It's a toughie.

[Joshuwaaa]

Just want to do the right thing, and it can be tough. May this be a warning to everyone !

So Loki is settling in nicely, an everyday he has been out of the cage pretty much all day with us. If we are around, he's usually out.

We have started to notice his volume and noise increase when we walk in and don't go straight to him. So tough love is coming in and we are ignoring his screeches. We have over indulged so we are trying to set some boundaries, an show that noise isn't the way forward.

At the moment, when he's noisy we put him back in his cage and ignore him until he stops. Only problem now is enforcing it and rewarding quiet behaviour.

Is ignoring and time outs the best way?

Hope your all okay, sorry for the mass of posts. You can tell I'm eager to learn.

 

[moni.k]

When I first got Nalani, she screamed whenever she saw me or heard my voice. It was quiet frustrating and my family's patience was running dry. I posted a few threads on the matter and received great advice, so now I will pass it onto you.

Each time I would bring her out of the cage and she screamed, I would put her in the bathroom and turn off all the lights (make sure your bathroom is bird proof). Just like a "time out" then, once she quieted down, I would go back in and take her out. I know that some think this is negative reinforcement, but it was the only thing that worked... ignoring just wasn't enough for her. I liked using the bathroom, because her cage wasn't used as a negative area... thus it wasn't associated with punishment.

When she would be out on her perch and she made a cute baby voice, I would praise her and shower her with attention and treats. Of course she would respond with screams, which those I ignored (don't punish after a good behavior, this is the time when ignoring is used best). After about 4 months (I know... took quiet a bit of time) she finally has stopped her screaming. She does 1-2 screams about every other day... which I really don't mind at all, and most are triggered by the microwave beeps, vacuum etc. Other than that she practices her speech or keeps busy with her meals and toys. A great advice is to give him foraging toys when you spend time with him. It will keep him busy and will give you some time of silence. This is when you can go in and shower him with affection and treats. It also gives him mental stimulation other than the stimulation given from human interaction. This keeps his mind and body healthy, plus gives your eardrums a nice little break. A bit of independence never hurts

I hand fed her from when she was 8 weeks old to 20 weeks when she weaned. So a factor of her screaming was due to me hand feeding her. Once she was weaned, her screaming also decreased drastically.

Good luck with Loki, and keep us updated on his progress

 

[KatherineI]

Ignoring is absolutely the best way to discourage screaming for attention. Rewarding them when they're quiet is also the right thing. I ignore our guys when I first walk in, usually because they do start screaming for attention. My Loki (GCC) is in the living room, so he sees us first. Sugar hears us and immediately starts to call. Her call is different than her screaming, so we usually let her know that we haven't forgotten her by opening her bedroom door, but we don't do anything else until she stops.

Tough love is sometimes what it takes, I've learned. Not fun, but boundaries are so important!

 

[sodakat]

I agree with ignoring an adult bird but not a baby, especially not a baby who has only been in the home a short while.

Think about the major difference between how baby mammals and baby birds get fed. Mammals crawl to their mother's teat and feed themselves. Baby birds must open their beaks and call out for food then wait for the parent bird to fill their crop. With tree nest dwellers like Eclectus, the nest is dark and the mother finds the baby's beak when it calls to her. In other words, it is instinctual for the baby to call out.

I've watched my pair raise young and have observed that as the chicks get older the parents begin to ignore their calling for a bit. I'm talking fledged birds here who are able to fly to a food dish. Actually the first step in this process is the parents stop offering food and instead only feed when the chick asks (calls out).

During this weaning time parents sit at the dish eating while the babies sit beside them calling for food! Usually the parents continue eating which encourages the babies to eat some from the dish also. But the calling out continues, even as the baby eats a bit from the bowl. Eventually the parent offers up a bit of regurg for the baby and the baby stops calling until the next time they are hungry.

This progresses over a time period (weeks) until the babies beg and beg but the parent ignores them except maybe once or twice a day. Eventually the baby calls less often and finally stops the begging call. Rose's last chick in 2009 begged from her until he was almost 10 months old! He would follow her around begging and she would eventually give in. Finally she moved away from him when he begged and soon he stopped.

