Help with Quaker Parrot

[amidsbs]

Hello,
I wanted to ask for advice on a parrot that is owned by a family who hasn’t done their research on the matter. It’s rather long so I apologize for that, but I really need help with this

My girlfriend owns a four and a half year old Quaker Parrot, with a bit of a messy history before her family got it. The parrot was kind to everyone at first, but for almost two years he’s become aggressive towards her and her mother, and lost most of the qualities he had when they got him such as talking or playing, and I happen to believe it’s due to stress or boredom caused by lack of stimulation.

I’ve noticed and commented to my girlfriend that the parrot is taken out of the cage very little, only once per day and for about an hour, not more than that. It appears that at first they always had him around, but then they began changing their ways, forgetting, or just not wanting to take him out and the parrot spends most of his time inside.

What I’ve seen as a result of this is that the parrot shows many signs of stress such as aggressiveness at any time, but mostly while inside his cage. He would lunge at her or me even when we walk by the closed cage, not just when we get close to talk to him. Then, whenever they took him out and I tried to approach him with a treat he tried to bite me (his young brother was there so that could’ve helped), and according to my girlfriend, for a long time whenever she got in the same room as the parrot, he would either run away from her or bite whoever’s shoulder he was on when he saw her.

Also, the parrot constantly screams for attention, and sometimes, especially when I’m in the room where the cage is he seems to scream in fear, quaking or shaking his head in an eight pattern and trying to bite me while biting the cage bars, even if I’m standing far from him, like it just wants me out. I was always careful to talk soft, move slow, make little eye contact and try not to scare him, but nothing works.

In addition to this, I’ve seen the parrot standing on one leg a lot and biting his nails, rubbing his beak hard against his perches, walking for a long time in an eight pattern as if bored, sleeping a lot, and I’m worried his next step is feather plucking. He is also overweight in my opinion as they leave the food for him in his cage every day, three full dishes with seeds of all kinds (except sunflower), rice, and carrots, and they even leave it there at night.

So they have a one person parrot that has over bonded with a twelve year old kid who doesn’t really know how to take care of a parrot and cares more about videogames than the bird. The only ones who can handle him are the father who doesn’t much care for it because of his work and the twelve year old brother who in my opinion is not capable yet of taking good care of it.

The difficult part is that since the parrot is not trained and no one is willing to do it, there’s no easy solution. My girlfriend is afraid of taking the bird out of the cage because she fears her family’s reaction if something bad were to happen, and also she would get bitten by him. Her mother doesn’t really understand about birds so she is constantly reinforcing bad behavior, and so did her young brother by giving him all he wanted whenever he started screaming (just to stop him they would send the brother to quiet the bird, or feed him more).

The only moments the parrot seems happy is when he hears the young brother’s voice, when he is with him (though aside from a few head scratches those moments consist of the parrot trying to get the boy out of his phone), when the parrot thinks he is gonna eat, or whenever he is left alone for a long time in his cage in a room and starts singing happy tunes.

I've told my girlfriend that the parrot should spend more time out of the cage, at least be taken out one more time a day, that the time he spends out should be better, that he needs toys which he has none, that he needs to be stick trained, that he needs a training perch and a play stand, that he needs to be on a training diet having three meals a day tops given his age, that they need the training so they can reinforce good behavior and discourage bad ones, but she can’t do it, and can’t seem to convince her family either.

I’m worried because this was a bird that used to talk, play, that was nice to everyone in the family, and now he is aggressive, won’t answer to any stimulation other than the young boy, and seems unhappy, fat and scared. Am I being too paranoid and is the bird better than I think, or are they putting his mental health in danger? What do you think they should do?

Thanks in advance for your help

 

[jenphilly]

The bird definitely sounds bored and if there are no toys in the cage, feather plucking can be expected any time... Can you take over toys, set up the cage properly? Is the family opening to the option of rehoming? Hate to say, it sounds like a family who did the pretty bird and then got bored with how much upkeep they are to social and such. It does not make them bad people, just people that are not the right home for a parrot. That happens and it is more caring for the family to acknowledge that and look for a proper home or contact a rescue than let the bird continue until he begins to self destruct.

Is the boy attached to the Quaker? If you sat him down and explained their needs, would he be happy to have the Quaker hang out with him while he plays his video games... Quakers can be Velcro bird, having been an Adoption Coordinator for a parrot rescue, I can personally attest that Quakers do pick a person and that is their person... this little one sounds like that, this young man is the Quaker's chosen best friend. If the boy is open to learning and providing toys, you might be able to turn around the life of the Quaker. If he's not interested in being a parrot person, it might be the most merciful and humane thing to find a rescue or new home for the Quaker that is committed to their care.

