Chipper is going bonkers!

[ct92404]

My parakeet Chipper is driving me nuts! I love him (her maybe?) but he is going completely bonkers! He's really friendly, and he even likes jumping on my friends' shoulders when they come over. But lately he's super hyper and is always chirping and squawking his little head off. He wants to come out of his cage ALL the time. He keeps chirping and squawking and pacing back and forth at the front of the cage. I give him plenty of attention, and I take him out of his cage and pet him all the time. And he has a lot of toys in his cage. But that still isn't enough. He doesn't like going back in his cage unless he's tired, and every time I leave the room he starts chirping and squawking like crazy. He wants to come out of his cage and be the center of attention ALL the time! He's so clingy.

I really like that Chipper is so friendly and that we have bonded so close. But I can't be with him every minute, I have other things I need to do too. And he's driving me crazy with all the constant chirping and squawking lately. He wasn't like this before, he just started acting crazy and hyper like this recently. I love Chipper, and I'm glad he has so much energy, but he's driving me nuts! He needs a birdie Valium or something.

Any idea why he's going so bonkers right now?? Is it a seasonal or hormone thing maybe? Is anyone else's birds going nuts?

 

[Wdlodge]

Hormones?? How old is he?

 

[MikeyTN]

They're flock animals that's why! They don't want to be left behind and alone. He basically sees you as either his/her mate or part of the flock.

 

[ct92404]

I'm estimating he's about 10 months old. I got him in November, and the bird farm told me he was 2 months old. I think he was a tiny bit older than that though. He still had all his baby stripes and his eyes were solid black, so that's why I'm estimating 3 months at the time. That would make him about 10 months old now.

He's eating and drinking water fine, but he's just acting agitated and super hyper right now.

 

[MikeyTN]

He/she is at the age that their hormone starts to affect them a bit.

 

[Wdlodge]

I'm estimating he's about 10 months old. I got him in November, and the bird farm told me he was 2 months old. I think he was a tiny bit older than that though. He still had all his baby stripes and his eyes were solid black, so that's why I'm estimating 3 months at the time. That would make him about 10 months old now.

He's eating and drinking water fine, but he's just acting agitated and super hyper right now.

I'm still a newby when it comes to birds, but I have been doing a ton of research, everyday. So... sounds to me like hormones are kicking in. Be careful about how you handle him, only touching the parts of him that don't stimulate. If he tries to feed you, that's a no no and put him in his cage. Otherwise let him out and allow him to be with you when you can. Try and ignore the negative, and praise the positive. Teach him tricks, that will reinforce your bond. provide him with a playstand one with toys or make the outside of his cage a playstand.

I have a parrotlet that is very clingy. Her calls are relentless, but like you life goes on, we all have things to do other than devote 100% of our time with our birds. When you are away, provide him with forging toys, also toys he can shred. Keep his mind busy til you come back. He'll get over it.

 

[ct92404]

Ok thanks guys. I just never imagined that a parakeet would get so clingy and agitated like this. I knew they are friendly, but Chipper has become such an attention hog! In general, what should I do when he starts squawking and getting anxious like this? I take him out of his cage and pet him as much as I can. I don't want him to feel ignored or isolated...but at the same time I don't want him to get into the habit of thinking that he can get attention whenever he wants just by squawking and being obnoxious. Should I pick him up when he gets like that, or should I just ignore him? I've read that with parrots you are supposed to just ignore them when they start screeching, but what about smaller birds?

lol...I've never dealt with behavior problems from a bird before. Maybe this will be practice for if I have kids someday.

 

[Wdlodge]

Ok thanks guys. I just never imagined that a parakeet would get so clingy and agitated like this. I knew they are friendly, but Chipper has become such an attention hog! In general, what should I do when he starts squawking and getting anxious like this? I take him out of his cage and pet him as much as I can. I don't want him to feel ignored or isolated...but at the same time I don't want him to get into the habit of thinking that he can get attention whenever he wants just by squawking and being obnoxious. Should I pick him up when he gets like that, or should I just ignore him? I've read that with parrots you are supposed to just ignore them when they start screeching, but what about smaller birds?

lol...I've never dealt with behavior problems from a bird before. Maybe this will be practice for if I have kids someday.

If you are meeting his needs, and he is healthy and is just craving more attention, I would ignore the behavior and interact with him when he is calm. Reward the good behavior, ignore the bad. When you spend time with him teach him something, make it a game. Check out goodbird.inc. on YouTube and online.

 

[cockatielgirl]

mollly my cockatiel did EXACTLEY the smae thing intill i got a friend (tinker) BUDGIES ARE CHEEP SO I AM SHORE YOUR LL HAVE NO PROBLEM FINDING ONE