IMO, us ignoring or leaving when noise from youngsters bothers us is "normal" behavior. Placing them somewhere alone, especially in the dark, seems a bit odd to me but I don't want to criticize.

 

[c3honey84]

Just like with puppies, you have to start the training early. It is more difficult to train an older bird. It is also more difficult to get rid of a behavior once it has become a habit. I am currently training Roxy to stop screaming. Any time she screams, I ignore her. I do not go over to her to put her in the cage because that is actually reinforcing it. She wants me to come over to her. So, I will walk away if she screams. If I am out of the room, I will answer her when she says hello but if she screams I do nothing. She is slowly getting the idea, and says hello when she wants to know where I am. Give your baby attention whenever he does anything other than screaming. He will get the idea. Or, if he doesn't make any other noises but is silent for a few minutes, then reward him by going over to see him. BUT if he screams as you are walking towards the cage, make it an obvious point to turn around and walk away.

 

[Joshuwaaa]

(just been typing for around 30 minutes on and off, so please excuse my awful rant, and do not feel obligated to read all of this, it generally has nothing interesting or helpful within this short thread.) also please accept my apologies for the length.

oh gosh, I don't know what has happened but he's going crazy. He just will not stop.

I have just uploaded a video onto YouTube, this morning we were practicing step up after he was quiet for a while and now he's going crazy when we have come back in.

The video is nothing, he's being generally quiet. Right now he's getting louder as well and more frequent. Much louder. Like I'm probably going to burst into tears and run away from him forever loll.

AAAAAAA AS IM WRITING HE IS GOING UP LIKE TWENTY OCTIVES AND GETTING LIKE 50% LOUDER EACH SCREAM?! WHAT HAPPENED TO MY BABY?!

Plan is to keep writing as he keeps going, I've now been ignoring his screams for a like 20-25 minutes. His diet is fine and he has been eating plenty so it cant be that.

He is now becoming less frequent and only a touch quieter in actual tone and pitch, compared to just when he was obviously really going for it.

I don't know how long to leave him, as in how long is enough quiet, for him to be rewarded. If that makes at all sense. (please excuse this post my brain is slowly exploding from within my very skull.)

How long should he be quiet for before I can reward him. I looked over at him when he was slightly more quiet and he brought his volume down. Now I've looked away and typing, after a scream and he has just produced one of the loudest ones.

We have had to stop talking because he just tries to scream over us. I really don't know what to do. He isn't quiet long enough for me to get near his cage. I can't reward him because he just won't stop. An each time I think to get up, it's as if he can mind read because he screams again.

No chance of getting rid of him, but I'm pretty sure my neighbours are going to freak if he doesn't stop.

I'm genuinely sorry this is so long, you can totally stop reading now, I think this is more something calming for me to sit and do while ignoring him. He just won't stop. There isn't a quiet enough noise I can even try and encourage, they are just insanely loud.

Don't worry, I didn't buy a bird and not expect some noise. It's more just hard to handle him when he's screaming in your face. He's also now climbing his cage and screaming, which to me means he wants out to play.

Just left the room to get some ear plugs, I swear I'm sitting this "*****" of a tantrum out loll. I'll stay here all day ignoring waiting to reward if I have to lol. Get me a mother effing sleeping bag..

Right, youtube is processing his video. It's only like a minute long but shows you his screaming, volume and general body language while doing it.

Just to let you know, now that I've been ignoring him for around 30ish minutes he is starting to calm.... I mean super slightly. An please don't think I'm being harsh, putting a camera near his face did slow him slightly and amuse him, which I would treat him with if he would stop enough to allow me too.

If you too would like to experience his awful screaming, please feel free to watch this video. Viewer discretion is advised loll.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMeqwCRb1ro"]YouTube[/ame]

thanks in advance.