Very honestly, not everyone is meant to have birds, they are so much more maintenance than most any other pet.

 

[Carl_Power]

Awww this just sucks. Your exactly right in what you feel and what you are saying. This guy deserves a hell of a lot better than the life he is living now. Please try and help him out. He needs a family that will love him and spend time with him daily and care for him. They are extraordinary birds. I know it falls on you to say something which isn't comfortable I'm sure but you would be doing the right thing x

 

[AmyMyBlueFront]

This is a sad story. Yes, it sounds to me he is a very bored little guy. Quackers are usually a very happy,energetic little thing.

Is it possible for YOU to adopt him? Do you have the space and time,to give this guy?
He WAS a friendly fella at one point and liked to play. Given time,and with ONE person (like you) giving him time,I bet it wouldn't take too much time to bring him around again.

Stay a member here. There are plenty of Quacker lovers/owners here,who would be more than willing to give you advice and who have plenty of experience with these guys.

IF you could do this,you'd be one happy/lucky guy with a very grateful little birdie!


Jim

 

[EllenD]

How can they have a Quaker, who are very intelligent and little clowns that LOVE to play and interact with people, and not only keep it in a cage all day long, every day, BUT IN A CAGE WITH NOT A SINGLE TOY OR ANYTHING TO CHEW ON? Yes, he is going to start to self-mutilate any day now, as they need to naturally chew, forage, and play, and with not a single toy, no attention, and just sitting in a cage, this Quaker is beyond bored, and that's why he's so angry and biting.

This is unfortunately common, people buy a smart parrot, ignore it, give it nothing to do and lock it in a cage like it's a house decoration, then when the bird starts to bite and scream for attention they punish the bird for their bad ownership and irresponsibility...

i have a Quaker, she's almost 3, and she's out of her cage for at least 6-7 hours a day or longer, as are all my birds. She has a huge cage that has more toys, things to chew on, and foraging activities for her that I can't begin to list them, and i rotate them once a month with new ones so she doesn't get bored...The food part doesn't sound bad at all, they can leave the food in, and Quakers are a bit on the hefty, round side. At least they are feeding him and giving him water, I was waiting for you to tell us that they forget to feed him too...i wouldn't comment on their feeding, as they may respond by stopping to feed him, so let well enough alone on that...

My best advice to you is to tell them that you've spoken to some parrot experts and Quaker owners, and the reason that he's biting and screaming is because he's bored to death due to not a single toy and being locked in his cage all day long with not a thing to do. Tell them that Quakers need to be outside of their cages and getting human attention and interaction for at the very least 4-5 hours each and every day, preferably longer, maybe build or buy him a big, standing perch so he can be outside of his cage on it, with dishes and toys hanging from it...Tell them that it's literally bird neglect/abuse to lock a Quaker inside a cage all but an hour a day and not have tons and tons of different toys, chews, and foraging activities for it, and that the bird is not only going to start plucking his feather out, he's going to start self-mutilating, meaning he's going to start ripping holes in his belly, that's why he's chewing his feet, that's a classic sign of neglect and boredom...

If there isn't a person in that house who is willing to get the bird a ton, and i mean a bunch of toys for inside the cage, not just one or two, but a bunch of toys and things to chew on, and that is willing to dedicate themselves to taking him out of the cage for at least 4-5 hours or more every single day and spend time with him, then they need to rehome him to a family who knows how to take care of a very intelligent parrot, and who will want to spend ample time with the parrot every single day, as he is like a young human toddler, and without human attention for hours every single day, many hours outside the cage each day, and lots and lots of toys and activities to keep him occupied and happy, he's going to not only start to self-mutilate, he's going to become more and more angry, bored, and increasingly mean, and no one will be able to handle him.

It is possible for him to bond to someone else in the home besides the 12 year old boy who doesn't give a rat's ass about him, but that will only happen if the person commits to getting him out of the cage for at least 4-5 hours every day, moving the bird's cage into their bedroom so that the bird can see them and will feel more secure, comforted, and will learn to entertain himself as long as he can see his person in the same room (NEVER KEEP A PARROT'S CAGE OFF IN A SPARE BEDROOM OR OTHER ROOM AWAY FROM WHERE THE ACTION IS, AS THE BIRD CAN HEAR HIS PEOPLE AND HE KNOWS THAT THEY'RE HOME, BUT HE CAN'T SEE THEM, AND THIS IS DRIVING HIM CRAZY)...

