You certainly have given yourself something to worry yourself sick about and I don't blame you! I hear that birds don't like total silence unless they're sleeping because it instinctively makes them think that a predator is nearby. Maybe you should keep the television on moderately loud when you're not home giving Ona a direct close view of the screen. Make sure that what she's watching is more than just dialog. Old-fashioned cartoons with lots of noise and action may be fun for her to watch. It would be very interesting to see if there is any difference in her activity level.I recently got a little camera I have pointed at Ona’s cage so during the rare times she’s locked in there I can keep an eye on her. I’m sad about what I’ve observedHer sitting there….. doing nothing. In her large flight cage stuffed with toys and foraging…. Just sitting there. Now on a typical weekday she plays on/in her cage with the door open while I work in the room. She plays with all her toys just fine and has a good time, occasionally calling out for attention or step ups. She also spends a lot of time on her play gym playing by herself just fine with us in the room.
So… I’m worried that whenever I do leave the house she just does nothing but sit and wait for me
Don't you love it when you make your bird some soft moist food and they clean their beak off by shaking their head sending the stuck on bits flying around the room!
We often do play her music when we leave. On Monday when I was out for a little while I caught her dancing and playing on camera! Maybe I just have bad timing checking up on her. I think some of the days I checked it I forgot to put her music on as well.
I'm so glad she's playing while you're out! I think music and/or TV cartoons keep them entertained. At least that's what I'm going to believe because I can't quit my job so I can stay home all day to entertain my birdies! It also gives them a chance to rest- wild birds take naps too. I tell my Kids that I gotta work to make birdie bucks so I can buy them food and cool toys and pay for doctor visits if they get sick, and pay the heating bills so they stay nice and warm! Such spoiled little creatures, aren't they?
Ona really does look like she's loving getting back outdoors, she has such an engaged expression on her pretty little face!
I looked at Caraway too but WOW are they expensive! Fortunately I have a very strong exhaust fan over my stove top that vents directly outside. I use it even when I'm not cooking to ensure I have fresh air inside.
I think Ona is a genius! I've never met her but I'm in love with her already! I don't think you should get another GCC. You are a great bird Mama and enough for her. It may detract from the amazing bond you're developing and she may not even like the "new bird" and may even resent the new bird. And you need to consider all the time you will need to devote to bonding with another complex parrot personality. Personally I think getting another bird as a companion for a bird isn't that important unless the bird is not tame and probably never will be or if you're not home much. Ona doesn't need to be entertained 24/7. She will learn to entertain herself with all her toys, etc. when you're not home, and she does need to take naps like all birds do. Give her a kiss from me!
Thank you for the kind words. And I agree - she is a genius! The breeder had her DNA sexed which is the only way to tell with Green Cheeks.
Oh she looks like she's loving this!
And I hope your sitter works out, it sure would be wonderful to have someone both you and Ona trust to take care of her - I think Ona would have let you know pretty much straight away if she didn't like her!
Now watch her shake her head and fling blackberry juice and pulp all over your walls!
Oh I love her happy, messy little beakie
That blackberry might make for some interestingly coloured poop once it works it's way through too!!
She also gets mad when I switch out her toys and it's a race to undo the toy hook before she makes it to me in time. How dare I give her food and fun?!
I secretly love it.
