Your very best bird tips

[The Outlaw]

OK, Peeps:

Each of us was a newbie and we each had to learn a few tricks along the way. So, how about, just for fun, we share our best tips and how we learned their value.

I'll start (don't I always, geesh). My single best trick is to simply sit close by a new bird and quietly talk and read to them. Eating a few peanuts is also a plus and having a Ritz cracker can be golden. Sooner or later, they simply get curious enough to venture out to see who this crazy old lady is. Just leave the door ajar. It has worked for me at least 10 times.

[volvobirds]

the best one for us was to read to them. it was a win-win. the bird got used to the house and the kids got to practice their reading. (they thought they were helping the bird, but they were also helping themselves in the bargain.)

we also take the new guy around and introduce them to the other pets and people here. it is done quietly, but I feel it gives them a handle on the population here.

one of the biggest ones is attitude about beaks: respect the beak but don't fear the beak. they KNOW when you are afraid of the beak.

but patience will get you everywhere where birds are concerned. you just can't rush them or all is lost.

[mamalovesrico]

My best tip is...take the time and read your bird's body language. They will always tell you what they want, don't want, or what they're about to do.

[corbettsmom]

When Corbett wouldn't let me pet him, I got a stuffed small parrot and made the biggest fuss over the toy and told it what a nice bird it was and hugged it and petted his head. Corbett was watching me like a hawk and after that...history I can pick up, pet, hug and love Corb - but of course, only if he feels like it.

[The Outlaw]

Helen:

That's an original and very good tip. Thanks. See, you learn something new everyday.

[Sophiestkated2]

Watch their eyes for pinning. Flashing. When the pupil goes from large to small quickly. This is a big sign that they are not ready to be held. Or touched. Or anything, generally. Sure wish I'd have known about that little clue when we got our CAG Ollie!!

Jeth

[yehudasf]

BS"D

Keep all of your psittazen companions "syringe friendly". If any of you feathered friends need oral medications, dietary modifications or simply something that you want them to have that they won't normally eat, cream it, warm it & put it in a syringe, & they will take it with no fuss. It is the only way I can get the denizens of Beit Ha Tukiot to take oral medications. It is a lifesaver (literally) when a bird needs nutritional support & is to ill to eat normally.

[Sophiestkated2]

Yehuda,

What should I know about using a syringe? I have yet to need one yet, but I know the time will come. I have never used one in the past, obviously.

Jessica

[TooLover]

Originally Posted by mamalovesrico

My best tip is...take the time and read your bird's body language. They will always tell you what they want, don't want, or what they're about to do.

this is especially true with the unpredictable cockatoos - it has saved me a few bites!

[Franciscus]

One of the most important things to teach birds is to feel comfortable about being wrapped up in a towel. It makes grooming, vet visits, and emergency care much less stressful on averyone, especially the bird. If the bird is a novice about being toweled, start by having a towel draped over your lap while playing with the bird, ideally with the bird on your lap. You can then start playing peekaboo holding a corner of the towel in front of the bird's face. When the bird is comfortable with that, start draping the towel over him/her, eventually completely enveloping the bird. If the bird is terrified of towels start with a tiny piece of one, getting bigger and bigger as you go. Simply cut up some old towels for this purpose. It's best to start by using the same towel over and over, or using towels that are the same colour. Don't use your favourites because there will be holes.