Long time aquarist keeping smaller fish (biggest was Bolivian ram)
Set up a 75 gallon that housed large school of tiger barbs (x28). Planted tank getting established, up since January. Cycled.
Just adopted two unwanted blood parrots this past weekend, approx 4 years old. I think a male and female but not 100% sure. They seem to be in good condition. I added two large flower pots for caves. I tried to get in as much info about them in the few weeks before picking them up but was simply not prepared for the Jekyll and Hyde behaviour of the bigger one.
They totally ignore the barbs so far. They are sometimes shy and understandably skittish if I approach too quickly but do come to the front of the tank without fear most of the time, especially at feeding time. The female will take food from my hand, the male not quite yet. They certainly don’t HAVE to eat from my hand but I like building the trust (if that’s actually what I’m accomplishing!)
Anyway, the male seems tentative, but if I put my hand in the tank for any reason other than food, he will charge me. Scares the crap out of me (allergic to pain). How hard can they bite? I’ve read people saying they draw blood, others say they can’t close their mouths so can’t bite hard. Which is it?
Lastly, is it helpful to bluff him back with my hand to make him back off, better to stand my ground and stay still, or keep doing what I have, which uttering a choice expletive and have my hands running for the hills?
Set up a 75 gallon that housed large school of tiger barbs (x28). Planted tank getting established, up since January. Cycled.
Just adopted two unwanted blood parrots this past weekend, approx 4 years old. I think a male and female but not 100% sure. They seem to be in good condition. I added two large flower pots for caves. I tried to get in as much info about them in the few weeks before picking them up but was simply not prepared for the Jekyll and Hyde behaviour of the bigger one.
They totally ignore the barbs so far. They are sometimes shy and understandably skittish if I approach too quickly but do come to the front of the tank without fear most of the time, especially at feeding time. The female will take food from my hand, the male not quite yet. They certainly don’t HAVE to eat from my hand but I like building the trust (if that’s actually what I’m accomplishing!)
Anyway, the male seems tentative, but if I put my hand in the tank for any reason other than food, he will charge me. Scares the crap out of me (allergic to pain). How hard can they bite? I’ve read people saying they draw blood, others say they can’t close their mouths so can’t bite hard. Which is it?
Lastly, is it helpful to bluff him back with my hand to make him back off, better to stand my ground and stay still, or keep doing what I have, which uttering a choice expletive and have my hands running for the hills?
