Popsicle

Aww you'll get there with the yelling issue. Is Zak female? haha Have you ever sexed him? I find it funny how crazy about your BF he is. And I did hear many times parrots can adjust to our schedule and be happy with that. It's good to hear he's doing fine in the new environment.

Like Paul I didn't know that teflon, air freshener and candles could kill a bird. Believe it or not but I also didn't know about feather plucking. My birds never plucked and I had never seen one that did before. Another thing I didn't know was what types of food could be poisonous to them. I didn't know that our birds see us as their flock. And didn't know anything about training and positive reinforcement. In other words I didn't know lots of important things that I should have learnt before getting a parrot. lol But I learnt a lot since coming to the forum and reading books and articles. I think it's never too late and everyone should do it before getting a parrot. It's essential for their well being.

Lovely pictures indeed, Morana. Zak looks healthy and gorgeous. Sooo glad to hear you are having some progress with him in general, but mainly with the BF, since it was something that was upsetting you. Also great news that you succeeded to make him stop yelling when you leave the apartment. That's a sign he's probably feeling more well balanced and happy. How did you achieve that though? Be nice to learn your trick.

That is great news indeed! I have no idea how far he can go but I believe since he's lost, he might fly until he finds company or a good spot to stay. And that could take him a bit further away from where his last location. But hopefully you'll get more calls soon and you will rescue him. Crossing all my fingers. Good luck!

Yeah I don't know about the seizure. And I have no idea what might have happened to make your bird start acting weird towards you. But like Morana said, I'm sure he has a reason for that change of behaviour. Maybe you didn't notice but you might have done something that scared him and now he's scared of you hence the flight mode when he stepped up to you. Try to regain his trust by reinforcing that coming to you or interacting with you is good. Instead of just asking him to step up, offer him a treat to do so. Once I read we should never forget our pets don't have the obligation to do anything for us. We need to make sure that's always a good experience for them. Try the treats or a toy he really likes. Try the sunlight and the bones too. It's always good for them anyway. Good luck and keep us posted if anything changes.

The article looks good, Paul! You're being very strong and doing an amazing job. I got a bit intrigued about the way Murphy flew away whilst you were cleaning the cage. Did he get scared of something and started flying or he just suddenly flew out the door? For what I've seen parrots don't usually choose to fly away, unless they are already flying and see an open door in front of them. I'm asking just so I can learn how to prevent things like this from happening. I really hope your hard work will pay off very soon. Always thinking of you and praying Murphy will find his way home.

haha I like the saying. I looked on ebay from here already and couldn't find anything. Found only one on ebay from the US. So I guess I might have to use socks. Do you think you could get me a photo of your friend's bird? Please! Just so I can have a better idea on how I can use them. Thanks.

Looking forward to hearing good news too. Hope the newspaper help finding Murphy. Good luck and fingers crossed!!

haha Nice one indeed. Thanks for the advice. I don't actually want the diaper (I also don't know why they call it flight suit). But I thought it would be good to have one when I go visit my in laws, in another city, 3h from here. They are not bird people but already said we can take our parrot when we go. However I'm afraid they might get upset if the parrot starts pooping everywhere. As we usually stay there for the weekend, I want them to always allow us to take him with us. Otherwise we'll have to leave him in a hotel or somewhere else everytime we are away and I don't like the idea.

I've started looking for everything I'd like to buy for my Grey and one of the things is a flight suit/diaper. Problem is I can't find a single website that sell them here in the UK. I guess I'll have to buy from the US. Anyone recommend a good website with good flight suits?? Thanks.

I did think you would probably get calls from stupid people just playing around. But it's great news that some people have actually seen him and one guy promised to keep and eye out and try to catch him for you. I'm really hopeful you'll have Murphy soon. Fingers crossed!

Aww she's gorgeous. Congratulations. I don't understand much about feather plucking, as I never experienced it in my birds, but I have the feeling (for what I see in the photo) that she damaged the follicles already, which means she won't grow her feather back. I might be wrong though. Your vet and people from here will help with that. But honestly she's precious even without the feather.

Welcome, Marybeth. Looking forward to seeing photos of the new member of your family.

Now talking about the main problem... What I've read and heard from other people is that if something like this is happening, you should try and change your routine a bit so it doesn't become so obvious that you are going out. And doesn't encourage a bad behaviour (an attempt to stop you from going out). Another thing is making sure you always give him treats and/or toys he really likes just before you walk out the door so he will stop being so naughty and instead he will associate you leaving to something good. Hope something works.

The solution is buying touch screen phones and iPad. hehe

Maybe he learnt he gets something good out of screaming/whistling loud. Maybe attention? My parrots did the same. And at the time I didn't know how to correct it. No matter what, don't shout at him!! Remember to always ignore bad behaviour and reward good behaviour. Try what this woman teaches in this video: I know someone who tried it and after a while it worked. But have patience... bad habits won't change overnight. Good luck!

Hi Marcia, I am the girl who asked you to join the Forum on Facebook. I didn't know you were already registered. hehe So it's great to see you back here! I also hope you find time to join our discussions more often. I'd love to hear more about your experience with Einstein. I absolutely LOVE her! x

Micro chipping the birds sound like a great idea. Where can we get that done? I'm praying that you will find Murphy soon. You are doing a great job. I like the idea of offering a reward. Don't lose your faith.

Hoping to hear good news tomorrow. Good night Paul and keep us posted. x

You still got a couple hours until it gets dark. If you keep seeing him it's a good sign. You're gonna get him back! If not today, you will tomorrow. Fingers crossed!

He totally did. LOL

Ok I saw this on TV the other day and decided to post because I found it quite funny. It's a bit old now (from 2009) so some people might have seen already. If you haven't seen yet, hope you enjoy it. It certainly made me laugh.

I totally agree that they can learn that NO means they are not allowed to do something. We just need to teach them. Just like people train dogs to lie down, sit, etc. They are smart and they can understand. I really like your idea of giving them something they always play with (like a bottle cap). My other parrots used to love playing with caps as well. It's interesting the concept of not giving them anything "special" otherwise it will just stimulate them to continue doing something wrong. Also like the idea of the hand to cover things they can't bite. Just need to pay attention first to make sure they won't end up biting me instead. lol Thanks for your advice.

I guess so. I'll keep an eye on it. He might upload more stuff soon.

He only has those 2 stands... and a couple more things. Maybe when I decide what to buy I could write to him and ask if he would make something to my specifications.