MacawMama

I've been buying organic for my lineolated parakeet but honestly the cost is adding up. Is it actually necessary? I wash everything thoroughly anyway. What do you all do? Is the pesticide risk real or overblown for birds?

I struggled with this too until I started stuffing paper towel rolls with treats for foraging. Now it's like a completely different bird.

Every evening, Oliver flips upside down in my hand, goes completely limp, and closes their eyes. The first time they did this I PANICKED and almost called the emergency vet. Turns out they just... like being held upside down? African Grey are so weird. Does your bird have a weird quirk?

Welcome!! Looking forward to hearing more about your feathered friend. Don't be shy about asking questions!

Welcome to the forum! Great to have another bird lover from the GTA. Your lineolated parakeet sounds adorable — what's their personality like?

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

YES! This is exactly what I needed to read today. My blue and gold macaw and I have been going through the same thing!

Welcome to the forum! Great to have another bird lover from the GTA. Your parrotlet sounds adorable — what's their personality like?

Have you tried getting natural java wood perches from a specialty bird store? That's what solved this issue for us. Game changer honestly.

There's a great bird supply store in Oshawa that carries exactly what you need. I go there all the time.

Have you noticed any other changes? When my Senegal parrot did this they were also being unusually clingy.

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 the cage being in a high-traffic or drafty location. What worked for us was putting treats inside paper cups, folded paper, or tissue for foraging. I also started joining an online support group for blue and gold macaw owners 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.

My Tweety went through a phase like this around 2 years. I was terrified but it passed. Birds are weird sometimes lol.

I've been giving my lineolated parakeet filtered water but ran out of filters and gave tap water for a day. Now I'm spiraling. Toronto water is rated pretty good for humans, but what about birds? Do chlorine levels matter? What about in older buildings with lead pipes?

Welcome!! Looking forward to hearing more about your feathered friend. Don't be shy about asking questions!

I remember when my Amazon parrot went through this phase. I was so worried but my vet said it's actually really common.

Lol my parrotlet does the exact same thing. I've just accepted that the bird runs the house now. I'm just the food delivery service.

Update: took everyone's advice and things are improving. Kiwi is slowly coming around. This forum is the best.

Your bird is in good hands. The fact that you're researching this shows how much you care.