Advice on frequency of interaction with 3 mo old Pionus

[sighthoundlover]

I have a 3 1/2 month old Blueheaded Pionus (hatch date June 6, 2011). I brought him home on Saturday (today is Tuesday). When I first brought him home I put him in the huge cage I had bought (obviously with an adult bird in mind due to my own ignorance) and it became clear that he was not very sure-footed and stayed pretty stationary in the cage. He also slept a lot!! In my enthusiasm for having a new best friend, I immediately rearranged all the perches to make it easier for him to navigate the cage, began step-up practice several times a day, and gave him a bath on Saturday and Sunday. Then, late Sunday I noticed that he had discharge coming from his nostrils. I took him to a Certified Avian Vet on Monday and, lo and behold, he had a respiratory infection. I'm administering nose drops and oral antibiotics twice a day. I also put him in a smaller age at the recommendation of the vet (until he is about 6 - 8 mos) and he seems a lot better and more active already. It certainly has not affected his appetite!! My questions are: 1. how often should I (is it helpful with bonding, prudent, etc.) be taking him out of the cage and interacting with him at this early stage - and how should that frequency be altered by the fact that he is sick? I feel like I may be imposing myself on him far too frequently in my happiness to see and be with him. Also, I'm worried that giving him medicine will also make him think that he doesn't want to be with me. I have to say though that he seems to me to be a very happy little bird with a big appetite - eating roudybush pellets, fruits and vegetables, and a small amount of gourmet seed mix. Any and all advice welcome!!!!!!!!

[liz]

Hello

You took him from everything he ever knew. Hold him and cuddle often. Touch aids in healing. When you don't feel good don't you want cuddled?