My male African Grey keeps tipping his bowl over, my husband and I have tried bolting bowls to the cage, but the bowls you bolt, he can tear apart so I got some heavy ceramic bowls. The problem with this is he keeps tipping them over dumping all the food so his mate can't eat. Any suggestions?? I seperated them for a month earlier this year, but they both got worse. They have been cage mates since 1987 and he has just started this behavior this last summer.
2006-09-12 02:13:33 · 8 answers · asked by dazedandconfused 2 in Pets ➔ Birds
Both birds were DNA tested back in 87 one female one male. Like I said though, they have been fine the last 19 years, I don't know why he's starting to act out.
2006-09-12 02:53:19 · update #1
The cage they are in has slots for the bowls, so the bowls are half way up the cage. I seperated them back in March because he was pulling her feathers out. They are out of their cage at least 2 hours a day on the weekdays and then 6-8 on the weekends. The cage they are in is a stainless steel cage 45 1/2 x 36 x 6 feet, so it's plenty room for them. Also he has a lot of toys, it's just he tips the bowls over
2006-09-12 06:23:15 · update #2
They currently have water bottles hanging on the side of their cage, it's the food dishes that's a problem. This is actually the third cage that they have been in.
2006-09-13 02:26:19 · update #3
My African Grey keep tearing up the plastic bowls so I got him a stainless cooking pan that had a screw in the handle and I took off the handle and used a stainless bolt wing nut and washer and it worked out real good and it is stronger than the one he had. It is also larger than the other one and he enjoys cleaning up in it.
2006-09-12 15:25:44 · answer #1 · answered by Mike B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you thought of training them on using a water bottle? These are situated outside of the cage so unless he has access to the outside and can rip the bottle out of its wire holder, he won't be able to mess with it as just the spout comes through the bars.
"Lixit" makes a water bottle for small animals, and I use a water bottle in my 2 Grey's cages.
Of course they still have water bowls, but they use the water bottle with no problem.
Is this the original cage they have been in all this time?
If it is, you might want to either consider purchasing new cages with a better water bowl holder design, or take a look at some of the new cage accessories available to Professional breeders. You might want to consider PVC as an option for bowls.
Since you just posted recently, I will continue to explore more options for you.
Good Luck, and I'll let you know what else I find out by editing and adding to this post.
2006-09-12 14:37:17 · answer #2 · answered by Phoenix 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What kind of cage is he in? Purchase some kind of bowl that attaches to the side of the cage. This is where the bowl should be as they Poop where ever and bowls on the bottom are full of $%^& and germie.
Does he have lots of Toys to play with.... Birds need lots of Mental situlation and will "Play and chew up most anything you put in the cage with them.
Are the pair set up for breeding? He may be agressive due to hormal behavior... Why would you seperate them? Would you like it if someone came and took your husband away? After all this time they have bonded and are a "pair"!!!!!
2006-09-12 10:50:31 · answer #3 · answered by Birdcharmer 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
LeeLee is correct if you are not breeding these birds, they should be in separate cages, I have heard stories of birds caged together for years then all of a sudden one attacks the other. In the wild birds roost alone. Also, there are cages that have bowl holders that prevent this. One other thing, when using metal around birds (bolts etc.), in case you don't know, use stainless steal or nickel plated. Birds can die from a lot of other metals. Good luck!!
2006-09-12 10:52:14 · answer #4 · answered by Bird lady 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Your bird is trying to tell you HE WANTS OUT OF HIS DAMN CAGE!!! Birds hate their owners for keeping them in such a tiny space! Birds should not be pets and the people who have them as pets are morons trying to look cool. Most birds have made elaborate plans for their escape. The first thing they will do if they escape is peck out the jugular of their captors! Your bird will continue to be disruptive until you set him free. Your bird figures. . what can they do to me for being bad? I already live in a box! I'm sure he wishes he could fly over you just once to dump a gian doodie on your head!
2006-09-12 10:53:46 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Are you sure of their genders? Try to know if they are partners and if not, get them their respective pairs. Try to give them their own breeding nests / houses each. Birds also want to have privacy of their own most esp when they are breeding or about to.
2006-09-12 09:25:08 · answer #6 · answered by leelee 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
you should have a quiet talk with him.. seriously. tell him you love him. it' should stop
2006-09-12 09:15:32 · answer #7 · answered by IKnowAll 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
hes probably constipated.
2006-09-12 09:19:42 · answer #8 · answered by hi_im_earl 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