attention seeking

[Readz]

Being newly acquainted to the parrot scene, I am wondering if anyone can assist me in training Earl - a 15 week old cutie. He enjoys coming out of his cage, but has got to the stage where he is rattling his cage every time I walk in the room in the hope of attracting attention and being able to come to play. I have tried to get hm into a routine but whan I am home all day at week ends he thinks he can come out to play all the time. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can calm him down and stop him rattling his cage/ dishes etc in his attempt to attract my attention?

[Guest Lidia]

Well, you need to get him into a routine you can both live with. But it is going to be pretty hard to get him to settle down when he can see you are around and he wants to follow you.

 

On the other hand, as he gets older he will naturally become more independent and will want more autonomous time.

 

However, at the moment, he is very young. At 15 weeks he is very much still a baby, barely weaned, and still needs the comfort and security of your attention. It's not so long since he had his flock mates to cuddle up to, and he is still pretty needy in that respect.

 

I think you might need to find a way for him to play outside the cage but without following you around, and this is just a matter of trial and error and returning him to his play area until he gets the idea.

You will need to get him used to being on his own for when you go out.

 

But like I said, he's still awfully young to be left alone when you're around, it could lead to him developing frustration behaviour, such as plucking or going off his food.

 

To a certain extent, you have to play this by ear. I am sure the others here will soon chime in with more advice.

 

Welcome to the Flock!<br><br>Post edited by: Lidia, at: 2007/08/05 22:14

[judygram]

Hello, Readz, and welcome to the family, glad you joined and we look forward to hearing more about your new grey.

 

At 15 weeks he is still very much a baby and so he needs a little more attention like Lidia said in her previous post. He needs the reassurance that you are still around, when he calls answer him. As he matures he will be more independent and play on his own. You don't really want to spend so much time with him now that you cannot keep up in the future or he will come to expect it.

 

My Josey is 14 months old, technically still a baby, but not like yours, she is more independent now and plays to herself, but she has times she wants to be with me and part of the goings on around her.

 

I hope Lidia and I have helped you in some way, and some of the others will add to this thread to give you some ideas how to avoid a spoiled rotten grey.

 

If you have a picture of your grey we would love to see it. Also what is the name of your grey?

[Talon]

Readz, Welcome to our family. Sounds like you have a lovely grey! Right now, just love, comfort, and attention so you two can bond. Don't worry about the training, that will come and be much easier once you two have formed a bond.

Looking forward to hearing more and seeing photo's!

[Readz]

Hi Folks

I really appreciate all your advice... big thank you.

I had done lots of reading before Earl joined me, but reading about it and actually looking after him are 2 different things. He does seem to be settling in and is still familiarising himself with his new whereabouts.

It is easy to forget he is still a little baby so I will be ensuring he gets TLC and reassurances.Guess I have been concerned about setting any bad habits with him which would make life difficult for him and myself in the long run.

He seems to be bonding OK so far and seems quite comfortable being with me, or my partner Christine. Again after all I had read I wasn't sure if he would only go to one of us but he seems to be OK with us both.

 

Trying to attach a picture so you can take a look at him for yourselves.We have fallen for him big time.

 

Just another question if you don't mind...... any suggestions on whether we should be bathing him, and if so how often. can't imagine it easy the first time so any hints, tips and pointers appreciated.

 

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j305/yearat/02082007008_5.jpg

 

Post edited by: Readz, at: 2007/08/06 23:11<br><br>Post edited by: Readz, at: 2007/08/06 23:11

[Readz]

Celery - some great ideas lots of thanks for your time.

 

Alan