It Must Be Adolescence

[Spiritbird]

Please tell me if I am on the right track with this. Rosie is now just over 7 months old. Recent behavior is that she is not wanting to step up at times. especially when leaving the cage. This morning she climbed back into her cage which is a first. She is potty trained and has not coorporated with that when I usually catch the AM poop bomb. I know this is only a phase and not meant as rejection. My maturing bird is trying to express her autonomy. I am allowing her to make her choices and keeping her safe at the same time. I will not give her an emotional response to these behaviors and continue to respect her "parrotness". Is there anything else I need to be doing? How long will this phase last?

 

[antoinette]

Adolescence I am almost sure it is.
Mishka did exactly the same by refusing to step up at times.
It only lasted a few weeks.
She used to climb to the back of her cage and sit there.
When she refused to come out I closed the cage, for a short while.
When opening the cage again, I told her Mishka uppies good girl.
I repeated it a few times then eventually she stepped up. Sometimes it took ages, I had to be the patient mommy.
Imagine being a bird, and always being told what to do !!!!!! I personally think they are testing us just like children do.
Sure it will pass, just persevere.
Good luck

 

[Spiritbird]

Appreciate your feedback. When she does this I will close the cage door or leave it open for a while and she will come out then. I try not to be too bossy with her but still be in charge if that makes sense to you.

 

[antoinette]

You welcome SB
When I left the cage opened and returned, to try take her out, she started nipping at me. Closed the cage for about 15 minutes, she really was upset that I closed it.
We all try to be not to bossy with them, yet they must understand discipline, in a birdie way !!!
Oh yeah well done on the potty training, not many people succeed in that department. Proud of you girl
Good luck

 

[Spiritbird]

A - The potty part was really easy. Once she learned to stimulas word (poop) she uses the toilet when I take her there. If I am not home then it is back to normal in that department. I saw a video on Youtube of an AG doing this and got the idea from them.

 

[antoinette]

Hi SB hope you are well...
How is Rosie's stepping up coming on?
Sure you having some success by now.
Holding thumbs for you (and Rosie) LoL
Take care

 

[Spiritbird]

No problem with step up except if it is inside cage. This may pass and I am not really concerned. Spends much time with her whistles. Now she is hooking them together and coming up with her own tunes. No words yet. Even with the pre recorded conversations. She will be 8 months old on the 20th. Thanx. for asking.

 

[justwingingit]

Whether it's 7 months or 7 years, I have birds that like to do things their way sometimes. As far as a phase, each bird is individual. While I am still top bird, I will let them do things their way sometimes. Papagayo, my B&G likes to come out of the cage by himself and sit on the door and then let me pick him up. Kermit, my Harlequin, likes his head scratched for 2 minutes or so before I take him out of the cage. Beauty, my Greenwing, also like to come out of the cage on her own, but I have to get her before she crawls on top of the cage. And the list goes on. Try to allow the bird some decision-making as long as you are still the main decision-maker. Keep us posted.

 

[antoinette]

Hey SB glad the stepping out seems to be improving, in time I am sure it will all come together. They tend to do things in their own time. I give Mishka lots of "own time" but she must know not to overstep the boundaries. Believe me she tries, if she goes overboard she gets time out. Each bird is an individual, some start talking early others later, if she is starting to mumble a few words now I would not be to concerned. Sure once she starts she will not stop. I remember talking to Mishka 24/7, she never said one word. I begged her PLEASE JUST SAY ONE WORD. Now she does not stop 24/7. You mentioned whether she talks or not, you will still love her unconditionally. You sure a true bird lover. I once had a ringneck, who never spoke a word, loved her to bits. Unfortunately she died. I was heartbroken. I still miss her so much.
Great day

 

[Spiritbird]

No mumbling heard. Too may whistles heard but that is only my doing. If she is one of those rare AG that do not talk it will be ok. We communicate that is fur sure.
I play lots of music and she loves to sing in birdie songs. Thanks again for everyone's advise and support. SB

 

[dakisgirls]

Your doing just fine with what you're doing! I think this behavior will pass!

 

[antoinette]

SB when I got Mishka, I asked the breeder about birds talking and whistling.
He mentioned that when a bird hears whistling first, they tend not to talk. I only spoke to Mishka for the first year, then started whistling, which she does beautifully.
Opinions may differ, the shop where I purchase Mishka pellets from (bird breeder for 45 years) said it makes not difference.
A suggestion, try not whistling for a while and just talking.
Worth a try
Take care