Matthew

Tucker has recently taken a liking to my roommate, but my roommate would rather not have anything to do with Tucker. As soon as Tucker sees him in the morning or when he gets home from work he raises his wings slightly and flaps them a little. He also calls out with high pitched noises which get progressively louder and can last for hours. Needless to say, my roommate is not thrilled by this behavior and neither is anyone living on my block. It's usually the worst when I'm not home, so I feel like I have very little control over it. It seems to me like it's a hormonal thing and he's chosen my roommate as his mate. Tucker is about 3 years old, and I've heard they can be very hormonal during this time. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to deal with this? Also, does anyone know if sleep cycle is related to hormonal issues? Right now he gets 8-10 hours of sleep, but usually closer to 8. I was wondering if maybe giving him a sleep cage and putting him to bed earlier might snap him out of this.

So, you don't feel that the cleaners evaporating into the air the bird is breathing is a concern at all?? Really?? I've read horror stories about things as seemingly harmless as Febreze killing birds. I've decided to just spot clean it for now and wait for spring to move the couch to the back porch to have it cleaned, leaving it there until it's completely dry. I don't want Tucker or myself breathing in those fumes.

I got a quote from a company called Chem-dry. They claim everything they use is non-toxic, but I'd feel better if I knew someone else had used them and had no problems. I live in a small apartment, so I really can't move the birds to another room.

The material is 65% rayon and that's all I know about it right now. I'm mostly concerned about what's safe for birds. I'm worried the chemicals used in professional cleaning could be harmful.

Does anyone know of a safe upholstery cleaner? We went away on vacation and the person watching our place spilled what looks like coffee all over our new couch. Any ideas on how to get out or at least lighten the stain? Thanks!

Suzzique wrote: That's so funny. Tucker does the same thing. He'll mimic a noise or bird he heard outside, but louder. I always have to remind my fiends that a cute little whistled tune isn't as fun at full volume.

I'm going to be gone for a week later this fall and have started getting everything ready for the birds. What all do you guys do to get your birds ready for your absence. Any overly obsessive thing you insist on doing, such as calling home more than once a day? I'll get all of their meals ready and portioned out. I also always get a new special toy they can shred while I'm gone. Those bird pinatas work really well. Tucker also has a chain with beads and a role of cash register tape he can pull out and shred. I also have someone stay at my place. Stopping in for a little bit to feed them and play just isn't enough.

I found this quick explanation of flower essences. http://birdloversonly.blogspot.com/2007/10/bach-flower-remedies.html They really are amazing. Every bird owner should at least have one of the Rescue formulas around. I only use very small amounts on the birds. I'll spray one mist a couple feet above them. I really want to learn more about using diluted mixes in their water. I'm leaving for a week long trip soon, and thought maybe they would help Tucker with his separation anxiety. He tends to sit in the corner of his cage and look all sad the whole time I'm gone. Poor little guy.

I bet natural baby wipes would work great for cleaning around bird cages. I've never used them myself, but 7th Generation makes baby wipes that shouldn't have anything bad in them. Might just have to pick up a pack.

I've been trying to discourage Tucker from climbing down his cage too. Every now and again, he just has to run down and attack toes. He'll also try to get the remote if it ends up on the floor. I have yet to come up with a good way to discourage this. Let me know if anything works for anyone.

I like this stuff. http://cleanwelltoday.com/index.html?detectflash=false I prefer to only use natural products around my birds. It's so much easier just not to use any of the conventional stuff than trying to figure out what's safe and what's not.

I'd assume he hasn't fledged yet either. You should really read into this. I know with greys it's very important they are allowed to learn to fly. It builds confidence.

I really think it's best to feed asparagus raw. Mine likes the top part the most. I'd never microwave any vegetables, you're just ruining them, boiling too. If you must cook, steaming would be better. Just don't cook it too long.

As hard as it is, ignoring him is best. I also whisper to Tucker when he's being too loud and tell him, "Tucker, shh calm down buddy." Now when he gets worked up, all I have to do is say Tucker and he starts whispering the rest. They are such smart birds, you just have to make sure you're training them to do what you want, not reinforcing the negatives. Giving him attention or being loud when he does something wrong just makes the whole thing fun and he'll want to do it more. Hope it all works out.

That's a tough one. I hope he's eating something. How was he weaned? Do you ever give him a warm meal? Also, be sure to keep your own emotions in check when dealing with this. Greys are amazing at reading peoples energy.

LadyJayne4Toby wrote: Do you really give your bird herbal tea? I love tea, and never thought of making some for Tucker too. He loves doing everything I do. I'd make sure it wasn't too hot of course. What teas could you give a bird?

Glad to hear Tigger is ok. Tucker somehow managed to knock one of his perches off one day and fell. I didn't see it happen, but he's hated that perch ever since. I kept it hidden for several months. As soon as he saw it again, he freaked out and screamed bloody murder! Sounds like Tigger isn't such a chicken though.

Tucker does that when he tries things for the first time too. I've never given him pomegranate though. I just don't want to have to clean that up.

My money is on Cinnamon Pearl. Is it losing some of the yellow? Looks like it's a male going through it's first molt. This of course is just a guess. I haven't even thought about cockatiel genetics in many many years.

I guess I should mention that I'm in the US.

Does anyone here have bird health insurance? Are there any good ones out there? I've looked into it before, but read some stories of it not really covering much.

I'm just curious why this was moved to the African Grey forum when it's not specifically about greys? It's about using flower essences to calm emotions such as fear when working with birds. I could see the Health section, since it does deal with emotional health.<br><br>Post edited by: Matthew, at: 2008/09/22 03:56

Dave007 wrote: Um...what?

I'm assuming that information is how it's processed in humans. Do we have any information on how well birds can utilize vitamin D supplements? Are you saying that D3 in his pellets should be enough for him? If that's the case he shouldn't be deficient in vitamin D which would mean lights wouldn't help with the feathers. So is the belief behind light more to do with the colors birds see in?

Does anyone here use flower essences on their birds? I've had really good luck with FES Animal Rescue Formula and I've also used Bach Rescue Remedy. Also, does anyone use them in their birds water? I've only used the sprays. How much do you need to dilute them down for water use? When I was working with Burnie (a stressed out cockatiel I adopted a few years ago) she really seemed to calm down if I sprayed one quick mist over her cage before handling her. It's also helped Tucker (CAG) accept changes better. Anyone else had any luck with them?