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Post by Ali Sagoo on Mar 26, 2005 1:43:22 GMT -7
My grey often throws temper tantrums when she doesn't get her own way. Like last night because the door was closed, she flew onto my head and then went upside down to bite me, squawking loudly. My reaction was to put her back in her cage and say, 'No! Bad Girl!'
She also seems to get very 'exciteable' at times and this normally results in biting or flying around the room squawking. When she lands you can see that she is breathing heavily with her mouth gapping.
I was wondering if there were any suggestions to try and stem these tantrums?
Thank you.
Ali Sagoo.
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Post by Jane on Mar 26, 2005 2:23:48 GMT -7
How old is she? They can get like this around the age of two and also around the age of sexual maturity at 5 or 6. When they don't do a great deal of flying, as they would in the wild, a smaller amount of exercise will get them panting, which is what she is doing. After you have put her back in the cage, leave her for a while until she calms down and then give her attention and praise.
Jane
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Post by Ali Sagoo on Mar 26, 2005 7:42:14 GMT -7
She is about 9 months old.
I normally leave her in her cage but I will try what you have suggested.
Should I be putting her back in her cage? Even when she is exciteable?
Thank you.
Ali Sagoo.
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Post by Jane on Mar 26, 2005 10:26:37 GMT -7
Yes I think putting her back in the cage and telling her firmly "no" will give her time to calm down, then you can praise her - positively reinforce the behaviour you want.
Jane
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Post by Ali Sagoo on Mar 26, 2005 12:20:08 GMT -7
Ok, thanks!
I shall try and see if things improve.
Thanks again!
Ali Sagoo.
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ranae
Weaned Todd
Okay, I'm ready for my close-up! I've always thought my right side was the most photogenic!
Joined: March 2005
Posts: 86
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Post by ranae on Mar 28, 2005 9:42:30 GMT -7
TEXT Well, it's been a little while since my last post, and Pearl and I are doing great. Last night, she even laughed at an appropriate time, which was a real treat since she's never done that before. Also, she very gently "preened" my hair, which I thought was very cool. I do have a question, though: sometimes when I take Pearl out (and she definitely wants out...) she will sit on my hand and flap her wings really hard, but also dig her feet in my hand so that she won't move. It's like "flying in place" if you will. Why would she do this? I know she's not trying to get off my hand, because when she actually wants to fly somewhere, she will take off like normal. But this is different, she is juat flapping. She doesn't seem distressed or anything, but she will breath hard and/or pant for about 5 or 10 seconds after these little "exercise sessions" (for lack of better terminology). Should I worry, or is this just a little quirk? Thanks a lot!
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Post by Ali Sagoo on Mar 28, 2005 10:09:43 GMT -7
Ranae
I believe that Pearl is just stretching those muscles of hers. My Grey normally does this if she hasn't had a good fly around in a while.
This is nothing to worry about and I'm sure others will confirm.
Thank you.
Ali Sagoo.
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Post by Jane on Mar 28, 2005 10:49:09 GMT -7
Yes it is normal to exercise the wings. Monty does it a lot but Mitzi has always been a bit lazy in that respect!
Jane
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ranae
Weaned Todd
Okay, I'm ready for my close-up! I've always thought my right side was the most photogenic!
Joined: March 2005
Posts: 86
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Post by ranae on Mar 28, 2005 12:14:49 GMT -7
Thank you both very much, This forum is always wonderful to alleviate any worries. I am glad that she is "normal"...at least in that respect She is a wonderful bird. Thanks again!
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Post by Ali Sagoo on Apr 1, 2005 14:09:29 GMT -7
Tonight my grey wanted to bite my top. I told her no and gently moved her head away. She continued trying to bite my top and I continued to repeat my actions. But she started getting more and more agitated and started to bite my finger hard. She then flew away and came back more aggressive.
In these circumstances, should I just put her back in her cage and say firmly 'no'?
I guess I already know the answer to this but I just want reassurance. This biting is really spoiling our time together!
Thanks
Ali Sagoo
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Post by Jane on Apr 1, 2005 15:04:14 GMT -7
Yes, she has got out of control because she wanted to get her own way and bite your top, so putting her back in the cage is the thing to do. They can be quite attracted to the clothes you are wearing and want to bite holes in them. Next time, try distracting her with something she can have and see if that enables you to have her out for longer.
Jane
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Post by Ali Sagoo on Apr 1, 2005 15:10:55 GMT -7
Thanks, for the reassurance and I shall try what you suggest.
Boy/Girl! Is this ever training for when I do eventually have children!
Ali Sagoo.
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mrswork35
Weaned Todd
Joined: February 2005
Posts: 60
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Post by mrswork35 on Apr 2, 2005 11:20:45 GMT -7
Having a Grey is like have a 2 yr old sometimes and other times a 5 year old!! haha You have to be consistent and firm. I have found that out. Lily will start chewing at my keyboard and I tell her "NO". I usually have to put her back into her cage and leave her. Now when she starts doing someting wrong, she looks at me and says "NO! NO! NO!" hahaha She is a wise little bugger!! hahaha Just keep it up and she will learn in time that when she is bad she loses your attention. Good luck
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Post by Ali Sagoo on Apr 2, 2005 15:01:22 GMT -7
Mrs Work
Can't wait for that day when she's telling me NO NO NO!!!
I'll be saying YES YES YES!!!!
Ok, patience is a virtue.............deep breaths Ali, deep breaths!! I guess I forget that she's still only 9 months old.
I really appreciate your experiences!
Thanks
Ali Sagoo.
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Post by Bellas Mommy on Apr 4, 2005 9:56:51 GMT -7
Just a note: I read that it's not a good idea to react forcefully (i.e. "NO!) because any exclamation, good or bad, is a reinforcement of a bird's behavior. I have noticed that when I react to Bella's tantrums with enthusiasm, she will repeat the behavior; however, when I say nothing and simply put her in her cage for a short time, she is eager to please when she is in my company again.
Try that, coupled with a quiet and careful "no" or "be careful."
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