Screeching has got to stop

[ATidbit]

I'm sorry if this has been covered before. The search function doesn't seem to be working for me today. I have a 2 year old green cheeked conure that has been screeching up a storm. I'm at my wit's end, I really need this to stop. He didn't do this when we first got him at about 6 months old. My twelve-year-old niece came to live with me for a few months last year. And we found out after she left that she had been getting up early in the morning and late at night and taking him out of his cage and giving him way too much attention. A few months after that we got his wings clipped, and the screeching that have been going on suddenly stopped. That was about September of last year. For the past few months it is started up again. He screeches when he wants out of his cage. He screeches when somebody leaves the room. He screeches when he hears somebody in another room. He's especially screechy when it's either myself or my daughter. He screeches when my 2 month old baby cries. He screeches when a door opens. Sometimes he screeches when he's out of his cage and everybody's in the room and things should be fine. The screeching wakes the baby and anyone else taking a nap at the time. It also it just gets on our nerves.

We've tried covering the cage. We've tried telling him no. We end up moving him into another room where we don't have to listen to him. There are days where he spend all day in another room away from us because all he does is screech. Prior to the baby being born, we tried getting up and leaving the room. That however is not an option anymore. My life is just too full and I cannot abandon the living room every time he makes too much noise. This is neither fair to him or to us. Other than the screeching he's a really good bird. He is loving and kind and he gets along with just about everybody. I would love to let him out of the cage in order to interact with his family, but I don't want to reward the screeching. Although on some very bad days I have let him out because I know part of the screeching is because he misses us, usually after just a few moments of calm. Another issue is that we can't always get to him right away once he calms down enough to either uncover him or let him out. I'm in the middle of feeding or rocking the baby and it takes me 35-40 minutes to an hour to get to him.

Any advice would be appreciated. If I can't find a method that works to curb this I'm going to have to rehome him.

 

[Brittany741]

First, let me say, being a new parent is so much hard work and as rewarding as it can be, it's still incredibly exhausting!

I can only imagine your frustration and the lack of sleep makes the problem exponentially worse.

A few screamers have been fosters for me and it is loud, annoying, disruptive, and very frustrating. The first step to addressing this issue is to completely ignore him when he screams. As soon as he quiets down or uses normal vocalizations, give him LOTS of praise. Even letting him out for five minutes and giving him an almond would be a step in the right direction.

I understand the desire to just shut him in another room, but this may only compound the issue and reinforce the undesired behavior. Of course you've had a major lifestyle change with the new baby and this can also be a catalyst for a change in a parrot's behavior. Huge changes like this drastically change our schedules, our moods, and our routines. Birds thrive on routines and when these things change suddenly overnight, undesirable behaviors tend to occur. Some birds scream, pluck, or bite.

My next suggestion is to stick to a bedtime routine with him. Make sure his cage is somewhere the family is but not right in front of a loud TV you watch late at night, etc. Cover his cage completely and make sure he has a high perch in his cage as a sleeping perch. Bed time should be the same time frame every night. For my house, it's sunset. It's difficult to resist taking them out after dark, especially during the winter months, but our parrots need sleep just like a toddler. Some need a solid 12 hours! In the morning, feed your infant and get them settled in a swing or other activity (nap) and then uncover the bird. Let the bird have his huge morning poop (this tends to be triggered by the presence of light) and then take him out. Devoting even 10 minutes of time to him undivided can drastically change his behavior.

My next suggestion is diet. This may seem simple, but a poor diet can cause poor behavior. I realize providing fresh fruits and vegetables is an undertaking, especially with a new baby, but it could be as simple as giving him whatever you're making for breakfast or dinner. If you have yogurt with fruit for breakfast, this is a great option. The other easiest option is to buy puréed baby food at the market and give that twice a day. Vegetable purée in the morning and fruit purée at night.

My final suggestion is to be sure he has access to new and exciting toys. Even rotating toys around inside the cage can provide stimulation. It doesn't have to be expensive or complicated, just interesting for him.

He also needs baths so it could be as easy as one of you holding him in the shower in the farthest mist of water.

