Cracker is Like a Fine Wine

[Winston1Smith2]

With a number of pets there is a short honeymoon period and then problems begin. With Cracker the opposite seems to have happened. Most the problems I have had with Cracker occured when I first got him. He was never a shy bird and always came to me when I first got him, but on many occasions he acted like a feathered Osama Bin Laden. I seem to be having less problems with him the more time I spend with him. He seems to be closer to me from the first time I got him, and is a much better companion than when I first got him. Sure, he still has a poopy problem but that is just as much my fault if not all my fault because I have not bothered to take the time to learn his poopy dance or put much effort into potty training him. I was focused on correcting his biting behavior. I am very pleased to report that I think I have totally eliminated his biting problem. He still "bites" me when I try and make him to something he does not want to do, but I am not sure I would even consider it a bite. If it is a bite I do not think his heart is in it. I would say it more like a warning nip. Now, I will focus on potty training him and eliminating his poopy problem. Even with his poopy problem Cracker seems to be like a fine wine, he gets better and better with age.

 

[Spiritbird]

I do not think you could ever elinimate a poopy problem. Birds go at least once every 20 min. or so. If you are planning on taking him to the poopy place of choice every 20 min. then good luck. I pretty much just get Rosie to the toilet when I am sure she is ready to go. We walk fast too!! She will still go in the cage too. Some birds get overtrained and will not go in the cage and that is not good. If the poopy is all your are concerned about then you are doing a fantastic job with your bird. Congrats.

 

[parrotqueen]

Thank you for sharing your progress with everyone, it's always very exciting to hear that Cracker is getting better and better. Like SB said; if potty training is the only thing left for you to tackle, you're doing great.

Congratulations!!

 

[HRH Di]

Congratulations!

I agree, the biting was a much more pressing issue to address. As long as you have tissues and/or baby wipes handy, pooping can be just an annoyance. But biting seriously affects your relationship with your bird.

 

[fallensheep]

Congrats on Cracker being a good birdy! lol

I am finding out a little bit at a time that the longer and more time you spend with your bird the better.

Like my bird is not a morning bird at all, lol.
He just wants to eat and play with his foraging toys.
When I get home around 6 or so I take him out and after a couple of hours usually around 9 he falls asleep right in my lap or on my shoulder. <3

Pooping does not really bother me, I just wear my "bird shirt".
lol
I would be more worried if he did not poop...

 

[Winston1Smith2]

Thanks for the great idea Fallensheep. I think I will go to Goodwill today and buy some T-shirts for the time I spend with Cracker. That and baby wipes would be a simple solution to Cracker's poopy problem, and I always looking for the most simple way to solve a problem.