 

[sodakat]

The noise he's making is a begging noise. Not necessarily begging for food. That noise was not what I was expecting when you described it. When there is a pause between the acks or squawks it is usually not anything urgent they are making noise about. When they are excited or afraid the squawks will be much closer together and won't last too long.

His cage is quite small and there is not much for him to do there other than sit, which is fine if he's mostly out of his cage. A basket of foot toys would be where I would start. Either fasten it near a perch or place it on the grate where it won't be pooped on.

I'm fond of play top cages rather than dome top because they provide an area for the bird to hang out, outside their cage, that contains the mess. Maybe you can build him a spot where he can make a mess that is outside his cage. Sometimes that's all they need to be happy (and quiet).

 

[drlisaort]

Josh,

Although I'm new to raising an Eclectus, I'm learning tons as I go along. First, I must preface this with the fact that I was at an advantage because I started with Oliver when he was 5 weeks old and spent every weekend until he came home at 16 weeks. With that said, my first week was trying on so many levels. My sweet dog was petrified of Oliver and would take nose-dives into the closet every time Oliver squawked. He wasn't too loud but loud enough. Every time my husband would try to talk to me he'd squawk. And in the beginning I was petrified he'd bite me after reading so many posts about bites. (Thank you God he has not although I do read his body language and know when to give him space).

After reading tons of books in the months leading up to bringing Oliver home, and of course this awesome platform, I learned it was important for Oliver to stay busy and to learn independence. I bought a play stand, which was the best investment I've made thus far. He can play and eat and hang close by which is great for both of us.

I learned if he stayed in one area he becomes dependent on that spot so I found ways to transport him moving him to different parts of the house. The stand is great but a bit bulky to pull with me everywhere and also he was becoming a little to attached to it. So, I made a basket filled with little entertaining toys and foods hidden for him to find. Wow is all I can say!!! He has a blast in the basket and I can keep him close to me when I'm working from home.

To date, Oliver does not scream nor bite and Sage has learned to love this green bundle of feathers. All in all he is very happy and content. My husband or anybody who is home can talk without him objecting and he'll step-up nicely for them (I worked on step-ups 10 minutes every morning and night from different venues from the start). He is fine to stay in his cage on his own or move from the stand to the basket and back to the cage again. Rather than scream he is chatting and trying to find his little voice. Life is good!

Lisa

 

[Joshuwaaa]

Since posting we have had a really good day. He was all quiet, drank more, ate more and did some step up training. He's also starting playing with a toy in his cage.

He has been as good as gold since this morning, what a big change. I'm expecting tomorrow to be a new day which may bring joy or more obstacles to over come.

Currently have the pleasure of listening to coos and sleepy crunches lol. I think some food, attention and earphones have got us through today. We ignored him until he quieted down and then he was fine all day. Seemed to get the picture-ish.

Il keep you updated on our good times, trying times and worst times loll.

 

[c3honey84]

(just been typing for around 30 minutes on and off, so please excuse my awful rant, and do not feel obligated to read all of this, it generally has nothing interesting or helpful within this short thread.) also please accept my apologies for the length.

oh gosh, I don't know what has happened but he's going crazy. He just will not stop.

I have just uploaded a video onto YouTube, this morning we were practicing step up after he was quiet for a while and now he's going crazy when we have come back in.

The video is nothing, he's being generally quiet. Right now he's getting louder as well and more frequent. Much louder. Like I'm probably going to burst into tears and run away from him forever loll.

AAAAAAA AS IM WRITING HE IS GOING UP LIKE TWENTY OCTIVES AND GETTING LIKE 50% LOUDER EACH SCREAM?! WHAT HAPPENED TO MY BABY?!

Plan is to keep writing as he keeps going, I've now been ignoring his screams for a like 20-25 minutes. His diet is fine and he has been eating plenty so it cant be that.

He is now becoming less frequent and only a touch quieter in actual tone and pitch, compared to just when he was obviously really going for it.

I don't know how long to leave him, as in how long is enough quiet, for him to be rewarded. If that makes at all sense. (please excuse this post my brain is slowly exploding from within my very skull.)

