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Post by Jan and Shah on Jul 19, 2016 16:46:55 GMT -5
The good news is that you are learning to "listen" to what he wants. I learned the hard way with Izzie - it took her many, many months for her to get me to listen to her. As a result of me finally getting the message, our life together has changed dramatically. The trick is figuring out exactly what they want. However, you appear to be on the right path and it will make a difference. As you say, he is probably still frightened and insecure and it may take him quite a while to settle down.
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Post by wsteinhoff on Jul 19, 2016 22:46:40 GMT -5
Since you really don't want to give something to Rocky like Aarons' suggestion, what if you tried something natural and calming like chamomile tea? That's supposed to be safe for birds. I've thought about trying different teas for Bishop (from safe herbs of course), I just haven't done it yet. There's different lists on the internet about bird safe herbs and you could look into what their uses are and what effects they produce. I've not done it but I've read about aromatherapy for birds too. I know a lot of people disagree with the use of essential oils on pets but there's different books out there written by veterinarians who use aromatherapy on animals, including birds. Both of these are natural options that are said to be safe and effective, I figure anythings worth a try to give you a break.
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Post by aaron on Jul 20, 2016 9:33:20 GMT -5
Agreed, there's definitely many herbal options-- but I can totally understand not wanting to give Rocky the hemp oil, or anything for that matter, especially without dosage guidance-- not trying to push that issue... but did want to point out that the hemp oil is also very safe and natural (would be a better option than Excedrin for humans too  ), simply a standardized extract from industrial hemp plants. I would not suggest anything remotely synthetic/pharmaceutical in nature. This oil is merely controversial because of its association with cannabis, but it lacks the ingredient (THC) of cannabis that makes it intoxicating (and illegal)... there are a variety of other gentle cannabinoids in the plant that do not pass the blood-brain barrier but are still very theraputic. This stuff is definitely a miracle worker in mammals-- worth looking into for anyone that has any form of anxiety/insomnia/pain/etc or is just stressed out, independent of whether it could be used with an avian. It is also potentially helpful for chronic infections and more serious issues like cancer, and things like epilepsy... the list is very long. Here are links from two reputable brands for anyone whose has interest ( and officially, to anyone reading this-- I am NOT suggesting that this be used on your bird. It was just an idea, and I think it would probably work and be safe, but I have nothing concrete to back that up, so if you proceed, you do so at your own risk... but I do strongly recommend it for humans ): www.cwhemp.com/www.endoca.com/Aromatherapy isn't a bad idea at all, although one has to be very sure that a specific oil is safe for those sensitive bird lungs! I don't know much about that at all. Sorry for the diversion, my intention isn't to hijack the thread with this topic! |
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Post by siobhan on Jul 20, 2016 12:23:05 GMT -5
I've given him chamomile tea. He likes it well enough but it doesn't seem to do anything for him. He just drinks some to be polite. LOL "Well, okay, Mom, since you went to all the trouble to make this for me ..."
My husband made a hand-held T stand for Rocky and has been extraordinarily patient in trying to convince him to use it, so he can step up and use the Dad Cab. Hubby doesn't want Rocky stepping up on his arm because Rocky invariably bites him HARD (e.g., he bleeds and it takes weeks to heal). After weeks of presenting the T stand and coaxing and being rejected, Rocky finally has learned to step up on it, and yesterday took several trips around the house and onto the enclosed porch and Hubby even drilled a hole in a table on the porch so he can set the T stand down and Rocky can hang out on the porch. He's going to build him a play stand for the porch, too, so he can be out there without necessarily having to sit on my knee, though I suspect if I'm around he won't be content with the play stand and will want my knee. But this has been a major step for Rocky, in that now he can tool around with Daddy and has learned to trust Daddy's offer of a perch to ride on, so he won't be quite so dependent on me. He even stepped up on it this morning from my arm, quite readily.
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Post by Jan and Shah on Jul 20, 2016 16:25:05 GMT -5
Sounds like you have a fantastic husband Siobhan - I am very impressed by him  Aromatherapy might be an option, however, as Aaron has said, you need to be absolutely sure that the ones you are using are safe for birds. The thing is when dealing with this modality and animals, you have to offer them a selection of oils and they pick which one they like - that is the one you continue to use with them. Bach Flowers also offer remedies for animals and have produced books on this topic. However, I think the road you are currently on sounds like it will offer him a bit more interest and will teach him that he doesn't need to be attached to you 24/7 - and you get some well earned breathing space to spend with the rest of your menagerie. Well done to you and hubby. |
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Post by siobhan on Jul 20, 2016 16:54:04 GMT -5
The other side of this is that Hubby has admitted that when Rocky's screaming and won't quit, he goes out into the field across from our house to get away from the noise and asks himself what's wrong with ME that I want to keep a cockatoo.
