A yorkie and a parrot - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Mia and Wickett · 06-14-2007, 01:57 PM

Wickett has been home for a week now, he's 12 weeks old. I've got an Amazon parrot (Aztec) and I'm trying my best to introduce them. They both seem rather curious about each other, but I've got concerns.
Firstly, I never close his cage door because he likes hanging out on top of his cage instead of inside it. This means that he and Wickett can get rather close to each other if we don't keep an eye on them. Will be going to buy doggie gates to put around the cage to make it safer. But ideally, they'd get used to each other and just let each other be. Is it possible? Anyone else have a similar situation?
My second concern is bird food. Aztec is always dropping something or other on the floor, and Wickett is quick to get at it. Toys too. Thankfully the toys are dog safe. The food....I'm not sure about. The food is very high quality and is mainly oats and stuff. He also gets a bit of whatever we eat, and if he drops that Wickett is one happy guy. I asked my vet and he said that the bird food might give him indigestion. Have any of you guys dealt with this before? It's rather impossible to stop a bird from throwing food around, and so is stopping Wickett from running lightning speed to get his little stolen morsel of yummy food.

Thanks for your help!!

kelsie123186 · 06-14-2007, 02:03 PM

I have a double yellow headed amazon (paulie) that ive had since i was 10. When we first got him we had chihuahuas and after a few weeks they got along fine.... I mean they werent best friends but they learned to share my dads lap (while he was watching tv) and just be around the house together with no major problems... The main thing that your little furbaby will have to learn, is that the bird is the boss... (at least thats what the chihuahuas had to learn) If they got in the birds way the bird would just lunge at them to remind them that he was the boss... After being nipped a couple times the chihuahuas finally learned to not get in his way =)

Graleyne · 06-14-2007, 02:08 PM

I had my Annie-Belle and cockatiels. They got a very high quality, human-grade food. Charlotte (one of the 'tiels) LOVED to drop food for Annie-Belle. We never had any problems. I mean, I didn't ENCOURAGE her to eat it, but they bite or two she managed to get here or there never hurt her.

The only things I would be concerned about is 1) your bird possibly hurting your yorkie (not saying he would, just something to watch out for), they have rather large beaks and yorkies have rather small bones and 2) making sure your yorkie doesn't hurt your bird. Also, dog saliva is toxic to birds. My Annie-Belle wanted to play with the birds and would sometimes pounce at them. I don't think she would have ever intentionally hurt one of them, but accidents do happen and that's just something to look out for.

nvnvgirl · 06-14-2007, 02:57 PM

I've had a lot of parrots and other birds and I wouldn't let ANY of the birds very close to my yorkie. The small ones he'd run after (he grabbed one of my doves and you know what they do to rats? He was about ready to give it a good shake

. And the parrots' beaks are just too big and can do too much damage. And I've been bitten to the bone by an Amazon (and I still love them), so I just wouldn't want to take the chance. The other issue I had was that Max, my Yorkie, will pick up practically ANYTHING that's on the floor and eat it. My birds ate a lot of corn on the cob and grapes and neither of those are good for these little guys. So I was always frantic trying to get to the dropped food before Max did. Max would go up to the birds if they were hanging off the door of their cage, and being curious as they are, would put his nose up to them....YIKES! I could just see it being bitten off. I have a girlfriend who has dogs and breeds birds and has a few of the parrots inside the house. One day, the dog was sleeping on a chair next to one of the parrot's cages and his foot was hanging a little too near the cage and the bird bit one of his toes off. I would just be really really careful and never leave them together unsupervised. And be sure to watch him around the cages for picking up stuff; seeds arent' good for them either!

