Please help...feeling guilty!

[Dopey]

Hi - does anyone besides me have a favorite bird?

I'm feeling guilty right now because Jingle has become my favorite bird.

I obviously don't let the Zon's on my hands or my shoulders like I do Jingle (and they see it) but I do let them out of their cages and onto the play stand.

So, those of you who have multiple birds...do you have a favorite and if so how do you go about interacting with your other birds?

 

[Psittaciformes]

I did as a kid when we had budgies.

I'm planning on getting another bird sometime next year, what if I like the new one better than Kiwiberry?
I think that would make me feel worse than if it was the other way around, since I would have had Kiwiberry for a longer period of time.

Even so, I'm kinda scared I'll start liking and preferring one over the other and end up giving that one more attention without really realising...

Does it ever change for you, as to which bird you favour?

 

[OOwl]

Don't think of it so much as "playing favorites" but it's just normal that some birds and some humans have better "chemistry" with each other than others. That's why long-term parrot people tell new parrot enthusiasts to "let the bird pick YOU." It really is pretty important. So, do I have a favorite in my flock? Yes, I do. It's a male peachface lovebird, my favorite bird of a lifetime of keeping parrots. However, I love all my parrots equally and give them all the same exact level of care, enrichment, and interaction. Hey, they have favorites, too! My RB loves my adult daughter best (great, because he can live with her someday when I'm gone). My Grey has taken to my young grandson, who I'm already grooming to take care of him someday when I'm gone.

Each of my birds has his/her own special game to play with mom; each has a set of unique tricks chosen for his or her own special likes and talents, so that's how I interact with each of them independently of the others.

We're a flock and I think birds are hardwired to already understand that each relationship within the flock includes "favorites." Nothing to feel guilty about as long as you're fair, which I'm sure you are already.

 

[Dopey]

I did as a kid when we had budgies.

I'm planning on getting another bird sometime next year, what if I like the new one better than Kiwiberry?
I think that would make me feel worse than if it was the other way around, since I would have had Kiwiberry for a longer period of time.

Even so, I'm kinda scared I'll start liking and preferring one over the other and end up giving that one more attention without really realising...
That's what I do. I give one more attention than the others but he is much nicer than the others. He doesn't bite me. The Zon's bite me.

Does it ever change for you, as to which bird you favour?
Yes - when I get a new bird.

I have three cats too and each of them mean something different and if I had to choose which one to get rid of I have an order but only because two of them pee everywhere...including the litter pan but when they are mad they pee places they know they aren't supposed to. But I try not to show favorites.

I guess if the the Zon's didn't bite me they would get more time on my hands. I'm not sure I would ever trust them on my shoulder.

 

[Dopey]

Don't think of it so much as "playing favorites" but it's just normal that some birds and some humans have better "chemistry" with each other than others. That's why long-term parrot people tell new parrot enthusiasts to "let the bird pick YOU." It really is pretty important. So, do I have a favorite in my flock? Yes, I do. It's a male peachface lovebird, my favorite bird of a lifetime of keeping parrots. However, I love all my parrots equally and give them all the same exact level of care, enrichment, and interaction. Hey, they have favorites, too! My RB loves my adult daughter best (great, because he can live with her someday when I'm gone). My Grey has taken to my young grandson, who I'm already grooming to take care of him someday when I'm gone.

Each of my birds has his/her own special game to play with mom; each has a set of unique tricks chosen for his or her own special likes and talents, so that's how I interact with each of them independently of the others.

We're a flock and I think birds are hardwired to already understand that each relationship within the flock includes "favorites." Nothing to feel guilty about as long as you're fair, which I'm sure you are already.

Thanks! I think I'm fair. Today I went shopping and found a cute thing to hang in their cages. I only bought one to see who liked it. If they all like it I will go back and get two more. I offer each of them the same food but I know one likes veggies more than the others so he gets them more often. So, I guess I treat them all fairly. I even try rotating whose cage cover comes off first of the day. Thanks again!

