AvianVetTech

Welcome! I remember being a new bird owner and this kind of community helped SO much. Excited to have you!

My cockatiel just figured out how to open their cage latch. I'm both impressed and terrified. What's the smartest thing your bird has done? I swear they understand way more than we think.

This is so true. Had the exact same experience with Paco.

If you're near Richmond Hill, PetSmart on Kennedy Rd actually has a decent bird section. Better than most locations.

My Basil read this post over my shoulder and started nodding. I'm only slightly concerned.

I used to think the same thing until my cockatiel proved me wrong. Now I'm firmly in the other camp.

Okay but counterpoint — what about birds that are the complete opposite? My budgie breaks every rule lol.

Have you noticed any other changes? When my Hahn's macaw did this they were also refusing favorite foods.

One thing that really helped was positive reinforcement with their favorite treat every time they do the right thing. Give it a try — can't hurt!

Just wanted to come back and say the advice in this thread WORKED. My green cheek conure finally stopped being hormonal and aggressive after I tried stuffing paper towel rolls with treats for foraging.

Have you noticed any other changes? When my African grey did this they were also plucking feathers.

My Oliver read this post over my shoulder and started nodding. I'm only slightly concerned.

Started clicker training Mango this week and I'm amazed. Day 1: confused. Day 3: clicked the connection between click and treat. Day 5: touching the target stick reliably. Day 7: stepping up on command. This is genuinely incredible. Anyone else clicker train their birds?

I have a similar story. My pionus used to do the exact same thing. I remember being SO frustrated until one day it just clicked. Patience is truly the key with birds.

Second vote for BST. They boarded my blue and gold macaw last summer and I could tell Jasper was well cared for when I picked them up. Total peace of mind.

Great question! So in my experience with zebra finch, this usually comes down to a few things. First, target training first, then building up to step-up. 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 Pepper. Hope that helps!

My vet in Leslieville suggested spending at minimum 2 hours of supervised out-of-cage time daily and I noticed a change within the first week. Highly recommend.

I've tried a bunch of brands and TOP's pellets is hands down the best value. My Clover devours it.

Second vote for BST. They boarded my Hahn's macaw last summer and I could tell Luna was well cared for when I picked them up. Total peace of mind.

My Pionus knocks things off tables. On purpose. Makes eye contact while doing it. Sits in boxes. Ignores me when I call their name. Comes running when I open the fridge. I think Peaches might be a cat in a feather suit. Who else has a bird with cat energy?