CanaryChris

Update: took everyone's advice and things are improving. Raja is slowly coming around. This forum is the best.

Couldn't agree more. This has been my experience as well.

Great question! So in my experience with zebra finch, this usually comes down to a few things. First, switching to stainless steel water bowls and changing water twice daily. Second, make sure they're getting enough sleep — 12 hours of uninterrupted dark sleep is crucial. And third, pay attention to molting — they get uncomfortable and cranky because that was a huge factor for my Noodle. Hope that helps!

Every evening, Mochi flips upside down in my hand, goes completely limp, and closes their eyes. The first time they did this I PANICKED and almost called the emergency vet. Turns out they just... like being held upside down? lovebird are so weird. Does your bird have a weird quirk?

This reminds me of when I first got Sunny. I was so overwhelmed but looking back, those early days were actually really special. The bond building phase is tough but beautiful.

Hey everyone! I'm from Leslieville and I just brought home my first bird ever — an African grey named Jasper. I'm equal parts excited and terrified. Been reading everything I can find online but there's so much conflicting info. Any beginner tips from experienced owners would be amazing! Looking forward to being part of this community.

How old is your bird? That might explain it — my zebra finch went through something similar around 18 months.

I've tried a bunch of brands and Lafeber NutriBerries is hands down the best value. My Pistachio devours it.

I've had birds for 15 years and I've seen this many times. In my experience it usually comes down to a dietary deficiency, especially calcium or vitamin A.

I've done a ton of research on this because my green-cheek conure had the same issue. Here's what I learned: the most common cause is molting — they get uncomfortable and cranky. What worked for us was leaving the radio or TV on when I'm out — background noise helps. I also started making sure there are no drafts near the cage and noticed improvement within a week. It's a process but it gets better.

My Hahn's macaw absolutely LOVES my partner but hisses and lunges at me, and I'm the one who feeds and cleans! Anyone else deal with this? How did you build a relationship with a one-person bird?

Absolutely love hearing success stories! This gives me so much hope for me and Skittles. Thank you for sharing!

Hello! Been lurking on this forum for a bit and finally decided to make an account and participate. I've had my sun conure Pistachio for about 8 months 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!

My Quaker parrot did this too! Turned out it was because of jealousy of a new person, pet, or even object in the home. Once I addressed that, everything went back to normal.

I switched to HARI Prime last year and haven't looked back. My blue and gold macaw's feathers have never looked better.

Just wanted to give a shoutout to Bird Sitting Toronto. Left my green-cheek conure with them for 10 days while we visited family and Jasper came home happy and healthy. They sent daily photo updates. Honestly the best experience. Highly recommend for anyone in Etobicoke!

I have a similar story. My eclectus 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.

Update: took everyone's advice and things are improving. Tango is slowly coming around. This forum is the best.

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 stress from loud noises like construction because that was a huge factor for my Zazu. Hope that helps!

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