stubborn little booger!

[jimpierce]

Howdy folks. I apologize for not being more regular here. I foster four of the five lovies living here. Two are very, lets say, VERY stubborn. lol One is ok. Meegan I believe. Her spot to try to get into is under my parrotlet and loverbirds cages. No big deal there. I just put up more paper and sticks and such to block the way and she starts digging. With occasional help from Andale', my lovie.
Meegan's sister Sissy on the other hand has decided that the poop tray for Sophie's cage (my eclectus) is her place. She will stop at almost nothing to get there. Did I mention my ekkie is sitting on a pair of eggs? In the cage? My Sophie is a sweet girl but she limits.
So far the only effective thing I have found has been a squirt bottle. A quick spritz or two and off she goes. This makes for a wet bird and a wet floor. I have stood watch and taken her away each time she lands on the cage. This only seems to make her more determined. She fits between the bars of Sophie's cage which is how she gets there. Knowing Sophie is on the other side doesn't slow her down. In fact if Sissy makes it to the poop tray, she tries to fight Sophie for it.
Any ideas or suggestions would be helpful. Sissy and Meegan are fosters so there is no idea how long they will be here.

[linda040899]

Hi Jim,
I don't envy the problem you are having, as I know from first hand experience is that there is nothing worse than a determined lovie hen!!! They want what they want and that's all she wrote.

I don't like to even suggest a wing clip, as I know it's a drastic action and it may not solve the problem. I use wing clips with my Greys when they get out of hand but Ginger has learned to walk to get to her destination when flight is not an option. Doesn't solve the problem, just takes more effort to get to where they want to be. :( Limiting out time is another not really attractive option.

I think your best alternative is the spray bottle. A wet bird isn't bad and, perhaps put something under the cage to catch the water that falls to the floor. Letting her continue to go where she's going is really dangerous should Sophie decide enough is enough.

Anone else have a possible solution here??????