I know you've got a lot on your plate right now, but it's only temporary. With the right changes, especially ignoring the screaming and rewarding normal vocalizations, I am confident you'll be on a better path with him soon.


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[appu1489]

Hello guys. I had the exact same problem with my umbrella cockatoo and B&G macaw. they both needed my attention so much that i had to sneak around without them knowing. If anyone says my name also the macaw screams he even knows the sound of my door opening when he is downstairs too. it was really really hard.Everyone at home were pissed bec of it. so i decided to let him be with my local breeder for a few weeks. And when i got him back he was alright. but the umbrella cockatoo still hasn't changed much. So you can imagine the difference of the screeches of a conure and these large ones. And i guess these things happen if they're too bored.

 

[Brittany741]

I've had a screaming macaw and a screaming sun conure, and the conure was 10 times worse. Of course it depends on the bird, but conures are SO high pitched, they'll make your head spin.


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[plumsmum2005]

I also endorse the routine and bedtime suggestion. It could be that he feels a little neglected in your busy household. Even if you are feeding the baby and he can't come out just talk to him, make him feel included. If you talk to him like you talk to the baby I'm sure he will respond.

 

[Piasa]

Where is his cage now? Can you put it in a high traffic area like living or dining room? Somewhere he can see you or others frequently. Contact calls stop when they can see you.

He sounds lonely, especially since he made a friend in your niece and she is no longer staying with you. He may be calling for attention, and the more he is punished the more desperate he gets. This isn't a behavior that is going to abruptly stop, it will take a little time but when it goes away he will be much more confident and quiet.

Like mentioned before, eat with him, that is what they do in the wild - that's what a family does. Instead of punishment like cage covering, reward him when he isn't screeching with attention and occasionally a treat. He's like a human, being nice will get you a lot farther than being mean

When you leave him, tell him "I'll be back" or something. He'll learn what this means and not call after you for as long, or not at all.

 

[Piasa]

One more thing.. be consistent. Any of these suggestions aren't going to work if you cave in to the screaming.

 

[Christinenc2000]

I'm sorry if this has been covered before. The search function doesn't seem to be working for me today. I have a 2 year old green cheeked conure that has been screeching up a storm. I'm at my wit's end, I really need this to stop. He didn't do this when we first got him at about 6 months old. My twelve-year-old niece came to live with me for a few months last year. And we found out after she left that she had been getting up early in the morning and late at night and taking him out of his cage and giving him way too much attention. A few months after that we got his wings clipped, and the screeching that have been going on suddenly stopped. That was about September of last year. For the past few months it is started up again. He screeches when he wants out of his cage. He screeches when somebody leaves the room. He screeches when he hears somebody in another room. He's especially screechy when it's either myself or my daughter. He screeches when my 2 month old baby cries. He screeches when a door opens. Sometimes he screeches when he's out of his cage and everybody's in the room and things should be fine. The screeching wakes the baby and anyone else taking a nap at the time. It also it just gets on our nerves.

We've tried covering the cage. We've tried telling him no. We end up moving him into another room where we don't have to listen to him. There are days where he spend all day in another room away from us because all he does is screech. Prior to the baby being born, we tried getting up and leaving the room. That however is not an option anymore. My life is just too full and I cannot abandon the living room every time he makes too much noise. This is neither fair to him or to us. Other than the screeching he's a really good bird. He is loving and kind and he gets along with just about everybody. I would love to let him out of the cage in order to interact with his family, but I don't want to reward the screeching. Although on some very bad days I have let him out because I know part of the screeching is because he misses us, usually after just a few moments of calm. Another issue is that we can't always get to him right away once he calms down enough to either uncover him or let him out. I'm in the middle of feeding or rocking the baby and it takes me 35-40 minutes to an hour to get to him.

Any advice would be appreciated. If I can't find a method that works to curb this I'm going to have to rehome him.

Sounds like he Misses your Niece if she is the one that gave him attention.

This whole thread just makes me sad. You have a new baby so maybe Re-Home your bird might be the way to go. Also kinda strange you have not mentioned his / her name.

