Tips for New Parrots Parents

[Devin Corso]

Here are some tips that I have found works well with Korra. I have had her for 4 years this Thanksgiving, so I'm no expert, but I hope I can offer some guidance.

 

Take a deep breath! I got Korra (Congo African grey) as a hand fed baby, but she bit a lot and was very skittish. I will offer a few suggestions that I have found work with Korra. I was so nervous at first because she was my first (and still only) big parrot, although I do have Yoshi (conure). I wanted her to like me so badly and have a good relationship with her. I understand your frustration.

Not all of my tips will work because parrots are like toddlers. They are smart, they like different foods, toys, play places, they are loud, they are adorable, and their comprehension and thinking is that of a toddler. Keep in mind when you feel blue that he wants a relationship with you too! You are his best friend and his parent. He needs someone to love him and not quit on him no matter what.

 

∙Play Time: The more stimulation you give, the better he will behave. It's like locking a toddler in a room versus them playing in a park. There will be less screaming and stomping! Having him sit on top of his cage is a easy and cheap option, but doesn't give him that "away from my cage" experience. It can also be boring for them, and it is hard to get them down. They like to run to the back and mock you as you try to reach them. I would invest in a stand that is heavy, rolls, and has multiple branches. Look for consignment and parrot stores. Mine was $100 and is worth hundreds more for how happy she is with it. It has to be heavy because if it moves a lot they will get nervous. You will want to have multiple branches so they have options, climbing experience, and toys on different levels. They can be expensive, but it's like sending your kid to school; their outweighs the price. Something like this is great: http://www.manzanitahabitats.com/store2/image/cache/data/Trees/SB51M3/amazonman-1334336480-2588a-875x1000.jpg

A metal one like this is great, but they can't chew on it, and will probably go to the top which isn't a good grip for their feet.

https://www.google.com/search?q=rolling+bird+stand&rlz=1C1NHXL_enUS688US688&biw=1242&bih=580&tbm=isch&source=lnms&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiFus3io7rPAhUG2WMKHWXHA9MQ_AUI2QEoAQ#imgrc=AVKqsOdh7yyirM%3A

*If you can't afford a perch, have him sit on the bed, a medusa lamp (or other lamp with an arm), or the bed frame.

 

∙Toys: I have bought fantastic toys for Korra. Very creative, colorful, fun, learning toys. They are so cool! But honestly her favorite toy is a tissue or a toilet paper roll. -.-

Make sure any toy that you give them has no zinc or paint that they could chew off (poisonous). Always watch how they play with a toy the first few times you give it to them. If they are chewing it then great, if they are chewing and swallowingit, it's not good, toss it. You can get great parrot toys at a store or online, but some cheap ones that are great to try are: toilet paper tubes, tissues, loose-leaf/computer/tissue paper, an empty medicine bottle with a marble, penny or screw inside to make noise (make sure to replace it before he gets to the penny or screw (zinc poisoning), pinwheels (dollar store), a chunky necklace (thrift store, wash it in dishwasher, no removable/choking hazard parts), a water/Gatorade/1 liter soda bottle (empty), some type of box like a shoe box, bells (craft store, watch out for zinc), and dog and cat toys are fantastic as long as he is not swallowing any material when he chews it. Korra rips toys apart and throws the pieces on the ground. The first time you give him a new toy, talk to him a lot! Don't clap because that might scare them. Korra is usually terrified of anything new whether it is a toy or a bell pepper. Talk to them like you are leading a kid through a haunted house: a soft voice, reassurance, positive and "cutesy" talking when he goes near it, use a high voice, tell him that he is doing a good job, and when he is about to fly away, hold him close to your chest to comfort him. Describe the toy/food and show why you like it. Point out different things and act like you are playing/eating it. Make sure it looks like the greatest thing in the world, that anyone would want to have. You can also talk as if you are selling it on an infomercial.

 

∙Conversation: Every time you pass him whether he is inside or outside his cage, talk to him. Play games with him, tell him what you are doing, how your day is going, and what you are going to do later. Korra loves whispering and peek-a-boo if I do it slowly as to not scare her. She says "pee-a-boo, "Hi Korra," or whispers to me when I pass her now. It is important for him to understand that you want everything to do with him. He will soon look forward to you passing him.

 

∙"Step up": The conversation paragraph ties hand in hand with getting them on your hand. If every time you go to him you put him in his cage, he will dread you coming and may bite. Go up to him often and talk, play peek-a-boo, take him on your hand around the room, or have him dance on your hand (bob your hand up and down slowly and make a beat). I didn't know about this for a while, and whenever I passed her she would lean out and try to bite and hiss at me.

 

∙Biting: There is a video that I feel describes the method well. The video is long but worth it.

The short term training like spraying them with water or flicking their beak only frustrates them, and has them dread seeing your finger get close to them. It's like hitting a kid's wrist, it doesn't really do anything but have them fear and dread doing something wrong as opposed to learning from it. As in the video, make the loud screech-like noise, tell them "that's not very nice" or "that hurt," and walk away.

 

∙Wing Clipping: Everyone has very different opinions on this. I personally like her to be able to fly around the room freely, but clip her wings a little so she can't hit the fan or fly out the window. (Make sure to keep your windows, and toilet lids closed).

 

∙Wing Belly Time: I have found that one of the most important things to do with a bird is to have them on your tummy, especially when they are under a year old. This lets them know who you are, how you smell, and how you breathe. They will get relaxed and realize that you are their personal Lazy Boy recliner! It shows that it is fun to hang out with you! But most importantly it builds a connection. I recommend doing this a least 2 hours every day when you first get your bird. If you don't have much time, let them climb on you and your bed while you sleep, BUT be careful and understand if this is a good choice for your individual buddy.

 

∙Personal Assistant: Take them everywhere you go in the home. Whether it is making a sandwich or going to the bathroom, take them along. It lets them adjust to movement, objects, and noises. It also lets them explore and makes you more interesting to them. Just make sure that they don't get close to pots & pans, zinc, chemicals, candles, air fresheners, and open water. Parrots aren't exactly Michael Phelps material.

 

∙Monkey Hear - Monkey Talk: Don't say anything that you don't want repeated every day. Whether that is yelling, whining, crying, or curse words, if you say it, your parrot will say it. When I have people come into my house I explain to them that there is no yelling or cursing because Korra will repeat it. It is also important because if anything ever happens to you, and your parrot needs a new home, people will most likely not want a parrot who sounds obnoxious. Make sure they have a bright future.

 

∙Touchy - Feely: African greys are generally not cuddly parrots. You give up cuddling for talking. That being said, personal touch is very important. When you first get your grey, show him that your hands are gentle and understanding. Act like a mime so he understands that hand movement is not a bad thing. Talk with your hands! If he is scared of your hands, crawl your hand up to him very slowly (while talking to them) and give him breaks. Let it sink in. Eventually you should be able to touch him. To parrots, your hand is huge and very scary at first, even if they are hand fed. You can also give them a treat that you know they love occasionally. Tissues or a piece of paper or cardboard is a great thing to hand them. This shows that your hands mean good things are coming.

Edited October 2, 2016 by Devin Corso