bitu
Just Hatched
Joined: July 2005
Posts: 3
|
Post by bitu on Jul 11, 2005 22:24:43 GMT -7
we have a 3 year old congo grey and he only goes to my dad. however recently he has mood swings (for lack of a better word) and won't go to him all the time. he used to love showers, now only likes them every once in awhile. he won't go to any other member of the family. my dad takes him outside every morning and every night plays with him. but lately he has been extremely moody and may only come to my dad once or twice a week. has anyone else had changes in mood like this? or do you know why? they do this. we asked the store where we purchased him from they said come in and get his nails clipped and then take him home and he will feel like you've rescued him and he will go back to normal... didnt work.... any suggestions!!!!
|
|
|
Post by Jane on Jul 12, 2005 0:22:46 GMT -7
Many people report that their Greys get like this around the age of two or three. One of the theories is that it coincides with the age when a Grey in the wild would leave its family group and go off to make its own way. Greys are thought to stay with their family group for longer than other birds and Congos are thought to stay longer than Timnehs. In captivity this can come across as aggression, changes of mood and more assertive behaviour. Monty went through a phase like this at a similar sort of age but he is the most docile Grey you could come across now. Of course it could be something else, something irritating him, or he could be starting a molt as this can make them moody as well.
Jane
|
|
bitu
Just Hatched
Joined: July 2005
Posts: 3
|
Post by bitu on Jul 12, 2005 6:13:00 GMT -7
thanks, what is a molt?
|
|
|
Post by Jane on Jul 12, 2005 6:29:35 GMT -7
It is when the feathers are replaced with new ones. They usually have a main molt once a year when the flight and tail feathers are replaced as well as the smaller feathers. The new feathers are called blood feathers because they grow in encased in a sheath with a blood supply. As the feather matures the blood supply retracts and the sheath comes off, usually preened off by the bird. Molting can be uncomfortable for them and can make them itchy and irritable.
Jane
|
|
bitu
Just Hatched
Joined: July 2005
Posts: 3
|
Post by bitu on Jul 12, 2005 6:32:51 GMT -7
thank you so much one last question? do you know how long that lasts? thanks again
|
|
|
Post by Jane on Jul 12, 2005 6:38:17 GMT -7
It is several weeks as it is a gradual thing.
Jane
|
|