I need a nudge of encouragement

[ruffledfeathers]

I know it's probably very normal (although it was not my experience with Georgie--she was a velcro bird from the day i met her, LOL) but Gilbert did not want me to handle him whatsoever this evening when i got home from work. I was thrilled that he was bopping all around that cage and had eaten a variety of foods. Today he ate his pellets, nutriberries, fruit and vegetables. But he looks at me like i have six heads if i try to get him to step up. He WILL come right over if i'm holding food.

I think they must have had early bed time in the parrot shop. Last night i noticed he got grouchy and a 'leave me alone' attitude, got sleepy, right between 7 and 8 pm. I didn't get home til 6:30 tonight so that didn't give me much time with him.

Just a few encouraging words would make me feel better. I love this bird and don't want to do anything to push him into his shell, but i also don't want to just let him stay alone either.

For the next three days i will be with him all day long. I am hoping that will work in our favor for bonding. I love the happy little sounds he makes in there. Tomorrow i'm going to have to make him come out to go to the vet in the morning. Ideally i will get him out for something fun before we go, so i don't feel like i'm FORCING him when he is scared.

Georgie kind of learned to nap during the day when i was working, and she stayed up pretty late playing with me, then slept all night and up early with me, then more naps. Maybe he will get a new routine as he matures.

 

[Riio]

Awww hes a tired cranky lil guy! Lol sounds like my 4yr old! (human) Im sure things will get better once he adjusts to your routine. You havent had him very long right? Ive had sunshine almost a month now and she is really coming into her own. This includes the attitude that she didnt have when she first got here. Think of this as a little bump in the road, yeah its annoying now but will be over before you know it. Keep your chin up and hands full of treats and all will be good soon!

 

[BillsBirds]

Whenever we do anything with our fids, it must be at their pace. Always give them time to accept any change or any new thing. Also, don't think any two birds will act the same. Always have patience, persistence & consistency. Do the same thing, the same way, every time. These little angels are just bundles of OCD. Of course, change is part of life, and these guys will adjust to just about anything, if given some help. Just welcome him into your home, and give him time.

 

[DebsFlock]

Oh, I think you just need to be a bit patient until he adjusts to all the changes! If he's getting 10 or so hours of darkness, he'll probably adjust to shifting that earlier or later.

My own philosophy is that you want to concentrate on encouraging the behaviors you want, so rather than worrying about those times he doesn't want to interact, try to make sure when he does want to interact, it's very rewarding for both of you!

 

[ruffledfeathers]

Thanks. I think yesterday was just a little 'upsetting' because i was basically gone for work all the hours he was active. This morning he is cheerful again. He doesn't want me to pick him up or pet him, but he is happy to take food from me and climbing all over the cage happily. I moved the canary in near him so they could see each other. He seems very much at ease hearing other bird sounds. i have been playing Pet Music cd for him and he is so happy to listen to it. I may look into buying another one of their cds since he enjoys it so much.

 

[aliray]

he is just a baby and need time and patience he will come around I agree with putting your new bird near your canary because that is what I did when I first got my quaker and I think they keep each other company even if the don't speak the same birdspeak .Now all 4 of my birds originate from different countries but they still keep each other company each in their own cage of course.

 

[ruffledfeathers]

He is now loving being out! I had to take him out for his exam this morning and he doesn't want to go back in his cage!! i went to bring him back and he turned his back on the cage to face me and tried to climb back to my shirt. So i brought him in the kitchen where i was putting dishes away and gave him some baby carrots and he is perfectly content and letting me give him kisses!

 

[LauraT]

Sounds like all is going well. Our young one, Baxter (8 mo), goes to bed very early. He is on his sleep perch and grinding his beak by 7:50 PM. I cover him when he is ready. If he doesn't get at least 10 hrs - he is the typical cranky little kid. Reilly on the other hand is a night bird. He loves to stay up late with us and pops his head below the cage cover line questing..."hello?" if we cover him early and stay up without letting him be part.
What I do to be sure they both get enough out time - 1 1/2 hrs prior to starting my day while I clean cages, feed, train and have my coffee. Then out during the day when I am home. And then out for as much time as possible at night prior to Baxters bedtime
You are doing a great job, he will settle in and you will find your balance over time.

Laura