Help....posted in Behavioral but only got one response

Oct 24, 2016
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*****Admins please allow, I posted in behavioral last week but have only got one suggestion....

Carl. Carl, Carl, Carl. I am starting to reach a tipping point. All he does is call. A loud, piercing screech haha. I am trying to talk to him, shower him with affection but he is not keen on being held or stepping up, so it usually results in me standing by his cage and speaking with him. But Im wondering if this is just reinforcing his calling?

Hes got toys that are rotated weekly when I clean them (I change the paper daily). My husband says when its just him home Carl is quiet and then as soon as Im home he starts....so its clearly something to do with me.

But if he doesn't want me holding him, how am I supposed to pay him enough attention that he doesnt feel the need to call out as much. I have tried to respond with "hello" or a whistle etc when he calls and praise him when he says "good boy" etc or speaks instead of screaming out but then as soon as I do he starts screeching.

We are moving in a few months and I am hoping that once we move it is a new starting point for all of us, and that he will feel more comfortable with us....but obviously I want to work on this ASAP.

I am willing to do anything. I love him....he merely puts up with me because I feed him and give him treats and toys. I realise that Alex's are not notoriously an affectionate bird...but I want him to feel comfortable enough here and with me that he doesnt feel the need to screech if Im not standing by his cage. [emoji21] [emoji21] [emoji21] [emoji21]

Looking forward to suggestions and advice, as hes not going anywhere and Im not giving up on him.


***EDIT*** sometimes he flies off his cage and then he steps up no problem, if I take him into a different room from his cage he steps up from arm to arm on command and even lets me kiss his beak.....does this mean I should get a playgym or stand for when he is awake and move his cage to a differen room?

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SilverSage

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When was his last visit to a certified avian vet for a checkup including gram stains?


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Carl_the_Alexandrine
Oct 24, 2016
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When was his last visit to a certified avian vet for a checkup including gram stains?


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I took him to an avian vet when I first got him and he is due for his yearly check up so I am making an appointment as soon as they open

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SilverSage

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Be sure to include gram stains. Without those you will most likely miss any underlying infections.

What sort of training are you doing with him? How much time per day is he out of his cage?


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Carl_the_Alexandrine
Oct 24, 2016
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Be sure to include gram stains. Without those you will most likely miss any underlying infections.

What sort of training are you doing with him? How much time per day is he out of his cage?


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Right now Im still trying to get him to step up on command. Hes a stubborn thing. His cage door is open when we wake up to when we go to work (7am to 830) and then as soon as I get home until I go to bed (530/6 to 10 or so). Hes got a playgym ontop of his cage, but am open to buying him an actual tree or playgym if that means he feels "away/out" of his cage more.

I would love to have him with/on me when I am home, but hes still only really keen on stepping up if he chooses haha

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SilverSage

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I would look into target training and all the possibilities that stem from that. It's a great way to do hands off bonding while also keeping his brain busy and opening up
A channel of communication. If you don't do anything until you get him to step up, you may just end up frustrating both of you. How old is he and how long have you had him?


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Carl_the_Alexandrine
Oct 24, 2016
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Hes just turning a year old (this week actually!!!) And we've had him since he was weaned, so around 10 months now

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SilverSage

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Hm, so he didn't arrive already stepping up? In that case I'm guessing he may have issues stemming from a bad breeder, such as force weaning and early clipping?


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Carl_the_Alexandrine
Oct 24, 2016
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He stepped up for them (as witnessed when I picked him up) but I think I let him settle in and neglected to continue it right away. He steps up 100% when he is away from his cage....just on his cage is 50/50


Thank you so much for all your suggestions already, by the way. Heaps more response than through the behavioral side. Much appreciated!!!

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Carl_the_Alexandrine
Oct 24, 2016
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Forgot to add he was clipped only after flight training....and by just checking my emails I didn't pick him up until end of October...so 9 months really.

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SilverSage

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I actually read your previous post but my life has been sort of crazy lately and I just didn't have a lot of extra time to respond.

A lot of parrots choose not to step up from their cages; I would definitely move on to some trick training. Not because you need him to know tricks, but because it is sooooo good for their brains and your relationship.

Also, what is his diet currently, and is he flighted or clipped?


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Carl_the_Alexandrine
Oct 24, 2016
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I actually read your previous post but my life has been sort of crazy lately and I just didn't have a lot of extra time to respond.

A lot of parrots choose not to step up from their cages; I would definitely move on to some trick training. Not because you need him to know tricks, but because it is sooooo good for their brains and your relationship.

Also, what is his diet currently, and is he flighted or clipped?


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Hes clipped but I want to let his flight feathers grow in. He currently is on vetafarm nutriblend pellets with fresh fruit,veggies, and some brown rice/quinoa daily. I make a batch up each Saturday afternoon and make about a weeks worth of feeds

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SilverSage

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I would eliminate grains and most of the fruit, focusing on veggies, sprouts, and pellets which are more low energy. Some of that screaming may be simply due to excess energy. I'm NOT saying anything is wrong with the diet in general, just that in his case a slight change might be very helpful.


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Carl_the_Alexandrine
Oct 24, 2016
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I would eliminate grains and most of the fruit, focusing on veggies, sprouts, and pellets which are more low energy. Some of that screaming may be simply due to excess energy. I'm NOT saying anything is wrong with the diet in general, just that in his case a slight change might be very helpful.


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Im willing to try anything!!!! I'll make his next batch all vegg. Thanks so much

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itchyfeet

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Damn. Close! But not quite close enough. You look like someone who I've seen in my little town with a young Alex and I was going to suggest a wee visit...but alas, I'm on the wrong side of the Tasman.
 

itchyfeet

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Can your husband handle him, and does he?
Do you have a playstand/gym?
Is screaming on your arrival a learned behaviour that is rewarded with a response?
 
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Carl_the_Alexandrine
Oct 24, 2016
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Can your husband handle him, and does he?
Do you have a playstand/gym?
Is screaming on your arrival a learned behaviour that is rewarded with a response?
Hes hissed and flaired up at Ed, so Eddie would prefer to admire him from afar...and has said when hes home with Carl, Carl is quite content to play in/on his cage eithout a peep. He only starts when I get home and then if Im not right next to him. Im sure I've inadvertently made it a rewarded/learned thing because I will go and stand by his cage to get him to hush up.

Looking at gyms/playstands now. :)

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