New member-question on parrots and herbal treatments.

[Rooney73]

Hi,nearly two weeks ago I became the owner of a African Grey who I was informed is nearly 3 years old and a male?.His name is "Timmy" I noticed when I got him home he has no ID ring(is this odd?).My nearest vet that deals with parrots is like 80 miles away so in the meantime I took him to my local vet just to give him a quick check over.

I had previously been the owner of an old boy African grey that I had inheritated,I had the pleasure of his company for around 6 years so I have a good idea of what's involved in the care of my new friend and I couldnt be more excited to have the pleasure of another African grey.

It seems "Timmy" has had at lest two homes already which is such a shame.I wish there was a law that made certain people are appropriate owners before being allowed to pursue/own a bird.

I was warned that Timmy was very aggressive but something about him told me this was not true and I knew I had the determination to see behavioural problems through to the best of my ability and I hope this site helps me do so.

Even on the journey home Timmy was happy singing and whistling,when we got home he didn't have one single shy moment and started talking a few phrases within the hour!.

So within 12 days Timmy is out of the cage,eating a proper diet,picking up new phrases from our household and even taking food from the family's hands,climbing outside his cage and investigating-I am amazed by him.

Last night was the icing on the cake when I got him to sit with us on the sette and was able to stroke him.I now need to work on the "step up" but as closely as I watch his body langue he still gets in a few nips.

I think he has done so well that there is no rush and I have the patience to wait.I am not very PC minded I am afraid but I do have a question I wonder anyone can help with please?,I am a great believer in alternative theropys and wondered if it might be ok to use a calming oil like lavender on Timmys blanket or maybe burn some camamile to help him relax a bit more?.

Many thanks,Lisa

[Dave007]

There's a few different subjects in the above post that you wanna talk about. So, the usual thing to do is break up any posts that have multiple subjects and put each into the proper rooms. This area is only used as a welcome and intro area. Each room has it's own heaading.

 

******I am a great believer in alternative theropys and wondered if it might be ok to use a calming oil like lavender on Timmys blanket or maybe burn some camamile to help him relax a bit more?.*******

 

There are no alternative therapys for parrots concerning relaxation. A parrot simply relaxes when it wants to. If a bird is sick, it needs a vet. Burning any type of candles around a grey can cause major illness and or death. If the bird can smell it, the smell can kill it. So called *calming oil* has nothing to do with parrots of any species.

None of the items you mention can help a rehomed bird settle in. Time and patience and contact with the bird is what's used for rehomed birds. And that can take quite a while OR not.

There's many areas here that speak about health and training and items that can or can't be used on parrots and that also includes foods.

So continue to ask questions but you'll need to rely on experienced people who'll guide you through many areas. Just put the questions in the proper areas and more people will respond to your posts.

Edited January 26, 2012 by Dave007

[Ray P]

Dave has given you some great advice. Just remember your presence and paticnce is needed. Things come in time