We decided to name him Ziggy. Emily (my 12 yr. old picked it out and it grew on me!) Things are going pretty well. I got some millet yesterday - which he loves! I've been able to lure him out of the cage with it and he'll actually fly back and forth between me and his cage to get some. I even was able to sneak in petting him a few times while he was munching on it. I was trying to get him to step up today - but he'd just bite me and fly to his cage. (those little beaks sure can leave a welt!) Finally I decided to take him into the bathroom to try there and we had several successful step ups. I made him several toys last night and out some into his cage. He's been bouncing all around his cage playing with them all. I've also seen him eating quite a bit - so I think he's settling in pretty well! Now I need to try and get a descent picture of him and add him to my signature!

I had Chipper in the bathroom learning step ups also. She would go to my shoulder all the time so I had my son hold a magazine on my chest, then she didn't fly there. ha. She then learned to step up fast!!!

Things are going great for you! I love hearing about it!!!

i'm glad he's starting to step up. try using a small dowel for step ups at first - i used it for winkie 'cause he bit a lot. actually, it took a month & a 1/2 for him to step up on our fingers & not bite hard. they tend to use their beaks to help them get onto you.

I thought about trying to use a perch but was afraid it might scare him. I might try it for getting him out of his cage and see how he does. He keeps wanting to get on my shoulder or close to my face - but I'm scared he'll bite my ear or nose etc! So not ready to go there just yet! LOL

True, as Leah said, they use the beakies A LOT when getting on the finger.

Chipper didn't like the dowel either. Each birdie is different. It works for many birds.

Do parrotlets tend to be territorial about their cages? I noticed today that Ziggy would ruffle up his feathers and lunge at me if I opened his cage door today and put my hand inside to change his dishes etc. I've just been letting him come out on his own - or luring him out with millet. Mainly because I didn't want to pressure him into coming out and interacting too soon. I realize some of it might be that he's still settling in and unsure about everything - but I wasn't sure exactly what to do about it - if anything.

Steph, it sounds like you're making great progress, Good Job!! Love the name Ziggy!

Fifteen!

Sixteen

easter egg found