 |
|
Reply
| | From:  KJ_KidJohn (Original Message) | Sent: 6/20/2005 5:59 AM |
My name is KJ, and I am new to your site.
I have come with a very deep need of understanding any, and all things that can be offered about dealing with a Bare-Eyed Cockatoo.
I am Greener than Grass when it comes to understanding this bird!!!
I have had her for only “two days�? She is a 5-year-old female named Harley, and shows indications of being handled to some degree.
My house has an intense level of dog/puppy activity, and I’m sure that the bird will need time to adjust to the hectic environment.
Harley’s Flight feathers are untouched, and that maybe for many reasons, but I fear the worst, and the possibility that she has truly been untouched.
She has an ongoing pattern of lifting a leg off from her perch, and rhythmically rotating leg as if reaching for something in a closed claw pattern. Is this is a positive, or negative display?
I have no fear of the tasks before me, or of handling her, but I have to tell you something...
I care for this bird, and I want to do Everything Correctly.
I do not want to screw with her head, and develop any bad patterns.
Should I allow her time to adjust to her environment before tackling the task? If so, what is a good time frame?
I have planned on taking her into a small closed room for the first, second and maybe third hands-on contact. Please, tell me if I am correct with this plan? If so, how much time should I allow for each “Touch�?contact?
I do not understand what her attention span requires, and her tolerance levels.
I would like the first contact to end on a positive note, and lessen her fear.
Should a towel be used, or the lightly gloved hand?
I may look as if I’m needing the help of a professional, but I am here, and asking you for advice.
KJ
|
|
 First
Previous
2-3 of 3
Next
Last
|
|
Reply
| |
First of all Welcome to our Site! Don't worry about the greener than grass part we all start that way, and even people who have had birds a long time learn new things! Was Harley a purchase froma pet store, from a rescue? Another home ? When she does the lifting leg thing are you very close to her? She may be trying to step up to you. To get her to do this place your hand under her tummy and push lightly against it and at the same time say the command step up. Don't make it sound like a question, and don't use gloves they will frighten her. Your instincts are very good you do need to work with her in a smaller room . If you have a perch or a t-stand she can sit on for lessons that would be good, but you could use the back of a chair in a pinch until you get one. Since you just got her she needs to see the veterinarian for a wellness check. If your vet you use for your dogs also see birds that's great but if not perhaps he /she can recommend someone that does a lot of avian care. His techs can get her groomed trimming her nails and trimming her wings. It's a lot easier to tame a bird whose wings are trimmed. You didn't say what kind of dogs you have but please be careful when your bird is out We have a lot of people who have lost a bird due to a dog or cat, and some dogs such as labs or retrivers are more prone to do this. When your bird is in her cage you could pull a chair up and sit next to her and talk softly or read to her. I read poetry but some people read nursery rhymes or whatever is handy. It's to get used to your voice. Handing treats through the bars is another way to get the bird used to you in a positive way. Toos love almonds, or at least mine do lol. I don't have a bare eyed but I have a goffin and a rose breasted. The little cockatoos have all the pizzazz of the bigger ones just not as much of the beak power or the noise! This link explains the wellness exam and why it needs to be done. Good luck to you and Harley, and again welcome!!! |
|
Reply
| |
Hi KJ!!!! Congrats on your new baby! May you and Harley have many happy years ahead of you both! I have a 7 year old Bare eyed. Her name is Rosebud, but we have never had her sexed at the vets. When Rosebud reaches out with her foot, she wants me to give her my finger and touch her. She used to be quite a basket case just a couple of years ago, but with LOTS of tender talking and teaching her how to be gentle, she has become an absolutely AWESOME bird. Take your time and always be calm as possible around Harley. She will get used to the dogs in no time. She will start making fun of them before you know it. Bare eyed's are very comical birds at times too. All I can say is be patient all the time and both you and Harley will be best friends. Also keep her where the heart of the family is. Cockatoos in general have been know to go insane if they are left alone with no human contact, but flourish around humans and other pets. Please let me know if you have ANY questions and I will be more than happy to share my experience so far. Best of luck with Harley!!!!!!! Donna |
|
|
Free Forum Hosting
Important Announcement
Recommend