Need a Psychiatrist 😏

[Caitnah]

My Pineapple Conure is 8 years old. In the early years he was very “brave”. He never minded being held in my hand; picked out ice cubes from my glass; licked condensation off my iced water glass, loved getting new toys, and lots more.
But now, in the last couple years, he has digressed. He’s literally afraid of his own shadow. Put a new perch in his cage and he’ll fight you going in. Show him the glass with condensation, he’ll run for cover.
Now, his life and mine has changed about 4 years ago when I decided to move. Unfortunately due to problems with selling my house and getting a new house (during Covid), we had to live in a few different locations for a few months. Not sure if this is part of the problem.
Anyone have a similar experience?

 

[osklvste62]

Yes. I was a traveling RN. Every 3-6 months changes in location, v
city and state. I traveled with a Congo Grey. He didn't mind the travel. But birds like stability. First take a good look at your anxiety level. All animals pick up on it. The closer you are the more sensitive. Work on that. He may feel your uncertainty. He feel like similiar to parrots who are passed around from place to place, owner to owner. The what next syndrome with a never relax or trust anyone attitude. If you have pics of his original area. Make his similar. No need to be exact. If you had favorite programs, music, play them often. If possible get on a schedule similar but not exact. You're in a new place so change a a bit. I nearly always worked night shift so no problem there. Take things slow and easy. Lots of patience. Some birds, like people are resistiant to change. Give lots of positive reinforcement with treats. I was upset about a mental problem with my CAG. MY AVIAN VET SAID HE DIDN'T HAVE TIME TO SPECIALIZE IN AVIAN PSYCHOLOGY TOO!

 

[wrench1358]

Parrots love, thrive and expect routines they can count on. When those are interrupted in a major way, it can affect them like this. I try to keep routines fairly regular but not hard and fast rules, so the bird has some flexibility. Varying food, feeding times, play times, toys, perches, etc a little bit keeps them flexible but happy with the routine. Its a fine balancing to do.

 

[Mulligan]

My Pineapple Conure is 8 years old. In the early years he was very “brave”. He never minded being held in my hand; picked out ice cubes from my glass; licked condensation off my iced water glass, loved getting new toys, and lots more.
But now, in the master few years, he has digressed. He’s literally afraid of his own shadow. Put a new perch in his cage and he’ll fight you going in. Show him the glass with condensation, he’ll run for cover.
Now, his life and mine has changed about 4 years ago when I decided to move. Unfortunately due to problems with selling my house and getting a new house (during Covid), we had to live in a few different locations for a few months. Not sure if this is part of the problem.
Anyone have a similar experience?

I'm not an expert; however, birds and all pets get used to ROUTINE. The move may have been traumatizing for him. If you are now situated in a home, put his cage in one spot and be sure that he can see your eyes at all times. Keep him where there is activity and don't try to pick him up or take him out of cage. Give him a few weeks or more if he needs it. Let him get accustomed to the new environment and you being busy. Talk, whistle, sing, whatever it takes to make him feel cheerful and happy in his new surroundings. Don't get near his cage, allow him the freedom of watching. In time, you can start working with him again. Allow him to come to you. It might work. Years ago, former neighbors moved, and their CAG, who was very spoiled, talked, sang, and always got his way until they had to move when the female owner had a stroke. The strange movers may have moved him and the cage, but he plucked out all of his feathers and nearly went into shock. Good luck.