Hello everyone ! I'm a new guy here, as of this morning....

[David Greenman]

I love all animals, of course and parrots have always captured my attention, always a bit more. I never grow tired of their endlessly fascinating and distinct personalities. In many ways I am a beginner with parrot experience - hard won knowledge, if you know what I mean.
Over the course of many years I've been the companion human to several amazons, two cags, a cherry head conure and two toos, one of which I have now - a goffins named Jeffrey about a year and a half old. Very socialized, etc etc.
Jeffrey is very cute, very gentle for the most part, playful and full of personality......He also screams jet engine loud....At all hours. I've known breeders, read books, have had conversations with many parrot companion owners more "experienced" than I and sadly, I am about to rehome home him only because of his screaming. He will scream at 7 am, 11 pm and anytime in between. What I have learned over the course of time and with experience is that all parrots do and will have certain behaviors hard wired into them...This is understandable and accepted, however I live with and near to other people who dont share in my fondness for parrots.
I've been repeatedly told by other people who have far greater experience than I, that a good parrot to human match (( is )) very important and almost impossible to ignore given the birds innate personality and behaviors. The first time I was told this, a long time ago, I blew it off but now I see that it is true. I've also been told thru many conversations and much trial and error that probably I would do better with a senagal or a quaker.

Well, this is some of my birdie story. I'll look forward to any and all comments, critiques, feedback, both positive and negative, ideas or just shared interests. Thank you for reading me.

Sincerely,

David

[The Outlaw]

Welcome David:

I know its frustrating when you live with parrots with behavioral problems. Constant screaming is not normal. I assume with your background, you are aware of some of the things that trigger chronic screaming.

1. Check the location of your cage. You may find your bird will do better on an interior room wall. Perhaps the action outside of a window is unsettling.
2. Try covering the back half of the cage to create a place your bird can retreat to.
3. Feed a very limited seed mix. Seed can make some birds very hyper. Try substituting fresh foods and only giving a few tablespoons of seed at night. Remove it during the day. If you feed pellets, feed this: 1/3 pellets, 1/3 fresh fruits and veggies, a protein every other day and of course the limited amount of seed.
4. Try creating interesting foraging opportunities for your pet. Save cardboard jewlry boxes and place a nut inside. Tape the box closed and make a few small windows. Allow your bird to hunt for his treat.
5. Give your bird lots of toys. Try hanging 3 in a cage at a time and rotate them often. Birds get bored and then they scream.
6. Make certain that you have no rodents prowling around. Mice can really frighten birds.
7. Never reward your bird when he is screaming. Only when he is quiet should you approach him and then reward him for his good behavior.
8. Be fair. Make sure to give him lots of supervised out of cage time where he can have contact with you without a lot of distractions.

Perhaps others can add more tips. Just remember, you are EVERYTHING TO HIM. You are what HE does for a living.

Good luck.

[Monica]

It would be a good idea to consult with Kimbear (she's at the Cockatoo Expert area under 'Ask the Experts'). She and others here may be able to help you out with Jeffrey.

Welcome to BirdBoard, and it's nice to see another cherry head owner!

[tiger2]

I had a Goffins years ago and yes they are notorious for screaming at all hours. Lots of mental stimulation is required. My Susie loved receipt tape and I bought a hanging holder for one for her cage, she would go to town on it. She wanted to be out all the time and be the center of attention.She drove the family crazy especially at night. I developed an allergy with rash from her so I had to rehome or she would still be here. I think if you have a seperate room where you could close the door at night might help. Cover the cage too. But Toys and lots of them will help!

[David Greenman]

Hello Monica,

Thank you for your response. My little Jeffrey is a cute little guy. Hes got some set of lungs tho !!
I have just responded to the moderator with a lengthy letter. I'm still getting used to the site here and the way things are arranged. I hope , if you care to and are able to, that you can read the post that I sent to him. It explains a lot.
And thanks again for your welcoming me to the group site.

Best to you Monica !!

David

[David Greenman]

Hello there !
Thank you for your response. Jeffrey loves to shread toilet paper and junk mail, LOL !!
I just hope (( I really dont know what to do about this only one problematical behavior )) What can be done about his loud screaming..... From me, he gets tons of hands on affection.
His house placement, his toys, his food, etc. Its all in order Both you and the rest of us here should be as well cared for, LOL !!

[Spinnergirl]

Welcome to the birdboard, hope you can get some answers for your situation.
Toos are not for everybody I have found out. Since joining this board I have heard some crazy stories about Toos, and have been directed to websites devoted to them and some issues they may or may not have. Had it not been for this board I may have opted to get one as I love being around them (but not being bitten by one)...when I still had "bird room" left. Now I am full up with cages "cluttering" two rooms and bird seed in almost every room.

Hope you will enjoy your time here, and see it as time well spent.

Again welcome to the birdboard.