into say infographics or yellowstone or whatever excell spreadsheet youre doing......NOPE....THAT IS THE WORST ADVICE. Thats a breeder that doesn't love birds.

Being a shoulder bird is a privlige....for the bird. It means almost if not complete trust. Mine preen my eyelids.....

Let that bird on up and hang and you will forget all that silly BS.

Also its funny to trick birds into stealing your broccoli or cauliflour or carrot or apple because they feel confident and you want them to do it.

Ok Ok, Jesus relax lol

I will start carrying it on my shoulder

Thanks for your response. I appreciate it

 

[zERo]

Welcome to the forums!

Some good advice above!

I must chime in. You said he’s starting to pluck his feathers?
Random plucking should be addressed immediately.
I recommend taking him to an avian vet to get blood work done as plucking may be medical.

I would get him more than three toys so he has a large variety to play with.

Did you mean you would sell him if you didn’t see further bonding soon? I think it’s been far too short of amount of time to just up and sell your bird because it isn’t fond of you yet.
If you don’t pay a parrot attention/give them special treats/train them, they have no reason to like you.

A bird that isn’t comfortable with you probably shouldn’t be put on your shoulder as he could bite your face.
Remember, you have no control over a bird you can’t see!

I agree with @clark_conure . He needs daily interaction, and to be let out of his cage for several hours a day.

 

[Cottonoid]

My golly he's a cutie!!

And welcome to the forums!

I don't know how much the shop owner explained typical behaviors of Asiatic parrots, but many if not most Asiatic parrots like Plumheads do NOT like being touched. They don't even touch each other in the wild, unless it's mating season. So your Plum biting you or being defensive when you try to give him scratches might be because he doesn't like it.

I have an African Ringneck that is also an Asiatic parakeet like a Plumhead. He started plucking with his first family and now it's a behavior that he'll probably have forever. There can be medical causes for plucking, so if he hasn't been seen by an avian vet that can do testing for the diseases common in your area, I agree that it's a good idea.

Some plucking can be due to stress, too, so maybe your thought there is true too. My guy does destroy his feathers more when he's not happy.

I actually don't agree with the idea that you need to physically play with him a lot - I have my ARN and I also have a Quaker. My Quaker needs ATTENTION and lots of mental puzzles and toys or he is not a happy bird. My ARN, on the other hand, LOVES being in the room with us but he does NOT want to be the center of attention. He's perfectly happy just being around whatever everyone else is doing. It sounds like Plum is much friendlier than my guy, but maybe try the suggestions of giving him more toys to destroy (balsa and sola are often big favorites), and let him tell you how much he wants to interact. If he wants to just be a shoulder bird, great! That's way more comfortable than a lot of Asiatic parrots tend to be, from conversations I've had with other owners.

Getting another bird often doesn't mean they will be friends, and I feel like that is even more true with species like Plumheads. They are pretty independent in the wild, so Plum will be just fine as the only bird in your family - he still knows he's part of your family

Another really good way to continue to build trust with him is to target train with a little stick, like a chopstick or a bamboo skewer. This gives you both a way to interact without touching him, and he gets rewards and gets to use his problem solving skills

He might also be at an age where he's starting to show his personality more, and let you know what he does and doesn't like. Overall to me it sounds like he's doing great for the type of bird he is, especially that he's friendly with the kids, and I think giving him a little space to let YOU know what he likes and doesn't like for now might help things move forward for all of you.

 

[clark_conure]

cottoniod I brough up just letting it sit and not needing constant play....gimme a like on that....some birds just like to hang.....In fact the best well tempered bird just hang out.

 

[Cottonoid]

@clark_conure Oh for sure! I just want to make sure to counteract the idea that Instagram and TikTok promote, that all Asiatic species are cuddly good talkers

 

[Keet_Krazy]

Cottonoid beat me to a lot of what I was going to say!
He does sound like he's saying "No" to touching so it's best to respect that.
There's lots of other ways to interact hands off. Targeting as suggested is good. Before my Galah was comfortable with touching of any kind we would play with toys together (generally him dropping toys for me to pick up and place somewhere he could pick it up again without any physical contact).

