Posted by CrazeeCatz on December 10, 2002 at 18:12:41:
In Reply to: A new Red Bellied parrot mommy posted by tabbys on December 03, 2002 at 19:20:06:
:Hi! I am picking up my parrot tomorrow. How should I transport him home? Would he be okay on my shoulder or would that terrify him? He seems to really like my shoulder. I saw this bird and was told he was 2. He is a bit nippy but will let me scratch his head. How old are they when they change the color they will stay--I believe he is a boy--he looks like the pics I have seen. What age do they typically start to talk? He said what sounded like hello and what are you doing. And should I keep the name that he came with--it is Charlie. I wouldn't want to upset him but I would like a more creative name. :0) Thanks for any and all help. Oh, and are there any books or web sites that people found especially helpful? I want him to be happy with us.
:Tabbys
I'm very happy for you! A new parrot in the family is always cause for celebration!
You should transport him in a carrier, it is safest. Although it may seem like fun to have him on your shoulder, if you should have to brake suddenly--you'd probably lose your new friend. Always always in a carrier! And, if you plan to take him outside with you, invest in a harness. They are fairly cheap (make sure they are designed for birds!) and worth their weight in gold when you consider all the "lost bird" ads in the paper.
If he is two years old, he probably has his adult plumage by now. Birds start talking whenever they feel like it. I've heard Greys who were talking, and they were so young they didn't even have their eyes open! Another Grey is over twenty and he's never spoken a word. You can never gurantee a bird will talk, so I've learned to be very happy with bird noises!
You may change his name if you wish. In my experience, my adopted pets have benifited from their changed names--sort of like a new start to life, with no chains on the past.
I would most heartily recommend the Guide to the Senegal Parrot and its Family by Mattie Sue Athan and Dianalee Deter. It's from Barron's books. Very good, practical information. Also, the website listed below has a very good search engine that can find other information for you. Good luck with your new addition!!
