New bird advice

Sa_2503

New member
Jun 8, 2020
24
0
Mexico
First of all, I have to apologize, this situation was not in my control. This will mostly be a vent/rant but I will also ask for advice.

I had been inquiring about getting a parrot I was going for an Eclectus or even a macaw, and my family was mostly on board (as I am 17 years old). I decided to share this with other family members and it reached my grandma's ears (she is 86), she then decided to tell me that she will get me the parrot as my family has been mostly dancing around the subject and I was realizing that I wouldn't probably get the parrot unless I paid for it (which I was mostly okay with). Anyways, I laughed and told her that there was no need for that, and left the issue alone. In the end, she did get a parrot, and I have conflicting feelings about it. The parrot she got is a Eupsittula canicularis, an endangered species in Mexico, that it's illegal to sell or buy, the worst part? It's a baby. I can't really blame my grandma as she is 86 and the law regarding those parrots only came in place in 2008, but I'm mad at my mom, who encouraged her (behind my back) to buy the parrot as it was way cheaper than a legal one. Now I reach out to this community as I can't give the parrot to the authorities (no center of rehabilitation, and it will most likely be put to sleep), to ask for help. And to give advice on raising a baby parrot.

Sorry for the long post and for the understanding. Please be kind! This was not a situation that I wanted but I have to deal with it now and I hope I can do it in the best way possible.
 

LaManuka

Moderator
Staff member
Super Moderator
Aug 29, 2018
25,564
Media
26
Albums
1
33,197
Queensland, Australia
Parrots
Fang ({ab}normal grey cockatiel), Valentino (budgie), Jem (cinnamon cockatiel), Lovejoy(varied lorikeet), Peach (princess parrot)
Hello Sa_2503, I'm so sorry you have been placed in this very difficult position. Has the seller of this baby given you any idea how old it actually is? Because a lot will depend on how many weeks or months old it is. While I am not personally familiar with handraising/handfeeding baby birds, it is a critical stage in a young parrot's life and you are correct to be concerned. If you are able to get him to an avian vet for advice and support, I would have to recommend that you do so as soon as you possibly can. I am not sure exactly where in Mexico you are located and understand that access to avian specialists may be limited, but the following link will help you to locate one...

https://www.aav.org/

While you are waiting for other more knowledgeable members to respond, I offer you the following resource which was written by one of our very experienced breeders and hope you may be able to gain some useful information from it. The first part is a little heavy-going and may not necessarily apply exactly to your situation, but the thread itself is packed with info that you may find valuable...

http://www.parrotforums.com/breeding-raising-parrots/74363-so-you-bought-unweaned-baby.html

Some others of our membership will hopefully weigh in with some more practical information for you shortly. Thank you for reaching out for help and i wish you and your new baby all the very best!
 
OP
Sa_2503

Sa_2503

New member
Jun 8, 2020
24
0
Mexico
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #3
Hello Sa_2503, I'm so sorry you have been placed in this very difficult position. Has the seller of this baby given you any idea how old it actually is? Because a lot will depend on how many weeks or months old it is. While I am not personally familiar with handraising/handfeeding baby birds, it is a critical stage in a young parrot's life and you are correct to be concerned. If you are able to get him to an avian vet for advice and support, I would have to recommend that you do so as soon as you possibly can. I am not sure exactly where in Mexico you are located and understand that access to avian specialists may be limited, but the following link will help you to locate one...

https://www.aav.org/

While you are waiting for other more knowledgeable members to respond, I offer you the following resource which was written by one of our very experienced breeders and hope you may be able to gain some useful information from it. The first part is a little heavy-going and may not necessarily apply exactly to your situation, but the thread itself is packed with info that you may find valuable...

http://www.parrotforums.com/breeding-raising-parrots/74363-so-you-bought-unweaned-baby.html

Some others of our membership will hopefully weigh in with some more practical information for you shortly. Thank you for reaching out for help and i wish you and your new baby all the very best!
Thank you so much for the useful links, I have an avian veterinarian near* me and I will take him as soon as possible, the age is quite unknown, as the sellers normally steal them from the nest (heartbreaking) and take them to place to be sold. The baby parrot is not with me right now, as I live in the capital and my grandma doesn't, she is coming the next week or so to give it to me (I can only pray it will live that long).
 

