Cobi Hay

Hey! Every proud parent is sure that their baby is the best :-D

I just love it when they eat and get a little dirty around the beak. Just like children :-) Neptune after a healthy meal.

Update... Yesterday for the first time, He signed that he wants to be rubbed around the neck, while sitting on my shoulder. Well he was doing that a couple of days ago, but when I tried to pat him he avoided my touch. Yesterday he didn't avoid my touch - He actually partly closed his eyes and looked happy about the whole thing. So guess we are doing alright! :-)

Hey - I got exactly the same cage! Had to remove the seed catchers though - no room for 'em in the niche. So got a bit more dirty here and there. But it's cool - i just pull the cage from place twice a week and clean below it. How about general cleaning? On the daily basis I use water with very little soap (and make sure it's all removed). Once a month or so, I just take the cage to the front yard and rinse it thoroughly with a garden hose. 20 minutes in the hot sun and it's dry and shiny. I loved the idea of using Vinegar and Hydrogen peroxide! It's not harmful for the parrot ? Should I take him away from the cage while cleaning? How many times a week would you recommend on using that type of cleaning method?

Thank you for the article! I enjoyed reading and learning a lot from it. Neptune is on my shoulder at the moment and I m reading him aloud stuff from this conversation and he seems to be enjoying it (plus trimming feathers and rubbing his head on my nose)

Thank you all for the advices and help. I'm seeing a little progress with my little one and it makes me glad. I agree with your opinion, though I still feel that he is scared of my hands. I get a very strong and nervous reaction from him esp. when he's placed on my palms. Clear and very very sharp there. He wouldn't mind any other part of my body (eg. lap, shoulder, arm) but when it comes to my palms he is afraid to be on my arm and afraid from my touch. Maybe it's a combination of few things, but what I'm doing (or trying to do, with your kind help), is settle things so I can tell what is wrong exactly, and how can it be fixed. I was reading the article posted here about the parrot "hierarchy" and was reading a few more posts from the same person, who wrote there something interesting: He said that one parrot entangled in his friend's hair, and she had to remove him while holding him - and he added that it took her a few months to make her parrot feel more relaxed with her touch. I believe we are talking about the same situation here: A parrot that is growing up, trying to find himself, but also having some kind of "trauma" from something I accidentally did. Here is something. I held him on my palm, which he tried to avoid. So I held his legs between my fingers, not applying pressure but not letting him jump or climb. I used my softest and most soothing voice and told him he's cute, that I love him, and that he's wonderful. And asked him to relax. After a minute or so (which looked like ever) of wing flapping he relaxed. Something I've learned is that "hysteria" of any kind is a very potent state of mind. But the brain can keep hysteria for about a minute or so, and then it stops. After this hysterical minute he got relaxed. And started noticing I'm talking to him, then answered me with little sounds which I already connect with relaxation (A small "koo" sound, that usually is followed with him patting me with his beak and head or showing other types of affection). After seeing he's cool I told him he's a good boy, placed him on my shoulder and told him we're going to get him something to chew on. We went to the kitchen, I chopped a fresh carrot for him (He loves carrots) and placed him all relaxed in the cage with a chopped carrot and some wooden beads for play. Hope I was doing right... (Though I know he's very stubborn and will act the same way next time I try to place him on my palm...)

Ok 2 different aspects here for the discussion: 1. Shirt subject/button subject: I didn't actually refer to the buttons - I referred to the "no" enforcement. As I was stating in the beginning of this discussion, I have a delicate situation with Neptune, which apparently lost his trust in me, and am working hard on gaining his trust again. Under this circumstances, should I stop a bad behavior, or just let it be and keep the "training" for later on? 2. Shoulder sitting: He begs for it. He wouldn't give it up for a second. When I place him on my palm he projects uncomfortableness (wing flapping, trying to jump away etc.) and this is part of the problem I was discussing earlier, saying that he is scared of my hands. Under this case, should I just place him down from my shoulder? Or just let it be until he's more relaxed and then fix it? I must add another thing here. Yesterday he allowed me to give him a little pat on the back of his head, in the first time ever. And it was when he were on my shoulder. So I guess he feels more relaxed there. He has never bitten me aggressively. Even though he does plays with my fingernails and sometimes uses too much pressure there. But it's more of playing me thinks.

