just got this bird and....

[msdeb]

Get a spray bottle fill it with warm water and spray just above him so the water falls on him like rain or mist. If he likes it he will dance and open his wings and beg for more. Keep him out of drafts after baths though. Some birds like to get in the shower but with him biting I would recommend the spray bottle first. Do not spray directly at his face and keep the bottle set on mist and not stream. Reaching for you with his feet claws could be a good sign that he wants to step-up onto your hand but it does mean risking a bite. Birds will also use their beaks to be sure they have a good hold so they don't fall. Be patient, don't risk a bite but be aware he may be trying to extend a claw of friendship to you.

 

[getwozzy]

Doug- you've already done a lot for him just by taking him in and taking on the responsibility of ensuring he has a safe, happy, and loving home

There are a lot of things in our home that are cheap, easy, and free that can be turned into toys...unwaxed paper cups, clean cardboard boxes, plastic bottle caps, phone books to shred, brown paper lunch bags, wiffle balls, etc

Just make sure there are no adhesives, wax, random metal pieces, etc

 

[msdeb]

Also toys. Hit garage sales or tag sales for baby toys. Non-toxic, no small moving parts and very sturdy. Mine likes baby rattles. Clean them really well, rinse them thoroughly and introduce slowly til they aren't scary to him. You can usually find used infant toys for a dime or quarter. Just remember toys rated for those 18 months or younger are going to be your best bet for a bird. Thanks for taking him in. I got my Charlie from much the same circumstances and we love each other very much.

 

[Dougc1369]

The toys sound like a good idea. I'l also get some mixed nuts to try and find some he likes. I take it they should be unsalted? I've been a loner most of my life so it will be an experience having something to be responsible for. It's been fun so far!

 

[getwozzy]

Correct- make sure they're unsalted. You might have to show him they're edible though.

And before you know it, zack will be your best friend and you won't want it any other way

 

[MomtoPercy]

And you may have to whack the nut with a hammer just to crack it, in the beginning - so that he has somewhere to start.

Be careful for too many nuts though! If your bird is not the active type, too many nuts can easily make him obese and unhealthy.

 

[henpecked]

Hey Doug and Zack, welcome to the forum.Don't we have some great members willing to help out with good advice? You've come to the right place to learn about caring for Zack.

 

[Dougc1369]

Thanks all, I've learned a lot just from these posts! I stopped by a pet shop and bought some NutriBerries tropical fruit. He loves them! So much so that I am able to feed him by hand without getting bit.

He also is moving around the cage. Up until last night he stayed in one spot in the cage nearest me but now is moving around much more.

 

[brittani299]

Hello! I actually just got a blue fronted Friday. He was pretty abused as well. He was in a small cage, ate only seeds, and hasn't been touched in forever. But I have made leaps and bounds with him since then. I started out Friday sitting in the room with him. I should say that the cage he came in is for a cockatiel so I didn't make him sit in it but on top of it. So I talked to him and slowly started moving my hands towards him. When he slowly started to come by me I gave him a sunflower seed which he loves. Then Saturday I started touch training. He was super afraid of the stick at first so every time he even looked at it I clicked and gave a treat. He slowly started understanding that stick means treat. By the end of Saturday he would go straight for the stick and know that a treat was coming. I was also able to put the stick by my arm and he learned that I wasn't going to hit him or whatever his fear of arms or hands is. Late Saturday I was able to get him to step up and pet him! And then today I was able to put him in the shower to bath! I am still far from being his best friend. He still lunges at me in the morning and runs away some times but I believe that the clicker will help all of those problems with time. Also I got him a new cage so he isn't territorial with the old one which helped as well. And I changed his diet a lot. He gets fruits and vegs which he was scare if at first but he loves now. He isn't so sure about pellets though.

 

[torrap]

Wow, I have to thank you for taking this bird.
It's not their fault people have no time or love for them. They are wonderful and very intelligent birds.
Doug, just talk to him like you would talk to a child or another person in the house. It could work out great that you have extra time right now. I would wish you find job soon, but use this extra time to spend with him.
The fact that he lets you touch him is a good sign. I wouldn't use gloves though. Just take it slow and easy. Parrots bite when scared. Zack will get adjusted and not going to bite eventually, I hope.
Petting is best ONLY on his head when he is ready.
Do you know how old this Zon is?
They are usually very sexually oriented, therefore petting anything else but his head could be misunderstood.......
Good luck with your new friend, and we want to know everything about his progress....

 

[Dougc1369]

I just found out today he is at least 15 years old....older than I originally thought. Not that it matters to me, I'm still gonna keep him.

Another question for the forum, I bought some tropical trail mix (in a people section of the store) is this something that is ok to feed him? Or keep it for myself?(yum!) Thanks for the tip about petting, wouldn't want him to start humping my leg! Lol

 

[JerseyWendy]

1 or 2 pieces of trail mix won't hurt him.

And at 15 he is still a youngster. These guys "can" live up to 80 years.

 

[BirdyMomma]

I am so happy for both you and Zack!!! My first bird was an amazon, and I think his awesomeness turned me into a life long amazon person.

My two birds received an embarrassing amount of toys today for Christmas, so I hope you will not think me inappropriate but if you message me your address, I would be more than happy to send you a brand new unused toy (or two) for your new baby.

Good luck, and consider clcker training, as it will help you build a great bond with him.

 

[Dougc1369]

I tried sending you a pm but apparently I haven't posted enough yet. Thanks for your kind offer tho!

Doug

 

[Dougc1369]

BirdyMomma,

nope tells me I still have 7 more posts to go. (Well 6 now ) but since I am starting a new thread, those should go quickly.

 

[BirdyMomma]

My Facebook profile is Michele Gascoigne, but it will come up as Shelly Von Schtupp, and the avatar is a photo of my Amazon Bacci.
If you're on Facebook, you can message me there.

My email is michelegascoigne@yahoo.com