Ask Lafeber

Question:

May 6, 2020

mustache parakeet


I inherited a mustache parrot from a hoarding situation a few years ago. I have worked on being able to get her not to be afraid of me, she will let me pet her and she will eat out of my hand now. Three questions: She will not step up on my finger if I get close to her feet she backs away. How can I or what can I do to fix that? When I come into the room she bows her head and makes a whining sounds. What is this behavior? She will hang on her cage and swing her head and neck. When she swings her head back and forth is this a happy gesture? I have never owed a bird and really have no clue so any help is most welcome. Thanks!


Answer:

Hi Pattie,

The Moustached Parrot is member of a genus of parrots that has a tendency to be hand shy and often stand offish.  It’s not understood why they have this tendency – it is linked to wild behavior but they have not been studied enough in the wild. It sounds like she is comfortable with you, but she finds ways to distract you from trying to pick her up. The species in this genus often prefer shoulders and will move away when you try to get them on your hand. You can try to stick train her and then move from that to getting her to step on your hand. I’ll give you a link to our articles on bird care so you can learn more about behavior and training. You should also check out our Avian Expert articles.

Caring For Your Bird

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda

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