So,A parakeet flew in our window....

[apagano]

sounds like a set up for a joke, anyway I I live in a 2000 sq ft loft and on the first warm day of spring we opened the windows and a parakeet flew in and has been with us ever since. 36 days now. She is pretty much not living in the cage we did get her one,and we have managed to get her to eat in her cage but not stay there overnight . The one and only time I shut the door on her she freaked out and found a opening to escape.( vintage cage and I have since repaired ) We have been trying to tame her and we make progress but we are not there yet, Any recomendations? Should we close the door on her? and start from scratch?I am afraid that if we did that she would never go back in. any advise would be amazing.
Thank You
Apagano
​

 

[GaleriaGila]

Wow! This is my absolute FANTASY!

May I offer a little collection of basics?


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.
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.
International contacts, too.

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.
http://www.harrisonsbirdfoods.com/
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 I also like Harrison's via mail because I never have to worry about out-of-date products.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 if even slightly overheated.

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



Oh, and it would be a good thing to try to find the original owners... they might be heart-broken. Or maybe not. But I'd contact local vets and pet stores. Maybe post a few fliers.

Thank you for sharing!

 

[SailBoat]

Well, not everyone gets chosen! But, it looks like you have been!
We have an Amazon that, although he did not fly in, does not sleep in a cage. So, although not the recommended norm, well, it happens.

Regarding what to do! Stop 'trying' to 'tame' your parakeet! Change your Vantage Point! Parrots, regardless of size have no natural reason to Trust Humans. This defines the new Vantage Point! Developing reasons for your new family member to Trust you! By changing your Vantage Point, you will begin seeing what works and what does not in this regard.

Strongly recommend maintaining the water and food bowl in the cage. Allow the cage to become a safe place that your Parrot can come and go without concern of being locked away. As comfort develops, try offering a treat. Start by placing a favored food item near your Parakeet. Over time, keep moving a bit closer. Soon, your Parakeet will be taking it from you hand. Another point: Only good things happen when Humans are around.

Never be concern regarding starting over! Screw-ups will happen - just start over.
Big point, there are no timelines! Only moments when you become aware that a totally wild create Trust's You!!!
Enjoy, its worth it!!!

 

[apagano]

Thank You Sailboat would you recomend our closing the cage door while she is eating to try and force her to condider it home base ,or will we be doing more harm than good?
BTW yes we do feel chosen, we were not even thinking of a bird for a pet/companion

 

[SailBoat]

No reason to close the cage door at this point.
For the cage to become the safe place, the choice to come and go is a large part of that.
At this point, its all about developing the Trust Bond.

 

[charmedbyekkie]

As someone who found a lost bird and managed to find his family (before adopting him) and as someone who lost their bird before, please do check online and through various sources for his family! We managed to locate his family through a couple of local Facebook groups (lost pets, lost birds, and bird community groups). You could also try reaching out through Parrot 911.

Don't know where you're located, but whatever the most popular social media and advert channels are where you live is your best bet! Some birds can fly quite far and for quite some time - the bird we found had been missing for a week and flew over 4 km away, so neighbourhood connections aren't necessarily enough.

Good luck!