New Mommy

[lilmecmb]

We have just gotten a 7y.o. parrotlet. His previous owners didnt want him anymore. I have never had any kind of bird before and not totally sure what to do with him! We have had him for a little over a month and were told he talks, but have not heard him talk yet. I have been trying to have him 'step up' on my finger, but all I get is my finger attacked! Which hurts by the way! He does not have his wings clipped so he just flies away from us when he is out of his cage. We were told he loves to cuddle, but I just cant see that this will ever happen. How do we become his new family? He will eat treats out of our hand, but that is about it! What are your thoughts on having his wings clipped? Thanks for ANY help you may have to offer me!!!
Frustrated in NC

[memmey]

You may have others here give you different advice but here is mine... That little bird had his whole world flipped upside down. They are like children. Please please be careful letting it fly around, most die from injury not old age. Read all you can read ,look here and other sites for info so you can make the right decision. Not everything you hear willbe good advice. You will need to do your homework..check "All things feathered" they do alot of rescue. Good luck and be patient you will be rewarded with a sweet pet. Oh by the way your gonna get bit ...we all do. It's not that bad.

[ArtS]

It was very nice of you to take in the bird, it's always sad when someone discards a pet that they had for a long time.

My suggestion is to initially have his wings clipped. This will help you in controling him. You need him to understand that you are higher on the 'pecking order' than he is. Once this occurs and he feels safe with you, he should come around.

Also, spend a lot of time with him. This will help him bond to you. If your family plays with him, you all will become his 'flock' and he will be friendly to all of you.

Good Luck,

Art S.

[csindelar]

I agree with Art that you need to spend a lot of time with your new bird. You also need LOTS of patience! As time passes, your bird will become more and more trusting and affectionate. It will grow to love you because of your attention and love -- something he might have lacked with the previous owner.

My little parrotlet bonded with us immediately because he was a very little baby when we got him. Even so, although he did go on our fingers and didn't bite, he didn't allow us to scratch his head with our fingers until much later. I remember we started scratching him with the clicker or a socked hand and only later moved on to bare hands. He was also not as playful as he is now.

[memmey]

Lilmecmb how is it going? Have your noticed any difference now that a few days have gone by. Iwas thinking that your little bird had a routine and now he has to establish another one. If your p'let was used to thing being certain way the change will make them edgy. The same as with us the fear of the unknown.Do you know what kind of parrotlet it is, what does it look like? Let us know how things are, if you have questions we will help you find the answer...memmey:)

[lilmecmb]

I guess things are going as good as can be expected. Tiny will come out of his cage in the moring or afternoon, not so much in the evening. He will come and sit on my shoulder, but he will not let me touch him. He seems to be quite nosy and wants to be able to see what you are doing or eating! He likes to watch us eat. He is green with colbalt blue. Cutest little guy I ever saw! Hopefully as time goes on he will let me touch him or at least be willing to 'step up' on my finger.
Cindy

[memmey]

Shy little Tiny, what a wonderful name. I bet he's gonna realize that you mean him no harm and he will be fine. If he's nosey and sitting on your shouldler well my guess is he's gonna be fine it's just gonna take time. Does he want a bite of your food? Boy something tasty may bring him around.lol I always fall for the food trick myself. Good for you and keep us posted...Mem

[Sally]

Does he get 12 really quiet hours of sleep? A variety of good food, lots of play time with you and on playgyms? Sleep is SO important to P'lets!

[nhparrotlets]

Yep, I'de get his wings clipped for starters. And then it's just patience, patience and even more patience. Which if you're anything like me may not be the easiest thing in the world but it's worth it. These guys are great at teaching you all about it.
If at some point he was friendly and cuddly he's bound to discover it again with you. Keep the faith!