Odd behavior

[Siobhan]

You know your bird and you know when he's acting "off." My Freddie will be 10 later this month, and last night, he was kind of puffed up, and kept wanting to sit on my head. Freddie doesn't step up on hands, and rarely wants to sit on me at all. He's usually content to sit nearby and chat, but doesn't want to be touched, and I'm a firm believer in giving critters their autonomy. If you don't want to be touched, I'll offer but not push, and if you say "no," okay.

This clingy -- for him -- behavior was one of those things that's "off." I examined him (he lets me look all I like) and didn't see any sign of something wrong. He was fine the day before. I'll keep an eye on him, but I'm worried.

 

[SailBoat]

Not a Tiel person, so likely someone who is will be able to provide much more clarity.

When was the last time that Freddie has seen his Avian Professional?

It could be nothing, or it's a choice he has elected to incorporate in to your relationship, or he senses something is wrong and has elected to be closer to you.

If its been awhile, maybe worth having him checked out. After all they are so very good at hiding an illness and when they pull a quick change it worth looking closer.

 

[Laurasea]

When an animal changes behaviors from mean to nice, or standoffish to nice it can be an indication of health problems. I would trust yourself, and take him to get checked out.
Also sick animals seek heat, and your head is a hot spot. Keep us updated.

 

[noodles123]

Hmm..anything that could have been scaring him?

 

[ParrotGenie]

You know your bird and you know when he's acting "off." My Freddie will be 10 later this month, and last night, he was kind of puffed up, and kept wanting to sit on my head. Freddie doesn't step up on hands, and rarely wants to sit on me at all. He's usually content to sit nearby and chat, but doesn't want to be touched, and I'm a firm believer in giving critters their autonomy. If you don't want to be touched, I'll offer but not push, and if you say "no," okay.

This clingy -- for him -- behavior was one of those things that's "off." I examined him (he lets me look all I like) and didn't see any sign of something wrong. He was fine the day before. I'll keep an eye on him, but I'm worried.

The puffed up worries me as usually a indication something wrong and he could be sick, or cold? They also tend to be less active and rest more throughout the day and for some reason prefer to stay on shoulder as that what Baby did last time she was sick? I would get him check out by vet.

 

[Siobhan]

I figured it out and feel silly now. No kidding: the treat cup was empty. LOL That is honestly all it was. His regular dish was full. Clyde's (the Quaker) dish was full and Freddie and Clyde steal each other's food all the time. They're never locked up because they have their own bird-safe room. BUT the treat cup was empty and Freddie was anxious I should realize he didn't have any yummies. When I discovered that last night (with him on my head again) and refilled it, he was a happy boy and everything went back to normal. I guess sitting on my head was the only thing he could figure out to do to signal me. I don't normally let the treat cup get empty but I've had a busy couple of days at work and forgot to check it.

 

[noodles123]

LOL SO HE WAS SCARED!!! "WHAT IF I DON'T GET ANYMORE TREATS?!?!?" LOOOOOL
What a goose...cockatoos are so hilarious/weird (in a normal-for-a-cockatoo sort of way lol)

 

[Siobhan]

Freddie is my least problematic baby. Clyde and Rocky (umbrella 'too) are SOOOO demanding and noisy and moody, and Freddie just doesn't cause issues, ever, so when he did, I was convinced something horrible was wrong. Usually Freddie sits on the back of my chair or on the boing next to my chair and just whistles and sings and occasionally wants a kiss and he's quite content.