Can a breeder be turned into a pet?

[kat3k]

I'm considering adopting a Meyer male breeder and wonder if it's realistic to think he could become a "pet"? He is not handled at all now. He's over 8. What do you think of my chances? Thanks for any ideas.

[Xen]

It can be done, but I think it'll be a lot of hard work and patience involved, if you think you have what it takes and are ready for a challenge... go for it!

[Sashagirl]

I agree and have done this myself not with a Meyer but with other parrots.It does take a lot of hard work and patience.You also must really be determined to do it and be prepared to get bitten many times.Speaking from experience.I'm not going to tell you it will be easy.

Marcia

Originally Posted by Xen

It can be done, but I think it'll be a lot of hard work and patience involved, if you think you have what it takes and are ready for a challenge... go for it!

[ndeben]

patience is the answer. lots of it. It can be done, baby steps all the way.

[Freedomoflight]

Can most certainly be done. Depends on how 'breeder oriented' the bird is. Is he a failed breeder? Did he use to be a pet? I've successfully turned a 'failed' breeder senegal into an adoptable pet, and the process was actually much simpler then I had originally anticipated.

[kat3k]

Thanks for the replies. I'm waivering on my decision. I like the idea of giving the guy a chance, but guess the results are uncertain. And I'm not that crazy about getting bitten a lot. Still thinking.

[Xen]

Hmmm, I'd suggest you don't then. It'll no doubt be a while, if at all until you can scratch/pet/tickle him etc etc and you almost certainly will be bitten and no doubt he'll draw blood with his bites.
If you are waivering now then it'd be a shame for him to have to be passed on again over something that you pretty much know you're not going to be great dealing with ie: hard bites and an uncertain outcome.

I've been bitten by a nervous senegal before and he drew blood... It wasn't something that I couldn't handle and they have similar beaks to a meyers, right?

You know your tollerance levels though...

[Pepper's Pa]

With any parrot, whether it is a young baby or an older, rehomed parrot, you have to expect some occasional bites. Sharing your home and life with a parrot involves biting. Even the small Parrotlets, Budgies, Lovebirds and Cockatiels can give a painful and bleeding bite.
What previous experience do you have with sharing your life with companion parrots?
I don’t want to scare you away from a Meyer’s, but they do have a strong bite. I’ve recently added posts on my observations and experiences with Senegal (a very close relative of a Meyer’s) bites that may inform you or scare you away from a Meyer’s. Here is the link to one thread with my post:
I am the last post, at least now, in this thread.

I wish you luck in making the right decision for you and this Meyer’s.

[kat3k]

I have a quaker now, who is wonderful by the way, and there has been the occasional bite, more like nips though. I'm thinking a Meyers has a bit bigger beak. I'm good at reading body language, but once had a horse that almost bit my arm off, literally, without even raising an eyebrow. I appreciate everyone's replies. It helps me to decide.