Concerns in behavior

[Fauna]

Hello! Its been awhile since ive been here.

My 1yr old conure has been having trouble with listening and doing “bird stuff” if that makes any sense.

Ive been doing my best to redirect her when shes doing something shes not supposed to do and it just does nothing.
Im also concerned about her lack of interest in her toys. She has MANY of them but just doesn’t play with them UNLESS im the one holding them. But when i do she takes it personally and attacks my hand. (Shes strange)

Im mainly concerned about her not being able to grind her beak down on her own. I know this can be chalked down to “birds being birds”, but i havent seen other birds struggle so much with grinding their beak on their own and playing with toys.

Is there anything i can do to help her?

 

[rheashard2]

Birds have their own property limits. Is it possible that she's encouraging you to hold toy? Then her territory instinct takes over and she hacks out. That's not uncommon. That behavior can effect anything in or on cage. Be aware of it and avoid or redirect it. During hormone season this behavior can become worse. Your bird personality will determine toy play. Personality determines amount of play too. This can be ignore for days, months or even years. Play for a few minutes or less daily. When you say difficulty grinding beak. What do you mean? Is her beak misshapen? Too long? Too thick? If yes then go to an avain vet. Normal beak grinding sounds and looks painful. They use movement to produce the friction necessary for successful grinding. The up/down, lateral movement can look awfully painful. To me it can resemble dislocating their jaw. Beak grinding is normally done before bedtime. It can be done at quiet times too. For me it means my CAG is settling down for the night. Maybe a member has a video of beak grinding.

 

[Fauna]

Birds have their own property limits. Is it possible that she's encouraging you to hold toy? Then her territory instinct takes over and she hacks out. That's not uncommon. That behavior can effect anything in or on cage. Be aware of it and avoid or redirect it. During hormone season this behavior can become worse. Your bird personality will determine toy play. Personality determines amount of play too. This can be ignore for days, months or even years. Play for a few minutes or less daily. When you say difficulty grinding beak. What do you mean? Is her beak misshapen? Too long? Too thick? If yes then go to an avain vet. Normal beak grinding sounds and looks painful. They use movement to produce the friction necessary for successful grinding. The up/down, lateral movement can look awfully painful. To me it can resemble dislocating their jaw. Beak grinding is normally done before bedtime. It can be done at quiet times too. For me it means my CAG is settling down for the night. Maybe a member has a video of beak grinding.

Interesting! i think i used the wrong word with grinding.. her beak isnt bad, its just a bit long and sharp which i think is cause by her lack of playing with toys.

What are good ways to redirect her? I dont seem to be doing it right

 

[rheashard2]

Long and sharp is normal. My CAG needs to go to avian vet every 4-5 months to get that point trimmed. She plays with toys. Has chew items of various types. But she still needs her beak tip trimmed. I used to do beak and her nails. But thanks to my helper + blood curdling screams = failure. I still can't convince my daughter that trimming nails and beak is like doing her own nails. Redirecting is fun and challenging. It's personality dependent. What does she like? What do you want to accomplish? Then plan accordingly. It can be as simple as offering a treat. Playing music and encouraging her to dance or talk. Be aware that it must be something you can live with if mimicking takes over. I used to knock on wall, box or door and say come here. This so my CAG knew that I was coming and maybe going reaching in or expecting her to come out of cage. Now she knocks on anything yelling at me to come here. Especially if it makes a hollow noise. She wants attention. Even if I only look at her.

 

[DonnaBudgie]

Birds' behavior is very hard for humans to understand. Try looking at Bird Tricks website. They seem to understand avian behavior and know how to train birds. Training is important and seems to result in a happier well adjusted bird.

If her beak tip is too sharp you should have the vet round the tip for you. It's a fast easy procedure. Have her toenails done too so they don't snag on fabrics and cut up your arms.

Some birds love chewing on toys but some don't seem to know what to do with them. Maybe you haven't found a toy with the right consistency. Some toys are too hard for some birds to chew and they get discouraged. Try toys that are easier to destroy like Sola, woven grass mats, or bird kabobs (I got some on Amazon and my budgies love destroying them). Empty paper towel rolls are a big hit.

The grinding they do at rest is something different. They do the grinding to keep the edges of the lower beak that we don't really see at the right length and shape to fit into the underside of the upper beak where the crush food items.