Frankie & Cyrus: fighting & pulling feathers

[Drak]

Hi, I am new to this forum and to sun conures. I have gotten 2 five yr old conures that were needing a rehoming. I got very lucky with these two. I have had them since March of this year. I love my babies!
Ok, back on topic. I know it will take a lot long for the two to acclimate themselves to the home, and family, ( which includes a f.b. boxer). He thinks the birds are play things and has tried to catch them. He ate my last bird, a cockatiel, (RIP Butter).
My problem with these two is one will come and sit on the cage door, (Cyrus) and the other will stay in the cage or fly to the top, (Frankie). On occasion I see them, what I assume is, fighting. I noticed the other day, Frankie has feathers missing from the top of her head, right down to the skin. I notice they preen each other often.
Are the missing feather due to the “fight” or over preening on Cyrus’s behalf? I keep things in their cage to play/chew on and I try to keep food and fresh water for them. Cyrus likes to take a bath in the fresh water and they dip their pellet pieces in the water. I know this is a lot to read and I apologize for it. I am getting concerned about Frankie. Is there anything I can do that can make her feel more at ease?

 

[Skittys_Daddy]

After your dog ate your last bird, why would you get another? Especially if he thinks they are 'toys'.

I hope you are taking this situation a lot more seriously than your post implies. Sunnies need lots of social interaction and attention. Personally, I do not think they are birds that should be kept in the company of predator animals who may snatch them.

 

[LordTriggs]

Like Skitty said what possessed you to get not just one but 2 birds after your dog ate a cockatiel?

The preening/fighting situation is most likely stress from moving and from having something constantly trying to eat them.

I know it may not sound nice but whilst you have a dog who has proven to eat birds you should not have birds. Suns are some of the most social birds behind cockatoos and need a lot of time out of the cage and with the flock which isn't possible with the dog around. Ultimately I think if possible you need to take those birds back to where you got them before they get hurt, if not they should go to a rescue of some sort

 

[Drak]

I can SERIOUSLY understand why everyone would say that. Butter was left out on a morning that was extremely rushed. It was also a lesson I learned the HARD way.
I am a Bird person. I believe birds are the best of the pet world. They are independent like cats and affectionate like dogs.
My Sunnies came from a man who had 3 adult dogs and 5 puppies. They are not strangers to dogs. I also let them out of the cage when someone is present. I make sure the dog is outside or the birds are in the cage before we have to leave the house. I DO NOT LET THE DOG GET NEAR MY BIRDS, unless they are in their cage where he can not get them.

Please, if anyone is going to post that I am not a good caregiver for my birds please do so in a private message. I have been raised with birds my whole life. That was ONE incident in my 44 years that another pet killed my bird. I think my track record isn’t that bad.

 

[Flboy]

I can SERIOUSLY understand why everyone would say that. Butter was left out on a morning that was extremely rushed. It was also a lesson I learned the HARD way.
I am a Bird person. I believe birds are the best of the pet world. They are independent like cats and affectionate like dogs.
My Sunnies came from a man who had 3 adult dogs and 5 puppies. They are not strangers to dogs. I also let them out of the cage when someone is present. I make sure the dog is outside or the birds are in the cage before we have to leave the house. I DO NOT LET THE DOG GET NEAR MY BIRDS, unless they are in their cage where he can not get them.

Please, if anyone is going to post that I am not a good caregiver for my birds please do so in a private message. I have been raised with birds my whole life. That was ONE incident in my 44 years that another pet killed my bird. I think my track record isn’t that bad.

I was wondering what your reply was going to be! Thank you for sticking around, please become a regular poster!
I believe the lack of replies was you really caught everyone off guard with your writing style! If you can step back and look at it, you may see what I mean!