LaManuka

Moderator
Staff member
Super Moderator
Aug 29, 2018
25,564
Media
26
Albums
1
33,197
Queensland, Australia
Parrots
Fang ({ab}normal grey cockatiel), Valentino (budgie), Jem (cinnamon cockatiel), Lovejoy(varied lorikeet), Peach (princess parrot)
Thank you so much for the useful links, I have an avian veterinarian near* me and I will take him as soon as possible, the age is quite unknown, as the sellers normally steal them from the nest (heartbreaking) and take them to place to be sold. The baby parrot is not with me right now, as I live in the capital and my grandma doesn't, she is coming the next week or so to give it to me (I can only pray it will live that long).

Well that does rather complicate things. Under almost any other circumstances I would recommend your grandma consider taking the bird back to the seller but in this case I doubt that it's prospects would be much better if she did, considering the unethical nature of the seller in question. It makes me so angry that more is not done to stop illegal trapping and selling of endangered species, or any wild animal for that matter. Much has been done to stop it in my country although I am not silly enough to think that it's been completely stamped out altogether. This particular baby's best chance of a good life may indeed be with you, since you obviously care so very much for him already. Once again I am so sorry for your situation and can only hope that this little one does find his way to you in good health.
 

noodles123

Well-known member
Jul 11, 2018
8,145
472
Parrots
Umbrella Cockatoo- 15? years old..I think?
PLEASE read the link and my replies for detail, as well as the links within the links..Parrots are complicated as heck..http://www.parrotforums.com/new-members-welcome/90052-hello-soon-new-bird-owner.html


again-- see all links, video etc http://www.parrotforums.com/questions-answers/89863-thinking-getting-cockatiel.html


http://www.parrotforums.com/questions-answers/89863-thinking-getting-cockatiel.html <- this too...




Honestly, at your age, there is so much I would advise against in terms of having a parrot (not because you don't care, but because if you wouldn't have a kid with special needs...) There is so much transience in terms of travel, career etc....Just remember that none of this is the bird's fault and that any re-home scars them.
 
Last edited:
OP
Sa_2503

Sa_2503

New member
Jun 8, 2020
24
0
Mexico
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #6
PLEASE read the link and my replies for detail, as well as the links within the links..Parrots are complicated as heck..http://www.parrotforums.com/new-members-welcome/90052-hello-soon-new-bird-owner.html


again-- see all links, video etc http://www.parrotforums.com/questions-answers/89863-thinking-getting-cockatiel.html


http://www.parrotforums.com/questions-answers/89863-thinking-getting-cockatiel.html <- this too...




Honestly, at your age, there is so much I would advise against in terms of having a parrot (not because you don't care, but because if you wouldn't have a kid with special needs...) There is so much transience in terms of travel, career etc....Just remember that none of this is the bird's fault and that any re-home scars them.

Thank you for the useful link! I will definitely check all the information, but I know a lot of it already, as I said at first I was thinking of getting a (legal) parrot before this situation came to me and I was researching a ton. I knew that Teflon was terrible for them, but didn't know about the other types of chemicals. Thank you so much for the helpful information

Edit: I just saw the other part of the reply (had to re-load the page), I know having a parrot is such a commitment and I was ready for it, along with my family being on board with it too.
 
Last edited:

noodles123

Well-known member
Jul 11, 2018
8,145
472
Parrots
Umbrella Cockatoo- 15? years old..I think?
Thank you for coming here and sorry if for all of the long posts. To be clear, this isn't about legal vs illegal-- it's about a parrot period. Any parrot is like a child with special needs, so that is my point (the larger ones can quite literally injure adults to ER levels, and chomp off kid's fingers). There are so very many people who take them on and have no idea what they are getting into (hence the re-homing epidemic). It's not about who you are, it's about where you are in your life. I think your introspection shows that you would eventually be excellent as a parrot "owner" but not until your life is solid/set...Transitions and everything else that comes with being young is terribly unfair to them.

Glad you are researching-- just concerned that you wanted a macaw etc, as, at 17 (smart as you may be) there are just so many uncertainties until you have a solid career, home etc. They are a massive commitment when you don't even have a career or know your work schedule-- especially since they live forever...and they NEED consistency and cost far more than the cost upfront. This will forever shape the rest of your life, including children, vacations, job opportunities, travel, boyfriends etc... It is SO much more complicated than any other pet and more complicated than a kid in most cases (when done properly).