How long should he be quiet for before I can reward him. I looked over at him when he was slightly more quiet and he brought his volume down. Now I've looked away and typing, after a scream and he has just produced one of the loudest ones.

We have had to stop talking because he just tries to scream over us. I really don't know what to do. He isn't quiet long enough for me to get near his cage. I can't reward him because he just won't stop. An each time I think to get up, it's as if he can mind read because he screams again.

No chance of getting rid of him, but I'm pretty sure my neighbours are going to freak if he doesn't stop.

I'm genuinely sorry this is so long, you can totally stop reading now, I think this is more something calming for me to sit and do while ignoring him. He just won't stop. There isn't a quiet enough noise I can even try and encourage, they are just insanely loud.

Don't worry, I didn't buy a bird and not expect some noise. It's more just hard to handle him when he's screaming in your face. He's also now climbing his cage and screaming, which to me means he wants out to play.

Just left the room to get some ear plugs, I swear I'm sitting this "*****" of a tantrum out loll. I'll stay here all day ignoring waiting to reward if I have to lol. Get me a mother effing sleeping bag..

Right, youtube is processing his video. It's only like a minute long but shows you his screaming, volume and general body language while doing it.

Just to let you know, now that I've been ignoring him for around 30ish minutes he is starting to calm.... I mean super slightly. An please don't think I'm being harsh, putting a camera near his face did slow him slightly and amuse him, which I would treat him with if he would stop enough to allow me too.

If you too would like to experience his awful screaming, please feel free to watch this video. Viewer discretion is advised loll.

YouTube

thanks in advance.

I probably should have mentioned that he will get louder before her gets quieter. Just like a child, at first he will think that screaming louder will get your attention. This is where you must be strong! At first reward him when he is quiet for about a minute. Then gradually wait a little bit longer until he is being quiet for extended periods of time. Trust me, I know it's really tough. It takes every ounce of my energy not to scream "Shut up!!" lol In the end though, it will all be worth it. Also, make sure to have plenty of shredding toys that will keep him occupied for a long time. Try hiding treats in his toys too.

 

[Joshuwaaa]

Today has been a surprisingly good day. Been good all day. No screams or screeches and has been his usual amazing self.

No doubt I have more trying days to come though, that's why I love this website so much. You get advice and also a helpful push in the right direction. Sometimes it takes someone to say I know how you feel, it will get better. Just to spur you along

 

[Thingamagigs]

I've missed all your eclectus adventures! Darn busy life.

Ha ha thats not even the full eclectus scream <3
Don't worry, we've all been there The only reason I am not currently pulling my hair out is because after owning various species over the years I now know what to expect from new birds.
I brought home a baby yesterday. Turns out they did not wean him properly and he refuses to eat anything but handfed mush. The moment I put him to bed he has been screaming at full capacity without break in between screams. Might get a vid of his performance tomorrow because the sound of a corella screaming mindlessly for attention is something else indeed Its stressful, but you just ride it out and keep in mind that there will be moments you adore your bird and other times you just wanna hide your head under a pillow until the madness stops LOL And you may as well do just that

When he does start these kind of behaviours, take a deep breath and try to meditate or something. Don't wait anxiously for the moment he stops to reward him. It will merely add to your stress and he may be able to read that in you. He is also unlikely to understand that you are rewarding him for not screaming. The best way is to just leave the room and come back when he is quiet and leave the moment he starts up again. The reward in that case is your presence and attention They get the idea eventually.

Its great to hear you are having a better time of it now though.

 

[Joshuwaaa]

Haha aww, I do post a lot about my adventures with Loki lol.

Today he's been brilliant again, noise has been great, still there but if we ignore him he's soon stopping.

Only problem is both me and jack have had so much uni work to do he's had to be out the cage but just sitting with us, or we are taking it in turns to play and cuddle. He's been so good with us being so boring though. Just talking to him and stuff.

We have found he will bite jack if he goes to take him out his cage, an just gets right on me as soon as I put my arm in. He's definetly grown a little attached to mommy lol. Their having some quality time now thankfully as I'm delving into law lol.

