Eva W. relates:
I have an 8-year-old female Quaker parrot who is becoming more and more antisocial as she ages.
I have had her since she was a baby.
She was always very skeptical of new things and situations which is probably good.
But there was not a lot of curiosity in her behavior.
She never wanted to step up on my hand.
She bites me any chance she gets even though I am her chosen person. (more…)
Scroll down for 8/27/20 updated responses
Christopher G. writes:
I have a question about bird behavior, and I thought it might find a home in the birdie brunch.
We have a four-year-old green cheek conure and a three-year-old Hahns macaw.
We keep them in travel/sleeping cages in our bedroom at night, with the doors unlatched so they can come out in the morning whenever they want.
Recently, at night, we have found our green cheek to have left her sleeping cage and nestled into a tight space between the two cages, underneath the towels that cover the cage.
Sherry L. comments:
Yes, my birds are fed ‘chop’ (Arlo the grey, calls it ‘bobbity’) This is a new term for what I have done for 28+ years.
Chop is chopped veg, grains, and sometimes, a tiny bit of seed sprinkled on top or a bit of walnut, or something.
I used to cut the vegetables larger because Arlo was pretty accepting of lots of things, and I didn’t have a food processor.
I also (now) feed Arlo a pelleted diet, along with the chop.
She also gets a small amount of fruit, and sometimes about an inch square of chicken breast (baked) or some steamed scallop (yum).
Scott S. asks:
Hi – I actually have a birdie question.
We have a 2-year-old male Gray Cockatiel who has the worst case of “owie” feathers under his wings.
We can lift his wings and see a number of pin feathers that are causing some distress.
Question: what if anything can we do to help him out?
From Reddit
I’ve had my African Grey for a bit over 2 weeks. He only started flying recently.
He’s a 5-month-old birb and I’m getting worried because when he flies he usually flies into a wall.
Our Response:
Flying into walls can be based on color.
Karin R Writes:
My approximately 20 yr old conure (we think male, though not verified) has been exhibiting hormonal behaviors for weeks.
The worst thing is the frequent regurgitation.
My vet suggested that it is possible that a change in routine due to the pandemic is causing this.
I am certainly home more, but pre-pandemic I was gone for a couple of hours a day and did not have the same schedule every day.
I still leave for an hour or two most days, so it is not a big change.
Previously these behaviors lasted for a week or so, this time it has been going on for 6 weeks or more.
Pamela S writes:
I’ve 2 yellow Naples 37 and 40 years of age I’ve had since hand feeding.Â
Recently after 26 years in this neighborhood my neighbor after 8 years has taken me to court for noise violation.
They’re outdoor cages in Fl. With 1 umbrella cockatoo in this heat, the judge said I should cover them which would kill them.
Bill P. asks:
I have questions about the 72-hour circadian reset technique.
1. During the day portion of the 72 hour period would there be a problem with taking the bird, Blue and Gold Macaw out of her cage for food, exercise, and to interact with the family.
2. Can you provide clinical references pertaining to this technique?
Lisa H. shares:
Since being stuck at home during Covid and not being able to shop as needed (we are both 71) we have really started sprouting alfalfa seeds at home.
We always liked alfalfa sprouts and now it is an easy way to have something fresh.
I have 2 parakeets…is it safe for them to eat freshly sprouted sprouts?
Barb H. asks:
I’d appreciate advice on integrating parrots into a 36′ X 10 communal aviary for 8 amazons & 2 macaws.
These birds have all lived together in the same room divided by partitions. Although separated, they can see each other and communicate.
Since they’re familiar with each other, I’m hoping for a painless transition.
