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About Rev. Dr. S.August Abbott
Expertise
Certified Avian Specialist; Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council member; Own animal rescue org; National Wildlife habitat #66378; bird care, nutrition & behavior consultant; International Assoc. of Animal Behavior Consultants Associate; National Wildlife Federation Leaders Club member; published bird care, info and behavior articles and guides. Ongoing education in exotic bird behavior and nutrition I can answer behavioral, nutritional, environmental, characteristic/personality questions as well as general health and health care. No animal emergency can ever be addressed on the internet. We cannot see your animal, perform an examination, provide necessary care or medication. Please value your companion for the priceless, living creature they are; not for what you might have paid for them.

Experience
Certified Avian Specialist. For more than 30 years I've worked with veterinarians, protective facilities, nature centers, preserves and on my own in providing care and education with regard to multiple animal species, including raptors (hawks, kestrals, owls, etc) and marsupials. In recent years I've focused on parrots, usually rescued from abusive or less than ideal situations and helping educate owners as to proper care. Expert in behavior studies and modification of problem behavior.

Organizations
4AnimalCare is the organization I run as an animal ministry; World Wildlife Association, Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, National Wildlife Federation Leaders Club and more

Publications
Bird Talk Magazine articles about rescued and problem macaws.

Education/Credentials
Doctorate, Ordained Minister

You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Pet Birds > Parrots > rescue bird

Parrots - rescue bird

Expert: Rev. Dr. S.August Abbott - 10/28/2009

Question
As a reasonably experienced parrot keeper i recently aquired a rescued Amazon. His age is generally unknown.
He came to me as a very loving bird and it seemed quite obvious he hasnt had a bad past. His owner/s probably passed away.
I was assured he was bombproof and sure enough the first week all he wanted to do was cuddle. in fact, if i went into the cage only to change his food he would look to come straight on my hand. He is considered a 'ladies' bird and in the few years he spent at the rescue centre was very loving and i was told 'had never bitten anyone'
The problem is suddenly, only a week after having him he has totally changed his behaviour and has started attacking me and im now unable to handle him or put my hand in the cage without him lunging for a bite.
It has greatly upset me as i feel i must have gone drastically wrong somewhere in only a week.
This morning i used a glove to remove him from the cage and it obviously frightened him , i dont think hes ever seen a glove before.
This makes me more upset as hes never been used to that, so it must be something ive done wrong.
Im at a loss as to know where iv gone wrong.How can it all change so drastically and why???
please help.

Answer
Alas, the honeymoon is over. It's surprising to me that you haven't seen this before. I see it in nearly 100% of all rescues and it occurs almost exactly 7 to 10 days after they're rescued or adopted into a new home.

That first period of time (the honeymoon period) is where the bird is unsure of their surroundings and who the leader of the flock is. Survival depends on staying safe, being cared for and evaluating the landscape. During this time the bird watches and learns, noting your habits, gauging your weaknesses and by nature has every intention of taking as much power as they can.

You didn't do anything wrong - the bird just did what he was supposed to do

When this happens I find it helps to take a few steps back and start over again. Even long-time owners can do this after years of being owned by their bird rather than the other way around.

---- I know you probably already know and do much of this so ignore anything repetitive

The first thing I'd suggest is providing a "sleep cage" .   It doesn't have to be a big cage, just one with a single perch (preferably a rope perch which is easy on his feet and legs), a source of water and a small amount of food.   It should be in a quiet area, preferably with low light, but you'll be covering it anyway so the lighting isn't vital.

  If you can't do the sleep cage, at least establish a routine that includes covering at night. If you typically start your day at 8 a.m., put your companion to bed around 8 p.m. during spring/summer, and as early as 6 or 7 p.m. in fall/winter months. Try to be consistent.

Make uncovering an event - be enthusiastic and greet the day - your bird will quickly know it's time to "step up" and go to the daytime area, or at least be uncovered and have breakfast served.   I offer a whole grain meal of natural oatmeal with fruit (banana, apple, raisins, mango, papaya, whatever is on hand).   Even if they don't eat a lot of it, at least they have the choice and you never know, one day you could be surprised.

Also allow for plenty of vocalizations at this time, in keeping with their nature.   Birds stretch their vocal chords when they first greet the day - so join in with a song and let them scream if that's what they want to do.   After a few minutes settle down to breakfast and they should too.

In order to transport a biting bird in and out of the cage layer a couple of old, thick socks onto your arms. Cut the toe part off and pull them up over your forearm, then put your shirt down over them so it doesn't look unusual or frightening to the bird. This way, when the bird bites it's going to pinch, but it won't be awful. Once you stop reacting to the bites, the bird learns the action doesn't get a response and they'll usually stop.

To pick up, make a light fist with your hand and tuck it down and under so the bird doesn't notice. Bring your padded forearm in to the bird's chest, just above the legs and as you touch there, issue the 'step up" command.   Whenever you go to pick the bird up, use the command.

When it's time for bed, make that an event like getting up in the morning. Sing a song, allow for vocalizations and when you put him in the sleep cage offer a small treat like a grape or piece of a favorite nut.

This should be in conjunction with plenty of out of cage time during the day, even if it's just to have your companion sitting on the sofa or chair with you while you watch t.v. or use the computer.   You can see some more ideas and pictures here www.4AnimalCare.org/birds

It shouldn't take more than a 1 to 8 days to see a difference in behavior, so keep up the efforts and the consistency. Remember, patience!

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