Hey Everyone! Just looking for some advice. This weekend we are going to be introducing my 7 year old step son to Harley. He is great with Maple...who is a much more aggressive and cranky bird. He likes to hold Maple on his hand or arm and walks about with her, but she always just stands there.

Harley is MUCH larger and VERY outgoing compared to Maple. For example..he won't just stand on your arm...he'll squeeze it tight, and then ask you for a kiss while trying to shove his beak in your mouth.

I am just trying to figure out the best way to introduce the pair so neither one gets spooked. I don't want the little guy to get nervous because Harley is so big and playful, but I don't want to put him off by not letting him handle him either (especially since he knows he's allowed to handle Maple and he's really excited to meet Harley). But I am also not sure how Harley is with kids....


Any advice??

When I had Baby, I didn't let any of the grandkids hold her until about the fourth or fifth time they saw her. I would have them sit by her cage and talk to her at first. After the first few times they would feed her almonds by hand. I think it was the Fifth time I let Baby out of her cage with one of the kids sitting next to it with food in their hand...Baby went to them and after that they could hold their arm out to her and she would step up. I never let the kids try to get her out of her cage though.

tell your stepson exactly what you told us... about how much heavier he is how over active he is.. how he reacts. and let your stepson decide. he may decide to wait. and thats not scaring him thats making him make a decision that hes making....... making him decide you might be surprised....
you dont want to make it sound like its a breeze when you know the differences between the two...thats just my thoughts..

That's a good idea. He's a sharp kid. Best bet might be to explain to him that Harley is heavier and holds on tighter and that he might try to play...and let him decide if he wants to go for it or not. Thanks!

no advice but good luck! be sure and turn him into a bird lover. I tell my boys that my granddaughter, named Emily, will inherit my Ruby someday.
No, neither one is even married but I am planning ahead! hee hee!

Jessalyn