 

[Kiwibird]

Jingle sounds like a human-focused social bird and your zons sound like they can take or leave people. They'll bond up and have each other, and it's not necessarily a bad thing since you have Jingle. Actually, sounds like a pretty good setup for everyone to me! That doesn't mean the zons should be allowed to go feral, but if they prefer each other and are perfectly content, why is it a bad thing you play with the human focused bird more? Kiwi is a more hands-off bird and so long as he's happy and healthy, I don't see a need to pet on him or 'turn him into' a velcro bird.

 

[Dopey]

Thanks April. That makes me feel better. I hope they bond. I did get Patches so that Whisper would have someone. Duh!! How quickly I forget.

 

[RavensGryf]

I think it's absolutely 'normal' sure. Like Oowl said, we have a better "chemistry" with some than others (just as with other humans), that plus the more obvious reasons of a bird not being crazy about you.

I take care of all my birds equally and love them all no matter what, BUT yes I do have one that I'm extremely deeply (mutually) bonded with. Not only because I've had Robin my Red Bellied parrot for 20 years since he was a juvenile, but also because we have that special chemistry that I've never had quite as closely with any other pet before or ever...

Also commenting on Oowl's post, I agree about having a parrot pick you is best, BUT although I'm a long time parrot owner, I can say I've never done that. Consequently, it was hit or miss. Particular species I wanted either had to be shipped to me or came from closed aviaries (for health reasons) so I didn't pick them out in person. Griffin was a hit... Raven is, well, I hate to say a miss cause I do honestly love him, but he has always been clear that HE would not have chosen me, and he doesn't let me handle him. Others in the past same thing, hit or miss. You never know until you bring them home.

Robin my first parrot was suggested to me by the bird shop owner when I said I'd like a real parrot (had a tiel), and something a bit unusual (for back then). She said "I know exactly the bird for you". A certain Red Bellied parrot she had in mind. He was 3 months old and being returned to the store the next week by a family with kids who bought him and found quickly it wasn't going to work out. When I met Robin, I felt obligated at that point, and being a newbie I didn't really consider any of the larger birds around the store. Thank goodness it happened this way! Robin is truly my soulmate!

 

[riddick07]

Kelly is my favorite but he chose me just like people mentioned so the chemistry thing is happening. Folger is my second even though he is crazy. Then Loki and my green cheeks. Then my cockatiel girls and then the cockatiel boys. I think it's pretty natural that you have ones that are just extra special

 

[Dopey]

Jingle sounds like a human-focused social bird and your zons sound like they can take or leave people. They'll bond up and have each other, and it's not necessarily a bad thing since you have Jingle. Actually, sounds like a pretty good setup for everyone to me! That doesn't mean the zons should be allowed to go feral, but if they prefer each other and are perfectly content, why is it a bad thing you play with the human focused bird more? Kiwi is a more hands-off bird and so long as he's happy and healthy, I don't see a need to pet on him or 'turn him into' a velcro bird.

I don't want them to go feral. I try to play with the Zons every time I go by their cages but I do that a lot so sometimes they don't get their feet rubbed.

 

[Dopey]

I think it's absolutely 'normal' sure. Like Oowl said, we have a better "chemistry" with some than others (just as with other humans), that plus the more obvious reasons of a bird not being crazy about you.

I take care of all my birds equally and love them all no matter what, BUT yes I do have one that I'm extremely deeply (mutually) bonded with. Not only because I've had Robin my Red Bellied parrot for 20 years since he was a juvenile, but also because we have that special chemistry that I've never had quite as closely with any other pet before or ever...

