Unstable, but not Critical

[JDS]

Hi everyone,
Welcome to my first ever post on a forum.
I am not very experienced with raising birds so please excuse me if I am ignorant in some of these matters.
I have broken down this post in to the backstory, the problems faced and the questions i would like to have answered.
Also, a big disclaimer, I do not know the sex of the bird so i'm just calling it a He until i know better.
Hopefully you guys enjoy the story and can provide some insight into my situation. If there is too much info, just skip to the last section where my questions are found.

THE STORY

About a week ago, my Auntie was walking through a park near the city (Sydney) when she noticed a baby Rainbow Lorikeet hobbling around in the grass. She approached it and picked it up and the lorikeet happily obliged.

My auntie soon noticed that there was a problem with the bird. His left foot remained curled up, even when walking. She decided she would take it to a vet to ask for their input in the matter. The vet told her that he was about 6 weeks old. Surprisingly, the, vet then took one look at the foot and told my auntie to take the bird back to where she found it and feed it to a dog or something. Very unimpressed with the vet's suggestion, she took the bird to me knowing that I love looking after animals with problems (I previously took in a Lorikeet that couldn't fly)

Problems Faced

When I took him into my care I kept him in a shoe box temporarily, with a cloth that he could snuggle up to. I checked out his foot by turning him upside down (which he really, really hates) and feeling his foot. He was able to move his toes around but it seemed that he had very little control and strength in that foot. So for the next two days, I started teaching him how to perch. Within one day he was able to perch properly, and in the second day he was walking fine.

So, the problems? Well, it comes to his behaviour. At first he was extremely pleased with being handled. He loved head scratches and he didn't mind being picked up (so long as you didn't turn him upside down). My relationship with him was really good and he was becoming attached to me, following me around wherever i went and seeking protection in me.
However, I noticed a big change in his behaviour, a few days ago. It was one day after I moved him into a cage. At first he didn't like it very much because he was still unstable on his feet and couldn't climb well. He started making a baby screech noise. At first I didn't really take note of it because he was a baby but I soon realised he would only make that noise around people. Also, before he started making the 'baby screech,' he would chirp like a normal lorkieet. I'm not sure why he started making that noise. I thought at first that he wanted more attention, but he soon refused to come out of his cage and started to make a higher pitched screech, sounding more anxious, whenever I tried to take him out of it. He would even make the screech when i would pet him, but it would only be when i spoke or when my hand scratched his head.

He seems to have distanced himself from us. He doesn't like to come out of the cage now, and runs away from me when i try to pick him up. I tried to train him to 'step up' and he has been doing it reluctantly and he doesn't seem happy when i do it. Also, he has started biting...hard. When i first got him, he didn't mind me picking him up (what i mean by that is grabbing his body in my hand). I hope i haven't been handling him wrong, because I know most birds don't like to be handled this way, but he was happy to be handled like that at first, and my previous bird didn't mind it either. When I held him like that he would scream aggressively and bite at any skin he could reach. This has really been upsetting me, because his aggressiveness has also come through when being petted, and he will sometimes bite while being stroked. It's been very confusing to me.

When I first got him, I used to take him outside into the garden to play in the grass. He used to like it a lot and would let me 'wrestle' with him with my hand in the grass. But now, when I take him outside, he runs away from me and tests out his wings (he is not fully fledged yet), while screeching to other lorikeets in the area. He would try and climb me without letup. I'm unsure why. My best guess is that he was trying to get a better view of the trees where other lorikeets are found.

He continues to make the baby screech voice only when someone gives him attention or walks by his cage. He seems to be uneasy around everyone and he sleeps heaps.
Unfortunately, I haven't bought him any toys for his cage yet because he is so new, so this could be adding to his stress.

Questions I would Like to Have Answered

1. Why does he screech when you give him attention or walk past his cage?
2. Why does he continue to screech even when petted?
3. How do I get him to trust me, or to stop biting me when i try to pick him up?
4. What is the best kind of formula to feed him?
5. Should I keep him indoors or out?
6. How big should his cage be?
7. How much fruit should I be giving him?
8. How much attention does he need every day?
9. Are there early signs of the bird's sex? Behavioural changes perhaps?

