Hello from my wife and I and the "flock"

[lads1275]

I just joined up, my name is Brendan and my wife's name is Bernie. We have 2 Alexandrines and 2 Lovebirds. Male and female of both.

We are not breeders, it just worked out that way. All rescued from unfortunate situations. The female lovebird I think would like to mate with the male but he is attached to my wife's hand, sexually. I'm not sure if I should be jealous as I'm supposed to be the dominant male of the household. (Between you and me I think I could take him in a fair fight) He is about 10 years old and a bit of a curmudgeon. More of a lover than a fighter.

The female lovebird (the prankster) is a tough little bugger, she can land on any vertical, horizontal or no surface. How bird crap managed to get on the ceiling is an amazing feat, even Chuck Yeager would be impressed. She picks all her tail feathers out constantly. We yell "Don't pick your bum!" so much we fear the Alexandrine will start saying it. How that bird can fly is amazing. She gets clipped and it just makes her faster, and louder. I have hypothesised she is propelled by her screams.

Yoda is the main Alexandrine of the house. More of a suck-up would be hard to imagine. When he is not trying to investigate your food, he is snuggled up and purring like a kitten with a belly full of cream. He does his rounds at night, ensuring that everyone gets their fair share of love before sleep.

Sammy is the troubled one, an Alexandrine with a mysterious past. The only clues is her ever willingness to step-up and her fear of hands. She will run towards you so eager, but bite if it seems the hand might stray into a blind spot, she will not be petted. She also dislikes right hand more than lefts. My right hand looks like I tried to catch a winged badger.

Sammy is the reason I joined. She and I need help.

[Ursibear]

Welcome to the forums
I I sincerely recommend for you to read Michael's article: http://trainedparrot.com/Taming/
I brought a rescued red-belly home a couple of weeks or so ago and I can tell you, it works like a charm!

[marie83]

Welcome to the forum
Your post made me laugh.
Has your bird had a vet check and extensive testing to find out why he is picking his feathers round his tail? Localised picking is nearly always a health complaint. It is also best not to yell at him or show him any attention for doing it as this can reward the behaviour.

looking forward to hearing more of your stories.

[lads1275]

We've had vet checks on all the birds. They are all healthy and parasite-free. Peaches, the female lovebird, picks her tail out of habit, even before we adopted her. We have tried various sprays, to no effect. We just clap and say, "Peachy, don't pick your bum!" and we're concerned that the Alexandrine is going to pick that up and repeat "Don't pick your bum!" when we have company over.

[Polarn]

Here is an example why plucking is such a hard thing to get under control. As if you clap and yell the bird may start seeing that as something funny and it will then increase the probability of him picking feathers. Every interaction is a training session and will either decrease or increase the likelihood of any behavior. I am sorry I can not offer you a good solution to the plucking really except try get him to occupy the time elsewhere.

[CarlosQuaker]

Welcome to the forum!! Try reading some of the articles here, or some of the Barbara Heidenreich books. Good luck with your Alexandrine, and have a Merry Christmas