Azzie, thank you for the reply! Neptune is cutest while sitting on my shoulder. It's just that I understood that being on my shoulder is not so good 'cos it makes him feel high on hierarchy?

Heard you all and doing what you recommended! A new question raised: He tries to nip on my shirt buttons etc. How should i treat a misbehave? Should I use the time out method? Should I look at him and say in a scolding tone "Don't do that?" And what about climbing my shoulder (which he constantly tries to do) should I let him? I know that being on my shoulder is not a very good thing sometimes? Cobi

Amazing. Extremely rare. I don't think anyone in Israel has one in person - only in public zoos. Just the thought of the huge pile of papers you need to get filled for actually having such a bird is .... Guess it's different in the US?

Hey All ! Some news. As you all expected, me guessing, we are having some ups and downs. It's not going smoothly and sometimes I must admit it's disappointing and difficult because I feel there is a small progress, and then a step backward. But I'm working very hard because it's important for me. Every time I feel it "glitches" backwards, I just take it easy, place Neptune back and give us both some time to rest. Did something which I might should have done long ago - Got a clicker. I do feel it's a good thing because it's new for both me and Neptune - a "clean" and new page to start from. I'm doing some basics. Step up/down commands. Talking. Reading aloud . I do try to give a little pat here and there but he gets all stiffened and tries to escape. I also noticed that the first thing Neptune is doing when I open the cage is going backwards. Sorry - I just don't understand what's the magic here: How will a parrot that practically avoid me change? To share with you guys - I think the hardest part was going to the pet store, seeing a few beautiful CAGs there, and they were playful and asked for patting and cuddling! And I was like - what am I doing wrong? I was his only keeper. Bought him directly from the breeder when he was 3 months. I honestly thought his behavior is normal (avoiding my contact) 'till I saw other CAGS and heard stories from other keepers who have a wonderful feathered companions. Well I guess i'll just keep trying. I can't do anything else right?

In this case - for how long should you use the "time out" method ? a few minutes ?

Well first of all thank you all for the wonderful discussion here. I learned a lot. However, it keeps me puzzled: Giving the parrot a "Time out" is a GOOD thing. However, this is exactly what they want: Being left alone. How do you build interaction with a parrot that way? If every time they acts "badly" you just place them back in the cage, and being in the cage - left alone - IS what the parrot wants anyways, what good will it make anyways? It's like raising a modern child, that has a PC, TV, WIFI, PlayStation and everything in their room, and as act of "punishment" or "time out" (They didn't do their homework, for example) you sent them to that room! Heck, I wouldn't care having such a punishment myself. Wouldn't it encourage them to do exactly the same thing again and again? Bite. Misbehave and get their peace of mind?

How does this work ? I always try to mix old toys with new ones. So yesterday's wooden beads are today's "find the treat in a bowl full with beads". :-) Just finished making a fancy toy from wooden beads, linen and raffia strings, plastic "jewels", cuttlefish bone, leather parts from older parrot toys etc, all based on 2 stainless still stripes that were part of a wooden ladder Neptune disassembled. Placed the entire construction on a large wooden 8 digit (which is usually used on doors to mark the number of your house). My parrot is crazy about that toy. Ate about 20% of it already. For that special key like toy - I'd combine it somehow or place it in a little more difficult place to reach, to add some action for your parrot's gathering habits :-) Btw - Was googeling for tall boy clothing basket and didn't find exactly what's that? Thank you Cobi

Great site. thank you

Did that. He just passed over me and climbed to the top of the cage, sitting there and looking at me. Thank you all for the support :-) Im taking it step by step and I'll let you all know about my progress. So far I had one little success: He allowed me patting him for a few seconds today inside the cage without moving away. I told him "good boy" and gave him a small treat. It happened again and then I decided to let go. Not push it too much at the same time and leave him with a good taste for the next encounter.

