Advice needed x

[RosieDuff]

Hi guys, newbie here so be gentle lol x
We became owners of an 8yr old Bald eyed Cockatoo on Monday, when we went to collect him he was quite chatty and vocal even in the car on the way home he was still very vocal, but since Tuesday he has been very quiet and only really makes a noise if anyone new comes into the house. We are trying not to harass him too much but we are talking to him gently whenever we pass his cage or if I'm cleaning his cage I chat quietly to him in my best reassuring manner. So I guess my question is A) Are we doing the right thing? and B) Is his quietness due to being in new surroundings and settling in?
Thanks in advance guys
Liz x x

[Wolf]

Not really enough information to give a useful answer. Allow me to ask a few questions.
1) Where is the bird located in relation to where you spend the most time?
2)Does this bird have any toys in the cage?
3)Are you taking this bird out of cage, assuming it will step up?
4)How much time do you spend with the bird?
5) What does its diet consist of?
6)What is the general appearance of this bird, Condition of feathers etc. ?
I can think of more questions but some are dependent upon the answers to these. I don't have 'toos but some things are relevant regardless of species.
If you would be so kind as to answer these questions I am sure it will get the ball rolling to help you get the answers that you need. Also one last question, has this bird been checked out by a competent avian vet?

[Pajarita]

Yes, he is in unfamiliar territory and with unfamiliar people, birds are very, very quiet when they feel insecure (all prey animals are). Having said that, they are also very quiet when they don't feel well and, because they hide their symptoms real well and a disease can go downhill very fast when the bird is under stress (and changing homes is VERY stressful for them), I would suggest you take him to an avian vet for a wellness exam -it's something that should be done with every new bird (yes, even with babies from breeders) so it won't be a waste of money, anyway. In the meantime, put his cage facing a window so he can look outside and cover one entire side of it so he feels secure (having a 'wall' provides a relief from stress because they don't have to worry about a 'predator' coming from that side).

[GreenWing]

Yes, he is still settling into his new environment and he will liven up in time.

Chance adapted pretty quickly in many ways, but in others she is still adapting. Only until very recently has she started to step-up for my spouse, she never would beforehand, also, she was a closet talker around him and now talks non-stop, lol

Also agree with the others that you need to take your bird into a checkup with an Avian Vet; this is important to do whenever taking a new bird home.

[RosieDuff]

Thanks for the replies folks,
His history is a bit sketchy until the last month or so, his previous owner had passed away and his niece had taken on the birds (there was a budgie as well) but after a few weeks she realized that he was just a bit too much of a handful for her so she decided to rehome him, thats were we came in. I don't think he has been handled much as he is quite "bitey" and very nervous when you go near the cage, he's not hissing or spitting just a bit flappy.
He has however since I last posted started shouting "Hello" now and again which is in itself an improvement from no sounds at all and he likes a bit of a boogie to AC/DC so all is not lost lol. We have started giving him daily fruit and veg which I don't think he was used to but absolutely LOVES especially tangerines. I have also done as advised and covered half his cage with a blanket which again seems to have helped with the settling in and his cage is in the livingroom where we spend most of our time so theres someone around for a chat most of the time x Thanks again x x

[GreenWing]

Sounds awesome! It'll take some time before he accepts his new flock as family and livens up more. I spent months visiting Chance and bonding with her before bringing her home.

Good that you're feeding fresh fruit and veggies, too! Limit the citris fruits though because of the acidic content, it's good for them, just don't give it as often as other fruits/veggies.

[RosieDuff]

Thanks Greenwing, we'll hold back on the tangerines and only give him them maybe once per week. He's a real sweety and very funny, I think we're all looking forward to whatever the future holds with this little guy in it x

[GreenWing]

Right on, RosieDuff, you sound like an awesome "parront"! 'Looking forward to seeing pics of your little cutie ♥

[Pajarita]

My birds get oranges as well as other acidic fruit (tomatoes, for example) and they are all very healthy so I would not worry much over it. I don't know who started the notion that citrus is too acidic for parrots but it's a fairly new 'rumor' and a bit too late for mine that have been eating them for over 20 years without a problem -LOL- Try giving him the very heart of the romaine lettuce, mine love it! Their other favorites (I have two cockatoos) are corn on the cob, pink grapes, sweet potatoes and celery (celery is not what you would call 'nutritious' but it has good fiber -just make sure it's organic because it's on the list of the 'dirtiest' veggies and fruits).