Keeping a Parrot: Settling Your New Arrival Right

Bringing home your first parrot, whether an African Grey, an Amazon, or a Cockatiel, is a joyous yet delicate experience. There are many adjustments needed to ensure your bird settles in happily and safely. Choosing the right cage, toys, and diet is only the beginning. This guide takes you through handling your new feathered friend from arrival to confident companion, promoting responsible ownership and long-term bonding.

From Transport Cage to Home: Gentle Handling

Most parrots will arrive in a transport cage, which differs from their permanent home. The first challenge is to move your bird calmly into its new cage without stress or injury. For a tame bird familiar with commands like 'step up', guiding it by hand will be straightforward.

However, if your parrot is nervous or less trusting, approach slowly, blocking the transport box entrance. If it shows aggression such as baring its beak or snapping, withdraw to avoid stress. In these cases, more hands-on handling may be needed.

Handling an unsure or aggressive bird carefully with bare hands, thin leather gloves, or a towel is necessary. The safest grip is gently around the neck without restricting breathing; this minimises biting risk. Using a towel, quickly cover and scoop up your parrot, then carefully place it into the cage. Avoid chasing the bird around, as this increases fear and may break trust. Remember, a calm, quick transfer aids settling and helps build a positive relationship.

Settling In: Respect Their Space

Upon arrival, your parrot faces an unfamiliar world filled with potential threats. Like anyone in a strange place, your bird may be frightened and cautious. Move slowly near the cage, avoid loud noises and sudden movements, and avert direct eye contact especially if the parrot is shy, as this can be perceived as predatory behaviour.

Birds raised closely by humans usually adapt faster to your presence. If your parrot reacts fearfully when approached, use a gradual approach method: move close until the bird reacts, then freeze and do not back away until it calms. Once calm, step away. Repeating this helps the parrot understand that calm behaviour results in the person stepping back and reduces unwanted outbursts.

Treats: Building Trust Through Food

The way to a bird's heart is often through its stomach. After observing your parrot’s feeding preferences during the first few days, identify its favourite treat. Use this special food to offer rewards during training or for interaction. Treats create positive associations with you and encourage your bird to respond to commands happily.

First Trip Out of the Cage: Encouraging Positive Interactions

Allow your parrot to come out on its own terms, ideally when stepping onto your hand or perch. This encourages viewing your hand as a positive gateway rather than a source of fear. Use a small treat to encourage this behaviour and reward compliance with gentle praise and food rewards. Avoid forcing or startling the bird, as trust is the foundation for good training.

Training Methods: Gentle and Consistent

Starting with basic commands will build confidence for both you and your parrot. A well-regarded training method is Clicker Training, which uses a small clicker to signal desired behaviours, rewarding with treats immediately after the sound. Many helpful books and online resources are available to guide you through specific techniques tailored for parrots.

Consistency and patience are key. Always be firm but never shout or strike your bird, as loud noises or physical punishment can increase fear and cause behavioural problems. A firm "no" is more effective to correct undesired behaviour and helps establish lifelong boundaries for your companion.

Remember, training a parrot is also about training yourself to understand and respond to their unique behaviours. Every bird is different and requires an empathetic, gentle approach.

Additional Tips for Responsible Parrot Care

• Quarantine new arrivals: Keep new birds separate for around 30 days to protect your existing flock from diseases.
• Provide a safe, enriched environment: Equip your parrot's cage with appropriate perches, toys, and foraging opportunities to prevent boredom and encourage natural behaviours.
• Regular veterinary checks: Schedule health screenings with an avian vet to ensure your parrot remains healthy and address any issues early.
• Social interaction: Engage gently and regularly with your bird to build trust and prevent loneliness, essential for a mentally healthy parrot.

For more information or to find your ideal feathered friend, consider reputable sources such as parrot breeders or cockatiel puppies on trusted platforms. Responsible ownership ensures your parrot thrives in a loving, safe home.