Feathers_and_Coffee

My zebra finch is losing SO many feathers right now. The bottom of the cage looks like a pillow exploded. First time going through a molt with this bird and I'm a bit worried. Is this normal?

Hey everyone! I'm from Newmarket and I just brought home my first bird ever — a Senegal parrot named Peaches. 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.

What kind of cage setup do you have? Sometimes the environment is a factor.

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

Just wanted to come back and say the advice in this thread WORKED. My blue and gold macaw finally stopped being afraid of hands after I tried rearranging the cage every couple weeks to prevent boredom.

For this I'd highly recommend Lafeber NutriBerries. My lineolated parakeet loves it and my vet approved it too.

If you're near Kitchener, PetSmart on Bloor St actually has a decent bird section. Better than most locations.

Even though the windows are closed, my caique keeps trying to fly into them during out-of-cage time. I'm worried they'll hurt themselves. How do you handle this? Window stickers? Keep curtains closed?

Oh man, this brings back memories. When we were dealing with this with Jasper, I thought we'd never get through it. Now it's just a funny memory. It gets better, I promise.

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

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

I just snorted coffee out of my nose reading this. My Quaker parrot is looking at me like I've lost it.

My advice would be adding foraging opportunities to at least 3 different spots in the cage. Went through the same thing with my lineolated parakeet last year.

Do you have other pets in the home? My lineolated parakeet started acting differently when we got a cat.

Hi everyone! I recently adopted a rescue Senegal parrot from a shelter near Oshawa. Their name is Captain (the shelter named them but it stuck). They're a bit shy and don't trust easily — no idea what their previous situation was. I want to give them the absolute best life possible. Any tips for helping a rescue bird settle in and learn to trust again?

What worked for me was rearranging the cage every couple weeks to prevent boredom. Took about a week but my Hahn's macaw responded really well to it.

Welcome!! Looking forward to hearing more about your feathered friend. Don't be shy about asking questions!

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

Welcome to the forum! Great to have another bird lover from the GTA. Your Quaker parrot sounds adorable — what's their personality like?

Does anyone else's bird have a specific room or spot they've claimed? Poppy loses their mind if anyone enters the kitchen during meal prep time. They perch on top of the fridge and supervise like a tiny feathered Gordon Ramsay. It's hilarious but also slightly concerning.