Conclusion

ThankYou very much for reading this post and if you comment, your advice is very much welcome.
I'm not sure if I will keep this bird if he eventually is capable of flying, because I'm not sure if I will have the time to care for him.
We have named him Oliver, and if it turns out to be a girl ,Olivia but I am still open to people's suggestions although I am not sure if there will be a name that sticks better.

 

[Carl_Power]

Hi and thankyou for rescuing and taking care of this little guy, so kind.

My advice would be go talk to a good vet, prefereably an avian vet if you can or atleast a vet with a heart. I cant believe he said go feed it to a dog, how heartless.

This bird needs checking out properly and going straight on a recommended diet from a proffesional and they would advise you better in taking care of him.

Thats my best advice but check back here later, there are alot more experienced bird lovers than me that can offer more advice x

 

[JDS]

Thanks Carl for generously giving advice.
I too could not believe how heartless a person could be to such a poor helpless creature. However there has been one great benefit too his callous remark. His careless attitude to this bird has all but increased everyone’s sympathy and affection for him. Everyone who hears this story is inclined to grow attached to little Ollie. It also reminds me to take good care of him.
Thanks a lot for your advice.

 

[LordTriggs]

I second Carl with going to a avian qualified vet.

Though remember you may have to surrender the lori to be rehabilitated into the wild, I know aus is pretty hard on rules like that regarding wildlife. Unfortunately this bird if you do keep them may not ever be as tame as a bird bred in captivity.

Also if you haven't research a Lorikeet diet, they can't just eat common parrot food you get from a pet store, they need a special nectar diet

 

[Soyajam]

That vet doesn't sound very compassionate. Were they an avian vet or were they a standard vet that also looks at cats and dogs? Often standard vets haven't done much work in avian care.

I assume the Sydney you're referring to is also my Sydney, in Australia. There are a few avian veterinarians in the Sydney area you can go to as an alternative.

Have a look here and see if there's one close enough to you.
AAVAC, NSW | Not-For-Profit independent association of avian veterinarians in Australia and New Zealand

This is important so you can get a genuine opinion on Oliver/Olivia's health and real recommendations to make sure they're healthy. They can also provide ongoing advice for care (including recommendations for food and specific specific care).

Edit: In response to LordTriggs' post - you don't need a licence to own a Rainbow Lorikeet in NSW - see this link: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/l...icences/birds-you-dont-need-a-licence-to-keep
However, there may be more guidelines as to birds taken from the wild. He may be right in that you need to seek specific approval to keep this particular bird as a pet. Sometimes allowances are given if the bird cannot be released due to injury (as in the case of Oliver's leg) but I recommend seeking advice on this before you proceed, to make sure you're not unknowingly in breach of any rules.


For now, I'll try answering your generic questions. For food, and hand-rearing, I'll leave that to the lori experts.

1. Why does he screech when you give him attention or walk past his cage?
2. Why does he continue to screech even when petted?
These two are likely baby behaviours. Usually it's due to hunger, a need for attention, or due to being tired. If you're unsure about how to feed him, this is the first avenue to try. Once you know they're full, you can rule out the other reasons.

3. How do I get him to trust me, or to stop biting me when i try to pick him up?
Usually I'd say with positive reinforcement training (please see this thread for some inspiration, or anything in the behavioural sub-forum). You can use food as a reward for behaviours you want, but be mindful at this time in his life you want him to eat as much as he wants, so he's fat and healthy. So if you can't find a suitable reinforcer (reward) for being good, maybe wait a few weeks until he's a bit older and you get to know him better.

5. Should I keep him indoors or out?
I think at his age I'd keep him indoors so you can keep an eye on him - and once he starts to eat solid food, prepare to practice flying, and be a bit more independent, then the choice is yours. Regardless of where you keep him though, make sure he's got a cage big enough to stretch his wings. There is lots of info on the 'cages' subforum and you can get a bit more detail on what's suitable for a lorikeet.

