CockatooCarl

How old is your bird? That might explain it — my lovebird went through something similar around 18 months.

Great question! So in my experience with Senegal parrot, this usually comes down to a few things. First, clicker training for 10-15 minutes a day. Second, make sure they're getting enough sleep — 12 hours of uninterrupted dark sleep is crucial. And third, pay attention to insufficient UV light exposure, especially in Canadian winters because that was a huge factor for my Ruby. Hope that helps!

Noticed a small red bump on my blue and gold macaw's foot. Could this be bumblefoot? I have varied perch sizes but maybe not enough natural wood. What should I do? Is this a vet emergency or can I treat at home?

One thing that really helped was removing mirrors from the cage — can cause hormonal or aggressive behavior. Give it a try — can't hurt!

Great question! So in my experience with budgie, this usually comes down to a few things. First, getting natural java wood perches from a specialty bird store. Second, make sure they're getting enough sleep — 12 hours of uninterrupted dark sleep is crucial. And third, pay attention to insufficient UV light exposure, especially in Canadian winters because that was a huge factor for my Tango. Hope that helps!

Dealt with this for months. What finally worked was changing their sleep schedule and just being really patient. They come around eventually.

If you're near the Beaches, PetSmart on Eglinton Ave actually has a decent bird section. Better than most locations.

Great thread! For me it's my African Grey — wouldn't trade Coco for the world.

I've done a ton of research on this because my Indian Ringneck had the same issue. Here's what I learned: the most common cause is a subtle environmental change you might not even notice. What worked for us was putting a bird lamp on a 12/12 timer to simulate natural daylight cycles. I also started reading "The Parrot Problem Solver" by Barbara Heidenreich and noticed improvement within a week. It's a process but it gets better.

What does their diet look like? Sometimes these things are diet-related.

A friend who's had birds for 20 years told me to try covering the cage partially at night for 12 hours of uninterrupted sleep. I was skeptical but it actually worked.

My caique has been on seeds their whole life (8 months). I know pellets are better but they literally throw them on the floor and look at me like I insulted their ancestors. Any conversion tips that actually work?

Hang in there! It gets better. My Quaker parrot went through this too.

I agreed to watch my friend's Quaker parrot for two weeks. I don't have birds — what do I need to do to make my place safe? I know zero about bird care and I'm terrified of doing something wrong.

Nice to meet you! Always great to connect with fellow bird owners. You're going to fit right in here!

I've done a ton of research on this because my lineolated parakeet had the same issue. Here's what I learned: the most common cause is not enough quality sleep — they need 10-12 hours uninterrupted. What worked for us was stuffing paper towel rolls with treats for foraging. I also started switching to a natural cleaning spray like F10 and noticed improvement within a week. It's a process but it gets better.

This!! So much this. Saving this post to show my partner.

You're clearly a caring bird owner — the fact you're asking for help shows that. Your bird is lucky to have you.

Don't worry, this is super common with Quaker parrot. You're doing great!

Need to drive my Senegal parrot from Etobicoke to a vet appointment downtown. They've never been in a car before and I'm nervous. What travel cage do you recommend? Any tips to keep them calm?