 

[JellyBean]

This is very sad... he sounds very lonely. Why can't your bird be out with you the whole time? When I am at home, JellyBean is NEVER in his cage unless absolutely necessary - someone coming to the door etc. I would try giving him loads of attention; letting him be with you whilst you are doing your chores, PC, watching TV, cooking!! You could just try - see if the screeching improves... I bet it will! Good luck with it and keep us posted!

 

[ATidbit]

I just spent an hour typing a response to everyone and the bird deleted it. Sigh. He thinks keyboards are really neat.

The bird is Doc. I must have deleted his name at some point in editing last night. Late Night Baby brain, not so strange if you've experienced it

So I think I need to clarify some things. Some of the advice is great, but some won't work. I really don't want to rehome Doc. My daughter would be heartbroken. And as much as I never wanted a bird (that was hubby), I really enjoy his company. When he isn't raising the roof with noise.

My household consists of myself, hubby, 9 yr old, 2 month old baby, 80 yr old FIL, dog, cat, bird. We used to have fish too

Doc has always spend most of the day in the family room. Prior to the screeching (call this PS, and BB for Before Baby, I'm really sick of typing) he was out of his cage from about 8 or 9 am to 8 pm. He was fully flighted and had the run of the house. He spend hours running around on the back of the couch or hanging with whoever. He still does on good days. I would still say he spends 85% or more time in the family room, which is a big room with the dining area and kitchen too. The only place for the cage is right next to the entertainment center. No amount of rearranging furniture is going to change that. We've always tried to uncover him about 8 am and bedtime is 8 pm. And we live in AZ, so no DST to worry about either After baby, this has needed to be a bit fluid. If you've had a newborn, you get it. Some days I wake with baby before dawn and don't put baby down (literally) until 10 am, while hubby, who took the late shift, is sleeping. Last night at 10pm, after feeding and rocking baby since 7pm, I suddenly realized that Doc was still out of his cage. He'd been really quiet and everyone assumed he was put away. Brains are mush, focus is narrow.

Doc's screeching didn't start with the birth of the baby. It started last July when my niece left. She is a troubled girl with authority issues. She told me later that she thought we were just being "mean" and it wasn't a big deal to spend hours cuddling, petting, and kissing Doc after we told her not to. She wasn't just hanging with him or interacting with him. She was doing all the things I've read and was told by my vet not to do. Around Aug/Sept we got his wings clipped and it magically shut him up. For a while. By December he was back to screeching. The baby was born in Feb.

BB, I would leave the room when he started screaming and return when he was quiet or just talking. Being that the cage is in the common area of the house, this was a big problem. We also aren't talking a few minutes of screeching. Doc will screech constantly for 45 minutes or more. Or every minute or two for hours. There were entire days I would spend in the hallway folding clothes and on the PC or hiding in the bedroom. Things were improving but it was really slow. This is not an option anymore. I can't just abandon the living room. I don't have the time to wait Doc out and then do whatever I need to do. I'm lucky if I get 45 minutes to do chores a couple of times a day. I also can't leave if I'm nursing in the living room or cooking.

As for the positive reinforcement once the unwanted behavior stops, this is problematic. If I'm nursing or dealing with baby, either in the same room or elsewhere in the house, I can't always get to Doc to interact with him or uncover him. As a consequence, he spends more time covered than he should. Sometimes it takes 30 minutes or more for me to be physically able to uncover him or even speak with him. I'm not going to answer Doc's calls from the other room if I'm rocking the baby to sleep. I regret this, but there is nothing I can do right now. Eventually, the baby will get a schedule and I won't be spending every minute of my wakeful times with him (baby boy). But that may not be the case for months. So how do I do this? I'm not sure I can stop covering or moving him. We don't cover or move him the second he starts, sometimes we wait for a while. Just like I can't always uncover Doc, I can't always get to covering or moving him either. I also use moving Doc as a last resort. But if the baby or I need to sleep, I have to do something immediate.

