insatiable chewing

[Starz]

OK, so I know that Squeak is probably just going through a mouthy stage, like puppies or babies, but he has to chew everything at the moment. I'm talking the mouse pad, seams on my shirt, my collar, hair, ear, the pockets on my jeans if I let him sit in my lap, he's even trying to chew my computer desk! I have plenty of chewy-type toys in his cage and fold paper to stick through the cage bars, but apparently it's not enough! Is this just a stage? Are there toys that will satisfy his urge to chew?

[linda040899]

In the mindset of a lovebird (or any parrot, for that matter!), anything that looks like it needs chewing will get some birdie modifications. Hookbeaks are for chewing things up and that's just what they do! Granted, he has his toys but remember. What's his is his, plus what's yours is his, as well!

Just thank goodness you're not dealing with a macaw!!! :eek:

[Starz]

Lol, thanks for putting it in perspective Linda! Squeak is just now going through his first molt which is why I thought it might be stage.

[LauraO]

What you are experiencing with Squeak is very normal for a young lovie. It can try the nerves of the most patient and understanding lovie owner, and all too often it feels like there is noting you can do to stop the chewing. The important thing to remember is Squeak will likely outgrow this phase and you will have toughened skin ready to take on all future bites:rolleyes: .

Here's my experience with Chewie. He was about Squeaks age at the time. Today, he's one of the few lovies I have that never bites, though he does like to chew on the walls:roll: .

http://www.lovebirdsplus.com/community/showthread.php?t=1057&highlight=Chewie

[Cooper]

Soo, when would a lovebird outgrow the chewing phase. I thought it was just here to stay and that a sleeping tent is only supposed to last a month. I also have Cooper shirts that she has considerately added some extra ventilation for me.

[LauraO]

Soo, when would a lovebird outgrow the chewing phase. I thought it was just here to stay and that a sleeping tent is only supposed to last a month. I also have Cooper shirts that she has considerately added some extra ventilation for me.

Sorry to say but it sounds as if Cooper is a permanent chewer:eek: . She's outgrown the phase Squeaks is no in. Some lovebirds just love to chew more than others. I have several lovies who've chewed their tents to shreds8o .

[Starz]

Thanks Laura, I hope he does outgrow it. He just has to be chewing something, every minute of every day! It's like a compulsion that he just can't stop, lol.

[Eliza]

Beetle is a little over a year old and he STILL likes to nibble on my shirt, the throw, the pillow... I usually have an old t-shirt on if we're just hanging out as he has decided that I need more ventilation, just like Bronwyn's Cooper ;)

-e-

[DebSpace]

Yes, they are little chew machines, aren't they?! :lol I made many modifications to my bird room even before Tux got hold of the wallhanging with the metal in it. :cry: I made even more after he did that, especially items hanging on the wall. If it was a figurine, I bought acrylic coverings/encasings for them. I actually bought a glass cabinet for keepsakes I had on display in that room so none of them would be damaged and the birds could still have a good time. I took down the curtains and replaced with blinds, etc, etc., etc.! :rofl:

[Elle]

My lovebird is more destructive then my African Grey. She won't chew on our clothes but it took a long time to teach her not to chew the skin of our hands off. Blu chews on doors, anything wood she can put her beak on. We try to distract her with popsicle sticks that we buy by the thousand and whicker baskets that we buy at the dollar store. The popsicles sticks are enjoyed by all the birds.

When Max (CAG) moved in with us, he had a few toys in his cage such as chains, dog bones, hard plastic toys. Max had an episode many years ago with knitting yarn used to make toys that got caught in his feet. After seing a vet, he was no longer allowed to have chewable material to play with. Dan and I remedied to that with proper wood toys, ropes taht we check every day, popsicle sticks, his favorites, nuts. Amond and walnuts in the shell. He loves breaking those apart. He loves chewing and at this time in his life, is quite happy with his toys. I'm sure one day he will move on to the furniture :lol

Parrots will be parrots :lol