Jay Point taken (Oh get the pennies out of my reef tank!). I'll use a plastic jar instead. Thanks again! :-)

Oh here is a nice toy that im planning on making: A plastic tube with a simple screw on each side (big enough for them not to swallow) . Place inside some nuts the parrot can see. I was told it takes 'em a few days to understand how to unscrew it and get the yummy treats inside. it's a good leg toy as well.

Hey Jay! For sure you are right about taking the safer side. This specific jar is sold with babies food (fruit mesh of some kind) so i tend to believe it's not toxic. I've seen other people using the same jar with parrots! The busy boxes look AMAZING Think one can DIY something like that?

Ok Here are some updates (and thank you all again for all the ideas and support!) I placed Neptune on a table, placed some toys on the table so he could play. Placed some treat next to me and told Neptune that he got some free time and he can play and do whatever he wants. To my surprise he ran towards me and tried to jump from the table to my chair. I said hello - Have some treats! And he ignored the treats and just jumped on my chair, climbed on my lag and sat on my knee. Again, far away from my reach so I can't pat him. He was just sitting there having fun and fixing his feathers. Back in the cage later, and through the bars, he was signing to me he wants patting. When I opened the cage he ran from my hand. Closing it again, he came to the bars asking me to pat him. So on and on. When I gave up he went to one of the toys, shoved it a little so it would move and placed his head below it, so the toy would pat him. He really wants to be patted. Just not by me (?)

Are you guys telling me I have a bandit at home or something? Maybe I should call the police? I got a really nice cage here, it wasn't the cheapest and the real cool thing is the way the main door is locked: With 2 bars in separated sides of the door so you need human hands (with thumbs) to open both bars, and they are ... oh heck I'll buy a lock, alright. ;-) BTW i think he's smarter than me as well.

What a wonderful idea! Thank you! I'll do that :-)

With a huge laugh I wish to tell you all that my Neptune was able to open a little glass jar with a metal screw covering . I placed a few seeds inside, and made sure the jar is transparent so he could see what's inside. Took him 3 days to solve the riddle and open the jar (which how he did it, is still a mystery for me). It's open and empty and he got that "now what?" look in his eyes. That's his first jar. So far I gave him only easy riddles, like carton boxes which are easy to chew, pine acorns (steamed and washed of course) with seeds inside their folds. Plates covered with papers etc. Wow I'm proud of him :-). Suggestions for a bit harder riddle ?

Im shocked of this owner, and bravo to you for rescuing this poor thing out of there ! Dave is pissed off. I tend to agree with him but considering his signature saying it's all a state of mind I'll see it differently: I'm happy. She found a better home. Take it slowly and good luck.

First of all - thank you people for the help and the good advices. I've been scanning the goodbirdinc site looking for some good training book. I've seen there is an E-book i can download, and it contains Articles and videos. It looks cool and im planning on mailing the site asking if it's captioned (for hard of hearing people). As for now: Im having alot of progress. Neptune learned a new word: Daddy. And he says is all the time and it's funny. He even mumbled "good boy" today and he imitates my laughter so I think your tips were very helpful. Just taking it from step one: Giving a lot of good feedback. Sunflower seeds. He even accepted some patting today in the cage. Placed him on top of the cage (there are a few toys there) and was just waiting patiently there. After some playing around he came to me for some seeds, took them and went back to the other side. I must mention it's a big change since in the past he wouldn't even come for a treat. What I actually do is coming to the cage randomly. Talking a little. Offering some treats and making him feel more confident. I feel it works but as you all already said - it will take some time.