"Learned" Play

MrsBigE

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Oct 19, 2016
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Sun Conure
Umbrella Cockatoo
Bambam has been home a few days now and I think he's acclimating nicely. He's happy to wake up in the morning, be greeted, get some loving and scratchings and then go back into his cage to play. I leave the the little door on the top front arch and the main door open so he can wander out if he chooses but it's been us mainly going to him to bring him out to play on a boing or one of his other perches. After a while he wanders back to play with his stuff in his cage or sit on that little open door.

He isn't noisy or demanding of our attention or our time. He just seems like he's happy to hang out. He is very confident, trusting and all over just loveable.

We've tried to play on the floor with him several times but he doesn't get it. He gets afraid of anything we roll towards him or try to get him to take. I can see why floor play would be a "learned" activity for birds but I guess I just need some pointers on getting this going in the right direction. We can't have him flying around the house so we need to get the idea of floor play and walking through to him, any hints?
 

GaleriaGila

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May 14, 2016
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I think your progress is GREAT after just a few days?????!!!!!!!!!!!
Keep doing what you're doing.
He'll feel the love.
He'll get it.

Congratulations.
 

davefv92c

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Nov 29, 2016
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great to hear you got your fellow home.
also sounds like he is happy. your PM about toys and Sugar Creek.never been there.
i will say there is no way i could afford all the store bought toys he can tear up. i build all of his nowadays it is much cheaper and a whole new world of things that can be cut up holes drilled in and hung on chains for him to tear at.
 

Scott

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Aug 21, 2010
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Goffins: Gabby, Abby, Squeaky, Peanut, Popcorn / Citron: Alice / Eclectus: Angel /Timneh Grey: ET / Blue Fronted Amazon: Gonzo /

RIP Gandalf and Big Bird, you are missed.
It appears Bambam was very well socialized by the breeder. You are to be commended for choosing well and allowing him to progress at a comfortable pace.

I used to roll small oranges on the floor to entice my baby Goffins. They enjoyed pushing them and occasionally nibbling the skin. (well washed!) Another option is small durable pill bottles, thoroughly cleaned with small pebbles sealed inside. They really like the tiny baby-aspirin bottles with the label removed. I always supervise them to ensure shards of plastic are not removed. Bambam is much larger, however. I'd stick to organic items or colorful toys.
 
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MrsBigE

MrsBigE

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Oct 19, 2016
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Pickerington Ohio
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Sun Conure
Umbrella Cockatoo
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We still can't coax Bam to stay on the floor and play. I tried encouraging with an orange, didn't help. He enjoys playing/tossing those balls with the bells in them but wants to do that only from the drop-down door on the front of his cage.
Maybe I just need to be patient. He hasn't been here even 2 weeks yet and we all know Rome wasn't built in a day....or probably two weeks. I try every day and I'll keep doing that until he does figure it out. Thanks!
 

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