Reception

For every parrot ordered, or expected, the cage or stand should be in readiness, so that on its arrival it may not require to remain longer in the travelling case. In taking it out of the latter, and placing it in or on the former, especial care is needed. If possible, forcible means should not be used; but, if it be found absolutely necessary, this part of the work should be done by someone who is entirely a stranger - remembering that the parrot will not forget it for a long time, and is always shy and frightened or distrustful of anyone whom it supposes guilty of an offence of this kind towards it.

On the arrival of many, indeed of most large parrots, it may be noted, an extremely disagreeable surprise is in store for the recipient, especially if he has no previous knowledge of the character and behaviour of such a bird. The anxiously expected Grey Parrot having arrived by the carrier, proceeds to fill the whole house with horror, for it screams "like a stuck pig;" it can be quieted neither by kindness nor by anger, and behaves like a wild, untaught, unmanageable creature which cannot be treated by gentle means. Hence many an amateur has had his pleasure spoilt for ever, and only the connoisseur understands that it is exactly such birds which promise the best results, because they have the best talent. The great truth, "The beginning is always difficult," must be recognised and remembered, especially in the fancy for parrots, for in hardly anything else do such splendid results and future pleasure repay the first difficulties.

As soon as water and food have been placed in the permanent cage, the travelling case, with open door, should be placed directly opposite the open door of the former, so that the bird without any force may come out of the one and enter the other, and, if this should not take place quickly, patience must be exercised. If the parrot be so shy, and at the same time so stupid that it will not voluntarily leave the case, then a stranger, an entirely indifferent person, as said before, must catch it and take it out. This person, having drawn strong doeskin gloves on both hands, must wind a coarse linen towel round the right hand, and then, boldly and quickly, seize the parrot from behind by the head and neck, so that it cannot bite. This must be done with skill and caution, so that the valuable creature may not be in the least hurt. With the left hand it must be pushed at once, without delay, into the permanent cage, of which the door must be shut and the parrot left as long as possible to itself.

If instead of a cage it is preferred to keep it on a ring or stand, it is most advisable that the inexperienced amateur, when giving the order to the dealer, should request him to put on the ring and chain in readiness. If it be necessary for the owner to have it done on arrival, then the bird should be seized as described above, but the beak should be held shut, and the head wrapped loosely in a cloth, then it is best to draw forward the left foot and firmly screw on it the ring, which has been placed open and ready, while the other end of the chain must previously have been fastened to the stand. When letting the bird loose, as well as on approaching it afterwards, great care must be taken that it may not spring suddenly forward in wild anxiety, plunge down, and break or dislocate the leg.

The small Long-tailed Parrots, or Parrakeets, as well as the smaller Short-tailed species, do not occasion so much trouble; they must simply be left to come of their own accord out of the travelling cage, and go into the permanent cage when hunger induces them to do so. They are very rarely kept on stands or hoops.

Unfortunately, it is often a long time before the terrified parrot regains its tranquillity after being dragged out by the dealer, and making a long journey in a narrow space; a long time must elapse before it can summon courage, and not flutter violently, and give vent to the most deafening shrieks when anyone approaches it to clean the cage or give food. It is often weeks before it gradually becomes quiet, intelligent, and trustful, and soon afterwards teachable.

If one has to deal with an untamed parrot, which is still quite wild and uncontrolled, it should not at first be placed either in the spacious permanent cage nor with a chain on a stand. In the former case, it will need a much longer time to accustom it to the new circumstances, and in the latter there is great danger of its suddenly plunging down in anxiety or fear, and injuring itself, as described above.