GCC behaviour question and wing clipping...

[JohnD]

I am very new to owning a GCC, I got him the 26th of this month. For only living with me for 5 or so days he's doing great. He's very lovey and likes to just sit on me and chew on his favorite little shoe, preening my hair is also a favorite. There is one thing he does that I don't fully understand. Sometimes, when I go to give him a treat or just put my hand near his cage, he flattens out and spreads his wings out from his body a little. This is accompanied by fast chirping. I was just wondering what this meant? Since he's been doing it I've taken it as an act of aggression. Sort of a "Leave me the **** alone!" type thing but I wanted to make sure.

Also, I was wondering about wing clipping. The breeder I got Toby from clipped his wings before we picked him up. She only clipped one wing though and everywhere I read says that's a very bad thing to do. I was wondering what her reasoning behind it would be? Is there ANY benefit to it? It seems to make him think that he can still fly and I don't want him getting hurt. We've got a good relationship going but I don't think the trust is there yet for him to let me clip his wing.

Any help on these two matters would be great! (<- This is adorable omg lol)

 

[Atwee921]

It sounds like when he does that he is about to bite... Clipping one wing is BAD!! It makes them very clumsy and likely to have crash landings.

 

[Nakiska]

I'm new to GCC too..we've had ours for ... this is our 4th day, so I'm no expert by anymeans. But the first thought that came to me with the behavior you are describing sounds rather similar to that of our female cockatiel shortly after we got her...like a mating stance. She didn't do the chirping though, I heard that's something the males do. She'd flatten herself out on the perch, fan out her tail and raise it, and spread out her wings.

Perhaps your little guy/girl is telling you he very much LOVES you

I haven't seen our cockatiel do that now in months...she was doing it many times a day for several days.

Good luck and congratulations with your new GCC...we are having a blast with ours!

Toni

 

[darkling]

Winged Wisdom Pet Bird Magazine - Understanding Your Pet Bird's Body Language. Birds Birds Birds

Lowered Head
A bird who is pulling his wings in close to his body, has his head lower than the perch and sometimes bobbing slightly, and is leaning forward with quivering or flapping wings is getting ready to take flight. This behavior is often displayed when a bird is questing for attention, and will often attempt to fly to you if you do not give them the attention they are seeking.

A bird that is standing still with his head lowered/tucked in front of you, with head feathers puffed out, is probably asking to be scratched! As opposed to the similar aggressive posture (see "Crouch Stance" below), a bird that wants to be scratched or is asking for attention will be relaxed in posture, whereas the aggressive stance will be distinguished by tension in the body and the slight elevation of the nape and back feathers, but not the head feathers.

Crouch Stance
A bird that is crouching with his head down and pointed forward, tail feathers flared, body feathers ruffled or "hackled", and exhibiting pupil dilation is one angry fellow! DO NOT approach a bird who is exhibiting this behavior, as it means, "I am big, mean, and mad; if you come any closer I will bite you!"

 

[Spiritbird]

Hi JD: Welcome. I too have a baby GCC for 1 week now. The behavior you are describing sounds like begging for food posturing. I would not be concerned. What are you feeding baby? Mine was weined directly to Harrisons pellets and eats them well. Also loves the fresh vegies but not so much fruit yet. The lopsided wing clip is not the way it should be. My Cricket had 7 flight feathers trimmed and true to conure form he still flies but not as good as he could. They also can get a little nippy at this age. Refrain from putting your hands inside the cage when you bird is inside.

Please ask if you have anymore concerns. We love photos.

 

[JohnD]

Yeah, it sounds like the crouch stance that darkling posted.

I thought clipping only on wing was bad. When I can I'll get the other, the last thing I want is for the little dude to get hurt.

Spiritbird: He was weaned onto a seed mix so I'm having trouble getting him started on pellets. I honestly don't think I will be buying from this breeder again lol.

Also, I posted a picture here: http://www.parrotforums.com/new-members-welcome/10517-hey-there.html

 

[Spiritbird]

It is difficult to get them on to pellets once the breeder has done the damage with seeds. It is important to get them to an avain vet after he settles in at your home. It will be your basic all over exam and a look at the droppings. That way you have established yourself with a vet. Offer pellets and gradually reduce the seed amount.

Shame your are not the JD I remember. (John Denver)

 

[JohnD]

Yeah, I'm trying to plan a trip to the nearest avian vet. The only problem is the closest is 3 hours away so it's a day long trip.

It would certainly be nice to be Denver, man has some serious talent. Alas, I am but a Deaton lol.