Reply #19: First, bless you for taking him in and caring for him. [View All]

[sarge43]

I'm going to assume Littlebird is finding his place in your heart and he's here to stay. They're quite crafty that way.

Don't worry about leaving him alone. If he has things to keep his attention like the radio and a window to look out of (careful of direct sunlight for any length of time), he'll be content. Also, birds spend a great deal of their time peening and napping, so he doesn't really need a lot of sensory overload. You might want to get one of those seed sticks - it'll give something to chew on (they are maniacal chewers) and something to do. If he has his quality time in the evening with his people, that'll serve. Parrots like an established routine.

From your description he sounds very happy. That he demands your attention and is running his mouth is an excellent sign. An ill or unhappy bird doesn't do that. Yes, he's not happy about the medical treatment (who ever is?), but he'll get over it. Tiels don't have a strong long term memory.

Some people food to try: Cooked beans and rice, bits of bread, broccoli flowerets, peas, corn, parsley, cooked oatmeal, in general any cooked grain and veggies, cooked or raw depending upon preference. They don't seem to like fruit all that much. Get a small seed cup for his treat food and clean it every day. No fatty foods, milk products, anything with a lot of sugar and absolutely nothing chocolate. Re his seed mix, stay away from a mix with a lot of sunflower seed in it, no more than a 1 to 10 ratio. Sun seeds are the equivalent of french fries -- too much fat, not enough nutrition and they'll pig out on them, ignoring their other food. Oh yes, an occasional millet spray is always a welcome treat.

Re the breast bone. If he were seriously underweight, you'd be able to see its outline.

The neck rub. They, of course, can't peen their head or neck; so they depend upon another bird or their people to do the deed. Also, it's part of the bonding ritual in the flock and between mates - kissy face, huggy bear. So you'll get the head bow and if you're not quick about it, a nibble. Attend, attend!

More later on cages, baths and clipping.