Hello to all

[Diane]

Hello. I am new to the forum. We have had Krumpet for almost two years now. He is wonderful, but extremely protective of his cage and himself. Recently he seems to be trying to "reach out" to me. Before he was clipped he started to fly to me. He now walks out of his cage and stands closer to me. When I walk over to try to pick him up, he runs back to his cage squealing. If I just talk to him and try not to touch him, he will stay put and listen to me for a bit. What is he asking me to do? He seems to want more than talk, but I don't know how to get closer to him. Help!

[Pado]

Welcome ! :)

Have you or anyone worked with him in the two years you've had him?

[Tari]

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j268/Kolkri/Extras/file0024.jpg

[Sally]

They do well with lots of attention. Letting them hang around on your shoulder, playing on a gym near you and having a relaxing routine at night. Singing, talking, etc. I play with Chipper on my coffee table on her playgyms, toys, little piano, etc. She wants to play with the piano for hours! We play like kids, ha. She loves to watch her friend, my little dog, do her tricks!

What does your cage, toys and playgyms look like? Does your bird get 12 hours of sleep?http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v492/Sally11/ChipperandTrudyfall0620540.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v492/Sally11/breezietrain.jpg

[Diane]

I haven't "worked" with Krumpie very much, I guess. I am more of a dog owner than a bird owner in that I don't know how to be part of a flock rather than a pack. We have a cockatiel as well, and she can hang around on our shoulders more than Krumpie because he acts annoyed after a little while, and seems to want to go back to his cage. The only thing he likes is sitting on top of my head. He does that the longest. He has toys to chew in his cage (I am still thinking like a dog owner I just realized), and I think I have to get him some things to play with. Maybe he is just bored and wants some stimulation and that is why he comes out and looks for me. Is there anything else I should be doing to make him more comfortable on my hand or shoulder?

Thanks for the welcome and the help.

[Mustang99]

Welcome Diane -- it sounds like you do want Krumpet to spend more time with you so it will be a matter of patience and a lot of consistent time near him, even if it's just to sit and read nearby with his cage open and let him come out to you. Talk to him and try not to make any quick movements and hopefully he will want to come out and be ready to step up and let you get him from the cage.

It would be a good idea to put in a variety of toys in the cage so he has lots to entertain him when he is caged.

Is there a certain treat he likes that you could put in your hand and see if he'll come out to your hand to eat it?

Parrotlets have such strong personalities but they are very loving...good luck...keep us posted.