regurgitating / also update on training

[Christinenc2000]

BB is regurgitating on a rope toy of all things. Walking out the door this morning I noticed him banging his head on the toy. Quick run over and could see a dark stain on it. I pulled out that toy and did replace it with a clean rope toy . Before I could get to the door to leave he was doing the same thing to the new toy. Is this normal ? I did a search on regurgitating but did not find anywhere i read that the toy should be removed or that it can be unhealthy for him.

Other than that he is great. Learning new tricks every day. He will stick out his tongue . Open both wings when asked. He is eating great. He will let me rub his feet , scratch his beak and behind his head. The one thing I thought was strange was he will still not step up. I stopped by the vet . The place I rescued him from to ask more questions and the vet was not in. The girl behind the desk told me BB has never been handled his whole life. She said the vet was scared to tell me because he was worried if he did I would not take him. She said he told her he was shocked I could even rub his head. PISSED ME OFF. Of course I would have taken him but would have been nice to know. Now wondering what else they did not tell me . I might have to take that girl to lunch one day lol.

 

[Dopey]

At least she told you now.

I can't answer you about removing the toy but I think it would be like their perches - clean them once a week. But then again I don't know how much he is throwing up.

You have come so far with this bird. I hope my Severe lets me do those things soon too.

 

[Christinenc2000]

Thank you Dopey . Only reason I got this far is because of this Forum. Learned I also had to be trained lol. and relax. I will just be glad when he steps up. ALSO that I have not pushed it. I am amazed he has never been held. Sad
True about the girl but I did promise her I would not tell her boss

 

[Dopey]

You don't have to tell her boss. She probably will if your response to her wasn't too bad.
My Severe doesn't like to step up either but he does like to be held and scratched and on your should once he is out.

 

[Birdman666]

1. Yes, regurging on favorite toys and perches falls within the boundaries of normal. (As does masterbating on those same perches and toys. Guess why he's regurging on THOSE things.)

2. Maggie hadn't been handled in 8 years when I got her. Unfortunately, that's what happens with a lot of big macs, because they get mad and bite when they are ignored for long periods of time, then they get ignored forever...

3. Who cares what THEY didn't do. What matters is what YOU do. They couldn't scratch his head, cuz they really didn't try. They had never handled him because no one did the work... YOU get that because you are doing the work. Remember to act like it's all a BIG SECRET! You're a "bird whisperer" now! (Hey, maybe you could start a website, and sell your secrets online...)

4. Step up and touching exercises. Put a portable perch in another room (I used the bathroom for this one) and spend five to ten minutes a day for a week or so just stepping up and going back down. Give him food rewards and tell him what a good bird he is for getting it right.

5. Do the touching all over exercises. Start by scratching his favorite spots, then use the other hand to preen his tail while you scratch his head, and open pinfeathers. He'll probably appreciate this. Food rewards will probably be unnecessary.

6. When he accepts that, you and your BF play a game of pass the birdie... so he doesn't overbond, and it becomes just you...

7. The next time you end up at the vet - well, let's just say they will be slightly surprised at who is this mush mac, and what did you do with the bird you got from us?!

CUZ THIS IS ROCKET SCIENCE!!!

 

[Christinenc2000]

3. Who cares what THEY didn't do. What matters is what YOU do. They couldn't scratch his head, cuz they really didn't try. They had never handled him because no one did the work... YOU get that because you are doing the work. Remember to act like it's all a BIG SECRET! You're a "bird whisperer" now! (Hey, maybe you could start a website, and sell your secrets online...)

Never become the people you dislike

Thanks Birdman as always I appreciate your comments and take them to heart

 

[Birdman666]

3. Who cares what THEY didn't do. What matters is what YOU do. They couldn't scratch his head, cuz they really didn't try. They had never handled him because no one did the work... YOU get that because you are doing the work. Remember to act like it's all a BIG SECRET! You're a "bird whisperer" now! (Hey, maybe you could start a website, and sell your secrets online...)

Never become the people you dislike

Thanks Birdman as always I appreciate your comments and take them to heart

The really fun thing is when you go back to that same vet with the bird on your arm, or your shoulder, and he just calmly steps up for them...

Your one sentence lesson for them: "BIRDS THAT DO NOT GET HANDLED DO NOT STAY TAME!"

Sally was one of the worst biters we ever had at the rescue, so imagine how gratifying it was when I was finally able to walk in with her on my shoulder, and she curled up into a ball, with her head upside down pressing against my cheek...

 

[Christinenc2000]

I understand. Oh trust me I will go back but only once. With any luck maybe I can video it for you. LOL

 

[Christinenc2000]

Ok wait you never said if I should take that toy out ? I did take the dirty one out but put one in just like it and he was beating it with his beak this morning when I left.

 

[Birdman666]

Ok wait you never said if I should take that toy out ? I did take the dirty one out but put one in just like it and he was beating it with his beak this morning when I left.

It's gonna happen. I wouldn't take his toys away. Those are the ones he likes the most...

 

[Christinenc2000]

Ok thanks. Yup he really really really likes it LOL