If your girlfriend is willing to step-in and commit to bonding to the bird, then she needs to immediately move the bird's cage into her bedroom and keep him there, buy the bird many, many toys, chew toys, and foraging activities from Walmart, Petco, Petsmart, etc., start with at the very least 10 toys and go from there, she needs to talk to the bird every time she walks past his cage as she goes in and out of her room, and she absolutely must shut her bedroom door and let the bird out in her room for at least 4-5 hours every single day without fail. The bird will bond with her by default eventually, but she has to want to do it and commit herself to it, and just do it. What they are doing to this bird is cruel animal neglect and abuse, and it needs to stop. If she is not willing to do all of this, or you are not willing to take him to your house and do the same, then they need to surrender the bird to a certified avian rescue, which we can help you find if we know what town/state they are in. What's the point in having a pet bird if they don't even provide it toys or ever bother to spend time with it, talk to it, and just complain about the bird biting them because they abuse and neglect him? I'd bite them all too, wouldn't you?

 

[Quakercrackerjacker]

Hello thanks so much for posting! Everyone here makes great points! Especially the need for more toys since the parrot is not being taken out as much as it should. Definitely see signs of a depressed parrot but fortunately there are many things you can do to help. As far as you walking close to the cage and the parrot charging, this is a sign of a territorial parrot which is normal in a sense. My Quaker exhibits similar territorial behaviour especially when his hormones are going crazy and he's ready to mate! Unfortunately most of the time quakers choose one companion and show more affection to this person more than anyone else, this is often the person that handles the parrot the most. But that doesn't mean that you or anyone else can't build his trust and become that person. It is sad when they choose younger people because they will not give the parrot the time and attention that it deserves, and treat it more like a toy and get bored of it. These quakers are highly intelligent and need life long commitment. Before anything I would take the parrot to the vet and make sure it is not sick. Once he has a clean bill of health you can start trying these techniques that I have given other parrot owners that have worked. Many of these parrots were either abused or neglected and now live a happy wonderful life.
1. The person he made his bond with needs to realise that even though it's a bird and not a human, he has emotions like a human. Talk to the person he bonded with a lot and let him know that this guy has feelings. Let him know that the bird is sad and that the bird feels like he has lost his best friend. See if you can get them to re-connect with each other.
2. Form a connection with the bird. It is not easy and will take much time, but the reward is too great to put into words. To have an animal go from not trusting you to loving you is the most amazing feeling in the world! Approach the parrot but not close, speak to it softly from a distance. Move you arms around slowly and get him used to your movements. Leave a piece of your clothing around his cage. Show it things that it has never seen before, pull up videos on your phone of parrot noises and let it listen (Tropical rainforest sounds my Quaker loves it) Play up beat music around the bird (nothing too crazy) spark it's interest, make it excited for your visit by showing it new things. With time you should be able to come closer and closer. The more you're around, the more you aren't a stranger to him. Treats should be given to him only when he is behaving. Do not reward him for bad behaviour or to quiet him this will only encourage him to make more noises so that people will bring him food! When you get to the point were he can trust you. Try to take it out and away from its "territory". Bring it to nutueral ground and begin your bonds with it. Making noises and talking are the best ways to do this. Learn the parrots body language if it's fluffing up grooming itself or you (yes you) this is a sign of happy bird that trust you! You will get a few nips and pecks be prepared for this, do not yell or use and physical action against the bird when this happens, just simply put him back in the cage immediately after he exhibits this behavior, just because it's a sad bird doesn't mean he gets any special treatment, you must train him through this process! Get its wings clipped and take it for a stroll outside. It will be scary for the bird at first but he will start to LOVE it. Just hold it don't let it on your shoulder, you still need to make your dominance known! It sounds territorial you don't want to become the territory! Research the birdy not only can you find useful information but cool facts as well! These guys are flying around freely in New York living in buildings? No way! Yes way! Again this will take much time and I'm sure it's only a fraction of the advice you can get on connecting with your parrot, but to me and many others I have helped, it has worked wonders!
3. The hardest decision of all. Re-home the bird. Unfortunately people do not do their research before getting these guys! They require a lot of love and attention! Every-------Single--------Day for hours and hours on end. Many things you have mentioned are definitely not ok! Give it to a loving family that will take care of him, many bird owners I talk to cannot believe how smart and emotional these birds are. When we talk we often compare them to humans in a sense because we see something in their eyes that we can't explain. Mine knows my name, calls for me and even gives me kisses and rubs his beak against my chin and says I love you! This is not mimicking to me these birds actually feel this way and associate words with their feelings! You have taken the first step in asking for help and you are wonderful for that! I hope everything works out!

