Hello,
I am a newbie to Sydney and have just a bit of bird knowledge/experience. Years ago I had a quaker parrot (pet store bird). Lovely little fellow, who learned to speak about 10-15 words and was cuddly enough. He is now cared for by a bird enthusiast friend.
At our place in Sydney, I have been visited by a cockatoo a couple times now; offerings of almonds (no oil and salt) have been welcomed.
Other than having a repeat visitor (and the accompanying mess), what limits or considerations should I have in mind with such birds?
Some pretty elementary questions, but I want to make sure I know the boundaries.
- Is it possible to train a wild bird to talk?
- Should I ever try to handle the bird? It did not seem spooked at all, but I was wary of getting to close. Assume a leather glove might be a good idea if I do so, but I am concerned about getting bit (other my wife when I am not there and the bird expects food or is jealous).
- Assume nuts without oil or salt are fine. The bird did not seem interested in a piece of banana.
- Any other basic do's or don'ts?
Thanks for your help!
~smile~
David
Hi tanman, I have been reading your post a few times now,and am still contemplating what to say? It is very complex. I now have come to a conclusion,and will give you what I think: To your question: is it possible to train a wild bird? The answer is:NO,No,No!!A wild bird is a wild bird, and should stay wild!!! Just look!!! (There are many things I could say about Cockies, but I think I've said the most important one)
M-L
Hi tanman, I have been reading your post a few times now,and am still contemplating what to say? It is very complex. I now have come to a conclusion,and will give you what I think: To your question: is it possible to train a wild bird? The answer is:NO,No,No!!A wild bird is a wild bird, and should stay wild!!! Just look!!! (There are many things I could say about Cockies, but I think I've said the most important one)
M-L
Sorry about sending the same twice,the other advive, if you want a "talking Parrot" get an other from the pet shop!
M-L
Noted.
So, what is advisable? Obliviously the bird is quite use to being fed by humans. I appreciate the negative and potential unintended consequences of this, and thus your advice to let wild animals be wild animals. Not sure if the bird gravitated to my property because the previous resident fed the bird or the bird was just approaching for the sake of testing out a potential new food source.
Can I put a plate of feed out each morning of nuts and berries? Or better to not feed the birds at all? Honestly, unsure if bird feeders are considered taboo these days or not. We used to have one growing up and seemed like a harmless way to enjoy the cardinals and chickadees. Not sure if the same applies for large tropical birds such as cockatoos.
Hi, one of your questions was:should I handle the bird, (you even asked about wearing leather gloves)Now, this is my personal opinion: nobody should handle wild birds, unless they are insured, and need help! I am voicing my own views, interested in what other people think. Sorry, if my opinion upsets you, but I strongly believe in what I'm saying.
M-L
I am not upset. And I am trying to do the right thing by asking a community of people who would have the answers.
Am I unwelcome? My last question (about bird feeders) was ignored and you continued to point out how wrong you found my questions.
I am just trying to educate myself for both my sake and nature's sake.
Should I assume bird feeders are not acceptable?
Thanks,
David
I would say, feed,look, but don't touch!
M-L
Hey David no you are not unwelcome, there are plenty of people on here who have a bird feeder, but at the same time there are plenty who, like Araminta, believe that wild birds should be left to fend for themselves. By asking if you can handle the bird you are likely to get a negative response from most people in the Forum community as it is definitely a no go zone and as you may know it is illegal too try to keep a native protected species so many people could assume that this would be the next step. SO by all means put up a bird feeding tray if you feel the need. Remember that if you attract a variety of local natives then along with that comes responsibilities too. feeding stations can spread disease and certain birds such as lorikeets should not eat seed ( thought they will do so if offered)
The idea is not to let your wild birds become dependent on you as a food source.
Observing from a distance can be a lot of fun too ')
Cheers
Birdie
Sunshine Coast Queensland
Hi
If I may give you a short answer. It's best not to feed any wild bird. The biggest issue with feeding is not even the fact that you (or anyone) would feed the wrong things, but that feeding will eventually invite more and more birds. A lot of them will travel daily to different areas to feed thus can come into contact with many others of the same or different species. The virus commonly refered to as beak and feather disease (the spread of it) is perhaps the reason why you should not encourage the birds to cometo you. This virus can be passed from bird to bird and between species (as far as I am aware) so by "inviting" them to your place it would help passing the virus especially if new birds come along and they are carriers. It's a complex situation, but I would certainly advise against feeding. :) Plant natives as Birdie said and you are very, very welcome to ask any question. :)
On the other note, technically, without a permit from the appropriate wildlife authority (National Parks in NSW) you are not allowed to touch any wild birds. Funny, but true. :) If you want to interact, join the local WIRES branch where you can get the authority to catch, care for and release injured one. that's if it tickles your pickle. :)