Weighing IRN

[Caltin419]

Hello new friends! I got a sweet little IRN from a breeder in May. She is now 5 months old. In the process of training, she went into her first molt and bluffing stage. While still playful and sweet, she has no desire to be touched. I give her TLC all day and her body language and vocals tell me she's happy. I need to weigh her but want advice from experienced IRN owners. It was much easier with my tame budgie. The last thing I want to do is stress my little Luna out. I'm also pregnant, so I have to be cautious of bites and scratches. I plan to take her for a vet checkup once her molt eases but that can be weeks out. The vet did tell me to weigh her every other day until she can come in. I appreciate any help

 

[munami]

Welcome ot the forum Caltin419 and Luna! I'm no experienced IRN owner but have you tried making a weighing perch out of PVC and self adhesive bandages for her? I got my husband to make me one for less than $10. It's much more natural for her to step up onto the perch than for me to plop her onto the scale. I always give her treats regardless for stepping up on there.

 

[Caltin419]

Thank you! I actually was overthinking it lol I had her step up onto the perch I was using for training before her molt started. I had the postal scale on the couch. After a few attempts, she stepped on it. I got an accurate reading I do like your idea though. Our budgie used to just plop on top. IRNs are just so coo coo sometimes :18:

 

[SailBoat]

Scheduling weighing is very important as if you just weigh when you think about it, you will get very inconsistent number and drive yourself crazy.

The very best schedule is to weigh first thing in the morning just after your Parrot's first morning movement and prior to you providing food and drink. This assure that you are weighing an empty Parrot and variations will be factual.

 

[Caltin419]

Yes, the vet said every other day. I just needed to get her a little more comfortable. She did well earlier. Thank you for the advice in regards to weighing her in the mornings. I will likely put her near the scale a few times a day as she adjusts to different things fairly easily. She's so sweet but nippy at times. I just walk away for a few minutes when she strikes. I don't want her to be entertained if I yelp or say no. Just taking my time since she is having her first molt.