AmaraChirps

Just wanted to come back and say the advice in this thread WORKED. My parrotlet finally stopped biting guests after I tried putting treats inside paper cups, folded paper, or tissue for foraging.

Great question! So in my experience with canary, this usually comes down to a few things. First, clicker training for 10-15 minutes a day. Second, make sure they're getting enough sleep — 12 hours of uninterrupted dark sleep is crucial. And third, pay attention to boredom from lack of enrichment and mental stimulation because that was a huge factor for my Clover. Hope that helps!

Hang in there! It gets better. My caique went through this too.

Hello! Been lurking on this forum for a bit and finally decided to make an account and participate. I've had my parrotlet Ruby for about 7 years now. Always nice to connect with other bird people in the GTA — most people I know think I'm crazy for having a bird lol. Excited to be here!

After MONTHS of trying every trick in the book — chop, skewers, birdie bread, eating veggies in front of them, hiding them in other foods — my budgie Pistachio ate a piece of broccoli today. OF THEIR OWN FREE WILL. I'm throwing a party. What finally worked: stuffing paper towel rolls with treats for foraging. Don't give up!!!

Hmm, I'm on the fence about this one. Part of me agrees but then I think about my experience with Coco and it doesn't quite line up.

So I had this exact problem about a year ago. Let me share what I learned. The key thing is getting natural java wood perches from a specialty bird store. A lot of people also recommend joining an online support group for Indian Ringneck owners. My avian vet in Ajax also suggested checking for hormonal season — spring is brutal which can sometimes be an underlying factor. Good luck — feel free to DM me if you have questions!

Reading this hit home. My caique went through the same phase around the same age. What helped us was using a shower perch so they can bathe with warm mist. Also just accepting that birds are gonna bird, you know?

Been thinking about adopting a rescue instead of buying from a breeder. Any experiences with rescue birds in Ontario? What should I expect in terms of behavioral challenges? Which rescue organizations do you recommend?

I got mine from Amazon Canada in Kitchener. Great selection and the staff actually knows about birds.

Already stressing about Canada Day plans. Last year I left booking a bird sitter way too late and had to cancel my trip. If you're traveling for Canada Day, book NOW. Any recommendations for bird sitters or boarding in the Etobicoke area?

I've tried a bunch of brands and HARI Prime is hands down the best value. My Fig devours it.

Oh my bird did this for about about 10 days and I tried everything. Honestly, time was the biggest factor. They just grew out of it.

This made my day honestly. Senegal parrot owners are the best people. We're all just trying our best for our feathered kids.

My Captain went through a phase like this around 10 years. I was terrified but it passed. Birds are weird sometimes lol.

I'd suggest trying target training first, then building up to step-up. My avian vet recommended it and it made a huge difference.

Great question! So in my experience with sun conure, this usually comes down to a few things. First, clicker training for 10-15 minutes a day. Second, make sure they're getting enough sleep — 12 hours of uninterrupted dark sleep is crucial. And third, pay attention to a dietary deficiency, especially calcium or vitamin A because that was a huge factor for my Sky. Hope that helps!

When I had to travel, I used Bird Sitting Toronto and they were incredible with my budgie. Daily updates with photos and everything.

My Senegal parrot is too smart for most toys — figures them out in 5 minutes and then gets bored. What are the most challenging puzzle/foraging toys you've found? I need to keep that big brain occupied!

Nice to meet you! Always great to connect with fellow bird owners. You're going to fit right in here!