Corella playtime/ human companion time

[pollynikki]

Hello there,

I've recently (4 days ago) purchased a 6 month old short beak corella.

Against all odds, Tango (the bird) has proven to be more affectionate outside the cage than when inside.

Being of working class status, that is, sometimes having to work the hours between 6am to 5pm, I'm concerned Tango will start to get wrestles or worse. I have read that birds can start to get depressed and or self pluck among other destructive behaviors.

What is the best time period or frame to give Tango the attention he needs each day?

I will also bring him into work with me on some days (4 times per week).

[yazzmin]

Don't stress so much haha. as long as you give him as much time as you can, as well as plenty of toys to keep him entertained during the day while you're gone he should be fine, especially if you're going to be taking him with you 4 times a week.. on the days that you won't be taking him just make sure to spend a bit of time with him in the mornings while you're getting ready and preparing breakfast (as long as you're not using the stove) and again when you get home. if you don't already have a play stand or foraging tree then you should definitely get one, that way he can still be out of his cage and around you even if you're busy doing other things. just remember to keep an eye on him. and you should switch out the toys maybe once every week and always make sure he has something to chew up and destroy. they never get bored of that

[avinet]

Yazzmin has given you some good advice - don't worry too much if the bird is left alone some days - just provide plenty for it to entertain itself when you are away.

There can be a big problem with some bird owners who feel they must spend all their waking hours keeping a bird entertained. It is essential that birds learn to entertain themselves and not rely on humans to keep them entertained because there will always be periods when the bird has to be left to it's own devices.

Short-billed Corellas rarely pluck themselves so don't worry about that. They seem to be less highly strung than some members of the cockatoo family and I have seen far far more plucking Long-bills, Sulphurs and Galahs than I have Short-bills.

cheers,

Mike