 

[Khaleelibr]

wow really long question with some really long answers

However, from my experience I can say it’s a matter of boredom as you stated and distrust
Parrots really get annoyed when someone does something they don’t like especially when these people are new to the parrot and didn’t spend much time with it
That leads the parrot to dislike the people who did that particular thing.
It happened to my macaw peter he was playing with a piece of paper and then my cousin took that paper from him and till this moment peter hates my cousin and wants to bite him

Also it happened with my sun conure, mango , I took her to shower and she didn’t really like it , she got a little bit upset about that , it took a day or two to make her trust me again.

I would suggest that you take your girlfriend’s parrot out of the cage a lot and spend a lot of time with it . You have to be patient with it.

 

[Quakercrackerjacker]

Just want to help out is all!

 

[amidsbs]

The bird definitely sounds bored and if there are no toys in the cage, feather plucking can be expected any time... Can you take over toys, set up the cage properly? Is the family opening to the option of rehoming? Hate to say, it sounds like a family who did the pretty bird and then got bored with how much upkeep they are to social and such. It does not make them bad people, just people that are not the right home for a parrot. That happens and it is more caring for the family to acknowledge that and look for a proper home or contact a rescue than let the bird continue until he begins to self destruct.

Is the boy attached to the Quaker? If you sat him down and explained their needs, would he be happy to have the Quaker hang out with him while he plays his video games... Quakers can be Velcro bird, having been an Adoption Coordinator for a parrot rescue, I can personally attest that Quakers do pick a person and that is their person... this little one sounds like that, this young man is the Quaker's chosen best friend. If the boy is open to learning and providing toys, you might be able to turn around the life of the Quaker. If he's not interested in being a parrot person, it might be the most merciful and humane thing to find a rescue or new home for the Quaker that is committed to their care.

Very honestly, not everyone is meant to have birds, they are so much more maintenance than most any other pet.

First of all I want to thank you all for your help, and taking the time to answer in such detail. Sorry I was away, I had lost my account and now I got it back.
I really like your idea of sitting the boy down to talk about it, teaching him about what it takes. I tried to tell him about training the bird but I did it too lightly, maybe actually having a serious talk would be what's best for this case. I actually hadn't thought about doing this, I had thought about telling the father, but the brother seems an easier choice.

Thank you so much and I'll get back to you when I do it

 

[amidsbs]

As much as I'd love to take him my lifestyle won't allow me. I'm barely at home, and when I'm there I'm working or studying so the bird would be worse with me than with them

This is a sad story. Yes, it sounds to me he is a very bored little guy. Quackers are usually a very happy,energetic little thing.

Is it possible for YOU to adopt him? Do you have the space and time,to give this guy?
He WAS a friendly fella at one point and liked to play. Given time,and with ONE person (like you) giving him time,I bet it wouldn't take too much time to bring him around again.

Stay a member here. There are plenty of Quacker lovers/owners here,who would be more than willing to give you advice and who have plenty of experience with these guys.

IF you could do this,you'd be one happy/lucky guy with a very grateful little birdie!


Jim

 

[amidsbs]

How can they have a Quaker, who are very intelligent and little clowns that LOVE to play and interact with people, and not only keep it in a cage all day long, every day, BUT IN A CAGE WITH NOT A SINGLE TOY OR ANYTHING TO CHEW ON? Yes, he is going to start to self-mutilate any day now, as they need to naturally chew, forage, and play, and with not a single toy, no attention, and just sitting in a cage, this Quaker is beyond bored, and that's why he's so angry and biting.

This is unfortunately common, people buy a smart parrot, ignore it, give it nothing to do and lock it in a cage like it's a house decoration, then when the bird starts to bite and scream for attention they punish the bird for their bad ownership and irresponsibility...

i have a Quaker, she's almost 3, and she's out of her cage for at least 6-7 hours a day or longer, as are all my birds. She has a huge cage that has more toys, things to chew on, and foraging activities for her that I can't begin to list them, and i rotate them once a month with new ones so she doesn't get bored...The food part doesn't sound bad at all, they can leave the food in, and Quakers are a bit on the hefty, round side. At least they are feeding him and giving him water, I was waiting for you to tell us that they forget to feed him too...i wouldn't comment on their feeding, as they may respond by stopping to feed him, so let well enough alone on that...

