My umbrella cockatoo made a stranger smile today

Was sitting on my balcony in Bloor West Village with Blu on my shoulder and a kid walking by literally GASPED and said "MOM LOOK A REAL PARROT!!" Made my whole week. Moments like that remind me how special it is to share our lives with these amazing creatures.

I'd suggest trying playing music during the day — my bird loves calm acoustic guitar. My avian vet recommended it and it made a huge difference.

How long have you had them? Sometimes it takes a while for birds to settle into a new home.

My advice would be putting a bird lamp on a 12/12 timer to simulate natural daylight cycles. Went through the same thing with my sun conure last year.

Been thinking about this thread all week. I've tried a few of the suggestions and getting natural java wood perches from a specialty bird store was the game changer for us.

Have you noticed any other changes? When my zebra finch did this they were also sitting at the bottom of the cage.