Oliver's new life

[Kohana]

Hi there, I'm new to the site and I decided to post my first real board in order to get some insight on some questions I have about my baby parrotlet, Oliver. He is only 2 months old.

When I first drove out to go get him, he was very playful in the little cage they gave me him in and it seemed like he was very happy.

Now I put him in his new home and he pretty much stays in one spot. Sometimes I'd come back in the room and he'd still be in the same spot. Is that normal? The good thing is, he eats a TON. When I stick my hand near the cage, he scoots over to the other side. He also flies away from my hand when I try to take him out. I know trust requires time but I hope he becomes happy again soon.

Today I held him, hes a bit dodgy. I put him on my shoulder and he always wants to dig in my hair :P.

Also, I have this "treat stick" for birds that is hanging in the cage, do I leave this in at all times or should I only put it in occasionally? He picked at it a few times but doesn't seem too interested in it.

Here are some pictures of him and his cage, In the future I might get a fancy one with a stand but for now this should do:





Any help and tips will be greatly appreciated, this is my first bird that I've owned.

[Emmilyy]

Olivers a cutie! I've noticed that Toc tends to choose one spot in his cage as his favourite, and he's always sitting there, but i don't know if its normal for him to be there *all * the time. I'm sure once he's more settled in he'll start exploring some more.

When you get your new cage in the future, I'd suggest something bigger, and wider. That cage he's in is a little small, but it could be fine depending on how much time he spends in it daily. Parrotlets *tend* to only use the top half of their cage, so wider is always better, flight cages are really good.

Have you considered getting him some different toys? A couple of those plastic ones are okay but i'm sure he's appreciate some different ones.. Shredding Toys are great, Toc's favourite toys are the ones he can rip apart! He could benefit from some different perches, too, to keep his feet exercised! I like to give them rope perches because they're easy on their feet, and double as a chew toy :P

I'm sure he'll start trusting you once he's more comfortable in his new home! Good luck with the little cutie!

[LovelySydney]

Hi & welcome!! I too have a little green parrotlet named Oliver!!!!!


MY Oliver ( I will refer to him as Ollie to prevent confusion) is kind of an independent birdie. I am actually thinking of getting him a friend if him and my painted conure Neko do'nt get along. For the most part he is very to himself. He is scared of me, kind of always has been. He is so content playing on his own but definitely does not like to be bothered. If we come into the room he's in he will stop and watch us or wait until we leave before he plays again. He's like a teenager, LOL!!! he will sit on my shoulder but thats about it. I understand what youre going through, but some birds just arent "people" birds per say. I had a lovebird who was just not a people bird and I had to just accept it and love him anyway. He was still my little buddy, just not in a cuddle type of way.


As far as cage size goes, bigger isnt always better. I had Oliver in a huge HQ cage and he hated it. He was downsized to a smaller cage, more suited for a cockatiel, and it is his little playground. I have never seen the guy more active!! I agree with Emily that you should get him some shredding toys. Ollie LOVES shredding toys. Those are probably his favorite thing on the planet. I need to change his cage bottom a lot because its always littered with remnants of shredding!!


If you plan on training Oliver I would take the treat stick out because you can use it for training purposes. Neko (conure) never gets millet unless we are training. That way its something he can look forward to.


Good luck with your little one - keep us posted!!