Rescued TAG, need some advice

[DianeT]

Ive been watching this site for a little while and know I can get some really good advice from all of you. I have adopted a 5 yr old TAG, and have found out how wonderfully smart he is. The problem I have is that every time I go into my kitchen to prepare a meal for myself, he loves to mimic the smoke alarm. My smoke alarm has not activated since Ive had him, this is a gift he came with. I dont mind the microwave beeps at all, but I cant put anything on the stove without him doing his smoke alarm. I have been ignoring him when he does it and rewarding him when he makes more pleasant sounds. My dog is getting neurotic from the sound, so I am having him go outside when I cook. I live alone, and am bound and determined to keep Jake, and am open to any suggestions that you may have in helping me tame this problem.
The Firefighter's Mom

[MrRick]

I can understand how you feel! Some of my adopted birds have come with some rather annoying noises. Fortunately, as they got more used to our routine and surroundings, those noises stopped. But, greys will be greys and those annoying noises were sometimes replaced with NEW annoying noises! Gotta love those grey birdies!!!!

[grandma]

My Cag and Tag both make noises like phones, microwave doorbell...I personaly don't find it at all annoying. Greys are very smart birds and learn to identify an action with a noise or word. Try having a Macaw if you want annoying.

[CALVINS MOM]

I assume his previous owner was not the greatest cook....

Have you tried putting on music when you cook - something to distract him? Or start signing when he begins his smoke alarm? Is he housed in the kitchen?That's not a good place for him, so perhaps you can move him to a different location where he is unable to see you cooking? Just a few thoughts...

While we are speaking of cooking, I assume you know the dangers of teflon...

[RingneckedPrincess]

Originally Posted by grandma

Try having a Macaw if you want annoying.

That is so true! Annoying but adorable...

Dani

[DianeT]

Thanks for the answers...no he isnt in the kitchen, I have a great room, so the stove is in sight. I am going to try to move the cage a little so he cant see me at the stove and also provide some distraction. I think he may be enjoying watching me jump when he lets loose, its so unexpected and VERY loud. If he follows my lead in whistling, which he likes, I'll treat him and see how that goes. I know in time we will replace the smoke alarm with another new and exciting sound. Gotta love em. Thanks so much for the suggestions!
And yes, I am aware of the teflon problem, none in this house!

[bekfreak]

Though annoying sounds are what Timneh's do best! Bella's learning sounds now along with words. She does the lip smack for a kiss, microwave beep, starting to learn my fax machine's ring, starling's long drawn out whistle ( ), learned to do one single truck beep, sneaky laugh, and she still has the ferbie voice!

[grandma]

No one should get a Tag or Cag without first doing research. I love all the annoying, loud sounds they make...it tells me, they are happy fids.

[CALVINS MOM]

Originally Posted by DianeT

Thanks for the answers...no he isnt in the kitchen, I have a great room, so the stove is in sight. I am going to try to move the cage a little so he cant see me at the stove and also provide some distraction. I think he may be enjoying watching me jump when he lets loose, its so unexpected and VERY loud. If he follows my lead in whistling, which he likes, I'll treat him and see how that goes. I know in time we will replace the smoke alarm with another new and exciting sound. Gotta love em. Thanks so much for the suggestions!
And yes, I am aware of the teflon problem, none in this house!

I shoulda known you'd have a great room, living in Florida! Houses up north are chopped up like a salad! Sounds like you are on the right track! Good luck with him and many years of enjoyment!