The first week a new parrot is home is a critical transition period. Even a well-socialised, hand-raised bird is entering an unfamiliar environment with new sounds, smells, people, and routines. How you manage this period has a lasting impact on the relationship you will build.
Many bird owners use the "3-3-3 rule" as a rough guide: 3 days for the bird to begin eating normally and orienting itself; 3 weeks to establish a routine and begin interacting consistently; 3 months to fully settle and show its true personality. This is a guide, not a guarantee — individual birds vary widely — but it sets realistic expectations and prevents owners from pushing for too much interaction too soon.
A new-bird health check within 72 hours of arrival is strongly recommended. This establishes a health baseline, allows the vet to check for any issues not apparent on visual inspection, and starts the relationship with your avian specialist. If the bird has been recently health-checked by our vet before departure, this check is still worthwhile — different vets may catch different things, and a baseline UK record is valuable.
Some degree of reduced appetite in the first 24–48 hours is normal. Offer familiar foods at familiar times. If the bird has not eaten by the end of the second day, or if you notice other signs of distress (fluffed feathers, lethargy), contact your avian vet. Ensure the bird has constant access to fresh water.
Follow the bird's lead. Some hand-raised birds will step up within a day or two. Others take a week or more before they are comfortable enough to accept handling. Do not force it — pushing too soon can set back the bonding process significantly.
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