VickiG · 06-14-2007, 03:10 PM

We have a cockatiel and a goffins cockatoo and Peanut is alway eating the food that is thrown on the floor, he has had no problems. As for getting along, we don't let Peanut get close to the tiel, because she is small. The cockatoo will play on the floor with Peanut, but only under close supervision. Her beak could really hurt him so we don't let then get to close. I would say be very careful and watch your birds body language. Good luck.

jrsygal37 · 06-14-2007, 03:16 PM

Hi there. I have an Umbrella Cockatoo and my Yorkie all treat her like one of them. Noel and Boo (My Cockatoo) are best friends. Noel goes up and licks her up her beak. The only one I have to worry about is my male Newman. He's very sneaky and will wait until Boo's back is turned and grab at her tail. All my Yorkies are females all but Newman and Newman is the only one I have trouble with. He's sneaky in general though. Not sure if it's a male thing or an individual thing. I DO NOT however allow them together without my being right there. Remember that the parrot can really damage your Yorkie and visa versa. Even just playing. Elaine

edumma · 06-14-2007, 03:44 PM

I have an Alexandrine parrot 'Asia ' ,he is 22 years old . With my first dog Tia ,(shih tzu cross)she was taught that the bird is higher ranking in our pack than she is and she has accepted this. If Asia comes onto the couch and she doesnt move to the other end the bird with make her move with a threat display ,if she is slow to move( sometimes she likes to pretend she cant see the bird HA HA) I make her move over.I am teaching the puppy 'Remy' the same thing that she also has a lower rank that the bird.Remy is still only 6 months old and is supervised closely when the bird is out ,but the pup is learning that when Asia comes out she is to keep her distance
One thing I have done to teach the pup is everytime she goes and shows too much interest in the bird ie: standing up on the cage etc. I bang a small metal cup with a spoon and tell her NO!
I have never deliberately put the animals close to each other to introduce them to each other, instead I have taught the dogs to be slightly afraid of the bird and to just keep their distance.
Eileen

Kathryn_V · 06-14-2007, 05:36 PM

Our Darwin, an African Grey Parrot, is footless, so he does not spend a whole lot of time outside of his cage, he does not have the ability to climb on people or perch on hands, shoulders, or chairs like most birds. He dows like to sit on top of his cage when the cloth cover is on it, and ofcorse he loves the inside as he is smack in the middle of the action in the living room. He drops everything, or should I say "feeds the dogs" He flings food out! lol, from seeds to whatever else he may be eating, the dogs are always happy to clean up after him! And they do! Its never made anyone sick... just makes for spekled poop... seeds eaten whole don't digest and he flings bits of millet.. a treat he likes...

As for them hurting each other... Every person will tell you a story about this and that animal that did or did not get along... but I personally think its as random as a brick falling from the sky.... Odds are your dog is a dog and their years of being dogs tells them that your bird is prey! No matter how socialized, I would always worry.... It may never happen.... It may happen with you two inches away! And our reaction time is not enough to fix a punctured air sac on a bird! They are so easily harmed, turning the tables, their beaks are SO strong and able to inflict SO much damage! Even if it never happened... I wouldn't want to risk it... I've had Darwin fly down twice from atop his cage while pixie was near and I tell you Pixie was on him like white on rice! And Darwin was ready to defend... They both would have been harmed had I not been so quick.... I keep them on lead now when we have him out, just in case... I love them both too much to risk it!

I wish I trusted them enough... but there is just no way...

k

Mia and Wickett · 06-15-2007, 06:47 PM

I definitely plan on being really careful. My blue front amazon is a rescue and hates being touch. Usually though, he slinks to the back of his cage to get away. But with Wickett being so small, I have no idea. So I keep introducing them to get rid of that curiosity they both have. I make sure that when I give treats they both always get them (ok, the bird gets more treats........but I won't give Wickett a treat without first giving one to Aztec).

For added security, tomorrow we're going to PetSmart to buy baby gates to put all around the cage. It's not dog or bird proof, but it's some added security. And whenever Wickett is near the cage, we always keep a very close eye. Better safe than sorry!