I have a Slaty-headed parakeet which is also an Asiatic parakeet and very similar to plumheads (I've seen inexperienced people mix them up before). I know it's is pretty easy to get discouraged by the amount of progress you make ( Mine is best described as an "Aviary bird" right now), but I find it good to put it into perspective that you have a little friend that should be with you 30+ years, so what if you have to be patient and spend 3+ years to develop a good relationship? You still have 27 or more years together
Your baby is adorable, good luck! 🥰

 

[Abdull]

Welcome to the forums!

Some good advice above!

I must chime in. You said he’s starting to pluck his feathers?
Random plucking should be addressed immediately.
I recommend taking him to an avian vet to get blood work done as plucking may be medical.

I would get him more than three toys so he has a large variety to play with.

Did you mean you would sell him if you didn’t see further bonding soon? I think it’s been far too short of amount of time to just up and sell your bird because it isn’t fond of you yet.
If you don’t pay a parrot attention/give them special treats/train them, they have no reason to like you.

A bird that isn’t comfortable with you probably shouldn’t be put on your shoulder as he could bite your face.
Remember, you have no control over a bird you can’t see!

I agree with @clark_conure . He needs daily interaction, and to be let out of his cage for several hours a day.

Thank you again for your bit here will defiantly be engaging more now.

Good tip about the timing, i will try to spend more time with him now before thinking of selling him.

What kind of treats I can give him?

 

[Abdull]

My golly he's a cutie!!

And welcome to the forums!

I don't know how much the shop owner explained typical behaviors of Asiatic parrots, but many if not most Asiatic parrots like Plumheads do NOT like being touched. They don't even touch each other in the wild, unless it's mating season. So your Plum biting you or being defensive when you try to give him scratches might be because he doesn't like it.

I have an African Ringneck that is also an Asiatic parakeet like a Plumhead. He started plucking with his first family and now it's a behavior that he'll probably have forever. There can be medical causes for plucking, so if he hasn't been seen by an avian vet that can do testing for the diseases common in your area, I agree that it's a good idea.

Some plucking can be due to stress, too, so maybe your thought there is true too. My guy does destroy his feathers more when he's not happy.

I actually don't agree with the idea that you need to physically play with him a lot - I have my ARN and I also have a Quaker. My Quaker needs ATTENTION and lots of mental puzzles and toys or he is not a happy bird. My ARN, on the other hand, LOVES being in the room with us but he does NOT want to be the center of attention. He's perfectly happy just being around whatever everyone else is doing. It sounds like Plum is much friendlier than my guy, but maybe try the suggestions of giving him more toys to destroy (balsa and sola are often big favorites), and let him tell you how much he wants to interact. If he wants to just be a shoulder bird, great! That's way more comfortable than a lot of Asiatic parrots tend to be, from conversations I've had with other owners.

Getting another bird often doesn't mean they will be friends, and I feel like that is even more true with species like Plumheads. They are pretty independent in the wild, so Plum will be just fine as the only bird in your family - he still knows he's part of your family

Another really good way to continue to build trust with him is to target train with a little stick, like a chopstick or a bamboo skewer. This gives you both a way to interact without touching him, and he gets rewards and gets to use his problem solving skills

He might also be at an age where he's starting to show his personality more, and let you know what he does and doesn't like. Overall to me it sounds like he's doing great for the type of bird he is, especially that he's friendly with the kids, and I think giving him a little space to let YOU know what he likes and doesn't like for now might help things move forward for all of you.

Hi and thank you for taking the time to response to my post.

I will definatly interact more and spend more time with him after reading all your comments.

You guys makes me feel special here and so welcomed

I will post video and photos of him later. I really hope i can bond more with him will try my best

Thanks again

 

[clark_conure]

brocolli, cauliflower, carrots, apples, strawberries,....to be honest anything that is healthy for you is healthy for them. some shredded chicken etc. not onions but look up "ok for parrot foods". most foods are ok, but there is a posted list of stuff..not sure which thread....but if the bird steals a little bacon or hamburger ......it's fine. Better if it's a fruit or veggie.

