For Those Who Have Birds....

[Oblivious]

I learned something new about them:

For the first time my husband was in charge of taking the bird to the boarder prior to our vacation. Needless to say, my bird doesn't like him very much. My husband struggled to get him out of the cage and into the carrier. He finally managed this, and when he went to grab him, the bird freaked out and released ALL of his tail feathers!!! Apparently, this is a defense mechanism that birds have and use, when necessary. I always thought that birds needed the tail feathers for balance when perching, but apparently not, as he is doing just fine, although he is kind of stubby looking

 

[JesusRox]

What kind of bird?

I know my bird has never did that to anyone. He doesn't let anyone but me touch him. When anyone else has grabbed him he's never done that. ??

 

[Oblivious]

What kind of bird?

I know my bird has never did that to anyone. He doesn't let anyone but me touch him. When anyone else has grabbed him he's never done that. ??

He's a Quaker Parakeet. Yeah, it's strange huh? The gentlemen at the bird store which we take my bird to confirmed it, so I trust this is normal .

This happened about a month ago, and the feathers are growing in like crazy - but still have a ways to go to be back to "normal"

 

[Nicci]

did you ask your avian vet about it too?

 

[Key Of David]

Quacker parrots are VERY owner specific and territorial. They attach to the person of their choice and thats it. I'm sure there are acceptions, but that's the general rule. He probably saw anyone else but you as the "enemy" and did what he did. I wouldn't worry....unless this is going to be common...

 

[Oblivious]

He's usually pretty good around people as far as letting them pick him up, etc. of course, that's when I'm around.

I think personally he has a grudge against my husband, since the bird had a happy life alone with me until he came around. Alot of the attention that the bird used to get, my husband gets.

 

[Maxxie28]

Wow, I have a Quaker and I'd probably faint dead right on the spot if she did something like that! They are definitely territorial tho, it took almost 2 years to get ours to have anything to do w/ the hubby. He scared her so bad one time she flew into the corner on the dresser and busted her little head open. I didn't know what to do first, cry over my bird or shoot him! (kidding of course) Luckily she wobbled for a few minutes and then bounced right back, so he was soon forgiven by me but took another year before she'd even look at him. My poor babies, they've had it rough trying to bond together.