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Parrots/Sitting on perch
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Question
I recently inherited a 2 1/2 year old goffin cockatoo, she is the friendliest of birds. The problem is she won't stay on her perch.I see alot of birds in pet stores and privately owned that will sit on an open perch all the time,Our baby constantly flies to a family member or the dog, which could be dangerous. How do we teach her to stay on the perch?
Keep putting her back. Be silent about it, other than perhaps a firm "no" or "not yet" - you don't want her to think you're angry or that she's doing anything wrong, just that now isn't the time.
It takes some persistence - and when you see her getting ready to fly off, use her name to get her attention and distract her from take off; then explain that it's not time yet. They really ARE smart enough to understand this (it's mostly the tone they get).
Give her a treat (grape, piece of graham cracker, etc) and make sure she has something to do there. Attach a toy or chewing wood.
Then, at a certain time (and try to make it the same time every time) make a big event of taking her down or encouraging her to 'fly'!
Be patient - be kind and outlast the bird
www.4AnimalCare.org
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Rev. Dr. S.August Abbott
Expertise
Certified Avian Specialist; Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council member; Own animal rescue org; National Wildlife habitat #66378; bird care, nutrition & behavior consultant; International Assoc. of Animal Behavior Consultants Associate; National Wildlife Federation Leaders Club member; published bird care, info and behavior articles and guides. Ongoing education in exotic bird behavior and nutrition I can answer behavioral, nutritional, environmental, characteristic/personality questions as well as general health and health care. No animal emergency can ever be addressed on the internet. We cannot see your animal, perform an examination, provide necessary care or medication. Please value your companion for the priceless, living creature they are; not for what you might have paid for them.
Experience
Certified Avian Specialist.
For more than 30 years I've worked with veterinarians, protective facilities, nature centers, preserves and on my own in providing care and education with regard to multiple animal species, including raptors (hawks, kestrals, owls, etc) and marsupials. In recent years I've focused on parrots, usually rescued from abusive or less than ideal situations and helping educate owners as to proper care. Expert in behavior studies and modification of problem behavior.
Organizations
4AnimalCare is the organization I run as an animal ministry; World Wildlife Association, Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, National Wildlife Federation Leaders Club and more
Publications
Bird Talk Magazine articles about rescued and problem macaws.
Education/Credentials
Doctorate, Ordained Minister
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