Not fully weaned?? (RB2/Galah)

Caitcultclassic

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Aug 26, 2019
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Percy the RB2
Hello,

I thought the universe just happened to fall into place as I was ready for a new bird in my life, and I was able to get hold of a beautiful Galah.

I want to preface this by saying it’s also only the first few days of me having him.
He eats pellets and fresh veggies wonderfully, and flies really well. He is an absolute sweetheart too. I am giving him time to get comfortable as well as attention, but I am noticing some things I find alarming.

He is just over 12 weeks, and although the breeder assured me he would be completely weaned I don’t think he was (at least in terms of abundance weaning). They told me to expect these begging behaviors to get attention, but I’m not sure that’s it. Especially since it seems like he will try to regurgitate onto my finger/bobs his head for food from my finger when he does it. I was reading up before I got him and saw that galahs wean faster than other cockies, and even in the wild they can wean at 7 weeks so I was trying to push off any worries.

I know that 12 weeks might be young for a smaller cockatoo, but I think I just got it in my head that things were going well for once (and potentially too good to be true). If you look up what a galah is like when they are begging for a feeding that’s the exact noise he makes. Except it’s ONLY when I was putting him to bed and about 2 minutes after turning out the lights he stopped.

He didn’t do any of this behavior on the first day, an so far it’s only when I put him to bed.

The breeder did give me a mash recipe to keep with him and slowly reduce over time as a form of “comfort food”.

I’m just super worried that 1. I was lied to and that 2. I’m not giving my new bird what he needs.

Is it normal for galahs to just be dramatic and test a new owner like this? Or do I need to be doing more?

Any help or knowledge is appreciated. Thank you!
 

Scott

Supporting Member
Aug 21, 2010
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San Diego, California USA, Earth, Milky Way Galaxy
Parrots
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.
Welcome to you and your galah!

I am not familiar with galahs and it honestly has been 20+ years since I've raised cockatoos.

I'm guessing 12 weeks is on the cusp of reasonable time for weaning, hopefully other members with recent knowledge will post better information. Birds often test during the "honeymoon" phase, so the behaviors may be of physical and psychological nature.

Your instincts to guard his physical and mental well being are commendable. In the meanwhile, do you know much about the breeder's reputation?
 

GaleriaGila

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May 14, 2016
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The Rickeybird, 38-year-old Patagonian Conure
Welcome.

Here is a wonderful thread we often offer when there are weaning questions. I hope some of it applies to you.

http://www.parrotforums.com/breeding-raising-parrots/74363-so-you-bought-unweaned-baby.html


Also, most of us rely on professional veterinary help. Maybe these links might help.


Certified Avian Vets
https://abvp.com/animal-owners/find-an-abvp-specialist/
If none are near you...
Avian Veterinarians
http://www.aav.org/search/custom.asp?id=1803
In my opinion, any of the vets listed here should be better than a regular vet.
International contacts, too.
Or... sometimes I find a place to start just by Googling "avian veterinarian near ((your location))"

I wish you and your bird good luck. I'm glad you're here!
 
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Caitcultclassic

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Percy the RB2
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Yes, so I was in contact with previous customers of theirs who all loved her birds and said they were wonderful. They even wanted to make sure I’ve read the book by Sally Blanchard and I also went through an interview before being able to put a deposit down. Im positive they are a good breeder, but with covid-19 happening I’m also worried he might have been rushed out the door. I’m also a new mom kind of paranoid, I’ve only worked with birds who were closer to a year and older so the begging noise just sets off alarms

The breeder lived in Australia for several years and that’s how they fell in love with the galah and actually took a few birds back with them (I know the parents names and heritages and they are all tame). As for the vets, I have a good relationship with a wonderful avian specialized vet in the area. The issue is that they are not taking normal visits until June 3rd due to covid-19. I could make an emergency visit but I want to be positive before I make that call.

I have a health certificate and DNA sexing and the breeder stays in contact with me to check up on the bird. They ask me questions like how is he adjusting, is he doing that behavior (cause they said it was just a test), and want pictures of his cage and set up. They are staying as a resource——and if I think about all this it’s super comforting, but I just want to make sure I’m doing right by the bird.
 

Scott

Supporting Member
Aug 21, 2010
32,673
9,789
San Diego, California USA, Earth, Milky Way Galaxy
Parrots
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.
Yes, so I was in contact with previous customers of theirs who all loved her birds and said they were wonderful. They even wanted to make sure I’ve read the book by Sally Blanchard and I also went through an interview before being able to put a deposit down. Im positive they are a good breeder, but with covid-19 happening I’m also worried he might have been rushed out the door. I’m also a new mom kind of paranoid, I’ve only worked with birds who were closer to a year and older so the begging noise just sets off alarms

The breeder lived in Australia for several years and that’s how they fell in love with the galah and actually took a few birds back with them (I know the parents names and heritages and they are all tame). As for the vets, I have a good relationship with a wonderful avian specialized vet in the area. The issue is that they are not taking normal visits until June 3rd due to covid-19. I could make an emergency visit but I want to be positive before I make that call.

I have a health certificate and DNA sexing and the breeder stays in contact with me to check up on the bird. They ask me questions like how is he adjusting, is he doing that behavior (cause they said it was just a test), and want pictures of his cage and set up. They are staying as a resource——and if I think about all this it’s super comforting, but I just want to make sure I’m doing right by the bird.