I posted the same link twice, but I meant : http://www.parrotforums.com/general...change-after-getting-your-first-big-bird.html


and this http://www.parrotforums.com/caiques/89726-can-i-get-1-caique-if-i-work.html


Think of the stability you would need to have your own baby with special needs, and that is the same place you need to be in to have a parrot (only society will accept a human child but cut no slack for a parrot whose needs are even more intense)


ANY parrot is insanely expensive as well in terms of upkeep, but a macaw could easily cost well over 100 thousand in a lifetime.


If you have kids...or move..or have a broken appliance that needs fixing..or a business trip.. or illness...or unemployment...or life in an apartment...this is major. Parrots complicate everything far more than any other pet out there. Until you know what you will be doing (without uncertainty ) 10-20 years from now, it isn't fair to get a parrot. They don't choose this and you owe them the stability they require in such unnatural environments. its like trying to explain the struggles of birth to someone who has never had a kid..we all think we know..until we know...


there is just no reason not to wait until you are more stable, even if family doesn't understand the magnitude of this comiitment
 
Last edited:
OP
Sa_2503

Sa_2503

New member
Jun 8, 2020
24
0
Mexico
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #8
Thank you for coming here and sorry if for all of the long posts. To be clear, this isn't about legal vs illegal-- it's about a parrot period. Any parrot is like a child with special needs, so that is my point (the larger ones can quite literally injure adults to ER levels, and chomp off kid's fingers). There are so very many people who take them on and have no idea what they are getting into (hence the re-homing epidemic). It's not about who you are, it's about where you are in your life. I think your introspection shows that you would eventually be excellent as a parrot "owner" but not until your life is solid/set...Transitions and everything else that comes with being young is terribly unfair to them.

Glad you are researching-- just concerned that you wanted a macaw etc, as, at 17 (smart as you may be) there are just so many uncertainties until you have a solid career, home etc. They are a massive commitment when you don't even have a career or know your work schedule-- especially since they live forever...and they NEED consistency and cost far more than the cost upfront. This will forever shape the rest of your life, including children, vacations, job opportunities, travel, boyfriends etc... It is SO much more complicated than any other pet and more complicated than a kid in most cases (when done properly).


I posted the same link twice, but I meant : http://www.parrotforums.com/general...change-after-getting-your-first-big-bird.html


and this http://www.parrotforums.com/caiques/89726-can-i-get-1-caique-if-i-work.html


Think of the stability you would need to have your own baby with special needs, and that is the same place you need to be in to have a parrot (only society will accept a human child but cut no slack for a parrot whose needs are even more intense)


ANY parrot is insanely expensive as well in terms of upkeep, but a macaw could easily cost well over 100 thousand in a lifetime.


If you have kids...or move..or have a broken appliance that needs fixing..or a business trip.. or illness...or unemployment...or life in an apartment...this is major. Parrots complicate everything far more than any other pet out there. Until you know what you will be doing (without uncertainty ) 10-20 years from now, it isn't fair to get a parrot. They don't choose this and you owe them the stability they require in such unnatural environments. its like trying to explain the struggles of birth to someone who has never had a kid..

I understand your concern I mention the illegality as every scenario has just been worsened at least on my head. The macaw was such an improbability for me (mostly price and size), the Eclectus was the one I was saving and working for (I would pay at least half of the price) and I have been already researching on the forum and asking questions and getting advice. I couldn't give much context on the beginning as I didn't think it was as necessary as explaining the problem itself. Glad there are a lot of people concerned about it, but I promise I would never give up on a pet (the only exception being that I die unfortunately before I can even write a will). And my family wouldn't rehome a pet, is just not in our culture. An example of this is the amazon parrot my dad had, the parrot was such a mean thing to anyone but my dad and they (was before I was born, so "they" are my paternal family) kept him well and healthy until it was stolen in an unfortunate event.

Edit: I keep mentioning my family being on board with the parrot, because I know that if anything happens to my situation in life I can still rely on my family to provide for my parrot. My dad is retired and we live well (big house and no immediate neighbors), he loves parrots as I mentioned with the amazon that he had. Meaning that even though I will be the primary caretaker of the parrot, it will still be a family pet.
 
