|
|
Post by siobhan on Apr 24, 2015 17:21:14 GMT -5
In researching, I'm seeing all these dire warnings about how awful 'toos are and how you should reconsider and then decide against getting one. Yet today, and really all week, Rocky has been a model parrot. He does yell a few times a day, but after the first day, he doesn't give us the full-throated earsplitting version. This morning he uncovered his own cage and let himself out and was as quiet as a mouse until we got up. He took to his pellets like a champ. He hasn't pooped on me -- and let me tell you, he can POOP. He wants hugs and kisses and lets me preen his head. He's even stepping down onto his cage (it takes some persuading, but he does it) when I ask him to. Either he's the best behaved too there ever was or he's lulling me into a false sense of security.
|
|
|
|
Post by easttex on Apr 24, 2015 18:03:11 GMT -5
Well, you wouldn't be the first person to have a honeymoon period with a parrot.  I've seen warnings like that for cockatoos and greys, in particular. My guess is they are not meant to scare off the knowledgeable parrot person, but the first-parrot person who has no real idea what they are in for. I've been shocked by the number of people I've come across who will bring home a big parrot as a first bird on a whim. An awful lot of cockatoos and greys wind up in shelters and or get rehomed multiple times. |
|
|
|
Post by siobhan on Apr 24, 2015 18:36:20 GMT -5
I know, and that's likely the main motivation, if people will heed the warnings. Allee (a forum member here, she's the parront of Popeye who turned out to be a girl and is rechristened Poppy) said 'toos don't do the honeymoon thing. So maybe this is really Rocky's modus operandi. At least, when he feels safe and loved. He's not even cage aggressive. I put in a new toy and he watched me and when I was done hanging it, he went in and began the destruction process right away. He doesn't want food handed to him, but he's not grouchy about it. He just looks at it and indicates "no, thank you." He might take it and then drop it. LOL Mostly he won't even take it. I cleaned his top tray today and had to move all his stuff that has accumulated and he was okay with that. He's not overly fond of my husband due to bad experiences with men, but as long as Hubby asks permission to pass, he's okay.
|
|
|
|
Post by easttex on Apr 24, 2015 19:06:02 GMT -5
Then it sounds like the start of something really good! I hope Rocky will give your husband a chance before long. My grey has never pooped directly on me, either. Maybe it's something about the bigger birds. Besides being able to hold it much longer they are less inclined to poop on you? I don't know if that is so, but it is a blessing. Can you imagine giving up such a sweet bird as Rocky? |
|
|
|
Post by siobhan on Apr 24, 2015 19:58:41 GMT -5
No! When he leans against me and snuggles into my chest and starts making those little sounds (impossible to put into print, but roughly the equivalent of a baby goo gooing)it's the sweetest thing EVER. His previous people must have hearts of stone. I'll admit that the squawking is hard to take. But he only does it for about 10 minutes in the morning (AFTER we're awake!) and a couple of times briefly during the day. Then when he's ready to go to bed, he's incessant, but once you put him to bed and cover his cage, he goes right to bed, and he wants to go to bed at dusk. It's not quite 8 p.m. here and I just tucked him in.
|
|
|
|
Post by Jan and Shah on Apr 24, 2015 23:26:28 GMT -5
He sounds like a delightful creature. I don't think toos have a honeymoon period. He obviously feels some trust towards you and that will grow as he settles in. Thank goodness you took him in as he must be feeling safe and secure - and it sounds like he is happy. He deserves it.
|
|
|
|
Post by siobhan on Apr 25, 2015 11:30:55 GMT -5
He's raising the roof this morning. LOL But it's rainy and gloomy and the natural light is about the same as it is around dusk when he wants to go to bed. I think it's possible he wants someone to tuck him in.
|
|
|
|
Post by aaron on Apr 25, 2015 12:19:35 GMT -5
Yeah, I am under the impression that 'toos are less prone to honeymoon periods as well. I think there's a pretty good chance you will be able to maintain this behavior with Rocky. There is one across the street at the parrot store named Charlie that will lean into your chest for a full on hug... it's pretty great. I wish I could take him home. All of the 'toos that I have handled across the street have been remarkably sweet.
All of that said, I can't imagine having a 'too as a first time bird. Definitely a horrible idea.
|
|
|
|
Post by siobhan on Apr 25, 2015 13:29:03 GMT -5
Absolutely. I know most of the things I need to know already thanks to thorough training by Clyde and his minions. But I cannot imagine taking on a project like a 'too with no bird experience. Egad.
|
|
