Any chance of a few tips please

paledude101 · Post by **paledude101** » Sun Jan 27, 2008 1:51 pm

We've had a little IRN for since just before i was born, its about 20 or so.

He always used to be very playful and chirpy until just a few years ago. We've been trying to take a little more care than we used to with him, letting him out of the cage alot more and making sure he's always got something to do. But he's become really attached to my mother's feet, and really does not seem to be too confident around hands, most likely from times we've had to pick him up from time to time. He's happy about taking food from our hands, but soon makes his getaway.

I'm not really very knowledgeable about birds, but ive been trying to do a bit of research.

Ide appreciate it alot if anyone could give a few tips on how we could get him to be a little more friendly, though he is relatively quite old from what ive read.

Thanks very much

Donna · Post by **Donna** » Sun Jan 27, 2008 2:16 pm

I don't really know why he has become interested in your moms feet. Fickle little buggars. I'm thinking the reason he does not like to be handled any more is because he is old and may have some arthretic joints that may bother him when you handle him. They seem to shy away from anything that may cause them pain. Try giving him more of the soft perches (the rope kind) and let him out to walk around as much as possible. I would also put his cage in a warmer spot in the house but not over a heat vent.

20 years old wow you and your family must of treated him well!!

Donna

paledude101 · Post by **paledude101** » Sun Jan 27, 2008 2:36 pm

Thanks for the suggestions, i never really thought about arthritis.

He doesn't ever seem to be in any pain, he flies round when he wants and could give world class sprinters a run for their money

When we catch him he just doesn't seem to want to be held down, but he calms down after a while and starts chatting away.

Ive been looking for some little birdo toys and perches recently, so i'll take your advice and try a softer perch for him and see how he likes it.

Oh and he's usually kept in the living room where the fire is most often on, so i think he's ok heat wise, and it never gets too warm in there.

Thanks once again

Donna · Post by **Donna** » Sun Jan 27, 2008 2:47 pm

He doesn't ever seem to be in any pain, he flies round when he wants and could give world class sprinters a run for their money

Yes birds are very good at hiding pain and illness for fear of flock rejection.

Donna

paledude101 · Post by **paledude101** » Sun Jan 27, 2008 2:51 pm

Ah, I see.

Thanks for that info too

julie · Post by **julie** » Sun Jan 27, 2008 7:13 pm