Loud and not proud (of myself)

[Jaycer17]

Hi, gang. It's been a while since I've updated on Sky, so I'd thought I'd drop in and (also) ask a question.

So on Monday Sky will have been with us for three months, and now he lets me put my hand inside the cage and feed him millet. He has even taken the individual seeds directly off my palm, but he is still wary to do so. On top of that, cute little thug still even attacks the hand. I try to do a loud hissing sound to prevent him, but how can I distract him from biting? (I don't move the hand away, just sort of dodge him when he tries biting.)

And as you already, Sky is LOUD. I've managed to ignore him when he gets too raucous, but my wife and daughter don't have my patience. My wife especially will yell in frustration, and no matter how much I explain that this is due to probable boredom, and he will be so until he's good and tame, It is taking its toll. I have placed many toys in his cage and rotate them weekly to try and stimulate him appropiately, but this is not as effective. Is there any other advice you can give me to prevent the unrequested concerts till I can finally take him out of the cage?

I won't lie, this has been a challenge the likes of which I have never had. I have even considered giving up and putting Sky up for adoption, but I wouldn't give away my child if she misbehaves, so I've recommitted myself to him and gather another extra dose of patience for the next indeterminate amount of time. But any advice is more than welcome! (Needed, actually!)

[linda040899]

The most effective way I've found to curb unwanted behavior is a spray bottle full of just plain water. Set the spray to halfway between stream and spray. When he gets loud or bites, spray him. So that he knows why you are doing what you are doing, the water bottle has to be used almost immediately. It won't be very long before an association is made and just seeing the spray bottle will stop unwanted behavior. Share this tip with your wife and daughter and you may find it helps. My current significant other had never been around parrots before he met me and I told him if you want me, it's a package deal......Linda AND parrots! To my surprise, he's doing very well with them, even when my macaws want attention at sunrise!

Another thing that can cause behavior issues is lack of sleep. Parrots need at least 12 hours of sleep or they can be grumpy. I have mine on a sunrise to sunset schedule. As the sun goes down, I turn off lights and close blinds so they can wind down and settle in.

Kudos to you for being dedicated to this lovebird! Too many people get pets (cats and dogs, too) and rather than getting to know/understand their companion, the trend is to rehome. If a parrot joins my flock, it's for life.