Am I spending quality time with my parrot?

[Ecclipse]

Hi there everyone, Hugo is on the mend and so much better!!!! I need your guys advice. After 5 months of having an "off" bird I never realised how much he was actually not himself. He is now demanding my attention and Im not sure how to channel his need for attention. In the past I would put him on my shoulder for about 10 mins at a time about 6 times a day and I was in and out as well as working nearby for most of the time. Please understand that he didnt have much energy and the vet advised him to sit as still as possible. Now I seem to be facing a teenager who wants everything his way - lol (wouldnt have it any other way) and a bird who has finally become himself. Does anyone have any ideas of entertaining him while he is on my shoulder? He gets bored if he just sits on my shoulder (I am scratching him etc.) How much interaction is NOT enough a day? Im worried that Im not spending enough quality time with him or Im not stimulating him enough - he has a playgym, lots of toys and has never been locked in his cage - he moves around between his cage and playgym. Hope Im making sense! I have also noticed that he licks my fingers now and my face - is that normal? I am limiting his fruit/veg because of his tummy but he gets plenty of pellets - could he be hungry? Am I spoiling him too much? Its great having an active parrot again!!!!!

 

[antoinette]

HUGO IS THE BOSS LOL
I think Hugo is clingy due to the stay at the vet. When he was there, thinking where is my mommy? He is making up for lost time. Continue stimulating him as you have been doing. I know he has enough toys etc. The shoulder story, sorry not familiar with it. Mishka dislikes my shoulder LoL. The licking of the fingers is absolutely normal, I think it's their way of playing and showing affection. Mishka licks my fingers and lips all the time.
You have always given Hugo so much love and attention, you could never spoil him to much.
You two have been through so much in the last few months, remarkable how he survived.
Hugo is so fortunate to have you as a guardian, you went the extra mile, did everything possible, the reason he is healthy and happy today.
You have done us all proud on the forum.
Nothing better than an active parrot.

 

[Spiritbird]

It so nice to have you concerned about these things and not his health. Let him drive the car so to speak keeping his safety in mind. He will let you know when he has had enough. Go ahead and spoil him. We give you permission. If he starts to bite then he has had enough. If you have not checked out the parrot enrichment site please do so. Lots of good ideas there for foraging. At the top of the page click on community then links and you well see the link to that site. Happy for you both!!

 

[Ecclipse]

Thanks for the reassurance - he's busy licking my face now and nibbling...I can finally start focusing on getting him talking more and will get going on potty training him - lol. The other day he was running around at top speed. I need to relax more and not analyse everything he does - pretty hard when you have been on tender hooks for so many months. The vet is very chuffed with his progress, I think she was worried he wouldnt make it but was not going to say anything...will go and check out the enrichment site - thanks!!!! Maybe I was imagining it but Im sure I heard Hugo say "home time, home time" yesterday...too cute Am trying to sort out the video I took of Hugo - will post it when I send it to Antionette...have a blessed day!!!!

 

[HRH Di]

It's so good to hear that Hugo's doing so well.

SB's advice is sound. I'm definitely of the opinion that our birds will guide us when it comes to the time they need to spend with us. We just need to learn their signals. I've got Max's down pretty well and I'm starting to read Jade better.

 

[antoinette]

I'm definitely of the opinion that our birds will guide us when it comes to the time they need to spend with us.


If only they could tell the time LoL.

When it's 5pm, dinner time for Mishka, she let's me know by making the sounds of the microwave oven.

 

[HRH Di]

Now, Antionette, you know our birds are the Centers of the Universe. You really need to ensure that your schedule is arranged to match Mishka's.

 

[parrotqueen]

SO glad he's doing better. Is he feeling somewhat normal now (other than the clinginess)? I'm sure you're happy to be back together.

Looking forward to seeing the video!

 

[antoinette]

Now, Antoinette, you know our birds are the Centers of the Universe. You really need to ensure that your schedule is arranged to match Mishka's.

They sure are the centre of the universe, my life revoles around my family and Mishka

BUT if I am ONE SECOND late she sure lets me know.

I think I have a resolution, I am going to turn the clocks three minutes earlier, in that way she will think I am on time LoL

So true in what Mishka says THE CLOCK IS TICKING

 

[Ecclipse]

He is feeling much better and nearly 100% back to normal. He still sneezes now and again but his tummy isnt as runny before...

 

[antoinette]

He is feeling much better and nearly 100% back to normal. He still sneezes now and again but his tummy isnt as runny before...

You have made my day........ THE BOSS IS BACK

You are fantastic guardian, Hugo is a very fortunate bird