This is a comforting update! While not an emergency, perhaps your avian vet can do a tele-appointment to better assess your galah.

Can you post video of the concerning gesturing and vocalizations? Might help us better advise. (YouTube is the preferred format as videos cannot be directly uploaded)
 
OP
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Caitcultclassic

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Percy the RB2
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Yes, so I was in contact with previous customers of theirs who all loved her birds and said they were wonderful. They even wanted to make sure I’ve read the book by Sally Blanchard and I also went through an interview before being able to put a deposit down. Im positive they are a good breeder, but with covid-19 happening I’m also worried he might have been rushed out the door. I’m also a new mom kind of paranoid, I’ve only worked with birds who were closer to a year and older so the begging noise just sets off alarms

The breeder lived in Australia for several years and that’s how they fell in love with the galah and actually took a few birds back with them (I know the parents names and heritages and they are all tame). As for the vets, I have a good relationship with a wonderful avian specialized vet in the area. The issue is that they are not taking normal visits until June 3rd due to covid-19. I could make an emergency visit but I want to be positive before I make that call.

I have a health certificate and DNA sexing and the breeder stays in contact with me to check up on the bird. They ask me questions like how is he adjusting, is he doing that behavior (cause they said it was just a test), and want pictures of his cage and set up. They are staying as a resource––and if I think about all this it’s super comforting, but I just want to make sure I’m doing right by the bird.

This is a comforting update! While not an emergency, perhaps your avian vet can do a tele-appointment to better assess your galah.

Can you post video of the concerning gesturing and vocalizations? Might help us better advise. (YouTube is the preferred format as videos cannot be directly uploaded)


As soon as I can record it I will! He hasn’t made the noises today, and I’m sure he won’t until again until bedtime. Today it’s normal cockatoo vocalization, as well as some talking (like Hello! And some undistinguishable chatter).

It may just be the honeymoon phase but I’d rather be certain!
 
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Caitcultclassic

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Aug 26, 2019
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Percy the RB2
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Yes, so I was in contact with previous customers of theirs who all loved her birds and said they were wonderful. They even wanted to make sure I’ve read the book by Sally Blanchard and I also went through an interview before being able to put a deposit down. Im positive they are a good breeder, but with covid-19 happening I’m also worried he might have been rushed out the door. I’m also a new mom kind of paranoid, I’ve only worked with birds who were closer to a year and older so the begging noise just sets off alarms

The breeder lived in Australia for several years and that’s how they fell in love with the galah and actually took a few birds back with them (I know the parents names and heritages and they are all tame). As for the vets, I have a good relationship with a wonderful avian specialized vet in the area. The issue is that they are not taking normal visits until June 3rd due to covid-19. I could make an emergency visit but I want to be positive before I make that call.

I have a health certificate and DNA sexing and the breeder stays in contact with me to check up on the bird. They ask me questions like how is he adjusting, is he doing that behavior (cause they said it was just a test), and want pictures of his cage and set up. They are staying as a resource––and if I think about all this it’s super comforting, but I just want to make sure I’m doing right by the bird.

This is a comforting update! While not an emergency, perhaps your avian vet can do a tele-appointment to better assess your galah.

Can you post video of the concerning gesturing and vocalizations? Might help us better advise. (YouTube is the preferred format as videos cannot be directly uploaded)


[ame="https://youtu.be/ok8pwFIpHEk"]https://youtu.be/ok8pwFIpHEk[/ame]

I was able to capture the noise. He stopped about 30 seconds after I recorded and placed him to relax in his cage (not a punishment, just a safe place to be because idk what this behavior really is). He’s playing now and having fun and back to chattering normal noises.
 

Scott

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Aug 21, 2010
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San Diego, California USA, Earth, Milky Way Galaxy
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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.
Absolutely gorgeous bird, you are so fortunate. I'd say that's classic begging behavior. Do you give him some of the recommended mash when he does this?
 
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Caitcultclassic

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Percy the RB2
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I do give it to him, as well as just providing it a few extra times a day since we are still building that bond. He won’t always eat it but he sees that I offer it.

It’s slowly decreasing and definitely becoming more of a testing agent from him as he is mostly doing it when he wants attention or to not go to bed (I have to slowly shift the sleeping cycle he was on to match mine as I go to bed earlier than they did.) Except now he is such a good flyer he’ll try to do some laps to get out of it lol. I may have to start clicker training earlier than I planned.

He also is obviously wanting naps during the day but will refuse to rest, so I’ll put him up and the behavior will start and stop in about 10 seconds.

I guess I really just needed time.
 

Scott

Supporting Member
Aug 21, 2010
32,673
9,789
San Diego, California USA, Earth, Milky Way Galaxy
Parrots
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.
I think you are on the right track and applaud your concerns. A well check with avian vet once the lockdown eases will validate overall health and may ease your apprehension. By then he may be fully weaned and no longer display begging behavior.

How competent is his flying in the house? Birds can run afoul of obstacles, windows, and mirrors but in my experience cockatoos are nimble and superb fliers.
 
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Caitcultclassic

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Percy the RB2
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He is an amazing flier. He likes to go in circles, and is decent at descending and landing as well. He also will fly when called, which I’m still amazed at.
 

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