Franklin is Finally Home!

[BirdbrainJan]

Well, after much waiting and a couple of setbacks, may I present...Franklin! He hatched on April 6, 2010, so he is younger than the first GCC I was looking at. He is magnificent. The whole way home in the car, he was peeking out at me through the holes in the carrier.

He's super inquisitive, and is clambering all over his cage. When I went over to take photos, he came right over to the camera. We'll be doing some target training this afternoon!

[Rue]

He's adorable!

Do you not let them about a week's worth of 'settle-in' time? Because birds are often slower to adjust to a new situation, giving them positive attention (but essentially leaving them caged) gives them time to settle into a new home...and builds trust - that you will provide them with food, and won't hurt them...

But maybe the conures don't need that time? They're pretty fiesty...

[BirdbrainJan]

He is pretty feisty, for sure! I don't know...I was going to wait until tomorrow to start with any target training, but he keeps jumping around and trying to get my attention, so I thought maybe it would be a good idea to take advantage of that excited energy!

Any thoughts?

[Michael]

Pretty bird. Congrats.

[Rue]

It's only a 'rule of thumb', but it's what I do...and a week is only a rough guide...might be 2 days, might be 2-3 weeks) - I sure needed that long with the CAG...

However, if he looks eager and happy to come out, go ahead...but if he looks like he's frantic and wants to escape, then I'd give him time.

If you do give him time in his cage...make your interactions with him are lots of fun...feeding him special treats, singing silly songs, dancing (from a safe distance) are all helpful. LOL...and sometimes those are best done without a human audience!

[Michael]

Definitely start handling the parrot from the first day if it isn't scared. In fact Truman was more relieved to be around a human (me) than the new environment. I think I waited a few days before trying any training. Though I don't see why not to start after 2-3 days. Definitely start handling the bird right away, let other people handle, carry to different places in house, etc. But to be honest training won't be effective till you establish a reward and quite often parrots refuse to eat the first day or two. However, something you can do, if it readily takes treats from your hand is click whenever you hand feed it food to build up clicker awareness.

[BirdbrainJan]

Yeah, he's already chowing down on some fresh kale from the garden that I threaded through the cage bars. He even went for the millet spray when I offered it from my hand, so I've started associating that with the clicker. I've been chatting to him while working in the kitchen and dining room, and when I left to check on the bunny in the other room, he did a couple of contact calls to make sure I was still in the house

He may be targeting like a champ by tomorrow evening!

[Rue]

Looks like Michael and I have opposing opinions...

But that's actually what I like about the internet...you get access to the different opinions...and you can then make an informed decision...no guarantees you'll make the best decision of course, but you up the ante!

Looking forward to hearing the updates!

[entrancedbymyGCC]

Congratulations!!!! He looks rather pleased with himself! I guess if it were I, I'd handle him but not try to do TOO much. I sometimes don't know when Scooter is tired until he gets downright cranky -- he'll keep on like the Energizer bunny.

I also read somewhere to be careful not to give the bird too much more attention in the early days than you will be able to on a regular basis. They get used to having you at their beck and call and then may be unhappy later when they have to settle for less. Hard to do when you are all excited!

I'm so happy for you!

[BirdbrainJan]

Thanks! I'm so thrilled to finally have him here!

I'm trying to still make sure I'm doing chores around the house in other rooms, and I'm heading out shortly to do a couple of errands. It's so hard though! He's so fun to watch. He's discovered his bell, and he likes sticking his head up way inside to chew on the clapper!