I'm not sure it's all loneliness either. He's squawked when he was on my head and the whole family is there. Sometimes he screeches at things outside. Sometimes his on the couch and hears my daughter in her room. As for why he can't spend every minute I'm home with me, that is just not possible. It wasn't possible BB, definitely not now. Most of my day is spent with baby. I don't want Doc (and his poop) in the nursery, so I rarely bring him in there with me. I also can't take the chance right now that he will start screeching because he hears something elsewhere in the house. If I'm nursing in the living room, I will let Doc snuggle with me occasionally. However, I don't let him hang out with me when I'm holding the baby a lot. Babies startle and move suddenly and if that scares Doc, I can see bad things like bites happening. That wouldn't be the bird or baby's fault, but mine for not controlling the situation. So until the baby is able to be nice, they won't be interacting very much. When I'm not with baby or doing something Doc can't be with me for and Doc is behaving, then he does hang out with me. Doc spent this entire baby nap I was typing with me.

I try to tell Doc I will be back when I leave the room, but I admit I'm not as consistent with that after baby. I'm tired as only a 43 year old mom of a newborn can be. Again, Doc screeches every time one of the outer doors opens (front, garage, back).

I will try to keep him uncovered more and attempt to keep a schedule. I'm not sure I have 10 minutes when I uncover Doc to devote to him, but I will try to find some time. But Doc has to understand that things will never be like they were. He will never get petted for hours on end again. It's not good for him. He will have to adjust this without the screeching.

 

[JerseyWendy]

If you truly want to work with your bird, it WILL require just that: WORK. And LOTS of it. And LOTS of patience, and 'give and take' as well.

If you take the time and search the forum for behavior modification, we have TONS of helpful links. But again, it will take time AND dedication. It wont' happen overnight.

We all want nothing more than for you to work things out with Doc. For you all to be happy and live harmoniously. It's a lifetime adventure. It's also a lifetime learning progress.

 

[Christinenc2000]

I have never been told by this forum or a vet not to cuddle give attention to my Bird. just the opposite. NOT saying one did not tell you that it just seems strange to me.

Doc ( thank you for telling me his name ) Does not understand when you say I will be right back . I went into the yard to pot a plant and my Macaw Flocked called me for 10 min I know they could hear him 1/2 mile down the shore LOL I got the phone call. You just have to deal with it sometimes.

Spending time with your Bird does not mean you have to have them on you . When I come home from work BB sits on his playstand in the kitchen talking and laughing with me. He did not have 100% of my attention but THOUGHT he did lol He just wanted to be where the family was Family = Flock

Doc stated yelling when your niece left because he bonded with her. At least that is what I think.

Wendy gave you some good advise

 

[Piasa]

I wouldn't cover Doc except at night to sleep. If he is anything like my green cheek, that will not stop him from calling anyway. I also think it is mean (not saying you intend it to be, I know it used to be taught as "what to do" with a screaming bird).

You can reward him by making eye contact, whistling to him, or talking to him. It doesn't have to be hands-on.

Perhaps your daughter or husband can try to bond more with/reward Doc, if they are the good guy, that takes the onus off you to entertain him. Maybe one or both of them can try clicker training and teaching Doc to forage for food treats - that will give him lots of healthy things to do.

Since he is by the entertainment center, maybe you can use something like the Birdsitter DVD from Parrot University where Doc can watch other parrots doing bird stuff (not constantly screeching).

There is no magic answer. Most times these battles are hard won. You just use the love you have to make Doc feel safe and wanted, have patience with him, and take the time to guide him into good behavior. That is the only way he will change.

 

[ATidbit]

I still feel like there is a disconnect. I don't know if my sleep deprived brain Justis getting it or I'm not explaining well. Doc isn't locked in his cage whenever he's not with me. He's bonded with everybody in the household. And spends time with each of us. I'm not the only one that has to entertain him. This is a rough idea of how the day works. I get up, deal with one or both children, and try to get doc uncovered as close to 8 as I can. Sometimes that ends up as 10am though. Sometimes my daughter can do it before she goes to school. I change his food and water and open the cage. I'm going about my business, the bird is on top of his cage, we're answering each other. Everything is fine. Then he hears the shower running and starts screeching. I leave the room if I can, but he continues to screech for an hour. At some point I put him back in the cage and cover him so he won't wake the baby. I come back 20 min later and uncover him, let him back out, and talk to him. Later that day, my FIL is sitting in the room, Doc is on the couch with hubby, I'm in the kitchen. Doc hears daughter in her bedroom, and starts up again.

