I adopted Sayde back in March from her previous owner who had her ever since she was a baby for almost 17 years. Sayde is a very quite bird and very rarely makes a noise. When I first brought her home she was very easy going and loved everyone. She enjoyed sitting on our laps and getting head scritches and she would step up without question every time we asked, but as time has passed she has become more and more withdrawn. I have to tempt her back into her cage with a Nutriberry because she will not step up. She doesn’t like anyone giving her scritches anymore and she has tons of toys but rarely play with any of them. I am thinking that maybe reality has sunk in that she is never going to see her previous owners again. The poor little thing has basically become a perch potato. I feel so bad for her, does anyone have any suggestions what I can do for her? I really don’t think she is happy living with us, but I can’t imagine where she might be happier at other than back at her previous owners home, but I know that is out of the question. My home and life style really isn’t any busier or different than her previous home either. The previous owners had many different birds, but Sayde isn’t one to socialize with other birds, not there and not at my house either. The previous owner even had 5 large indoor dogs, so Sayde is used to a lot of noise as well, and I know 5 big dogs make a lot more noise than my one 8 year old daughter. Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks everyone!

I deal with this all the time with our parrot adoption program. When I place a bird in a new home I always tell them it's going to take at least 6 months or longer before the new bird becomes accustomed to it's new surroundings and owners. The way she acted at first is not unusual - new people giving her lots of attention, etc. Then reality sets in and they start to wonder where everyone is that use to take care of them and why everything looks different.
I would suggest you open her cage door and just sit quietly beside it - perhaps reading a book. Do this for a couple of days and then change the pattern by picking up a toy and playing with it - showing her how much fun it is! You could also start to offer her one of her favorite treats. Never make an attempt to force her out of the cage as this will undo any trust you have built up. Remember, PATIENCE and PERSISTANCY is the name of the game here! When she comes out on her own praise her with soft tones - don't scream with delight as this will spook her right back in the cage! Take it slow and don't give up on her - it will pay off in the end. A word of advice, if I may, PLEASE do not allow the previous owners to come and visit with her - this will only confuse her terribly especially when they leave without her. Any progress you have made to this point will be lost. You may pm me if you would like and I'll be happy to help you in any way that I can.

Thank you Gabby! I really appreciate it. Lots of people keep asking me if I am sure she isn't sick, but I can tell she isn't, she just seems like a little lost child who is missing her Mommy and it just breaks my heart. Her previous owner can't come visit her because her health is very poor, that's why she had to find new homes for her fids, so at least I don't have to worry about that! What you said sounds like it fits Sayde perfectly! She was happy as a clam for the first several weeks - like someone on vacation, but now like you said reality has sunk in and she realizes that she is not going back to her old home and I think she is mad at me for taking her away from her old Mommy. She does come out of her cage on her own, but getting her back in, especially when I am in a hurry to leave for work is another story, I have to brib her back in, which I am sure is only making matters worse, because now she has learned if she refuses to step up for me that I will toss a treat in her bowl to get her back in her cage. Then when I approach her to give her scritches that she used to enjoy now she warns me off with her beak wide open in a dare of "I might just bite you if you try and pet me, Back off Lady!" It has only been 4 1/2 months since she came to live with us, so hopefully by this time next year we will be best buds again. I'll keep working with her. Thank you again for your advice!

You are so very welcome indeed. In rereading my previous post, there is something else I'd like to add. Make sure you are feeding her the diet she is use to, hopefully it was a nutricious one....also make sure her feeding and water bowls are in the same place as before. If she hasn't had a recent vet check up, it wouldn't hurt to get one. Do you have a playstand for her? If not, it might be a good idea to get one and if you can put it in another room away from her cage. Hope some of this helps.....but it's only been 4 1/2 months...it'll take time,afterall she was with her previous Mommy for 17 yrs.
Keep my posted!