Senegal Parrot Stress Question

[Olliemacaw]

I have just moved, and my Senegal parrot is an absolute wreck. He will not let me touch him, and cowers when I try to coax him. He did this one other time and was fine as soon as he saw his cage. This time, our regular cage is in storage and he's in another cage he shares with my Hahns (mini) Macaw. This is a cage they have used previously.

I need some advice on how to help Pete get his confidence back about this move, and help him to interact. He's very skittish and scared, and I really don't know what to do to help him. His regular cage will not be here anytime soon, the household here is quiet and calm, but he's just a complete mess.

I'm a new user on this forum...my name is Teri, i have 2 parrots. My Senegal Pete who is 16, (I've had him since he was 8 months) and I have a 13 year old Mini Macaw. Anyway, I would love some input and thank you so much.

[Luisa]

I don;t know how much is the cage, and how much is the new home. My Sennie was a wreck when I switched cages, but it turned out to be the room i put him in NOT the cage. Now...he has a new cage, but kept him in my room, and hes was fine with the switch. I think Pete just needs some time. Where is his cage exactly. Maybe he would do better if he was closer to you in his cage? My Sennie is in my bedroom, where I spend most of my time. Also, what about covering him with a light sheet on three sides so he feels alittle more secure?

[Pepper's Pa]

There are probably many changes in Pete’s new home that are different to him. All of these are likely causing the change in his behaviors. It will take some time for him to adjust and feel comfortable to these changes around him.
The recommendation to cover part of his cage, so that he has the ability to feel more secure is very good. You may also want to focus on providing him with plenty of passive interaction with you. Treat him more as if he just entered your life and not as if you’ve had 16 years of shared experiences together. Guide your interactions with him based on his response and comfort and do not rush him. I’ll bet in a few days you’ll start to see him return to his previous comfort level and interactions with you.
How has your Hahn’s handled the move?
Good luck and please keep us updated on Pete’s progress.

[Olliemacaw]

Thanks so much for all of the replies. To answer some of the questions and suggestions. Yes, I have their cage covered on 3 sides, I've always done this, at least the back part of all 3 sides, so both Pete and Oliver have that security....I have it covered this time too. I have all of their perches and birdie buddies also.

I am staying with my sister for a few months, and I have them upstairs with me. My room also has an attached den. I initially had them in my room, and then moved them to the den, because it has more light and I'm in there a lot too. Oliver my Hahns, is very adaptable. He is not the least bit bothered by the move...he's talking, eating and seems to be his usual talkative funny self. Pete has always been this way too, up until the past few years. For whatever reason, it's very traumatizing for him, and what concerns me, is that I don't have his cage to give him the security that he loves. He's usually fine after he see's his cage....he can be kind of skiddish after a trip to the avian vet, and just perks right up when he see's his cage, so i know it's a huge sense of security for him.

If I take a shower he will come with me, and hang out with Oliver on the shower curtain rod, and will talk and whistle. When I went to take him back to his cage, he balked and wanted to stay with me, so I know that is a good sign, but he's a long way from letting me pet him or hold him. I'm going to look around and see if I can find something else for them, something that resembles their old cage and hope that helps him feel better.

Pete is my baby and I've had him a long time and it makes me feel so bad to see that he's lost my trust....I do hope by letting him adapt a little at a time, he will come around. I really appreciate all of your comments and suggestions and will keep you all updated...thanks so much!!!!

Thanks again....and I'm sure Pete appreciates it too!!