Advice for New Rosella Owner??

[Astrid660]

Hi! Today I picked up a Crimson Rosella (male?) who is very beautiful, but not tame at all. In fact, I got a huge bite while putting him into the carrier. It's the worst bite I've ever received from a parrot! of course, if you love birds,you just laugh it off.

He came out of his cage tonight, and ended up running around on the floor. lol! this bird runs, he doesn't seem to fly much. His nails were sooooo overgrown when I got him today, I had to clip them ASAP! It was awful, he couldn't even get around properly.

He seems very interested in my other birds. I just wish I knew how to tame him ? I'm good with birds, but not that good at training them to step up. I guess I'm too much of a friend to them, I let them run away too much or something.

I'm excited, can't wait to share pictures tomorrow. Solo is his name, and he's very adorable. Age unknown. used to be very neglected, until this lady took him in. I was quite upset taking him, since she was crying a lot. She said she felt guilty. His noise was too much for her apartment. I told her she can visit him anytime!

[meandem]

I have two crimson rosellas. Rosellas can be fiery at times, but they can also be very friendly. Depending on how old the rosella is will depend on how tame it will become. Young crimson rosellas are green, so if this bird is fully coloured to a crimson colour, you will then have a huge job on your hands if you want him/her to be a tame bird. It is a shame that the bird was neglected, but I am sure with your loving care, the bird will become very happy and will get confidence in you and you will have a long and happy life together. They can be nasty to other birds when it is breeding season - my female crimson rosella will beat up any ringneck! She is really bossy, but beautiful just the same. Good luck.

[Ashling]

Don't feel guilty, you gave her pet a great home! It was sweet of you to tell her she can visit anytime! Rosellas can be pretty flighty but they are beautiful. We have the wild crimsons and easterns around here, and sthey are very shy compared with the wild lorikeets. Try to start at the beginning with finger training in the cage, and only let him out once he is finger trained. It's easier, quicker and safer that way. Use millet spray to attract him to your hand to step up- don't press on his chest as this will teach him step ups make him uncomfortable as opposed to step ups= millet!

[Astrid660]

^thanks!

Here are a couple pics of Solo :)





He's really cute. Goes to the floor and starts running away a lot, though. haha

[Tom Lawless]

I've never seen one before. He is beautiful. Good luck with the training. I'm sure you can make some progress with a little attention and persistence.

[meandem]

This is Rah - my male Crimson Rosella. He doesn't like to be handled too much, but he will come and eat out of your hands. He was hand-reared, but definately has a mind of his own. Hope all is going well with Solo.

[Eliza]

Solo and Rah are GORGEOUS! I became interested in rosellas when a local pet shop had golden-mantled for sale a few years ago. There is a breeder in MD to handraises crimson rosellas and I'll be honest: I'm VERY tempted!


Astrid, I can't offer any advice as I've never taken on the challenge of socializing a bird that wasn't hand-raised. All I can say is to be calm, be patient and let beautiful Solo know that you care for him unconditionally. He may not become cuddly-bunny tame but in time, he will likely grow used to your company.

Best of luck... and be sure to share lots of photos ;)

-e-

[Astrid660]

Rah is the cutest thing ever, omg. lol!

Solo is adjusting well. I heard his loud squawk today. hehe pretty loud but at least it made the other birds go silent.

I tried to offer him millet from my hand, but he started trembling and refused to take it. *sigh* oh well, I love him anyway. Despite the huge bite on my finger. :D

[meandem]

Glad to hear all is going well. They have a beautiful call, and it is quite recognizable. Rah's favourite foods are apple and corn. Try offering Solo some corn on the cob whilst you are holding it, it may help him believe in you, and maybe he might bite the corn instead of you. Maybe in time he will learn to trust you and not lash out and bite. I'm sure with all your love and devotion things will work out fine.

[Ashling]

They do make lovely loud sounds don't they!? Sit by his cage and whistle- see if you can mimmick his wild, natural calls- he'll appreciate it I'm sure. I mimmick the birds outside and you can feel their personality when they call back. That's a great feeling- if the wildies will do it, yours should too :)