The bird is only 12 weeks old, we aquired it 4 days ago. We are able to handle it and it loves to be stroked, wanting attention and we still have all our fingers. The trouble is when we open the cage it is not long before it goes around the room like a 747 demolishing everything it comes into contact with. We have another grey called Smokey and a b/g macaw called Bandit both about 7 years old and aquired 2 years ago, they are quite contented to stay in or sit on their cages, and we would like the same from Josie. Bandit has a big beak and loves us both favouring his mum by far, but we have never had the courage to handle him though he seems to want it. ANY SUGGESTIONS ?
2006-09-18 07:13:35 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Birds
Do not clip his wings yet. It is very important for a baby Grey to learn how to fly and land properly, and to develop strength and agility. They also become more confident. They may never learn to fly or land properly when they are older. When he has become an accomplished flyer, you can then have his wings trimmed by an experienced vet or bird groomer. Only trim one or two feathers on each wing at a time, so he can adjust to the difference and learn how to safely land. NEVER clip just one wing! It throws the bird off balance and can lead to serious injury upon landing!
2006-09-18 15:31:36 · answer #1 · answered by KimbeeJ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would take the bird to the vet and let him clip the wings for you, much safer. Maybe they will offer to teach you. You can clip or remove the feathers without having to "pinion" the bird which is cruel and illegal in some places.
For hand-training, I would start by opening the cage door in a closed room, and putting your hand in the cage...just leave it there without moving while you talk to the bird. He may want to explore your hand a bit, but if he doesn't feel threatened he shouldn't peck hard or anything. Do this for several days. After he is used to your hand, move it closer to him, just resting it on the perch where he is. If he's OK with that, offer him a finger, stroking his belly feathers near his feet and I bet he will reflexively hop up on the finger. LEAVE HIM IN THE CAGE and let him stand there for awhile; do this for a few more days.
Then you can bring him out into the room; make sure it's closed so he can't fly out a window. If his wings are clipped he won't go far but he could blunder outside and get hurt. Let him get used to the room, then the house.
I had a hand-trained budgie that had the run of the house; we would leave the cage door open and he came and went as he pleased. They will usually return to the cage to sleep as that is "home."
2006-09-18 14:36:31 · answer #2 · answered by anna 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you have never clipped wings before, take your Josie to the avian vet, which I know you had planned on doing, to make sure it is healthy. When you go for the physical, have the vet show you how to clip the wings. It is very easy, but there are some things you need to know before you try it on your own. Another thing I hope, is that you are keeping your new bird in isolation and away from your other 2. If Josie is sick, she can spread her illness to the other 2 by just being in the same room. Breeders have had whole flocks of birds (and thousands of dollars) lost because they did not isolate a new bird. Your Josie has recently learned to fly and loves it! But if she hits a window, she could break her neck and be killed instantly. Good luck!
2006-09-19 00:45:09 · answer #3 · answered by KathieJo 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Now is the time for a baby clip on your birds wings. Not too short since it needs to be able to glide to land without getting hurt. Don't beafraid of Bandit's big beak, it's not a weapon. Give him one on one attention in a room away from his cage for about 20 minutes a day. Offer treats for good behavior. If he appears to want to bite, give him a short angry look turning your head so that he see's only one eye. Then immediately go back to your happy learning session.
2006-09-18 15:49:15 · answer #4 · answered by professor grey 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Shaun as to wing clipping. I have a bird that wants the love and closeness like Bandit he wants to be handled but doesn't have the confidence. What we do is put his cage next to where we sit watching TV, his toys next to us he will come down cage to play and interact with us without being picked up/held.
This seems to satisfy him and he enjoys the play and sharing food. That way he is in control. You can't make them do anything they don't want to do.
2006-09-18 14:35:35 · answer #5 · answered by di 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As far as the wing clipping is concerned I would ask an expert vet !
Bandit surely would let you stroke him ,if you start by just touching him with the back of your hand and then when he is used to that you can progress !
I know the macaw 's can be quite intimidating.
I used to work in a club where we had a macaw he used to walk up and down the bar sipping peoples drinks !
But he bit my finger once by mistake when he was taking a nut out of my hand . I lost my fingernail but it grew back!
He was a smashing bird ,sadly he died in a fire !
I wish you good luck and have patience with your flock !!!
2006-09-18 14:29:43 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I suggest that you go to a place where they clip wings if you do it wrong you might hurt the bird and also it might leave bad memories of you doing that to him. I always take mine in to a bird store and let them do it that way there the villein not you. I only pay ten dollars to have it done and they also do his nails and his beak. On the other question I think you should take a chance. Maybe use a glove. Don't let him or her think you are afraid because they will sense it.
2006-09-18 15:51:43 · answer #7 · answered by Mike B 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well, I normally clip one wing for my birds, it throws them off balance and they can't fly at all...however, if they fall that one wing will help make the landing a bit more soft. You can clip wings at anytime, just make sure you know where the blood vessels are...if you get too close you'll hit one and it'll start bleeding. Just clip the feathers about a centimeter or so away from the vessel and that should work.
2006-09-18 14:23:27 · answer #8 · answered by Shaun 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
If you know how to clip the wing's do it now...You'll be very surprised at how the attitude changes....I don't know what to say about bandit....if you want to take the chance of getting bitten, go for it....he may surprise you and step right onto your hand.....
Good Luck...you may need it with bandit....
2006-09-18 15:13:02 · answer #9 · answered by Kerilyn 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would not clip a parrot wings at such a young age there flight muscles will not have time to develop
2006-09-19 02:56:36 · answer #10 · answered by rachel551685 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