Inherited a couple parrots

[Peedee]

Hi everyone my name is Tara I just inherited two parrots from my aunt who has had them for around 20 years and I was wondering if anyone could help me identify exactly what kind of parrots they are so that I can learn how to care for them better.

From what I have researched the smaller bird seems to be a Quaker parrot or a monk parakeet. He sings and taks very well.
The larger bird we thought might be an Amazon but not sure

 

[OutlawedSpirit]

First, thank you for taking these two in. It looks like you do have a Quaker, but the second looks to be an Alexandrine parakeet. What can you tell us about them so far? Are they friendly? What do they eat? Etc?

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[Scott]

Welcome to the forums, Tara. Thanks for taking your Aunt's birds. If you are new to birds in general, you'll find much information within the forum. Feel free to ask questions!!

 

[Peedee]

I've known these birds for a very long time. I lived with my aunt for several years over ten yrs ago. The small one named Peedee even says my name. My aunt has lived alone with the birds and several others that are no longer with us. She recently passed suddenly �� these birds were her life so we couldn't give them to the ASPCA so I took them home with me. The big one named Princess eats parrot food and doesn't say much but hello and whistles. She also squawks loud sometimes. The Quaker eats parakeet food and I only know this because they stayed with me last year for a few weeks and that's what my aunt fed them. Peete also sings whole verses of songs and many cute phrases such as "you make me laugh hahahaha" and "momma loves her peedee yes she does" he also says good morning and a bunch of other phrases. Even though they know me and seem very friendly in their cages they are somewhat aggressive. They snap and bite when I change their water and food or even when I touch the cage but princess will take a cracked walnut from my hand sweet... so I don't know. I know these birds are grieving my aunt as well. I want to be able to make their stay with us as comfortable as possible and for them to feel at home. I think they know their momma is no longer with us. They were her family life and now they are gonna be a part of my family. I just want to learn as much as I can to take the best care of them.

 

[Peedee]

I meant to say they were her whole life and she has had them both for about 20 years

 

[Peedee]

I hope they are OK outside in the heat because we live in South Georgia. But I think they are tropical birds.

 

[Peedee]

I was also curious because Princess has a metal thing around her leg. I just wondered if anyone knows why that is there and what it is supposed to mean?

 

[Peedee]

I will add that my Aunt lived alone and rarely had any houseguest. She was friendly and outgoing but she didn't like houseguest so the birds were not around people other than me and my siblings. That could be the reason why they are a little bit aggressive. They were not like that with her at all. She would sit with them out of their cages all the time. We are unable to take them out of the cages without getting bit. I hope they won't always be that aggressive. I hope they get used to my family and kids

 

[greytness]

Welcome to the forum! Personally I'd bring them inside, as birds are very social animals and love to have people around them.

I'd also consider upgrading their cages to larger ones. They are extremely small for their breed. Also slowly add fresh fruits and veggies into their daily diets. Parakeet food is not optimal feed for them. 1/3 fruits, 1/3 mixed veggies and 1/3 pellets with a sprinkling of seed is ideal. Add unsalted nuts in small amounts as treats.

Thank you for taking in your aunt's babies. <3

 

[Flboy]

Welcome to you!

 

[Scott]

My condolences for the sudden passing of your Aunt. She would no doubt be overjoyed at the hospitality you have extended!

Birds experience grief, and theirs may be heightened by totally new surroundings. They will need a period of adjustment, and if you have a family, socialization will make all of your lives more meaningful.

While they may be tropical, the summer heat may be harmful if they are not accustomed to outdoors. They'll be safer indoors for many reasons!

Larger cages would be nice, and eventually a play-stand if you are able to let them out.

The metal object on the leg is likely a leg-band. Often placed by breeders, the code can identify their origin. If the band is tight, it should be removed by a certified avian vet to prevent injury. Some prefer to have them removed as they can get stuck on an object in a freak accident.

Nutrition is very important. As mentioned, fresh vegetables/fruits, pellets, and seed are beneficial in the order stated. This sub-forum has several helpful "sticky" threads to help with diet: Parrot Food, Recipes and Diet - Parrot Forum - Parrot Owner's Community

 

[wrench13]

1) Blessing on you for adopting these 2 little guys

2) Grandma had them on a really crappy diet, it seems. She may be excused because she knew no better. Now you do. Change it slowly, so they do not get freaked out by that

Good Luck !

 

[Kentuckienne]

Welcome to the forum, and thanks for taking them in! Scott had some very good advice about the heat and the leg-bands. I've never lived with either of those parrot species, but now that you know what they are you might want to look at posts in the relevant forums for info about diet, etc.

When you say "parrot food" what exactly is that? There are many things that go by that name. There is the bagged stuff from the pet store that is mostly a mix of seeds and pellet and is often wrong for the birds they sell it for! It's packaged to appeal to the human shopper, not to meet the bird's nutritional requirements. There are some very good pellet diets - Harrison's makes an organic, balanced parrot pellet that comes in specific blends for different birds. Some birds like the Zupreem Natural pellets - the ones that don't have color in them. Other birds eat Roudybush...there are many good brands and also some you might avoid.

You probably know to avoid chocolate, avocado, excess salt, alcohol, uncooked lima beans, any kind of apple or fruit pits, added sugar, rhubarb, dairy products especially soft cheese, or caffeine. Peanuts in the shell can harbor aspergillosis. You probably already know not to ever use any kind of teflon or non-stick cookware or run the oven cleaning cycle because the vapors produced at high heat are fatal to birds, but you might not expect that hair dryers, space heaters, toaster ovens and the like can also have non-stick surfaces that kill birds!

There are some GREAT books out there. I love the Companion Parrot book by Sally Blanchard, in fact any of her books are great. Athan's "The Second Hand Parrot" is also wonderful.

Thanks for sharing the pictures and the story, please stick around and ask a million questions, we all want for and your parrots to be happy and sane!

 

[Kiwibird]

Very kind of you to take your aunts beloved birds in! I am sure in time they will come around and become lovely little companions.

You have received good advice so far. I just wanted to add that it is advisable both be brought to an avian specialized veterinarian for a wellness checkup. Also, it is completely fine for them to be outside in the summer for a few hours at a time on days that are in the 70's or 80's but parrots should never be left outside overnight or on days below 70 or above 90. They should also not be left outside when no one is around to peek in on them every once in a while. A long time ago, my husband had a coworker who'd wheel his parrots cage out on his covered patio during the day while he was at work with the noble intention of him getting fresh air and being able to watch the world go by. Well, on a particularly hot day the bird managed to tip his water dish and by the time the guy got home that night, the bird had died of dehydration. Parrots are exceptionally sensitive creatures and can succumb very quickly to a variety of things. I would also be concerned about predatory animals getting at them. Please find them a nice place inside. Floor and wall protectors along with regular cleaning can be used to keep the mess under control

 

[Flboy]

South Georgia has fire ants, a very ugly death!

 

[OwnedByGeorge]

Predators can get your birds even in the cage, also you can't control temps outside. Keep them indoors. Please read up on things that are toxic to birds like harsh cleaners and teflon pans etc and what foods are poison to them.

They need bigger cages. Sit beside their cages and read to them in a gentle voice. Start by offering food from your hand and move on to having them step onto your finger and work with them slowly. They are probably wondering where their mom is.

 

[Ckilburn]

The metal band is when they were born and an I.D. number that is given to exotic parrots. You can see if you can get the Quaker to eat more than keet seed. He might like cockatiel or parrot foods. Natural perches help them with their feet. And chewing to get their beaks down. I'm not up on my Ringnecks but they are both good looking for their age. Welcome to the group.

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