Conference 7.286::pet_birds

    Well, there's no easy answer here.  We have two hand-raised cockatiels
    zooming around the kitchen, and they, too, like to chew.
    
    1) Give them lots to chew inside the cage, and out, wherever you
    want them to perch.  Cuttlebone, sticks, leather shoelaces.  It sounds
    like you're doing most of this already.
    
    2) Shoo them off any place they shouldn't be.  Ours like to perch
    on the high bookshelf, and nibble the books.  They've learned that
    when someone picks up the portable phone, that the person will use the
    antenna to nudge the bird off the books, and they immediately take
    off.  They're supposed to be on top of the Myna cage when they're
    out (on a platform), where their toys are.
    
    3) If they're flying to places you don't want them, clip their wings a
    bit.  They can still flap around and get their exercise, but they will
    have to stay closer to home base.
    
    4) Cover or move anything chewable by the resting platform.  Ours
    particularly like the phone cord from the modem, so I moved it aside. 
    Our living room parrots recently discovered the joys of peeling
    wallpaper, so I moved a 4x4 piece of plexiglass back of their cages
    (they're out during the day, but clipped.)  This sits next to the
    4x8 piece of plexiglass which prevents them from eating my piano.
    
    I guess what I'm recommending is that you decide if the windowsill is a
    good place for the birds.  If yes, cover it, else shoo them off. 
    
    It could be worse.  You could something that chews up your furniture,
    like a dog or a cockatoo.

    -Steve

    Someone had mentioned "Bitter apple" a while back, It worked for
    them.
    

Nothing stops a macaw.

    I cant stop my Yello Nape ither,,and I've been trying or 3 years..
    
    LKP

    
    What is "Bitter Apple?"  Just a apple thats bitter or an essence.
    
    Should I put it in the cage or the window sill.
    
    Thanks,
    

    Bitter apple is made to discourage feather picking.  It tastes just
    awful.  You can get this at most any place that sells birds and
    supplies.  However, when using Bitter apple, be sure it is the brand
    labled for birds.  The things used for dogs and cats is different
    and can be harmful for birds.
    
    Good thinking, for mentioning the Bitter Apple!
    
    jean
    

    Thanks for your suggestions I will try them all and pick up some
    bitter apple this weekend.
    
    Will let you know how it works.
    
    

    reply 31.3
    
    mine has chewed through to brooms, and chewed through the leg on
    one of my dining room chairs, while taking a nap one afternoon,
    my fault though, i left her cage door unlocked, and since she could
    not get into the bedroom with me, she decided to "have fun" instead!!

    I have the same problem with my two parrots. what we do use the bitter
    spray for birds, but that seems to encourage them more, also around the
    cages since they are in our dining room with wall paper we have a
    pretty good size formica board behind the cages, the Red crown in
    particular chews on that instead.
    
    I have another problem that maybe someone can help me out here. My 
    Indian Ringneck seems to always tip his dish of food over and up
    side down, the dish is metel( plastic ones don't last he chews them to
    pieces ) I had it in the holder he knocks it down, so I just put it in
    the bottom of his cage, he knocks it over, he is starting to do the 
    same to the water dish. I have locks on the holders also.
    
    So what can I do about this annoying habit ?
    Anyone knows any sugesstions please let me know.
    Thanks 
    Debbie