newly noisy gcc-help!

[cassie17]

Hi all! I'm having some issues with my gcc Meadow (whom I affectionately call Dodo).

Dodo is about a year old but I've had her for about a month. She used to belong to my mom who also has three macaws and an African grey. Needless to say, Dodo did not get a ton of individual attention there. After I moved into a new apartment, my mom gave me the conjure.

Dodo is the sweetest, most affectionate little thing ever and I love her to death. I'm a college student and work full time as a server, so I'm not home a ton, but when I AM home, I almost always have Dodo out of her cage. When I first had her, she was very quiet and docile and worked perfectly in my apartment.

Lately, however, she freaks out and screams whenever she's not right by me and I'm home. This makes it hard to get ready for my day, do housework, and even eat. I bought her some new toys, etc., but she shows no interest in any of them. She always just sits next to me or on me, and will fly right back to me if I try to set her on one of her perches. The thing I am most concerned about is the noise. I don't want to have to give her back to my mom because she's too loud. A couple squawks here and there are no big deal, but we all know how loud parrots can be and if she continues her longer outbursts, I'm sure my neighbors will start getting irritated.

What can I do to establish more boundaries between us and to get her to play with her toys more? Thanks in advance!

 

[ErichT]

Do you know what she does when you leave for school/work? Is she screaming? Being she is used to a houseful of stimulation from what it sounds like , I think it is the lack of stimulation during the day/night. Have you tried leaving music or the cartoon network on during the day?

 

[cassie17]

I get the feeling that she is quiet when I'm gone because she's usually sleeping when I get home (although I can't say for sure!). I sometimes leave the radio on for her while I'm gone. I will start doing that more frequently, although I don't really think that'll help the problem when I'm at home.

 

[bonita]

Dear Cassie, I have rescued GCC, I've had him about a year. I would try giving him what he's asking for, It sounds like he may have fear of abandonment issues. After a time try weaning him off the attention. That's my best thought. Hope it helps. Bonita

 

[Phlox]

It sounds like he needs to be taught to self entertain...not to mention some GCCs go through puberty around that age (my 9 month old is having a hard molt and being pretty hormonal atm). There's a lot of different ideas for that...maybe start with foraging. Hiding favorite treats, etc.

If you don't nip this in the bud now, you are going to teach her how to scream.