Here. This just happened. As I sit here in the baby's room, doc started screeching. Why? Daughter is doing homework in her bedroom, FIL is in the living room, I'm in baby's room (who jumps every time the bird squawks, and I had him almost asleep. With a white noise machine), and hubby just left the house. Doc was out of his cage. Doc screeched for 15 min. Now he's quiet. I can't reward him because I'm putting baby back to sleep. I will be stuck in this chair for the next hour. During which Doc will screech several more times. FIL probably left the room because Doc is annoying. FIL won't think to go back into the room once Doc is quiet. I've asked him to do that over and over again. He's 80.

So what do you do? What do you do when you're all in the room and he still screeching for some reason? Do we all have to leave the room? What exactly do you mean by ignoring him just no eye contact and no talking or touching? Because we did that all the time. And he will literally squawk for hours.

 

[ATidbit]

I don't mind the work, and I don't expect a quick miracle cure, but I have to see progress, even slow progress. I've been trying to fix this since July. I tried to fix this prior to the baby's birth because I knew I was going to have little energy or time to devote to this. I feel like I've tried everything.

FIL just walked down the hall. Bird is screeching again because he saw some one. And Doc can fly still, not far or high, but he flies to the couch or my daughter's room often.

 

[ATidbit]

One more thing. Sorry for all this. My vet told me proximity and interaction, ie games, talking, teaching tricks, sitting on someone's head/shoulder/hand or somewhere nearby were all fine. Do as much as you want. It's the cuddling and petting that I have to limit. Something about the bird mistaking me for a mate or overstimulating his sex drive. That is what my niece was doing. Scratching Doc's neck for an hour. Holding him in her hands and stroking his back. Kissing him.

Doc has and does spend whole afternoons in my daughter's room on the back of her chair while she does her own thing. Occasional pets and calls, but for the most part, just keeping company together.

 

[plumsmum2005]

Sometimes when life is stressful it makes it harder to cope with the demands of being a good parront. You basically know what to do and with the advice given I'm sure you will get back on track. Try to relax a little about Doc, he will pick up your stress. I have a Conure to stay for many weeks during the year and he makes a complete racket but if I call him back and reassure him, he's all good again, the flock called him back. So this is the difficult part do you reassure him verbally that all's well or do you ignore it as bad behaviour? He probably is a little unsure of things because of the baby also. BTW have you invested in any new toys to interest him lately?

 

[Christinenc2000]

You really really sound stressed. And a Fid that yells will not help the situation. I pet my Macaw extended times. He sat on my lap Saturday while I watched a movie and I scratched his head / back and I opened some Pin feathers for him. Um About 45 min or more

If the shower made him yell maybe he was trying to tell you he wanted a bath.

I want to help I really do but please read over your own post with open mind. It is very negative .

 

[BIRDIGIRL]

I still feel like there is a disconnect. I don't know if my sleep deprived brain Justis getting it or I'm not explaining well. Doc isn't locked in his cage whenever he's not with me. He's bonded with everybody in the household. And spends time with each of us. I'm not the only one that has to entertain him. This is a rough idea of how the day works. I get up, deal with one or both children, and try to get doc uncovered as close to 8 as I can. Sometimes that ends up as 10am though. Sometimes my daughter can do it before she goes to school. I change his food and water and open the cage. I'm going about my business, the bird is on top of his cage, we're answering each other. Everything is fine. Then he hears the shower running and starts screeching. I leave the room if I can, but he continues to screech for an hour. At some point I put him back in the cage and cover him so he won't wake the baby. I come back 20 min later and uncover him, let him back out, and talk to him. Later that day, my FIL is sitting in the room, Doc is on the couch with hubby, I'm in the kitchen. Doc hears daughter in her bedroom, and starts up again.