6. How big should his cage be?

As big as you can afford. Google suggests minimum dimensions of 36" H x 48" L x 24" which sounds OK to me. Be mindful of the width of bar spacing - make sure it's suitably small so he can't get his head stuck between bars. It might be worth going to a store that has them on display to get a better idea for yourself.

7. How much fruit should I be giving him?
Lori experts? If you're still hand-rearing him it's not terribly important for now. If no one here can be specific I'm sure there is something on the net that can give you an idea, or please see an avian vet for specifics.

8. How much attention does he need every day?
Most parrots, regardless of breed, should get at least 3 hours of active attention (i.e you're with them, playing, talking or being with them) a day. They're social creatures and being left isolated is no good for their mental health.

9. Are there early signs of the bird's sex? Behavioural changes perhaps?
As far as I'm aware, the only way you can tell a lori's (well, a rainbow lorikeet that is) sex is with a DNA test. You can ask your avian vet about this.

I hope this helps - I don't own a Rainbow as I said but many of your questions apply to lots of parrots. They're a lot of work but lorikeets have such bold personalities.

 

[JDS]

Thankyou both Sam and LordTriggs.
Wow, I guess I haven't appreciated how eager some of you are to help another person with their pet problems.
I will make arrangements to take the bird to a Vet and sort out any problems that could arise with ownership of the bird. I'm afraid that he's stuck with me for now because he is too young to be released into the wild.
I am feeding him a nectar mix which is widely available here in Australia and he doesn't seem to like it very much. I don't like it either. The smell is repulsive (a sour foul smell). A friend of mine suggested putting together a mix that some breeders use at wildlife parks. It's a mixture of the fluff of bread, water and honey. I made some for him, and he absolutely loved it. Licked the bowl clean. I made sure to add a bit more of the Nectar mix to add volume and also all the healthy stuff he is missing out on with just bread and honey. I would like to hear other people's recipes for their Lorikeets.

I haven't been spending as much as 3 hours a day with him, because I am fairly busy. But now that I know, there is a lot more time a can devote to him and help build up our relationship.

Thanks so much for the advice guys. I hope all goes well with your pets too!

 

[LordTriggs]

no worries, for now finding the food he likes and letting him have that will be the best though do get a vet's opinion on food. He would do better right now though being on a lorikeet baby formula being only a few weeks old, he most likely either fell or got kicked out the nest. He definitely won't be ready to go in the wild and who knows he may never be ready. All you can hope for is to keep them healthy and happy for the time you have them

 

[Scott]

Welcome to the forums, thanks for an exceptional introduction!

I must first comment on the extraordinarily callous vet and the monstrous suggestion. I shudder to contemplate how many folks would heed such scurrilous advice.

Loris, as discussed, have unique dietary needs. Your bird also seems to have a strong instinctual reaction. Submission at first, with a perceived vulnerability, transitioning to an independent streak once stabilized.

There are several techniques to help Oliver bond with you: http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/49144-tips-bonding-building-trust.html

I am not familiar with Loris, however if Oliver does not bond successfully, he may ultimately be best off in a sanctuary.

 

[JDS]

Thanks Scott,
Yes, little Ollie is certainly a wild one. Hopefully he learns to bond with me eventually.

 

[Kentuckienne]

Good for you! I think the screaming is for hunger, too. In the wild, the babies would eat whenever the parents had food to give them, not on any kind of time table. So he could be very hungry. I found this link:
Feeding Lorikeets: Rainbow Lorikeets, Purple Crown Lorikeets & Musk Lorikeets - Fauna Rescue SA Inc.
Which says to feed this: Special note... some baby lorikeets will not accept liquid food unless it is made very warm, bordering onto hot (37.7 to 43.3 degrees Centigrade or 100 to 110 Fahrenheit). Feed every 2 - 2 1/2 hours.

Basic recipe

1 Teaspoon Wombaroo Lorikeet & Honey eater mix (or Golden Cob Lorikeet mix)
1 Teaspoon Raw sugar
1 Teaspoon Baby cereal
1 Teaspoon Egg Biscuit
1 Teaspoon strained baby apple/pear
Mix to a sloppy consistency (like runny custard) and feed baby birds from a small spoon.

