Squawking in my absense

[jayme]

I bought Olive about 2-3 weeks ago and it is a very friendly partner to have. However, only when I'm around. The only place I'm allowed to keep Olive is in my room downstairs. I do spend alot of time in there especially in mornings and evenings playing the guitar for Olive or just vegging out there reading. Whenever I leave the room Olive starts to squawk a noise. I have come to notice that this particular noise means that it doesn't want me to leave it. Even when I or anybody walks by my room it squawks this attention call. I feel bad because I think it just wants to be around people. Usually, in the morning, I give it an hour or two of being out with me and in the evening 2-3 hours depending how long Olive seems energetic or is behaving.

Is there any way I can help Olive understand I will be in the house but maybe not with it? I do talk to it when I'm around the house but this just makes it call out constantly for another 5-10 minutes until I'm quiet or come back into the room.

[michael]

There is a threshold to maintain between spending time with Olive and taking care of other matters. Naturally they can become very attached to their keepers. Unfortunately, her realizing you will always be nearby is human thought pattern not consistent with lovebird mentality. She does realize though, that she's gotten your absolute attention by you calling to her. Generally that makes matters worse and will only perpetuate her calling to you even more. When your nearby try not calling out to her. When your not nearby make sure she has plenty of activities, like safe toys or anything that she likes to chew on, plus any healthy foods she likes that can be hidden so that she has to forage for them. Do be sure she can eventually find her food though. We all love to spend as much time as we can but sometimes scheduling is needed so they get used to you not being there at times. There are many other things that may also effect their behavior like cage location and other noises besides your own. Expect a bit of peeping as its only a part of their vocal nature. I always call out to my lovebird before taking him out, but not until then. He's excited enough just seeing someone walk by. My schedule is fairly hectic so I knew it was hard on my single lovie Goofy to see me in and out all the time, but little by little changes were made to make him more comfortable, noisy or not. Maybe someone else will also share their thoughts here........Take care....Michael and Goofy