Good day though, bar his slight scared tendency toward jack. Soon will iron itself out, their together now so..

Hope your all well, stop being busy and have more parrot forum time lol

x

 

[Doves1]

Try giving an alternate solution, I was told to give your bird a noise maker in his/her cage, a bell is the best to use (of course make sure the bell is strong enough that your bird can't destroy it). When your bird plays with the bell give him attention and praises when he doesn't leave him alone, in this way he will come to realize the sound of the bell is getting me attention. Once you've established that when he's out of the cage and start's screaming ignore him, if he goes into his cage and plays with the bell immediately go and praise and pet him.

Birds are smart eventually he will learn bell means attention, screaming means being ignored. It's worked VERY well with my Macaw

 

[Joshuwaaa]

Holy moly your scarlet macaw is beautiful. You guys need to post more pictures of your birds, I love nice pictures !

Or you should all get Instagram for your phones and post some pictures, we could have a parrot forums hash tag loll!

Dying to see thingamigs corella!!

I think il give the bell a try, sounds like a nice idea. I'm thinking of getting a better cage to be honest. Something much bigger and perhaps better toys. The little play stand I have is also a bit rubbish, I'd like to buy an all wood table topper.

Lots to buy, all on my student budget lol. I should take on more work lol

 

[Thingamagigs]

Wow that bell idea is fabulous!!

Josh, birds are pretty adaptable like that its probably a really good thing you are busy so he can get used to having to entertain himself. My new corella is going great, I want to cuddle the heck out of him but because I am going back to study tomorrow I have him entertaining himself on his playstand

You must be a clever boy, studying law! That was my intention when I was young until life got in the way! LOL I'm now studying mental health.

 

[Doves1]

Thanks Joshuwaaa! He is my baby and growing into a very handsome Macaw!

The bell idea worked very well for me, it's the first thing I hear when I walk in the door from work now He knows it will get him attention and screaming won't.

 

[Joshuwaaa]

Thingamagig that's. really good I idea to have him get into some solo play time, especially when you find you have so much to do. It's not Loki's fault I have to study so I don't like him to suffer boredom because of it. Oh and don't worry, I'm not clever in the slightest, law is just a ton of reading and then applying it to cases. Very mind destroying haha.

Oh and mental health sounds so fascinating, I could be your study partner?! I literally mental? Addicted to my bird and all loll

Doves that is so cute, walking into the jingle jangle of bells lol. I walk into rainforest screams loll. I'm sure Loki used to be a fog horn !

Btw everyone can call me Josh, joshuwaaa is just what my niece and nephew call me, in a karate esc manor I might add

 

[Joshuwaaa]

As previously posted, each day is a new day with new challenges and victories when it comes to bringing home a new baby bird, and today is no different.

Past two days have been joy-ess, bar the difficulty in working him around study and hi aggression toward jack. However, today this seemed to have escalated.

He is now wings back, head down and lunging at jack whenever jack goes to take him out the cage and play or anything, and very towards myself. Which is a bit of shame really because jack loves handling him and although not as much a bird person as myself has always made an effort.

The aggression along with the noise seemed to have had a bad day today, ignoring is working, but not before he gives everything he has to scream down the house and get your attention.

I'll keep you posted on the progress we make, just a clear warning to all wannabe parrot owners, just because it says online eclectus are quiet, don't take on a bird without proper understanding of noise, attention and diet. Amount of people I know who really want birds because they think they will be as easy as those on youtube is a little frightening.

Lots of hard work and dedication, you really need to love them otherwise it can be a trying experience.

Anyway, rant over. - you can tell people have been bugging me about where to get birds as quiet as cricket - lol.

Another day another trial, still love him to bits though, hes a gem lol.

hope your all well, x

 

[Joshuwaaa]

P.S iPod + earphones are a real treasure when trying to ignore a bird. Just bare it mind, it will blare out his screams enough to not send you over the edge, but you can still notice quiet periods and praise him.

Not sure if its a good idea, any flaws, please point them out. Working a little for me though x