Hello everyone, long-time reader, first-time poster here!
I have just acquired a Varied Lorikeet after having wanted one for many years, and his name is Lovejoy. He would be no more than 4 or 5 months old at best. But there’s an issue in that he was a hand-fed baby but has spent probably a month or so in an outdoor aviary before coming to me. He is VERY fearful of me, he panicks when I come anywhere near the cage even when changing food & water, and most certainly doesn’t want any interaction at all. On top of this he is tiny even for a Varied, his wings are clipped (only first 4 primaries) and I’m petrified I will lose him behind the fridge or a chest of drawers or something similar! I don’t think he gets much sleep at night either because he just seems to cling to the bars of his cage all night long.
I have a beautiful calm-natured cockatiel called Basil who is doing a lot of good work babysitting him at present and providing a good example for the new arrival, but as for me I haven’t had a baby as fearful as this guy for a very long time so I don’t know what to do for him for the best! He is sitting in his cage preening and making cute peep noises at the moment, and the odd little squeak which is very cute! He also eats well. These are all good signs that he is becoming more at home in his new surroundings (he’s only been here since Sunday) and I don’t want to freak him out too soon but i would dearly love some advice on when/how to take the next steps with him.
Thank you for reading!
I have just acquired a Varied Lorikeet after having wanted one for many years, and his name is Lovejoy. He would be no more than 4 or 5 months old at best. But there’s an issue in that he was a hand-fed baby but has spent probably a month or so in an outdoor aviary before coming to me. He is VERY fearful of me, he panicks when I come anywhere near the cage even when changing food & water, and most certainly doesn’t want any interaction at all. On top of this he is tiny even for a Varied, his wings are clipped (only first 4 primaries) and I’m petrified I will lose him behind the fridge or a chest of drawers or something similar! I don’t think he gets much sleep at night either because he just seems to cling to the bars of his cage all night long.
I have a beautiful calm-natured cockatiel called Basil who is doing a lot of good work babysitting him at present and providing a good example for the new arrival, but as for me I haven’t had a baby as fearful as this guy for a very long time so I don’t know what to do for him for the best! He is sitting in his cage preening and making cute peep noises at the moment, and the odd little squeak which is very cute! He also eats well. These are all good signs that he is becoming more at home in his new surroundings (he’s only been here since Sunday) and I don’t want to freak him out too soon but i would dearly love some advice on when/how to take the next steps with him.
Thank you for reading!