Hi, I am new to this forum and to sun conures. I have gotten 2 five yr old conures that were needing a rehoming. I got very lucky with these two. I have had them since March of this year. I love my babies!
Welcome to you and your new family!
Ok, back on topic. I know it will take a lot long for the two to acclimate themselves to the home, and family, ( which includes a f.b. boxer). He thinks the birds are play things and has tried to catch them. He ate my last bird, a cockatiel, (RIP Butter).
As one who lost my companion the same way, I am sorry for your loss! The visual presented by this was your boxer is chasing these poor little guys around the house!
My problem with these two is one will come and sit on the cage door, (Cyrus) and the other will stay in the cage or fly to the top, (Frankie). On occasion I see them, what I assume is, fighting. I noticed the other day, Frankie has feathers missing from the top of her head, right down to the skin. I notice they preen each other often.
Are the missing feather due to the “fight” or over preening on Cyrus’s behalf? I keep things in their cage to play/chew on and I try to keep food and fresh water for them. Cyrus likes to take a bath in the fresh water and they dip their pellet pieces in the water. I know this is a lot to read and I apologize for it. I am getting concerned about Frankie. Is there anything I can do that can make her feel more at ease?
I avoid letting JoJo bathe in his cage, he has a huge water bowl offered daily as part of our routine!


Most of us do not consider or companions as 'pets', more so as a small child! Their needs are very similar! Protecting, loving, etc!

Again, welcome!

 

[wrench13]

Welcome and be welcomed. You will see, this board goes ape sh*t when they think a parrots life may be is jeopardy. I do also, but your second post goes a long way to explain your first. Kudos for you taking in not one but two Sunnies. To me , they are harder to handle then Amazons ( I am a firm Amazon lover).

Stick around, post some pics and videos, this a great board and very knowledgeable, caring members, but they will always side with the parrot. Other boards will fluff off stuff and tell you what a great person you are. ParrotForums folks will let you know what is wrong but they will also offer smart, considered help.

 

[Skittys_Daddy]

Glad you replied, and like others are aware of the dangers. I do hope that the tragic experience will in fact prevent future tragedies. I am very sorry for your loss. I do hope you are aware that sunnies need a LOT more attention than a tiel would. While ALL companion birds should be given adequate attention, some species are better than others at keeping themselves occupied.

I love that you have sun conures and yet say they are independent like cats. lol. Are you SURE those are sun conures? I'd double check. lol. If so, what's your trick? Skitty is the 'neediest' bird I've ever owned.

But, for me, he's needy in a good way. As soon as I wake up, Skitty comes out of his cage. He expects his morning juice before I'm even dressed. He has his 'morning call' which prevents me from going right back to bed. lol. Some days I feel like sleeping all day, so I'll nap in my chair, and Skitty will fly onto my knee and wake me up.

He's pretty bossy, he wants what he wants when he wants it and if he doesn't get it, watch out! Of course I don't let him have his way all the time. There are things he's not allowed to have or do and that is still the case.

Anyways, welcome to the forum. This is a very friendly and informative place!

PS, I tried to be as nice as I could with my original reply, giving you the benefit of the doubt. I know there are other people here who have cats/dogs AND birds and thats fine. But you will find on the this forum that people have all different points of view. From pro-cats/dogs to no-cats/dogs. From clipped to unclipped. Etc. I believe we all try to respect each others opinions. But like wrench said, people on this forum WILL react accordingly if they sense danger. It's just because we all love our fids so very much. But, trust me, this forum is a LOT friendlier regarding birds than FB is!

On FB, I've been cursed at and called names by super-defensive cat/dog owners. IMO, if they are so sure of themselves, why be so defensive? People can disagree, people can still respect each other. (Unless someone is being a totally careless and irresponsible parront (which there are plenty on FB!) lol.

For me, Skittles is free-flighted ALL day. He's only in his cage when he is sleeping or I go to run errands (a couple hours - a few days a week). Or if he goes in on his own for food or water. That's it. So, for me, other free-roaming 'non-bird' pets are a no-no.

 

[Drak]

Thank you to all those that have welcomed me!!
I must apologize for my “speech”. Having MS makes my brain work faster that the rest of me can keep up with.