Here. This just happened. As I sit here in the baby's room, doc started screeching. Why? Daughter is doing homework in her bedroom, FIL is in the living room, I'm in baby's room (who jumps every time the bird squawks, and I had him almost asleep. With a white noise machine), and hubby just left the house. Doc was out of his cage. Doc screeched for 15 min. Now he's quiet. I can't reward him because I'm putting baby back to sleep. I will be stuck in this chair for the next hour. During which Doc will screech several more times. FIL probably left the room because Doc is annoying. FIL won't think to go back into the room once Doc is quiet. I've asked him to do that over and over again. He's 80.

So what do you do? What do you do when you're all in the room and he still screeching for some reason? Do we all have to leave the room? What exactly do you mean by ignoring him just no eye contact and no talking or touching? Because we did that all the time. And he will literally squawk for hours.

I may be wrong but my guess is that Doc is still flock calling your niece and even when he sees the family gathered together his special person is always missing. He cant explain this to you in your languange so he calls and calls as loud as he can in the hope that your niece will answer him and come and play with him. This is sad for Doc. He hears a sound and he thinks perhaps your niece might be in another room or outside the door and he starts calling again. I would suggest that when Doc wakes up in the morning let him perch on your hand or your shoulder and walk him through each room of the house so he can see your niece isnt there... repeat this proceedure at least twice more at intervals during the day...he needs to see all the rooms because he doesnt believe that your niece is not there and he thinks she is somewhere hiding or waiting for him...if its not safe to bring him into a room then get a little aviator harness for him and keep him close to you by controling the harness or place him in a small carrier where he can view everything and carry him from room to room secured in the carrier and even let him look in the garden if he is calling at sounds in that direction too. He needs to learn that your niece nolonger lives in the house with you. I know somebody somewhere here on this forum wrote a post on this very subject(different type of parrot discussed in the post) and it made complete sence to me when I read it. Our parrots see the world from a parrots point of view not from a humans point of view and we need to approach every problem from that position if we are ever to find answers to the problems we perceive they are having. But sometimes the problems we perceive are not really problems at all but are us not understsnding what our parrots are sometimes to the point of frustration trying to tell us. You are a new mom you dont treat your baby like it is an adult you try and understand the world from your babys needs point of view. Its exactly the same with a parrot you try to see the world through their eyeys and their needs and do your best for them. If at the moment you cant manage the time to spend with Doc to help him over his grief for his special person and help him rebond again with a member of the family or more than one member (though parrots usually do have a favourite person even when they are a family bird) then perhaps it is time to consider for Docs sake rehoming him, and the first home I think you should consider if it is at all possible to do so, is your niece if she is capable of caring for him . I know you said your daughter would be heart broken if you were to rehome Doc so before trying to rehome him perhaps you could try encouraging your daughter to cuddle him and play with him alot more and who knows perhaps she might become his favourite person too and the screaming might stop. Im not an expert by any means but these are my thoughts on Doc and why he might be screaming ...hope it helps ..covering him for periods during the day I guarantee you is not going to help its only making the problem worse and he does need to be awake by 8 am otherwise you are upsetting his inbuilt clock...and I also think your 8pm deadline for bed is good too but make sure all is quiet around him and that he gets a good nights sleep...if this is not possible then place him in a smaller cage at night in an area of the house that is quiet where he can get a good nights sleep...humans get grumpy too when their sleep is interupted and their inbuilt clock gets put out of scelter thr same applies to a parrot...just a few things to think about.

 

[BIRDIGIRL]

One more thing. Sorry for all this. My vet told me proximity and interaction, ie games, talking, teaching tricks, sitting on someone's head/shoulder/hand or somewhere nearby were all fine. Do as much as you want. It's the cuddling and petting that I have to limit. Something about the bird mistaking me for a mate or overstimulating his sex drive. That is what my niece was doing. Scratching Doc's neck for an hour. Holding him in her hands and stroking his back. Kissing him.

Doc has and does spend whole afternoons in my daughter's room on the back of her chair while she does her own thing. Occasional pets and calls, but for the most part, just keeping company together.

I will just respond to this by saying Im glad your vet is not my vet for I would get really annoyed with him...I dont agree with him...conures are flock birds they are used of their flock having contact with them and preening them etc...your vet is wrong Doc needs contact from all of you