When you get whipped by a lovebird!!!!

Hi everyone,

I hope everyone is well and that all your fids are fab On holiday - finally and have a chance to be on my fav forum.

I am in desperate need of help here guys/gals Rosie May, my energisor lovebird has offically got the upper hand. I've had lots of birds and had to go through the process of taming and training but this lil one has got me stumped!!!! If I had a chart up on the fridge of who gets points it would something like this:

Rosie 10000000 Jess -0

As some of you know I have had her for nearly a year and I must confess I have hectic time with changing jobs etc - anyone got a ringing bell going off in their heads!!!

I have scanned the internet and have tried methods used in the past but all has failed. Being a teacher I get the heeby - jeebies when I see some parents in motion and its easy to approach the situation with the knowledge and wisdom when it isnt your child/bird but I think Im practing what Im preaching here because she is walking all over me - not literally because then it would be just biting.

Rosie always bit from the beginning and she seemed to get better but then we moved and things just fell apart. This is how she is behaving:

* Bites when I put my hand in the cage - changing water and food is a HUGE fight

* Struggling to get her onto the perch when in the cage - she only gets onto the perch and will get on my finger - sometimes!!!

* Wont let me touch her

* Is too bright for me - when I say no she says go!!!!!

I have raised a monster and now Im living with it. I feel like a hypocrit because I have given advice to many people on taming their birds and like a bad habit I have woken and realised their is a major problem here.

Sorry for long thread, please help me get into a routine to help her - I feel really ashamed and am in a bit of a state because I feel that Rosie wants to be loved but like a naughty child is seeking it by behaving badly.

First of all welcome home, we have missed you and my lil niece Rosie May. with my lil niece????
Rosie and myself had better chat on Skype, seems she did not want to chat on the cellphone today ha ha she could not reach me ??????
Hey bells are ringing and so LOUD LoL
First of all Jess you have not raised a monster, you are a wonderful guardian to Rosie May. Rosie has given you many hours of fun and pleasure. As you mentioned things have been extremely hectic for about the last 6 to 7 months if my memory serves me correctly. Schooling, kids writing their final exams, sports. You studying for exams, writing and then the finals. Searching for a new teaching position, seeking new accommodation (remember how stressful that was) then moving into a new apartment. Beginning at a new school this year, house sitting and looking after a 96 year old man YOU DESERVE A MEDAL MY FRIEND.
Of course Rosie is angry rebelling like a naughty child, her entire life has been disrupted, and no one can blame you for that. We as humans have daily chores to follow, you just had many more than most in the last few months.
I think what you need to do is to take a step back and start from the very beginning.
Treat Rosie as you would a new bird.
You know the procedure...........
Very informative link below, handling an angry bird

http://www.petcarejournal.com/pet-bird-body-language.html

PS when I read the article they mentioned wearing gloves, sure you had tried that before?

(&)

Hey sis, it has been hectic!!! Im going to check out the site now - thanks I have tried gloves which didnt help but am willing to try again. Oh boy - guess Im starting from the beginning - give me strength - hahahaha!!!

Carpe Diem - Seize the day!!!!

Rosie and myself had better chat on Skype, seems she did not want to chat on the cellphone today ha ha she could not reach me ??????

Today was one of those days when your lovebird has a rapid growth spurt in the wing department and merrily exits the building and spends 3 hours playing in a tree outside - AGAIN!!!! I have no doubt that if there was a parrot police I would spend the night locked up - hahaha. Here I am calling her and she is busy playing in the tree and whistling down at me while doing a head twist. She did come down to her cage after having fun - I on the otherhand experienced the joys of a bird who totally ignores you and if she could talk would probably blurt out a universal teenage rebellious line!!

Tough love began this morning in the form of taking away the beloved snuggle tent. I have been contemplating that one for a while as Rosie is so territorial over it and I struggle to get anything done in her cage as she sits and attacks from her fort. I will put it back in at night. I must say that there has been an improvement and she is not using it as a defense and more willing to hop onto her stick to come out and play.

Just thought I would add that I have seen great results with a kebab stick when giving Rosie her fruit and veg - it keeps her busy for hours. I dont know how to attatch two articles but they are very good and deal with enrichment, play and making toys to enhance movement and stimulation, if anyone wants a copy let me know and I can mail it to you

Will get cracking on her stepping up....wish me luck on that one