First Time Owner

fruitcone

New member
Jul 5, 2013
9
0
Hey guys,

I'm new to this forum and I'm still new to this owning a first bird.

Well basically I have decided to get a bird as my new pet. I'm 15 I'm able to take care of the bird from feeding it to cleaning out it's cage. I've basically decided to go for a rainbow lorikeet as my first bird since I love they way they look and the traits it has.

So I have been snooping around gumtree.com.au trying to find a rainbow lorikeet and I happened to stumble across this.

Rainbow Lorikeets | Birds | Gumtree Australia Parramatta Area - Granville

So I rang them up and asked for all basic info of the birds. They said the birds were aviary bred for the purpose of having more birds and they've reluctantly decided to sell most of there birds.

So the birds are basically one year old and they're aviary bred. My questions are, will it be hard to train if I decide to purchase one from the seller since they are doing me a good deal on a cage and the bird.

But of course after purchasing the bird, I will immediately take it to the vet for a checkup and to get its wings clipped.

But basically, will it be possible for me to train one of these. I have the time and commitment everyday to spend time with it and I am able to be patient in the process of training it.

I've been reading all over the internet that it is possible to tame aviary bred birds but to your experience, would it be possible to tame a 1 year old rainbow lorikeet?

Cheers,
 

ExtraterrestrialGuy

New member
Jun 19, 2012
18
0
Oxford, England.
Parrots
GCC, IR
It could take a very long time to tame an aviary bird. You'll have to spend a lot of time with it to successfully train it. It took me four months to get my GCC to step up onto a stick. My friend had a budgie that took just over a year to step up onto a finger (though I'm not sure about his training schedules), so there are variables based on the indiviual bird itself.

For your first bird I would recommend spending the extra money and buying a tame one from a reputable breeder, but there's nothing wrong with having an untamed bird as long as you're realistic with your expectations. :)
 

HalfInsane

New member
Dec 23, 2011
420
0
British Columbia, Canada
Parrots
Pixel: female senegal, hatched Dec 15, 2011
I'd have to agree; taming aviary birds is a long process, that cannot be rushed. Best to opt for a hand fed baby for your first bird.

My apologies if you already know this and I'm yammering, but lorikeets are nectar eaters and do require a special, nectar diet which can be hard to come by. So you'll need to be sure this is available where you live. More over, I've been told they like to shoot their poop. Literally. Like shoot it multiple feet through the air on to the walls/floor/etc. So thats certainly something for you and your family to discuss. Because you WILL want to protect the walls and carpeting will be a no-go :p
 
OP
F

fruitcone

New member
Jul 5, 2013
9
0
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #4
So I decided to follow your advice :)

And I found a breeder who has two babys that are ready to be weaned, I think I might go pick one of them up tommorow, and so does anyone have any tips for me on weaning and the training?

Thanks,
 

Mayden

New member
Apr 22, 2010
2,540
12
UK.
Parrots
Merlin & Charlie (Senegals)
So I decided to follow your advice :)

And I found a breeder who has two babys that are ready to be weaned, I think I might go pick one of them up tommorow, and so does anyone have any tips for me on weaning and the training?

Thanks,

Weaning on to what?

Do not get a baby that needs to be hand fed by yourself. Mistakes happen too frequently and can kill. Only take a baby home if it's on a stable 'adult' diet for at least a week!
 
OP
F

fruitcone

New member
Jul 5, 2013
9
0
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #6
Oh,

I found a breeder who has two babies that are at the age of 6 weeks old. They said that I would need to hand feed it with a spoon and then wean it when it's ready.

So I'm guessing that purchasing it would not be a good idea?
 

HusseinBerjaoui

New member
May 21, 2013
131
0
Lebanon
Parrots
Mango - Poicephalus Jardine
Hi there, welcome to the forums. I'm glad you came here, because this is the ideal place to find help and in the future, to help others.
To be honest, if you have the money, buy a parrot that at least doesn't bite. I got a re-homed bird (I guess) and sometimes I really sit alone and wonder about if I'll ever get to tame him one day.
 

SoCalWendy

New member
Jun 29, 2013
1,571
0
Kihei, Hawaii
Parrots
None at the moment
Oh,

I found a breeder who has two babies that are at the age of 6 weeks old. They said that I would need to hand feed it with a spoon and then wean it when it's ready.

So I'm guessing that purchasing it would not be a good idea?

Sorry but purchasing an unweaned baby is never a good idea. Too many things could go wrong. It is the breeders responsibility to wean their birds. Lorikeets are beautiful birds, but they come with their own set of challenges. For one, they need a special diet, that you will have to monitor throughout the day because of spoilage. Two, they are very messy birds, and as already mentioned they like to shoot their poop. Ewww. I'm not trying to steer you away from owning one, just really do your research whether its on lorikeets or some other bird. Their are so many different species of birds out there. I for one love african grays, but my circumstances keep me from owning one. I couldn't meet the needs of an African gray. But just because you can, doesn't mean you should. You have to be ready and willing to meet the physical and emotional needs of your pet, no matter what that might be.
 

