New Senegal

[Wayne361]

Hello....I am new to parrot ownership and recently aquired an 8 yr male Senegal named Oscar. When I went to view parrot at previous owners he was very friendly. Stepped up on my hand, let me scratch his head (which he loved), and generally very friendly. Once I brought home he doesnt want anything to do with me. He will nip and bite at me when attempting step up. I am chalking this up to being in a new environment/home and he is still getting acclimated and as such, not feeling yet comfortable. Is this normal behaviour and can I expect Oscar to become more acceptable of me over time? I might be answering my own question but wondering if this is normal behaviour.

Thanks,

Wayne

[liz]

Welcome to the forum.

If he liked his previouse owner then you basically birdnapped him. Or that might be how he feels. With love and patience he will adjust. Just don't push him. Let him go his own speed.

[Michael]

Yes, Senegal Parrots can be quite bitey. Luckily with training a lot of this can be overcome. Here are a bunch of articles regarding this that should help you:

viewtopic.php?f=18&t=768
viewtopic.php?f=12&t=348
viewtopic.php?f=11&t=1528
viewtopic.php?f=11&t=227
viewtopic.php?f=11&t=227
http://TrainedParrot.com/Taming

[Wayne361]

Thanks Liz and Michael....I appreciate your advice but what a difference a day makes! Got home today and Oscar was very responsive tonight and seemed playful/friendly. I got him a treat (banana piece) and fed it to him as I did the step-up command. He was very happy and proceeded to bond with me for a good hour or so. Great parrot and I gained his trust. I praised him and scratched his head and all is well now. he stayed on my shoulder for a long time "purring" and worked his way down to my lap and even nudged my hand in an effort for me to scratch his head. Thanks again and I hope this is the start of a long term friendship/family member.

Wayne

[liz]

Wonderful.