Also commenting on Oowl's post, I agree about having a parrot pick you is best, BUT although I'm a long time parrot owner, I can say I've never done that. Consequently, it was hit or miss. Particular species I wanted either had to be shipped to me or came from closed aviaries (for health reasons) so I didn't pick them out in person. Griffin was a hit... Raven is, well, I hate to say a miss cause I do honestly love him, but he has always been clear that HE would not have chosen me, and he doesn't let me handle him. Others in the past same thing, hit or miss. You never know until you bring them home.

Robin my first parrot was suggested to me by the bird shop owner when I said I'd like a real parrot (had a tiel), and something a bit unusual (for back then). She said "I know exactly the bird for you". A certain Red Bellied parrot she had in mind. He was 3 months old and being returned to the store the next week by a family with kids who bought him and found quickly it wasn't going to work out. When I met Robin, I felt obligated at that point, and being a newbie I didn't really consider any of the larger birds around the store. Thank goodness it happened this way! Robin is truly my soulmate!

Well, Jingle was all over me at the store. He loves being on my shoulder/neck area. I would love to see what he likes so much on my shoulder/neck area. Soon he will be getting (actually I will) a new hoodie with buttons on it for him to chew. That way he can have something to do on my shoulders besides give me a new hairdo.

Kelly is my favorite but he chose me just like people mentioned so the chemistry thing is happening. Folger is my second even though he is crazy. Then Loki and my green cheeks. Then my cockatiel girls and then the cockatiel boys. I think it's pretty natural that you have ones that are just extra special

Ok - thank you.

 

[Psittaciformes]

But when you guys get a new one and you let them choose you, how do you go about it?
The first few interactions with the bird, what do you look for, when do you see if the bird lets you handle him/her, and how do you start with the handling then, simple step-up?

Has it ever happened to you that, when at the breeder's/owner's place, it turns out to be a hit, but once you're home and settled, it turns out it's a miss?

 

[Freespin]

Stephen is my clear favorite =) I got lucky with him as I got him shipped up unseen. Barry chose me in a way but I never had a favorite when I had him and Nelson, perhaps because they were so different that they each had their own charm.

 

[Freespin]

Barry was they only bird I chose, the others were all shipped to me. Barry was never a hands on bird but at the store he was this quiet little guy hanging out by himself in a cage with ring necks and mustaches. He let me touch his belly through the bars and whenever anyone from the store came by he went mad and flew to the back of the cage. I left him there that day but I couldn't get him out of my head and ended up calling up a few days later to get him on hold until I could pick him up.

 

[Birdman666]

Hi - does anyone besides me have a favorite bird?

I'm feeling guilty right now because Jingle has become my favorite bird.

I obviously don't let the Zon's on my hands or my shoulders like I do Jingle (and they see it) but I do let them out of their cages and onto the play stand.

So, those of you who have multiple birds...do you have a favorite and if so how do you go about interacting with your other birds?

Well first of allmacaws WANT to be held more than amazons do...

My macs probably easily get held twice as much as my other birds.

Everyone gets handled, some just get handled more. That's all.

 

[Kiwibird]

Jingle sounds like a human-focused social bird and your zons sound like they can take or leave people. They'll bond up and have each other, and it's not necessarily a bad thing since you have Jingle. Actually, sounds like a pretty good setup for everyone to me! That doesn't mean the zons should be allowed to go feral, but if they prefer each other and are perfectly content, why is it a bad thing you play with the human focused bird more? Kiwi is a more hands-off bird and so long as he's happy and healthy, I don't see a need to pet on him or 'turn him into' a velcro bird.

I don't want them to go feral. I try to play with the Zons every time I go by their cages but I do that a lot so sometimes they don't get their feet rubbed.

And thats exactly the kind of thing you should be doing. Keep them social and friendly and on good terms with you. They should be friendly and not be fearful/aggressive towards humans. I strongly suggest they be trained to the point they are consistent with stepping up, but past that, theres no need to force yourself upon them if they don't seek petting or affection. Amazons tend to be more independent birds overall. They like flock time, but in the sense everyone is in the same vicinity doing their own thing For example, Kiwi likes to hang out and sit on the couch with us, but he prefers if he has some toys to mess with over being in our lap being petted on. He still wants to be near us and 'involved' with the 'flock', just not smothered with love.