HusseinBerjaoui

New member
May 21, 2013
131
0
Lebanon
Parrots
Mango - Poicephalus Jardine
Oh,

I found a breeder who has two babies that are at the age of 6 weeks old. They said that I would need to hand feed it with a spoon and then wean it when it's ready.

So I'm guessing that purchasing it would not be a good idea?

Sorry but purchasing an unweaned baby is never a good idea. Too many things could go wrong. It is the breeders responsibility to wean their birds. Lorikeets are beautiful birds, but they come with their own set of challenges. For one, they need a special diet, that you will have to monitor throughout the day because of spoilage. Two, they are very messy birds, and as already mentioned they like to shoot their poop. Ewww. I'm not trying to steer you away from owning one, just really do your research whether its on lorikeets or some other bird. Their are so many different species of birds out there. I for one love african grays, but my circumstances keep me from owning one. I couldn't meet the needs of an African gray. But just because you can, doesn't mean you should. You have to be ready and willing to meet the physical and emotional needs of your pet, no matter what that might be.

Well said. I also wanted an African Grey but I know I won't be able to give him his fully needs.


Why don't you start with an easier bird? I honestly found that Poicephalus can be a standard bird. They don't need special treatment, no special diet nor special needs (A AG needs 8 hours of attention a day, which is much more than I give my own self). His biting isn't hard and he isn't loud at all.
I have a Jardine myself and he's a sweetheart, biter but a sweetheart. I am also an inexperienced parrot owner and he's my first parrot.

Good luck, but as I can see Lorikeets are messy and maybe you don't want that if you're inexperienced in potty training.
 

SoCalWendy

New member
Jun 29, 2013
1,571
0
Kihei, Hawaii
Parrots
None at the moment
Oh,

I found a breeder who has two babies that are at the age of 6 weeks old. They said that I would need to hand feed it with a spoon and then wean it when it's ready.

So I'm guessing that purchasing it would not be a good idea?

Sorry but purchasing an unweaned baby is never a good idea. Too many things could go wrong. It is the breeders responsibility to wean their birds. Lorikeets are beautiful birds, but they come with their own set of challenges. For one, they need a special diet, that you will have to monitor throughout the day because of spoilage. Two, they are very messy birds, and as already mentioned they like to shoot their poop. Ewww. I'm not trying to steer you away from owning one, just really do your research whether its on lorikeets or some other bird. Their are so many different species of birds out there. I for one love african grays, but my circumstances keep me from owning one. I couldn't meet the needs of an African gray. But just because you can, doesn't mean you should. You have to be ready and willing to meet the physical and emotional needs of your pet, no matter what that might be.

Well said. I also wanted an African Grey but I know I won't be able to give him his fully needs.


Why don't you start with an easier bird? I honestly found that Poicephalus can be a standard bird. They don't need special treatment, no special diet nor special needs (A AG needs 8 hours of attention a day, which is much more than I give my own self). His biting isn't hard and he isn't loud at all.
I have a Jardine myself and he's a sweetheart, biter but a sweetheart. I am also an inexperienced parrot owner and he's my first parrot.

Good luck, but as I can see Lorikeets are messy and maybe you don't want that if you're inexperienced in potty training.

Poi's are great birds, and I'm not just saying that because I own one :). I also have a parrotlet that is a wonderful lil bird, she is a total Velcro bird. I've also looked in to the Linnie's, what can I say.... adorable, not that I am going to get one, my plate is full with the two I have, plus the dog, and a family. LOL
 
OP
F

fruitcone

New member
Jul 5, 2013
9
0
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #11
So basically,

I went out looking for a weaned bird yesterday, around 3 months old that was currently living on a stable adult diet for over a week. So we located a breeder and his backyard was full of birds, african greys, cockatoos, gallahs, budgies, he had lots of birds.

I asked for rainbow lorikeets and he went inside and came out with a container of 7, 8 week old rainbow lorikeets. They were adorable.

So then and there I found out that my mum used to take care of baby chicks and had the experience and so we decided to purchase two of them. An Olive for $175 and a rainbow for $150. He did a good deal for us with both birds, a cage and the feeding formular and food for $310.

So it's been almost a day since I took them home, they were feeding good last night and I made sure they were warm for the night. This morning they were both a breeze to feed and they still fed pretty good at lunch. Just waiting till night to give them one last feed before sending them to bed.

But, when we got the two, the olive one was smaller and it's more active, it chirps alot. But the other one is a bit bigger then the olive one but it's a bit lazier, it doesn't chirp, but maybe is that because it's a little younger? Does anyone have any ideas?