Last edited:

Scott

Supporting Member
Aug 21, 2010
32,673
9,789
San Diego, California USA, Earth, Milky Way Galaxy
Parrots
Goffins: Gabby, Abby, Squeaky, Peanut, Popcorn / Citron: Alice / Eclectus: Angel /Timneh Grey: ET / Blue Fronted Amazon: Gonzo /

RIP Gandalf and Big Bird, you are missed.
Welcome, deep respect for having a strong conscience and preparing a safe, comfortable home for your bird. At your age having the household help care for your new companion a huge help!! Species you mention appears to be an Orange Fronted Parakeet. Helpful links above to get you started!


981574317298_14.jpg
 
OP
Sa_2503

Sa_2503

New member
Jun 8, 2020
24
0
Mexico
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #10
Welcome, deep respect for having a strong conscience and preparing a safe, comfortable home for your bird. At your age having the household help care for your new companion a huge help!! Species you mention appears to be an Orange Fronted Parakeet. Helpful links above to get you started!


981574317298_14.jpg
Yes it is! I couldn't really find a specific name for the species in English, so I just put the scientific name. In Spanish, they are called "Pericos atoleros", which the direct translation would be "Atolero Parakeet" and it makes no sense.
 
OP
Sa_2503

Sa_2503

New member
Jun 8, 2020
24
0
Mexico
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #11
Quick update! The baby parrot arrived today, I will post a picture tomorrow as is late today.
 

LaManuka

Moderator
Staff member
Super Moderator
Aug 29, 2018
25,564
Media
26
Albums
1
33,197
Queensland, Australia
Parrots
Fang ({ab}normal grey cockatiel), Valentino (budgie), Jem (cinnamon cockatiel), Lovejoy(varied lorikeet), Peach (princess parrot)
Welcome home little one! Looking forward to the pics :)
 
OP
Sa_2503

Sa_2503

New member
Jun 8, 2020
24
0
Mexico
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #13
Sorry for taking so long! I had a lot of trouble figuring how to upload the picture

26262d1624155806-new-bird-advice-sin-ti-tulo.jpg
 

Attachments

  • Sin título.jpg
    Sin título.jpg
    81.9 KB · Views: 102
Last edited by a moderator:

LaManuka

Moderator
Staff member
Super Moderator
Aug 29, 2018
25,564
Media
26
Albums
1
33,197
Queensland, Australia
Parrots
Fang ({ab}normal grey cockatiel), Valentino (budgie), Jem (cinnamon cockatiel), Lovejoy(varied lorikeet), Peach (princess parrot)
Welcome to the flock, precious one! That baby is beautiful, and I wish him or her a long and wonderful life ahead :)
 
OP
Sa_2503

Sa_2503

New member
Jun 8, 2020
24
0
Mexico
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #15
New sad update.

When I first got my baby parrot we took him to the vet, he told us that he was doing okay (some stress bars because of the poor diet he had before me), gave me instructions and sent me home. Up to yesterday, he was fully feathered, starting to eat solid food and even attempting to fly. He did lose some weight, but I didn't think much of it since he had started to try flying. He already had an appointment with the vet this week in order to do a follow-up, unfortunately, when I woke up today he had died (I honestly don't know what may have happened). I appreciate everyone's help in this post and thank you for the advice. I just wanted to give some closure to people that may have been looking for updates.
 

LaManuka

Moderator
Staff member
Super Moderator
Aug 29, 2018
25,564
Media
26
Albums
1
33,197
Queensland, Australia
Parrots
Fang ({ab}normal grey cockatiel), Valentino (budgie), Jem (cinnamon cockatiel), Lovejoy(varied lorikeet), Peach (princess parrot)
Oh Sa_2503, thank you for updating us, but I am very sorry to read this very sad news. It is true that the transition period for fledgling parrots is a precarious and vulnerable one, and it is likely that the damage was already done before this baby reached your care. I?m so terribly sorry that this baby left the world so soon and my thoughts are very much with you both today.

Godspeed little sweet one. Fly free on bright wings to the Rainbow Bridge, until we all meet again.
 

Most Reactions

Latest posts

Top