FeatheredFriend_ON

One thing that really helped was offering chop first thing in the morning when they're hungriest. Give it a try — can't hurt!

I literally cried. After two to three weeks of patient work, Rio finally learned to wave today. I know it sounds small but if you've been through the bonding process with a nervous bird you know how HUGE this is. Never give up, it's so worth it.

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

A friend who's had birds for 20 years told me to try covering the cage partially at night for 12 hours of uninterrupted sleep. I was skeptical but it actually worked.

Welcome to the club! My cockatiel trained ME in the first week. They're way smarter than they let on.

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?

Check out Ren's Pets — they have exactly what you need and the prices are reasonable for the GTA.

Every morning in our Parkdale apartment: alarm goes off, Fig starts singing. I open the cage, they fly to my shoulder. I try to make coffee, they try to steal my spoon. I eat breakfast, they eat my breakfast. I attempt to work, they sit on my keyboard. Wouldn't trade it for anything. What's YOUR morning like with your bird?

I have a similar story. My lovebird 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.

I switched to Zupreem last year and haven't looked back. My Senegal parrot's feathers have never looked better.

My vet in Roncesvalles suggested putting the food bowl higher up — birds feel safer eating at height and I noticed a change within the first week. Highly recommend.

My vet in Guelph suggested switching to stainless steel water bowls and changing water twice daily and I noticed a change within the first week. Highly recommend.

If you're in Kitchener, check out the avian vet on Hurontario St. They're amazing with caique specifically.

There's a great little shop in Leslieville that specializes in parrot supplies. Way better selection than the big chains.

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

Have you tried keeping a super consistent daily routine — birds thrive on predictability? That's what solved this issue for us. Game changer honestly.

Welcome to the club! My green-cheek conure trained ME in the first week. They're way smarter than they let on.

There's a great little shop in Barrie that specializes in parrot supplies. Way better selection than the big chains.

I remember when my canary went through this phase. I was so worried but my vet said it's actually really common.

So what I ended up doing was getting natural java wood perches from a specialty bird store. Within a few days there was a noticeable improvement. Definitely worth trying.