Post by Lisa on Mar 27, 2015 21:24:46 GMT -5
I have had my quaker for the last 18 years. He is very bonded to me, and when I had my daughter, he started plucking himself like crazy. I tried to set time aside to give him undivided attention, but the plucking did not stop. I ended up giving him a mate, and the plucking subsided somewhat, but unfortunately, she passed unexpectedly after 14 years. The vet was unable to determine why.
I have always known that Micha is very bonded to me and almost considers me a mate---I do try to discourage this, as he will try to demonstrate mating behavior when on my shoulder. I put him down right away. He has always had the increasingly annoying habit of screeching, to the point that even ignoring and providing him with other toys,etc, does not cure it unless l put him in a dim light, low stimuli room.
We tried to bring him out today, to be around us (honestly, unless he is right on my shoulder he will not stop screeching, so I am concerned that he might be lonely and missing the other bird, but I am unable to afford a little friend for him now). The screeching is so bad. So, we brought him out and like a dummy, I approached him maybe a bit too quickly with a paint jacket so he could step up on my arm....okay, okay, I know that was a dumb move, and he bit me good. this is the first time since he was a baby that he's bit this hard. this is also the first spring that he has been without the other bird, and I can tell he seems more aggressive (with the longer days, etc).
What can i do besides ignoring, offering alternate toys, distractions, to quell his screeching so that he can be out here with us in the livingroom, quietly enjoying peaceful activities without tormenting everyone with screeching constantly? I do try to gently talk to him, and include him, and I know some sqwaking is a normal part of their communication, but it has become disruptive with the length and intensity.
Any one have any more ideas besides limiting day time light during spring, ignoring, alternate toys as distraction, etc?
I know he is healthy and hardy as heck and cleared from the vet of any infection. Stools look good, eating very well, grooming, so he's not sick.
thanks (it's distressing that my little buddy is acting up like this). We love him.
I have always known that Micha is very bonded to me and almost considers me a mate---I do try to discourage this, as he will try to demonstrate mating behavior when on my shoulder. I put him down right away. He has always had the increasingly annoying habit of screeching, to the point that even ignoring and providing him with other toys,etc, does not cure it unless l put him in a dim light, low stimuli room.
We tried to bring him out today, to be around us (honestly, unless he is right on my shoulder he will not stop screeching, so I am concerned that he might be lonely and missing the other bird, but I am unable to afford a little friend for him now). The screeching is so bad. So, we brought him out and like a dummy, I approached him maybe a bit too quickly with a paint jacket so he could step up on my arm....okay, okay, I know that was a dumb move, and he bit me good. this is the first time since he was a baby that he's bit this hard. this is also the first spring that he has been without the other bird, and I can tell he seems more aggressive (with the longer days, etc).
What can i do besides ignoring, offering alternate toys, distractions, to quell his screeching so that he can be out here with us in the livingroom, quietly enjoying peaceful activities without tormenting everyone with screeching constantly? I do try to gently talk to him, and include him, and I know some sqwaking is a normal part of their communication, but it has become disruptive with the length and intensity.
Any one have any more ideas besides limiting day time light during spring, ignoring, alternate toys as distraction, etc?
I know he is healthy and hardy as heck and cleared from the vet of any infection. Stools look good, eating very well, grooming, so he's not sick.
thanks (it's distressing that my little buddy is acting up like this). We love him.