 

[Dopey]

But when you guys get a new one and you let them choose you, how do you go about it?
The first few interactions with the bird, what do you look for, when do you see if the bird lets you handle him/her, and how do you start with the handling then, simple step-up?

Has it ever happened to you that, when at the breeder's/owner's place, it turns out to be a hit, but once you're home and settled, it turns out it's a miss?

I guess "choose you" means different things. Like Patches - he was in a really horrible place and his picture alone chose my heart. When I saw him and the conditions he was living in...I knew I had to get him out of there. IF he would let me pet him and rub his tummy like he used to I would. I'm hoping that it's because of the Zon season that he is being so mean right now.

Whisper - again - I knew I wanted him. I'm a sucker for a rescue and he is also a Craigs List bird. He was nicer to me at first than he is now...but again...he is a Zon.

Jingle - well the owner of the store whispered in my ear that he had a Severe Macaw. I wanted to see him. I saw him. I wanted to touch him. I touched him and up to my shoulder he climbed. He stayed there until we put him back in the cage. (He would go to other people in the store but didn't stay long with them. He would climb back on my arm and back up to my shoulder.) A little after he had gone back to his cage the owner of the store made me an offer I couldn't refuse. I loved the bird and the price.

Yes, I have had it where at the breeder/store the bird was good (my tiel back in the 80s) and at home it was horrible. I rehomed the bird after many months and the results were wonderful at that home.

 

[Dopey]

Jingle sounds like a human-focused social bird and your zons sound like they can take or leave people. They'll bond up and have each other, and it's not necessarily a bad thing since you have Jingle. Actually, sounds like a pretty good setup for everyone to me! That doesn't mean the zons should be allowed to go feral, but if they prefer each other and are perfectly content, why is it a bad thing you play with the human focused bird more? Kiwi is a more hands-off bird and so long as he's happy and healthy, I don't see a need to pet on him or 'turn him into' a velcro bird.

I don't want them to go feral. I try to play with the Zons every time I go by their cages but I do that a lot so sometimes they don't get their feet rubbed.

And thats exactly the kind of thing you should be doing. Keep them social and friendly and on good terms with you. They should be friendly and not be fearful/aggressive towards humans. I strongly suggest they be trained to the point they are consistent with stepping up, but past that, theres no need to force yourself upon them if they don't seek petting or affection. Amazons tend to be more independent birds overall. They like flock time, but in the sense everyone is in the same vicinity doing their own thing For example, Kiwi likes to hang out and sit on the couch with us, but he prefers if he has some toys to mess with over being in our lap being petted on. He still wants to be near us and 'involved' with the 'flock', just not smothered with love.

Whisper is doing much better on stepping up on the dowel rod. He still uses his beak but not as hard with the bite and usually it's just to steady himself. I have yet to try the hand. Maybe once the beak is consistently being used for steadying purposes and not biting we will start with the hand. Patches - used to step up and then bite. So I went back to the dowel rod only for now. He steps up and then starts flapping his wings. They both do not like other people. Especially tall big people. They both run to their favorite perch and pant.

 

[RavensGryf]

Does Jingle have interaction with other people besides you? I'm just curious since I know Severe's can get very bonded and cuddly with the person they choose, and hostile toward others.

 

[Dopey]

Does Jingle have interaction with other people besides you? I'm just curious since I know Severe's can get very bonded and cuddly with the person they choose, and hostile toward others.

We have started working on that. Unfortunately it was yesterday. He wasn't interested in getting on anybody else yesterday. If my son or his girlfriend tried he would climb up my arm onto my shoulder. When my friend tried...he just looked at her arm. Like - you want me to do what? They are all going to stop by my house more often so that we can work on this more.