Last Updated on July 6, 2023 by Mitch Rezman

Lisa wrote

I want to thank you for your advice on birdie exercise.  

My ringneck was getting pretty noisy.  He has a full spectrum lamp, lots of toys, and his own room. 

I do need to get him out of his room more. 

When I started regular exercise he immediately calmed down.  

Which makes sense, I also do better with regular exercise, lol. I’ve started slow but have seen an immediate improvement.   

On another note,  I’m pretty sure my 1 1/2-year-old female conure is hormonal.

She’s very nippy and when she’s with me she constantly tries to wedge her body between my arm and body in such a way that she is getting pressure on her back.

Find the Bird Lighting Category on Winy City Parrot

I don’t pet her back, only her head.

She has a full spectrum light, 12 hours of sleep with a covered cage, and a variety of food based on your recommendations; pellets, chop, fruits and vegetables, soft food, and seed.  Her wings just finished growing out but she is reluctant to fly.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.  Thank you

Catherine replied,

Dear Lisa

We are glad you like our posts. We know they help pet bird keepers.

You have two issues to address.

Your ringneck. Yes, he is noisy, you have him in a room away from you, and his family? No amount of exercise will help with that. A bird calls out to locate its family and communicate. That he is quieter during your exercise times is mainly due to your being there and spending time with him. I am sure that is the best part of it for him.

Do you have a bird room that you keep the ringneck and conure in most of the time?

Can you put together a play stand area together in your main home area where he/they can hang out during the day and be a part of the family? That will help with the noise.

The female conure, yes, is hormonal. It will pass but yes, be sure to avoid petting her below the neck and avoid allowing her to snuggle like she is trying to. If she lays an egg throw it out and rearrange the surroundings so she does not return to lay another too quickly.

Throw out any eggs and any loose materials she might be considering as nesting material. Keep her out of any dim locations.

The flying part. If she was weaned and not allowed to fly much before being clipped again, then she may need flying lessons.

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You can try two things. If you have someone with you who can also handle her, then you should both stand a few feet apart and lightly toss her to the other person who catches her, then lightly tosses her back to you.

Repeat this, talking and laughing and having a good time, moving further apart. She should be flapping her wings and learning to fly and land without fear.

If you are alone, you can go to your bed and gently toss her onto the bed, picking her up and repeating this. All while talking to her. Again, over time, being further away. As she masters her landings, then start to toss her to her cage so she learns to land there safely.

A bird that does not learn to fly will not have well-developed chest muscles that also assist in their breathing and overall good health.

We have an African Ringneck (Keto), he can fly but not very fast as before he came to us his right wing was broken so it hangs down a little lower.

We have a Quaker (Chili), who came to us clipped and we think he was kept clipped most of the time. He can fly but does so like a blimp. Slow.

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Our cockatiel (Barney) can fly like the wind and can be a royal pain to wrangle into his cage at night.

If he gets impossible to do so, we sometimes have to give him a clip for an attitude adjustment.

After a few months, his new feathers grow back in and he might be a little less of a butt-head for a while. Ad repeat. LOL.

Written  by Catherine Tobsing
Approved by Mitch Rezman