06-14-2007, 01:57 PM	#1
Mia and Wickett Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Miami Posts: 88	A yorkie and a parrot Wickett has been home for a week now, he's 12 weeks old. I've got an Amazon parrot (Aztec) and I'm trying my best to introduce them. They both seem rather curious about each other, but I've got concerns. Firstly, I never close his cage door because he likes hanging out on top of his cage instead of inside it. This means that he and Wickett can get rather close to each other if we don't keep an eye on them. Will be going to buy doggie gates to put around the cage to make it safer. But ideally, they'd get used to each other and just let each other be. Is it possible? Anyone else have a similar situation? My second concern is bird food. Aztec is always dropping something or other on the floor, and Wickett is quick to get at it. Toys too. Thankfully the toys are dog safe. The food....I'm not sure about. The food is very high quality and is mainly oats and stuff. He also gets a bit of whatever we eat, and if he drops that Wickett is one happy guy. I asked my vet and he said that the bird food might give him indigestion. Have any of you guys dealt with this before? It's rather impossible to stop a bird from throwing food around, and so is stopping Wickett from running lightning speed to get his little stolen morsel of yummy food. Thanks for your help!!

06-14-2007, 02:57 PM	#4
nvnvgirl Lovin' to the MAX!! Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Yorkieville Posts: 2,774	I've had a lot of parrots and other birds and I wouldn't let ANY of the birds very close to my yorkie. The small ones he'd run after (he grabbed one of my doves and you know what they do to rats? He was about ready to give it a good shake . And the parrots' beaks are just too big and can do too much damage. And I've been bitten to the bone by an Amazon (and I still love them), so I just wouldn't want to take the chance. The other issue I had was that Max, my Yorkie, will pick up practically ANYTHING that's on the floor and eat it. My birds ate a lot of corn on the cob and grapes and neither of those are good for these little guys. So I was always frantic trying to get to the dropped food before Max did. Max would go up to the birds if they were hanging off the door of their cage, and being curious as they are, would put his nose up to them....YIKES! I could just see it being bitten off. I have a girlfriend who has dogs and breeds birds and has a few of the parrots inside the house. One day, the dog was sleeping on a chair next to one of the parrot's cages and his foot was hanging a little too near the cage and the bird bit one of his toes off. I would just be really really careful and never leave them together unsupervised. And be sure to watch him around the cages for picking up stuff; seeds arent' good for them either! __________________ Seana and Max and Madison too! Come visit me at: celebritydogwatcher.com

06-14-2007, 05:36 PM	#8
Kathryn_V Out to Spoil the World! Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Palm Springs, California Posts: 2,709	Our Darwin, an African Grey Parrot, is footless, so he does not spend a whole lot of time outside of his cage, he does not have the ability to climb on people or perch on hands, shoulders, or chairs like most birds. He dows like to sit on top of his cage when the cloth cover is on it, and ofcorse he loves the inside as he is smack in the middle of the action in the living room. He drops everything, or should I say "feeds the dogs" He flings food out! lol, from seeds to whatever else he may be eating, the dogs are always happy to clean up after him! And they do! Its never made anyone sick... just makes for spekled poop... seeds eaten whole don't digest and he flings bits of millet.. a treat he likes... As for them hurting each other... Every person will tell you a story about this and that animal that did or did not get along... but I personally think its as random as a brick falling from the sky.... Odds are your dog is a dog and their years of being dogs tells them that your bird is prey! No matter how socialized, I would always worry.... It may never happen.... It may happen with you two inches away! And our reaction time is not enough to fix a punctured air sac on a bird! They are so easily harmed, turning the tables, their beaks are SO strong and able to inflict SO much damage! Even if it never happened... I wouldn't want to risk it... I've had Darwin fly down twice from atop his cage while pixie was near and I tell you Pixie was on him like white on rice! And Darwin was ready to defend... They both would have been harmed had I not been so quick.... I keep them on lead now when we have him out, just in case... I love them both too much to risk it! I wish I trusted them enough... but there is just no way... k __________________ Kathryn, Pixie and Chynna