I have a picture, well the best she would let me take, of Frankie. I have concerns because I am finding several small feathers everyday. And with this spot on her head, I am wondering if I need to traumatize her by trying to catch her to take her to the vet.

http://www.parrotforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=18902&stc=1&d=1499288117

Is she stressed, ( and not from being hunted by the dog )? ATM, my dog is laying behind me and they are in their cage cuddled up to each other. Both are being quiet. She eats and I can feed her. they get a sunflower seed or a peanut ( half of a whole nut) but other than that they eat the Zupreme pellets.
She is always running from where ever someone is at the cage. She makes sure she is as far away as possible. When I refill their water dish with fresh filtered water, I give each of the a drink before I put it in their holder.

I wish I could tell if they are molting or plucking or if when the fight/argue that is what is causing the feathers. Any advice would be a great help.

 

[Skittys_Daddy]

She doesn't look stressed to me. Looks more like she is focused on what she has in her foot. lol.

As for molting. You'll be able to tell when she is molting. You'll likely see little 'pin' feathers growing in. As they are coming in, they are VERY sensitive to the touch. This stresses them out (molting is stressful for birds) and she may very well be nippy and not want to be touched when that is happening. Then suddenly after a few weeks, she may want to be scratched.

I meant to mention earlier- sunnies are 'water babies' and bathing is a thing with them. I wouldn't let them bathe in their water bowl nor would I leave a bath in the cage with them. Skittles used to bathe in his dish when I first got him. So I replaced it with a dish he's unable to bathe in (but can drink from). They should be drinking 'fresh' water, filtered if possible, but not bath water (yuck!).

Skittles has his own way of communicating with me which is actually VERY helpful. He will fly onto the faucet and ruffle his feathers and sneeze. That means he wants a bath. He is sooo smart, its scary.

 

[LordTriggs]

thanks for the reply! I probably come off as a little hostile but I do mean well! I get so worried about animals and have known many people who have kept birds in dangerous situations so yeah. Your second reply really clears things up and does let us know you're responsible and not just a 20 year old letting their dog run riot with some tiny birds in the house.

Going by the picture that sunny looks okay to me. Possibly just starting a molt or possibly losing a couple feathers naturally due to some stress caused by moving and new surroundings. The best way to calm them is to move almost glacial around them and do the best to not stare at them as it makes them uncomfortable. Being rescued and having been a pair for a while they most likely have bonded whilst having a fear of humans making them a harder pair to open up to a human. All you need to do is take your time, be patient and let them realize you're not going to hurt them at their own pace

With the molting give them some extra opportunities to have a bath as it will let the keratin in the new feathers soften so they can release the new feather easier, it also helps with the itching but for now they're gonna be grumpy babies. assuming this is a molt

Hope everything works out for you!

 

[Drak]

Ok, thank you everyone! That does help understand why she has gotten a little more grumpy lately. I check the feathers that have fallen to the bottom of the cage to see if the is any damage don’t to the. Since there has not been, molting is the most likely reason.

I know it will take them some time to get used to the family. Right now I am the one they see everyday. They seem content just sitting there together being quiet. Yes for most of the day they are relatively quiet. Till something drives by or one of the kids come home. I give them little treats like 1/2 a grape, pineapple and apples. I do not give them very much of the fruit maybe the size of my pinky tip. I also give them a sunflower seed one or twice a day or 1/2 a peanut. I was so used to giving an all seed diet to Butter. After researching Sunnie, I learned seed/nut diet was not healthy. Also no grit. I am learning as we go as to what they like and dislike.

I am going to try getting them some oatmeal, plain and cook them a for my babies. I know they like oatmeal but we only have the instant here for my husband. That’s not good because of the sugar, so may be I can try cherries as well.

Any advice anyone can give on safe treats and toys is greatly appreciated. Right now they have cotton cross-stitch thread with a bell and natural wooden toys they have destroyed. I don’t use the hard plastic stuff or the rubber like toys. Natural wood perches, they match the rest of my house ( sarcasm).

Again thank you all!

 

[Skittys_Daddy]

For safe treats- fresh fruits and veggies are good (stay away from avacado! its poisonous). Also, unsalted nuts are good.

Skittles loves grapes (I peel them for him), he also loves apples, strawberries, sweet potatoes and broccoli.