My best advice to you is to tell them that you've spoken to some parrot experts and Quaker owners, and the reason that he's biting and screaming is because he's bored to death due to not a single toy and being locked in his cage all day long with not a thing to do. Tell them that Quakers need to be outside of their cages and getting human attention and interaction for at the very least 4-5 hours each and every day, preferably longer, maybe build or buy him a big, standing perch so he can be outside of his cage on it, with dishes and toys hanging from it...Tell them that it's literally bird neglect/abuse to lock a Quaker inside a cage all but an hour a day and not have tons and tons of different toys, chews, and foraging activities for it, and that the bird is not only going to start plucking his feather out, he's going to start self-mutilating, meaning he's going to start ripping holes in his belly, that's why he's chewing his feet, that's a classic sign of neglect and boredom...

If there isn't a person in that house who is willing to get the bird a ton, and i mean a bunch of toys for inside the cage, not just one or two, but a bunch of toys and things to chew on, and that is willing to dedicate themselves to taking him out of the cage for at least 4-5 hours or more every single day and spend time with him, then they need to rehome him to a family who knows how to take care of a very intelligent parrot, and who will want to spend ample time with the parrot every single day, as he is like a young human toddler, and without human attention for hours every single day, many hours outside the cage each day, and lots and lots of toys and activities to keep him occupied and happy, he's going to not only start to self-mutilate, he's going to become more and more angry, bored, and increasingly mean, and no one will be able to handle him.

It is possible for him to bond to someone else in the home besides the 12 year old boy who doesn't give a rat's ass about him, but that will only happen if the person commits to getting him out of the cage for at least 4-5 hours every day, moving the bird's cage into their bedroom so that the bird can see them and will feel more secure, comforted, and will learn to entertain himself as long as he can see his person in the same room (NEVER KEEP A PARROT'S CAGE OFF IN A SPARE BEDROOM OR OTHER ROOM AWAY FROM WHERE THE ACTION IS, AS THE BIRD CAN HEAR HIS PEOPLE AND HE KNOWS THAT THEY'RE HOME, BUT HE CAN'T SEE THEM, AND THIS IS DRIVING HIM CRAZY)...

If your girlfriend is willing to step-in and commit to bonding to the bird, then she needs to immediately move the bird's cage into her bedroom and keep him there, buy the bird many, many toys, chew toys, and foraging activities from Walmart, Petco, Petsmart, etc., start with at the very least 10 toys and go from there, she needs to talk to the bird every time she walks past his cage as she goes in and out of her room, and she absolutely must shut her bedroom door and let the bird out in her room for at least 4-5 hours every single day without fail. The bird will bond with her by default eventually, but she has to want to do it and commit herself to it, and just do it. What they are doing to this bird is cruel animal neglect and abuse, and it needs to stop. If she is not willing to do all of this, or you are not willing to take him to your house and do the same, then they need to surrender the bird to a certified avian rescue, which we can help you find if we know what town/state they are in. What's the point in having a pet bird if they don't even provide it toys or ever bother to spend time with it, talk to it, and just complain about the bird biting them because they abuse and neglect him? I'd bite them all too, wouldn't you?

Thank you so much for your advise. I really had no more ideas about what my girlfriend should do, but what you told me is really a light in the dark. She is currently on college break so it's perfect timing, and I'll tell her to get to do this right away. Hopefully, with all these things you all told me will manage to get things working and finally start making things right for the bird.
I'll make sure she gets the toys, and as soon as she is able to handle the bird without getting a bite, I'll make sure she starts with training to keep him entertained and relaxed.

Thank you so much, I really appreciate your help.

 

[amidsbs]

