kmz

Sheba the 35yo Cockatoo is extremely affectionate. There is a nice stand with a big manzanita branch on top of the cage. Ideally the birds would climb up and exercise there wings and enjoy being out of the cage. Greyson does but not Sheba she immediately climbs down to the floor and searches, she would love to get into the closet, bathroom trash basket, the couch cushions and DESTROY i mean chew, chew, chew and more chewing. I can't hold her and pet her constantly so I place a towel on the ground and cover her up with it. She is content to stay the chewing and fluffing for an hour or more. Sometimes when I'm away I have a friend of mine come and stay with the birds. He loves Sheba, he will hold her and cuddle with her for hours. Many times falling asleep on the couch with her, unaware of her use of my cushions as her material for her new nest. Anyway she has recently started this horrible scream, with every almost breath getting louder and now has the Grey doing it also. So some say don't respond to it, which is almost impossible without leaving. Because of the attention she has been getting from their babysitter and him responding to the scream it's gotten worse. When I'm home the consistency and volume increases until I yell from my bedroom, "HUSH" "BE QUIET!" "SHUT UP" Whelp, now you guessed it, Greyson new words are "SHUT UP" with a little more appeal and less attitude then myself. Is there another solution to stopping this excited obsessive screach? A friend of mine who has birds suggested I squirt them with water, when I mist them they seem to enjoy it. Could she mean with a stream? Another source says don't respond with negativity or punishment they don't associate it with the behavior they just want you to respond. I have covered their cage but feel Greyson shouldn't have to be punished also, since Sheba is the instigator. Any advice is appreciated. Another thing she starts doing is when she is being held or picked up or give any type of affection she starts panting like a dog that is heated. With her mouth wide open. It seems when she is getting love she starts the panting. In the past I don't let her continue this I will stop petting her and tell her to calm down. I instructed the babysitter to do the same. He said she regurgitated on him the other day. I told him this although is an indication of affection, I don't want to encourage her to become more obsessive. Any advice?<br><br>Post edited by: kmz, at: 2009/03/19 21:19

My name is Michelle, a couple of years ago my roommate asked if she could bring her x-brother-in-law birds to the house because they were being neglected, left in the cage in a dark room no attention, ect... I said yes under trial situation with conditions that she care and clean up after the birds. She did neither but within a couple of days I had bought books toys and treats and began my relationships. Sheba was a 30 year old Cockatoo she is very affectionate and Greyson an 10 yr African Grey who is talkative but unsocial and bites. Only if startled off the cage and on the ground would she get up on finger. My roommate moved out and I took care of them for about a year. Then I had to move and could not take them to my new place. So they returned to the house owners brothers house. They remained there for about 2years. I recently got a place where I could have pets again. When I found out that the birds hadn't been out of the cage since I returned them I agreed to take care of them again. They seem real happy I guess. Greyson whistling and talking more and more. I haven't alot of experience with birds and I look forward to learning from of all you. I have lots of questions and look forward to healping these birds live happy healthy lives. I would not normally have birds as pets but they are better off with me then where they were. Any advice and suggestions would be appreciated and welcomed