Fruits and veggies high in Vitamin A are ideal (the green or orange fruits/veggies- ie carrots, squash, sweet potatoes- broccoli, spinach, mango, papaya, star fruit.

Skittles is fussy, so I have to improvise.

For diet, he is fed Harrisons HP Fine and for treats he is usually given the Harrisons power treats (with fresh fruit/veggies in moderation).

I do let him have pasta or pizza crust on a rare occasion as a special treat.

As a 'general' rule, just try to avoid high-fat, salty and sugary foods.

For toys, all-natural perches are good to use.

Sunnies are chewers so providing them with adequate chewing materials is a must.

I get Skittles the yucca wood chips to shred, I also give him unscented tissues and paper towels to shred.

Try to avoid the 'chemically' treated chew toys. The colored ones are okay as long as they are colored with the vegetable dye and not chemical dye.

You should check out mysafebirdstore.com. They have some great items there!

 

[LordTriggs]

to add to Skittys' point, Avocado is also disgusting as all hell.

I found raisins and apple to be the ultimate treat for my Green Cheek. Give him enough time and he would perform the entire works of shakespear for some apple and raisins

 

[Drak]

I know about avocados. I love them but do not get them very often and will never give it to my babies. [COLOR=“Purple”]mysafebirdstore.com[/COLOR] is an awesome store. I am already a member. It was where I got their toys from originally. They have discombobulated them already.

Is tulip poplar wood safe for them? I know poplar is and I think pine. The only thing I am worried about is the different types of pine & poplar. I live in TN and tulip poplar and pine trees are prominent here. Can I use the pine cones that fall around here?

Thanks for at food and treats advice. It is appreciated!

 

[Flboy]

Sycamore and maple are good woods too!
I am unable to find anything on the tulip poplar, I do know from what I found it is not related to poplar tree at all, but is closely related to the Magnolia, it is also called the tulip tree. But I cannot find it listed

 

[Jen5200]

Bird; Birds: Safe, Toxic Trees, Woods. Safe Tree Wood. Parrots. Parrot cages.

This is a link that I've been using for bird-safe woods, several other reputable bird pages refer to it - so I think that it's likely a good one.

 

[Flboy]

Bird; Birds: Safe, Toxic Trees, Woods. Safe Tree Wood. Parrots. Parrot cages.

This is a link that I've been using for bird-safe woods, several other reputable bird pages refer to it - so I think that it's likely a good one.

That is my go to list also! Issue is, this tree is not listed, neither by it's official name or any of the common names! But, it will give the OP many more choices for safe trees that will be in his area! I tried going to 10 or more other sites, but one of the biggest problems on the Internet is all folks do is regurgitate something they have read and try to claim it as their own!

 

[Skittys_Daddy]

Pine is a safe and good wood (living in the Pine Tree State we have PLENTY!) but Pine is also a soft wood so its rather easy for sunnies to chew through.

My vet had recommended I just take branches from outdoor trees and make my own which I would, but I live in downtown and there is a lot of crap in the air that flows down. Plus, its just easier for me to buy them- all natural.

I also have a cement perch (I think its cement, not sure) but its one of those shower perchs that have a 'sandy' texture. I have it bolted to the side of my desk and Skittles sits on it a lot. He rubs his beak on it and it does help his nails. I no longer have to pay the vet $20 for a beak polish cause he does it on his own now.

 

[Drak]

Thank you both. I will try making a pine perch for them. Maybe even dry out some cones. I am worried about getting a cement perch. I have read that they can cause ulcers on the birds feet. I really need to get something for them to rub their beaks on and trim down their nails. It is still too soon for me to be forcing them into a carrier to take to the vet and they don’t trust me enough to touch their feet.
Is there a good alternative to cement perches?

 

[Flboy]

.......
Is there a good alternative to cement perches?

Take a look at these,
https://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Feet-B...ef_=ox_sc_act_image_1_1_1&smid=A3DMYIN9K0RYXC

Of all places, Walmart has these for a third of the price! They also have a few nice branch perches!