Proud new cag owner

[Burns]

Hello all,
At the weekend I done what I've wanted to do for over 10 years now and went and bought myself a new best friend (I hope!). Einstein is 12 weeks old I was informed and doesn't seem to be settling to bad considering all around him has changed. I have read and read and read some more over the past few months but a lot of what I read seems to conflict itself and as any parent would I worry about my feathered friend.

His cage is huge(Montana Denver), and after a bit of reading I've lowered all of his perches to the bottom half of the cage as he's fell a couple of times. A few things have me worried though so I hope you don't mind me asking a few questions. Firstly, I have bought him a sleep cage which is located in another room in the house as Einstein would not get 12hrs uninterupted sleep where his main cage is located in the lounge, the thing is when I put him to bed he jumps straight onto the floor and remains there until the following morning (I work nights so put him to bed when I go to work), how normal is this? I leave for work each night with butterflys in the pit of my stomach hoping he's ok. Also I was advised only to give him a few toys while he is young, but he does not bother at all with them at the moment, I'm assuming it's because he's still adjusting to his new surroundings as I've only had him for 4-5 days.

His diet is a seed/dried fruit mix which the shop gave me along with a variety of fresh fruit/veg, I intend to try and wean him of the seedmix and onto a pellet based diet. He eats well though! Is there any way I can verify Einsteins age, s/he did not come with any paperwork but does have a ring around one leg. His eyes are grey with black pupils.

He's a bit of a nipper at the moment, nothing malicious it appears but he does have a good go at trying to remove my finger nails! And he seems to be comfortable being handled. Should I really be playing with him much at the moment or should I let him get used to his surroundings first? I have him out about 3-4 hours a day during the week and it will be plenty more at weekends but if he nips me particularly hard I put him back in his cage for 15-20 mins, hopefully he'll learn!

So many questions, but I'll stop here for now lol, I just want the best possible start for my buddy which I'm sure you all understand. And even after all the reading I put in I'm still extremely nervous about getting things right.

Thanks in advance,
BurnsB)

[Jingles]

Congrats on getting a CAG!!! They really are wonderful little guys and I am oh so in love with mine

Does his sleep cage have a perch in it? (we don't have sleep cages, that's why I'm asking) Could be that he feels more comfortable on the bottom rather than on a perch for right now. Especially since you said he fell a few times? I bet a more experienced owner will jump in on that question, because I'm just guessing!

We use a seed (no sunflower seeds)/dried fruit mix and Zupreme parrot food as well. Right now, I would stay with what he was on where you got him...then, start off slow and mix until you get him on what you want him on.

With toys, i would have a big variety of toys...you might have to show him how to play with them... I believe the more you expose them to different toys, the better!

I think if he's comfortable with being handled, to go ahead and handle him! Sounds like you have him out of his cage for a good amount of time! You'll start to learn when they've had enough and want to be left alone...you're both new to each other, but you'll get there!

Again, congrats on your new baby!!! They are so much fun

[Jingles]

Oh yes, karma to you! Congrats on your baby!

[JillyBeanz]

Congratulations on bringing Einstein home. It might be best if he is falling to put a blanket in the bottom of his cage so that he doesn't harm himself.

He is fine on the floor of his sleep cage - stick a little blanket in there for him too - but make sure there's some pellets and water in there at night too - some birds do have a "midnight feast".

Definitely start handling him - he'll accept you more and you will find it easier to move him from places he isn't allowed. You don't say whether he is flighted - if so, what's he like flying around?

You do need to introduce pellets, but I agree with Jingles - introduce them slowly.

The only query I have is his age - why didn't you receive papers if he is only 12 weeks old and has a leg band - I presume you bought directly from a breeder? You also say his eyes are grey - at 12 weeks they are still very, very dark.

You will have loads of fun and enjoyment - they change your life forever!