TAG behavior

[tlcgourdine]

So the good news is we are making amazing progress with our adopted 10yr old TAG Bailey, just today she has given my husband several kisses through the cage!! There is one slightly aggresive behavior that is leaving us wonder....is that aggressive or is it not. Bailey is currently still in quarantine and is in the same cage as she has been for I believe the last 10yrs, as well as a few toys including a bell that hangs in the centre of the cage...this bell being the issue. She will randomly attack it and pretty aggresively fling it around the cage, we are not sure if this is just play or if she is upset. As we are well conditioned to the behaviour of our Quaker we are not sure about Bailey....yet. We would appreciate and are open to any tips that may help us and Bailey adjust.

 

[Chris Winkler]

I would say she is playing. Echo has a bell hanging on the outside of his cage and he will get really wound up playing with it.

In fact it is his favorite toy and the one time I moved it to a different location he was so upset!

Needless to say that is now the only toy I don't move around.

 

[Printer bird]

I don't know about TAGs but my green cheek has a bell that he puffs up at and attacks and yells at (and then the next moment he is holding onto it and scratching his head!). I think a lot of birds just like to have an surrogate enemy toy that they enjoy beating up on occasion.

 

[peg53]

Hi it is great that you are making such good progress, TAGS make great pets and it is always more rewarding when you have had to work hard to get such good results. I would not worry about your Bailey being rough with his toys my TAG is exactly the same he bangs about with his mirror.

 

[SharonC]

Yes, it's play.

Fred gets really rough with one of his toys, and screams at it! It used to scare me at first, as he sounds VICIOUS!

 

[Spiritbird]

My TAG Rosie will attack certain toys with a great amount of energy. I believe this is to relieve any pent up frustrations. As others have said it is perfectly normal.

 

[tlcgourdine]

Thank you all so much, makes me feel way better knowing she is probably just playing and not warning us.....this is what I will do to you!!!
NEXT QUESTION. As we are bringing her to the Vet on Tuesday we thought opening her cage yesterday to maybe see if she would come out would be a good idea....Not!! She has yet in the almost week that we have had her showed any signs of cage aggression when we touch it or change her food bowls(seperate openings) but when she heard the click of the main latch she sprung towards the door and frantically was either trying to get out or trying to stop my husband from opening it!!! Of course at this point we quickly relocked it as we thought she was going to go into full flight and possibly hurt herself or attack us...Is it more likely that she just wants out or that she is cage possesive...It was pretty freightening as up until then she has been pretty calm. This is a great example of 1 step forward....3 steps back

 

[Spiritbird]

So I think you need to get her used to the sound of the cage lock. Just open the lock and close the lock repeatidly until she pays not attention. It is just something that is making her afraid. Also try putting a perch on the inside of the door of the cage. This will help get her out of cage and into cage. She will eventually try the new perch.

 

[peg53]

I agree you just need to condition her to the sound of the cage door. My TAG went through a similar thing and what we did was positive reinforcement my husband would talk and give ruby a piece of grape and I would open and close the door while she was distracted. Now she does not even look when I open the door I have a perch in the door way offer my hand and out she comes. Just find one of his favorite bits of food and then eventually swap it for a fuss. These things always seam a little tough in the early days but even with the 3 back steps that step forward is crucial and you will be so glad you persevered. xx

 

[tlcgourdine]

Woohoo I am happy to announce that after a looooong 2 weeks Bailey came out of her cage!!! Oh she was such a good girl, we took some advice and have been giving her treats by the door and clicking the lock open and close to get her used to our hands being around that area...and wow it made a huge difference. Anyway she came out slowly sat in the door for a bit and then made her way up..when she finally reached the top she stretched out her wings to the fullest and made the most gentle little flaps, oh I'm sure that felt so good to her, she then went into a serious grooming regime, I could see the happiness in her face I just sat there and admired her beauty, and so happy that she was out I couldn't help but tear up. There was a small moment when she became startled(teenager banging aroung in the next room) and flew off her cage, I had made sure that there was nothing she may have hurt herself on..but now I had to get her back to the cage.....I was thrilled she stepped right up on my arm with no hestitation, no bite, no scream!!! I truly wanted to give her the biggest hug ever..in time, in time
Thank you for reading through my winded happiness...Yah for Bailey
P.S. Bailey is actually a boy..shhhh it's a secret.

 

[Spiritbird]

Timnehs are such wonderful birds. They are gentle and very people oriented. Those guardians that have this bird in their life are very fortunate. It sounds like Bailey has responded to your loving care. Do you have another cage for him after quarantine is over? I would love to see some photos of him.

 

[tlcgourdine]

SB you are right, I am so fortunate to have Bailey she is truly a wonderful bird, her gentleness is so welcomed and I hope she knows how much we love her...We do have a wonderful new cage for Bailey..much bigger than her present and one that she will be able to spread her wings in, I know she will welcome it. I just wish I could make time go faster, I hate having her in quarantine, my husband and I ask each other almost everynight...should we bring her down to meet Poncho....no, no we can't yet..it is for the best. SB I will ask you this Bailey is very, very quiet...she will whistle or beep every now and then but that is it. When I talk to her she just stares at me, do you think she is sad. I am so used to Poncho and his verbal diaherra, we never have to ask him what he needs or wants. So many people tell me that Timnehs are big talkers, noise makers...I just want her to be happy

 

[Park it]

Hi im new here my login is Park it........i just cant figure out how to post a question. i see how to relpy but not how to start a new post? Please help

 

[tlcgourdine]

As a junior member myself I am still learing as well, I figured I could only post as a new member...did it twice and I just keep adding to the same posts!!! I need help too. Welcome to the forum, as you will soon realize everyone here is so nice and so willing to help, it has been my life line for the last few weeks. Good luck!

 

[birdiemomma]

Go to the tab on top of the page that says Forums. Pick which forum you want to post your topic in & then there is a button that says new thread. Click that and you can make a new thread

 

[Spiritbird]

Timmies are not noisy birds. They do have their moments though. Rosie likes to sings her songs, whistle and talk in the am, pm and when there is any other noise like music or TV. Being quiet is really not something to be concerned about. When the quarantine is over she will show her colors. Quarantine is no fun for the bird or us. I think the Quakers make more noise than the greys.

 

[tlcgourdine]

[Quakers make more noise than the greys]

So True SB..speaking of how is Kiwi doing?

 

[Spiritbird]

He is fine. Taking his medication like a pro. Thanks for asking.