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Hard going
Jul 20, 2016 17:36:29 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by wsteinhoff on Jul 20, 2016 17:36:29 GMT -5
jan Aromatherpy isn't necessarily about finding a scent that is enjoyed. Sure it helps but certain oils have strong herbal properties, even when just being smelled such as is done in aromatherapy. I've been a little skeptical about the Bach flower remedies. Some of them out there aren't even made from bird safe plants. I have a book I recently got out of curiosity called Holistic Care for Birds. It was mostly for the recipes and such that were said to be in it. Unfortunately not many recipes but it has a section on Bach Flowers. The book is written by a vet though and a former president of the Avian Veterinarian Association so it's got to be at least somewhat safe. Honestly Siobhan I don't know how you do it. My 3 are enough to handle and you've got all yours plus a cockatoo which are said to need constant attention. I've read that the wild cockatoos spend all day close to each other and if one is sick or hurt they'll hang by it's side until it dies. That they need that kind of close attention all day like they'd receive in the wild or they develop these behavioral problems.
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Post by Jan and Shah on Jul 20, 2016 21:39:13 GMT -5
Hi Wsteinhoff, my experience is based on horses and aromatherapy and you do have to let them pick which oil they want as they know what they need at the time. Having said that, I have no experience with aromatherapy and birds so you are probably correct.
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Hard going
Jul 20, 2016 23:43:13 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by wsteinhoff on Jul 20, 2016 23:43:13 GMT -5
Hi Wsteinhoff, my experience is based on horses and aromatherapy and you do have to let them pick which oil they want as they know what they need at the time. Having said that, I have no experience with aromatherapy and birds so you are probably correct. In that case nevermind, you're probably correct. You've had first hand experience with it. I on the other hand haven't actually used aromatherapy. I just enjoy the natural remedies and try to learn what I can so I just went by what I've read. |
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Post by easttex on Jul 21, 2016 5:33:31 GMT -5
Bach Flowers also offer remedies for animals and have produced books on this topic. Years ago, my dog's vet recommended Rescue Remedy for his upcoming airline travel. She gave me a few drops in water to see what it's like. It definitely had a calming effect, so I don't buy the claims that it works no better than a placebo. The original version contains a high percentage of alcohol, though, so I'd look for the alcohol-free version if I were to give it to a bird. |
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Post by siobhan on Jul 21, 2016 11:53:40 GMT -5
I don't know how (or why, some days) we do it, either. Rocky has turned our lives completely upside down and is the reason the little birds are getting neglected, the house is getting destroyed, and our nerves are shattered. No wonder cockatoos are the most-rehomed birds. If I had a safe and secure home to hand him off to, I think I'd do it without hesitation. The problem is finding someone as crazy as that.
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Post by biteybird on Jul 22, 2016 5:58:56 GMT -5
I really wonder how many cockatoos are acquired by well-intentioned people who didn't know in advance what they were in for and, ultimately, end up cutting them loose (whether rehoming or releasing). Siobhan, if YOU are struggling, to me it reinforces how difficult it can be to provide a good and caring home for a cockatoo...in my mind you are as close to the perfect bird owner/slave as one could be. |
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Post by siobhan on Jul 22, 2016 10:14:08 GMT -5
Awww, thanks. And you're right, people just don't realize how difficult and demanding they can be. And LOUD. Relentlessly LOUD. As Hubby says, if we had no other creatures, and the time to spend all day, every day, giving him attention, that might be enough. But with the other critters, and jobs, and so on, we can't do that. And it frustrates Rocky and he becomes more difficult, which frustrates us, with in turn reinforces Rocky's frustration and ... boom. When somebody says their Quaker is loud and it's driving them crazy, you can see why I roll my eyes. You don't have the least conception of "loud" until you've lived with a 'too. Trust me, Clyde and Jade, both tiels, Benjy, Ringo and both dogs all raising the roof together can't compete with Rocky all by himself.
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Post by aaron on Jul 23, 2016 18:13:25 GMT -5
I believe it. Those cockatoos at the parrot store across the street are insanely loud. I've spent some time with them and it is immediately clear how needy and complex they are... They rarely seem happy, and it's almost as if when they do, they are putting on a show to try to lure you in... They really aren't well suited for being in our human world in the slightest.
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Post by siobhan on Jul 25, 2016 13:48:14 GMT -5
No, but then he snuggles up and sighs and mutters and I adore him.
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), simply a standardized extract from industrial hemp plants. I would not suggest anything remotely synthetic/pharmaceutical in nature. This oil is merely controversial because of its association with cannabis, but it lacks the ingredient (THC) of cannabis that makes it intoxicating (and illegal)... there are a variety of other gentle cannabinoids in the plant that do not pass the blood-brain barrier but are still very theraputic.