So, does anyone have any pointers or tips for me? Like how to achieve a good bond with them or when to start training? Just any hints or tips would be great!

Thanks,
 

MikeyTN

New member
Feb 1, 2011
13,296
17
Antioch, TN
Parrots
"Willie"&"Lola"B&G Macaw,
"Dixie"LSC2, and "Nico" Scarlet Macaw.
Just socialize with them and train them properly from day one! At 8 weeks old they're on the weaning stage. Could you post a picture of them??? When I brought Malachai home he was 8 weeks old and we fed him fruit and veggie bowl with nectar sprinkle over it. Fresh bowl of filtered water/bottled water. And we give him warm nectar mix once per day.
 
OP
F

fruitcone

New member
Jul 5, 2013
9
0
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #13
So here they are,

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/88480237/birds.jpg

Ones and olive and ones a rainbow.

The olive is skinner but it talks alot more then the rainbow one, the rainbow one is a bit bigger but it talks less. The first time I heard it talk was earlier tonight when it was hungry.

I've put them in a plastic storage container for now and they're standing on really small mesh wire platform that elevated them about 2cm higher from the bottom of the container so at least when they poop, there not standing on the poop but they're stranding on the mesh wire directly over the poop.

That mesh wire platform is made out of aviary wire so it's safe for them to be on. When should I transfer them onto there real cage? I've been spoonfeeding them 3 times a day at 9am, 2pm and 8pm. There not ready to be weaned yet, when I start weaning then should I slowly mix in some lorry wet with there feeding formular?

And so the training, where do I start of from? Do I train them to step up first?

Thanks,
 
OP
F

fruitcone

New member
Jul 5, 2013
9
0
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #14
And how would you suggest training them? Will they get more attached to eachother then me? And is there a way of training both of them so they will both listen and I want to spend time with both of them equally so one doesnt get jealous
 

MikeyTN

New member
Feb 1, 2011
13,296
17
Antioch, TN
Parrots
"Willie"&"Lola"B&G Macaw,
"Dixie"LSC2, and "Nico" Scarlet Macaw.
They're younger then 8 weeks of age!!!!! They're more like 5-6 week old babies! Since they were raised together they should get along fine from what I understand. But you just never know once they mature! The males especially have the tendency to be aggressive during hormone period. I wouldn't worry about training at all right now until they wean. Then yes train them to step up first then go from there.
 
OP
F

fruitcone

New member
Jul 5, 2013
9
0
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #16
Ohh, the guy said that they were 8 weeks and they would be able to fly in two weeks.

Apparently he is a renowned breeder according to some pet shops I visited aswell. Here are just some of the birds he has.

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/88480237/1000483_686835214668662_1825173804_n.jpg

His backyard is just full of aviaries! But so with weaning, how do I start it, do I slowly mix in lory wet with there feeding formular or do I try to slowly get them to eat from the bowl?

Thanks,
 

SoCalWendy

New member
Jun 29, 2013
1,571
0
Kihei, Hawaii
Parrots
None at the moment
Ohh, the guy said that they were 8 weeks and they would be able to fly in two weeks.

Apparently he is a renowned breeder according to some pet shops I visited aswell. Here are just some of the birds he has.

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/88480237/1000483_686835214668662_1825173804_n.jpg

His backyard is just full of aviaries! But so with weaning, how do I start it, do I slowly mix in lory wet with there feeding formular or do I try to slowly get them to eat from the bowl?

Thanks,

I'm sry I don't mean to sound rude and I know your only 15, but if this guy is so renowned, didn't he tell you how to wean these babies? Again I'm sorry if I sound rude, it just kinda ticks me off that if this guy is so great and all, that he didn't give you instructions. :mad:
 
OP
F

fruitcone

New member
Jul 5, 2013
9
0
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #18
Its alright,

He did tell me how to wean them but I was wondering if anyone had any tips for weaning just incade.

Thanks
 

MikeyTN

New member
Feb 1, 2011
13,296
17
Antioch, TN
Parrots
"Willie"&"Lola"B&G Macaw,
"Dixie"LSC2, and "Nico" Scarlet Macaw.
He looks like a backyard breeder to me with birds being kept in small crowded cages....

Please do look up on some pictures and YouTube of people's Lory at 8 weeks old! My Malachai was almost 8 weeks old when we got him and he was fully feathered and was able to eat on his own and hop around, also climbs all over his cage. I may not have bred Lories before but I do have breeding experience as I've done it for years. When I first got Malachai I did talk to a Lory breeder that is very well known in Australia! He helped me out quite a bit when I first got Malachai cause he was my very first Lory experience. Seen them around but just never gotten one before so they were very new to me. And he told me they wean around 7-8 weeks old, I had some major question for him cause Malachai was doing extreme begging behavior like a baby and he told me that was normal. The word he used was sooking....
 

Most Reactions

Top