 

[zERo]

Thank you again for your bit here will defiantly be engaging more now.

Good tip about the timing, i will try to spend more time with him now before thinking of selling him.

What kind of treats I can give him?

You can give him millet, oat sprays, nuts, and fruit.
All sparingly of course and preferably when he does a desirable behavior.

Whatever he likes the most, really.

 

[clark_conure]

yeah AVNS like veggies.....you don't want to many penuts etc.(THOUGHT THEY LOVE THEM) but if they steal some pizza......it will live just fine. Parrots are opportunistic eaters and came from dinosaurs......look at the approved l list but esp the bad list. Other than that they are mostly snacking. A bite of noddles is just atreat...Just don't makee thier main diet noodles.....try to get them on high quality pellets.

 

[Cottonoid]

@Keet_Krazy I was hoping you and Nautilus would post here

@Abdull I don't know if it will help or make you less hopeful, ha - but I've had my African ringneck for a year now and he will take treats from my hands but otherwise wants me to go away. It's made "training" challenging for me because the biggest reward to him is me moving away and not looking at him It also took me a good six months and LOTS of questions here to really understand that his body language is different and more subtle than other parrots I've been around. So I was making mistakes that I didn't even realize for months.

I really do think you have a lovely little bird so far and you'll both learn each other with time and kindness and patience

 

[Abdull]

Cottonoid beat me to a lot of what I was going to say!
He does sound like he's saying "No" to touching so it's best to respect that.
There's lots of other ways to interact hands off. Targeting as suggested is good. Before my Galah was comfortable with touching of any kind we would play with toys together (generally him dropping toys for me to pick up and place somewhere he could pick it up again without any physical contact).

I have a Slaty-headed parakeet which is also an Asiatic parakeet and very similar to plumheads (I've seen inexperienced people mix them up before). I know it's is pretty easy to get discouraged by the amount of progress you make ( Mine is best described as an "Aviary bird" right now), but I find it good to put it into perspective that you have a little friend that should be with you 30+ years, so what if you have to be patient and spend 3+ years to develop a good relationship? You still have 27 or more years together
Your baby is adorable, good luck! 🥰

Thank you so much

 

[Abdull]

brocolli, cauliflower, carrots, apples, strawberries,....to be honest anything that is healthy for you is healthy for them. some shredded chicken etc. not onions but look up "ok for parrot foods". most foods are ok, but there is a posted list of stuff..not sure which thread....but if the bird steals a little bacon or hamburger ......it's fine. Better if it's a fruit or veggie.

These food i provide every two days, grapes, mandarin, orange, apple, broccoli, etc.

 

[Abdull]

@Keet_Krazy I was hoping you and Nautilus would post here

@Abdull I don't know if it will help or make you less hopeful, ha - but I've had my African ringneck for a year now and he will take treats from my hands but otherwise wants me to go away. It's made "training" challenging for me because the biggest reward to him is me moving away and not looking at him It also took me a good six months and LOTS of questions here to really understand that his body language is different and more subtle than other parrots I've been around. So I was making mistakes that I didn't even realize for months.

I really do think you have a lovely little bird so far and you'll both learn each other with time and kindness and patience

Thank you again,

Plum eats from my hand and come to me but sometimes when he is in his cage which i think its his territory and home, he refuse to come which i leave him. I think also because we work full time from morning till night, he gets bored. I will surly spend more time with him now.

 

[wrench13]

Hi Abdul,

You certainly received a lot of good info here. I will just add this - parrots like variety, so too in their toys. I would have 1 of a few different type of toys for him to try. 1 essentially wood one, 1 basket type toy, 1 paper based one, 1 clanky metal type (like small measuring spoons) , 1 small tubular bell type, 1 sisial type material toy and so forth. Get as many different types as you can. Because they are smart parrots need that variety. My own little Amazon goes thru changes in his favorite ones, right now he loves basket type and paper ones, but he will sometimes spend an hour fighting with his tubular bell toy. For a paper toy, a roll of cash register paper is great - just make sure its not the heat printing type, just plain old paper.