06-14-2007, 02:03 PM	#2
kelsie123186 YT Addict Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: nevada Posts: 323	I have a double yellow headed amazon (paulie) that ive had since i was 10. When we first got him we had chihuahuas and after a few weeks they got along fine.... I mean they werent best friends but they learned to share my dads lap (while he was watching tv) and just be around the house together with no major problems... The main thing that your little furbaby will have to learn, is that the bird is the boss... (at least thats what the chihuahuas had to learn) If they got in the birds way the bird would just lunge at them to remind them that he was the boss... After being nipped a couple times the chihuahuas finally learned to not get in his way =)

06-14-2007, 02:08 PM	#3
Graleyne Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Georgia Posts: 2,563	I had my Annie-Belle and cockatiels. They got a very high quality, human-grade food. Charlotte (one of the 'tiels) LOVED to drop food for Annie-Belle. We never had any problems. I mean, I didn't ENCOURAGE her to eat it, but they bite or two she managed to get here or there never hurt her. The only things I would be concerned about is 1) your bird possibly hurting your yorkie (not saying he would, just something to watch out for), they have rather large beaks and yorkies have rather small bones and 2) making sure your yorkie doesn't hurt your bird. Also, dog saliva is toxic to birds. My Annie-Belle wanted to play with the birds and would sometimes pounce at them. I don't think she would have ever intentionally hurt one of them, but accidents do happen and that's just something to look out for.

06-14-2007, 03:10 PM	#5
VickiG YT Addict Join Date: May 2006 Location: Sewell, NJ Posts: 373	We have a cockatiel and a goffins cockatoo and Peanut is alway eating the food that is thrown on the floor, he has had no problems. As for getting along, we don't let Peanut get close to the tiel, because she is small. The cockatoo will play on the floor with Peanut, but only under close supervision. Her beak could really hurt him so we don't let then get to close. I would say be very careful and watch your birds body language. Good luck.

06-14-2007, 03:16 PM	#6
jrsygal37 Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Jersey Shore Posts: 3,370	Hi there. I have an Umbrella Cockatoo and my Yorkie all treat her like one of them. Noel and Boo (My Cockatoo) are best friends. Noel goes up and licks her up her beak. The only one I have to worry about is my male Newman. He's very sneaky and will wait until Boo's back is turned and grab at her tail. All my Yorkies are females all but Newman and Newman is the only one I have trouble with. He's sneaky in general though. Not sure if it's a male thing or an individual thing. I DO NOT however allow them together without my being right there. Remember that the parrot can really damage your Yorkie and visa versa. Even just playing. Elaine

06-14-2007, 03:44 PM	#7
edumma Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: British Columbia , Canada Posts: 232	I have an Alexandrine parrot 'Asia ' ,he is 22 years old . With my first dog Tia ,(shih tzu cross)she was taught that the bird is higher ranking in our pack than she is and she has accepted this. If Asia comes onto the couch and she doesnt move to the other end the bird with make her move with a threat display ,if she is slow to move( sometimes she likes to pretend she cant see the bird HA HA) I make her move over.I am teaching the puppy 'Remy' the same thing that she also has a lower rank that the bird.Remy is still only 6 months old and is supervised closely when the bird is out ,but the pup is learning that when Asia comes out she is to keep her distance One thing I have done to teach the pup is everytime she goes and shows too much interest in the bird ie: standing up on the cage etc. I bang a small metal cup with a spoon and tell her NO! I have never deliberately put the animals close to each other to introduce them to each other, instead I have taught the dogs to be slightly afraid of the bird and to just keep their distance. Eileen

06-15-2007, 06:47 PM	#9
Mia and Wickett Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Miami Posts: 88	I definitely plan on being really careful. My blue front amazon is a rescue and hates being touch. Usually though, he slinks to the back of his cage to get away. But with Wickett being so small, I have no idea. So I keep introducing them to get rid of that curiosity they both have. I make sure that when I give treats they both always get them (ok, the bird gets more treats........but I won't give Wickett a treat without first giving one to Aztec). For added security, tomorrow we're going to PetSmart to buy baby gates to put all around the cage. It's not dog or bird proof, but it's some added security. And whenever Wickett is near the cage, we always keep a very close eye. Better safe than sorry!