Family Invassions & Parrots

[forbey]

Yesterday, my wife had two little boys dropped off at our house. My grandson and my son's girlfriend's little boy. Both boys are active and annoying (but equally wonderful little boys.)

When I got home and let Skittles out of his cage and tried to give him a pecan, he forcefully pulled it from my fingers, dropped it on the floor and tried to bite me. For the safety of the house, I tucked him back into his cage.

Later, my son's girlfriend showed up with another child; and even later my daughter showec up with two of her kids.

Now, ALL of the kids are fine, but the extreme increase in activity had Skittles all stressed out. At one point the kids were loudly playing and he was sceaming.

He wasn't able to settle back to normal for hours. By bedtime he appeared to be OK and we were able to get some one-on-one time before bed.

I REALLY could use some recommendations on how to limit Skittles' stress level during family gatherings as well as shorten his recovery time.

Any recommendations?

Thanks,

Forbey

 

[Grinder]

If he reacts this way, then you need to either move the activity to another area of the house or move his cage to another area. It's pretty simple. Don't stress the bird out.

 

[forbey]

If he reacts this way, then you need to either move the activity to another area of the house or move his cage to another area. It's pretty simple. Don't stress the bird out.

When it gets like this I need to move WITH the cage to some safe zone so neither Skittles, nor I, get so stressed out!

 

[RiosMom]

Forbey, when we had a grad party here for our daughter, we moved Rio's cage to a quieter area to give her some space. Perhaps you could move Skittle's cage to a bedroom with some music on to "drown out/filter" the kids' noise? It sounds like the activity was too much for him (we've all felt that way before), and he needed some down time!

 

[Wdlodge]

If he reacts this way, then you need to either move the activity to another area of the house or move his cage to another area. It's pretty simple. Don't stress the bird out.

When it gets like this I need to move WITH the cage to some safe zone so neither Skittles, nor I, get so stressed out!

Can't say I blame you.... Hahaha.

I have a smaller cage in another room. I use it for when things are just crazy around here, for travel, and she sleeps in it. She is very accustomed to it. However it is good to try and allow your bird to get accustomed to different circumstances. But the slower the better I think.

 

[BoomBoom]

Or you could just say that in consideration of Skittles well-being you won't be the day care center anymore

LOL. I like this!

 

[JerseyWendy]

I personally would limit the amount of time the wee ones can play around Skittles. I wouldn't shield him from company, little ones completely. Amazons are actually quite resilient, and having lots of people over may help him socialize.

My "wee" ones are all grown up, and when they throw parties, I have a house full of people in their 20s, listening to music, talking, singing, playing games, etc. I allow them to talk to the birds, some are even allowed to offer treats. The cages MUST stay closed at all times. My fids are all used to many different scenarios and sceneries and don't stress easy at all.

 

[SandyBee]

Like Wendy said, just control the situation. It's good for Skitttles to be exposed to different scenarios and good for the little ones to learn respect of how to act around him or any other animal.

Also maybe give Skittles an extra special toy or treat when they come over so he associates good things comes with dealing with the chaos!!

 

[Agapornis]

Poor Skittles, I can't blame him for being upset. I'm not a fan of noisy kids either.

 

[forbey]

I'm a big fan of the kids, but it's like Skittles is the one kid who is quiet and sensitive and you worry and have to work extra hard to protect him.

 

[Nocturnal]

When we have company...

the birds' cages get notes...

 

[Merlee]

In all fairness to Skittles, he is the one who lives there so his comfort should be the highest priority. Young children are prone to being loud so there is nothing wrong with the kids being asked to lower the noise level or go play elsewhere like outside or a different room.

Since you will be having young children as a part of your lives, Skittles will have to adjust too to a degree, but when he is stressed out to the point of yelling, then it's clearly overload and something must be done.

As for the humans who don't like noisy kids, I am guilty too, we are getting old!!! My father-in-law, age 70+ would go hide in his room when my 3 young kids came over to visit. lol.