Biting

[graham]

[e-mail]
I found a dumped Galah (I called him budgie) with one and a half wings so it can't fly ( it's the way i found him) that bites the hell out of me. I feed clean talk and sometimes he lets me actually give him a rub, he'll take food out of my hand but will not climb on hand or finger he is full on agro. I need some advice on handling him without making things worse. I've got heaps of time as retired and so can anyone help with ideas or advice. As he can't fly I built a cage 2x3mts with plenty of perches at different levels and toys

[avinet]

Hi Graham, and welcome to the Forum,

How long have you had the Galah? Sounds rather strange with only half a wing. Is it an old injury or fresh?

If an old injury then obviously it must have been owned by someone and either dumped as you say, or has wondered off from a nearby house.

Let us know a bit more about the situation, the bird (male or female) and also what you are feeding it.

basically patience is a virtue with theese sorts of cases - don't expect overnight miracles. If it will take food from your hand and let you give a scratch then that in itself is a major step.

cheers,

Mike

[graham]

Hi Mike.
Had the bird about 8mths, it's age unknown and at a guess a male. I found out that the cutting of the wing is an old fellow's way of getting and keeping a bird i was told they get the bird while still in the nest and nick the wing with a razor blade at the joint. (never heard of it myself but apparently it happened) Budgie was dumped the people that did have him left the area according to the neighbours, I'm feeding him small parrot mix,millet, fresh veggies and his treat is a peanut.