Juvenile and older birds will feed from a bowl or feeder tube.

For self-feeding birds supply a small bowl of water and pieces of soft fruit such as pear, apple and banana as well as native blossoms.

In hot weather you can use the Wambaroo Lorikeet Dry Mix sprinkled over fruit as this doesn’t curdle in the heat as the wet mix does.

Adult Lorikeets can be fed the high protein mix as for Adult Nectivores but with the Insectivore left out.

Still supply the wet mix once the day cools down towards evening.

Always supply water, fresh fruit and native blossoms.
----
I have never hand-fed a baby bird, but have read many times in this forum that the temperature of the food is important. If it's too cold, the crop may be slow to empty and cause problems. If it's too hot, it can actually make a hole in the crop - it's called crop burn - which is disastrous. You should stir the food very well before feeding to make sure there are no hot spots and check it with a thermometer. If you use a microwave, let the food sit for a minute after cooking for the temp to equalize a bit, then stir and check. Good luck!

I think any food that tastes nasty to you will probably taste nasty to Ollie. Maybe it's spoiled.

 

[JDS]

Thanks for Replying Kentuckienne!
And thankyou for that useful information. I will be sure to try out this recipe in the future. Hopefully he Enjoys it!

 

[JDS]

UPDATE
Hi everyone!
As of yet, I haven't been able to get little Ollie to a vet but arrangements will be made soon. There have been some changes in his behaviour and I would like to share them with you.

As I mentioned before, I have noticed that Ollie has been making a baby screech when people are around him, and he would screech louder as you approached him. However, I have realised that he is not hungry or wanting attention. This has been constant, and he has become increasingly afraid of humans. Just recently, I tried to take him out of his cage, but he refused to approach my hand. In fact he jumped off one of his perching sticks to avoid my hand. I became worried that he has developed a serious distrust in humans.

Today I tried something different.
I was mixing up his nectar food for lunch and thought that I would try to hand feed him, to build that trust. He refused to come near my hand, but was very very interested in the food in the bowl. I decided I would leave the door open to his cage, and place the bowl outside of it, to encourage him to come to me. I sat just behind the bowl. He had no trouble approaching the bowl to eat, but when i put my finger out (between him and the bowl so he had to stand on my finger to eat) he would run back into the cage. I tried this for a really long time and he started to pretend that he was giving up (pacing back and forth in the cage waiting for me to leave so he could eat.

Eventually, i tried holding the bowl in my hand, and moving it towards him. He jumped straight onto my hand and started to eat. I saw that he was wide eyed and looked uneasy. I let him eat for a while and then i started stroking him while he was eating. He didn't like it at first, but soon enough he was happy to sit on my hand. After a while, my arm got tired and I thought that it was enough and I decided to put him back into the cage. I reached inside and placed down the bowl and tried to get him to go back into the cage to eat, but he refused. Instead, he ran up my arm and perched on it. I gave him a head scratch and he loved it. He was happy to sit with me. So i decided I would take him outside to play in the grass. We had a good play time and we hand wrestled for a while. He started to dive into long grass and bury his head in it. I could tell he was really happy to be with me. He didn't want to leave the grass in the end, but when he saw me leaving, he stopped playing and climbed up into my hand. He has stopped making that noise since. But I am yet to say that this is the end of his behaviour problems.

Still, I am so excited to see how close friends we can be!

 

[LordTriggs]

that's really good to hear but please never take him outside without a harness again. There is nothing to stop him flying away and getting hurt.

What you may have found at first is where he was hurt and in shock he was compliant with stuff but now he's feeling better and has settled his instinctual fear has kicked in

 

[JDS]

Thanks LordTriggs
That's a really good idea. Since you mentioned it, I had never heard of a bird harness. I can see the danger now. As of yet, I don't need to worry about him flying, he is still too young, but it is a potential hazard of the future. I will make sure i'm more careful with that.

Yes, what you are saying makes sense. It explains why he was so complaint at first. I am glad to see that he still likes head scratches.
Thanks for your help man!