Hello thanks so much for posting! Everyone here makes great points! Especially the need for more toys since the parrot is not being taken out as much as it should. Definitely see signs of a depressed parrot but fortunately there are many things you can do to help. As far as you walking close to the cage and the parrot charging, this is a sign of a territorial parrot which is normal in a sense. My Quaker exhibits similar territorial behaviour especially when his hormones are going crazy and he's ready to mate! Unfortunately most of the time quakers choose one companion and show more affection to this person more than anyone else, this is often the person that handles the parrot the most. But that doesn't mean that you or anyone else can't build his trust and become that person. It is sad when they choose younger people because they will not give the parrot the time and attention that it deserves, and treat it more like a toy and get bored of it. These quakers are highly intelligent and need life long commitment. Before anything I would take the parrot to the vet and make sure it is not sick. Once he has a clean bill of health you can start trying these techniques that I have given other parrot owners that have worked. Many of these parrots were either abused or neglected and now live a happy wonderful life.
1. The person he made his bond with needs to realise that even though it's a bird and not a human, he has emotions like a human. Talk to the person he bonded with a lot and let him know that this guy has feelings. Let him know that the bird is sad and that the bird feels like he has lost his best friend. See if you can get them to re-connect with each other.
2. Form a connection with the bird. It is not easy and will take much time, but the reward is too great to put into words. To have an animal go from not trusting you to loving you is the most amazing feeling in the world! Approach the parrot but not close, speak to it softly from a distance. Move you arms around slowly and get him used to your movements. Leave a piece of your clothing around his cage. Show it things that it has never seen before, pull up videos on your phone of parrot noises and let it listen (Tropical rainforest sounds my Quaker loves it) Play up beat music around the bird (nothing too crazy) spark it's interest, make it excited for your visit by showing it new things. With time you should be able to come closer and closer. The more you're around, the more you aren't a stranger to him. Treats should be given to him only when he is behaving. Do not reward him for bad behaviour or to quiet him this will only encourage him to make more noises so that people will bring him food! When you get to the point were he can trust you. Try to take it out and away from its "territory". Bring it to nutueral ground and begin your bonds with it. Making noises and talking are the best ways to do this. Learn the parrots body language if it's fluffing up grooming itself or you (yes you) this is a sign of happy bird that trust you! You will get a few nips and pecks be prepared for this, do not yell or use and physical action against the bird when this happens, just simply put him back in the cage immediately after he exhibits this behavior, just because it's a sad bird doesn't mean he gets any special treatment, you must train him through this process! Get its wings clipped and take it for a stroll outside. It will be scary for the bird at first but he will start to LOVE it. Just hold it don't let it on your shoulder, you still need to make your dominance known! It sounds territorial you don't want to become the territory! Research the birdy not only can you find useful information but cool facts as well! These guys are flying around freely in New York living in buildings? No way! Yes way! Again this will take much time and I'm sure it's only a fraction of the advice you can get on connecting with your parrot, but to me and many others I have helped, it has worked wonders!
3. The hardest decision of all. Re-home the bird. Unfortunately people do not do their research before getting these guys! They require a lot of love and attention! Every-------Single--------Day for hours and hours on end. Many things you have mentioned are definitely not ok! Give it to a loving family that will take care of him, many bird owners I talk to cannot believe how smart and emotional these birds are. When we talk we often compare them to humans in a sense because we see something in their eyes that we can't explain. Mine knows my name, calls for me and even gives me kisses and rubs his beak against my chin and says I love you! This is not mimicking to me these birds actually feel this way and associate words with their feelings! You have taken the first step in asking for help and you are wonderful for that! I hope everything works out!

Will definetely put options 1 and 2 to use right away. And since you told me about what I should do around the bird I'll go ahead and ask you a question about something that's happened recently, sorry if it's too long, and if anyone else can share their point of view in this I'll appreciate it

In recent visits to her house I’ve noticed that mostly the parrot is extremely scared of everything aside from his two chosen ones, her father and her brother, the rest he just fears. He is alright when those things are far from him, and if they get to close he attacks.


But when it comes to me, he goes to a whole new level of fright that has worsened in the past month. After some months of teaching my girlfriend all that I had learned about parrots, the two of us managed to get the bird out of his cage and onto a table, without any issues. That day I thought we had made improvements on the relationship, but it just went downhill from there between him and me.

Each time that I go to her house he seems a bit more scared of me, and starts these deafening screeches, lowering his head and raising his wings while he does, begging for me to leave. This happens each time I’m in the room, and when I get further he just stares at me side-eyed and shaking. He still takes treats from me, and if he is out of the cage he doesn’t even mind me unless I get too close, because he is usually paying attention to whoever is holding him. He’s also fine again as soon as I leave and starts screaming when I come back.


I swear I’ve done nothing but ignore him ever since he started getting like this, and I try to be as little as I can in the same room, mostly because I got a little disappointed that after so much effort things only got worse, but also because I didn't want to do anything that might upset him. I don’t even look at him to avoid the screaming. I’m also not visiting as much as I used to, but currently, it’s a nightmare to even walk into the living room or kitchen. I fear this might lead to us being unable to be in the same room, and that’s the last thing I want.


Is there any way that I can make him less afraid of my presence? Does anyone know what could’ve caused this?

Maybe I was too direct or demanding while trying to build a bond? If you or anyone can help me with this I'd really appreciate it