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    You've picked out your parrot and your ready to bring him home. Congratulations! Remember a move for the intelligent parrot is both very stressful and very exciting. There are several ways to prepare the house for the new arrival.

    First have the new cage set up and ready for the new bird. Place in in an area where the bird can see its new family members and what they are doing. A corner of a family room is a great spot because not only does it see the family but a corner gives the bird a sense of security. Make sure a parrot as at least one side of his cage against a wall. Parrots can grow nervous with all sides open because things can "sneak up" behind it. Also avoid putting a parrot directly in front of a window. Direct sunlight can over heat a sensitive bird and drafts can make a bird cold. Place only a few toys, maybe one or two in the cage along with its food and water. Lastly cover a corner of the cage with a towel to give it a place to "hide" for the first few days. The new parrot will be very nervous and giving it a hiding place while it gets used to its new surroundings makes the bird more comfortable.

    When the bird arrives home it is important not to shower it with lots of attention. It will be upset and stressed. Talking to it in a soothing tone, introduce the bird to the rest of the family and leave it be for at least a few hours. Make sure to check that it is eating and drinking. I have had parakeets refuse to eat after coming home. This isn't a big problem, simply take the food dish and gently hold it in front the parrots face let it eat of the dish for a few moments then slowly put it back in the holder and walk away. This action shows the new parrot where the food is and shows the parrot that you wont disturb it will it is eating.

     It's better to leave the new parrot in its cage for at least a few days before you try to take it out. When you feel it is ready for its first out of cage experience open the door and slowly place your hand in front of the bird and give it the "step up" command. Most new weaned hand feed birds will scramble on to the hand willingly. If your bird was not hand fed or is not hand tame see Taming your bird.

Once the bird is securely perched on your hand slowly remove it from its cage and take somewhere quiet. Talk to the parrot and calm it down. Show the parrot you mean it no harm, you can now give the parrot treats such as Millet Sprays for being a "good bird". Do not let the parrot perch on your shoulder quite yet, you first need to let the bird now you are the "alpha bird" and your word is law.

    If your new parrot refuses to leave the cage after a few minutes gently towel it and remove it to a safe room. Never reach into a new parrots cage and try to grab him with your gloved hand. Not only does it terrify the parrot but it makes the parrot trust you less and puts back training. After taking the toweled parrot to a secure room gently remove it from the towel and let it perch on your knees. It if flutters away don't worry, simply gather the parrot up and place it back on your knees. Once the parrot stays on your knees gently talk to him for a few moments to calm him down. After a few moments give the bird the "step up" command. If the parrot still refuses to get onto your hand the slowly push your hand against the birds stomach area. This forces the bird to become unbalanced and it will step onto your hand to secure itself. After a few minutes of talking to the bird on your hand return it to its cage and give it some treats. Repeat these steps no more than three times a day, and keep doing it into the bird is comfortable with the "step up command".

Created by Brandon Hamilton

This information is distributed in order to help you care for your bird, we are not responsible for any misuse of this information resulting in unforeseen consequences.

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