Way too attached to a toy

[robert]

We got a little stuffed toy for PJ which he spent a few weaks humping which was fine, but then he started feeding it, and eating from it, and feeding it. Ended up having to wash it twice a day it was so gross. We bought some replacements but he wouldn't have it, he kept complaining and complaining that it wasn't his Dutchy; which is what we named his dutch wife. Even if the color was a little different he wouldn't have it. Today we got a toy that was close enough to the original that he was satisfied, hoped on it and starting feeding it again. I had to buy a set of 5 for $30 to get the one that appeases him. Don't want to keep doing this.

Has anybody had a bird get too attached to a toy? I've read stories of birds dying when their mates die so I'm worried about that as well. Any insight for me?

[stace]

Lol, Robert! Gotta admit, that Dutchy is pretty irresistible.

PJ is at an age where he's going to become obsessed with girls, or girl-like things. Around that age Boo went through exactly the same thing. I just had to keep swapping out his toys. He'd get in a complete "flap" once toy-oh numero uno got taken away, but I'd try to divert his attention with the new thing. Wasn't always completely successful. I also tried to get very similar toys as substitutes, but if it wasn't "the one", he wasn't ever satisfied.

[Deleted]

if i were you id worry about .....the cord..... i had a 4 month old cock bird .......hang himself with a cord like that ....it was my falt ...as i left it in there after barrie told me to remove it .....and iv never forgave myself for it ...please find another way for your budgie to enjoy his toy...get rid of that and any other hanging cords .......please......
regards mick...

[Rachael Kellett]

Sorry but I would not say that is a safe toy for him. For one, as Mick said, the cord is a risk in that he could get tangled with it, but my main concern is that he could ingest the fluff or the stuffing and it could make him ill or worse. Get him a nice plastic toy or even one of those birdie pinatas, I bet he would love that

[ruthpaton]

Pepito became obsessed with a soft toy I have and wanted it all the time - he was behaving in a similar way and got quite stressed if we tried to take him away from the toy. So I moved it from the room, he seemed to be looking for it for a few days but I just kept playing with him and trying to interest him in other toys and he seemed to forget eventually. It didn't make him miserable or anything when I took it away so I'd think your wee guy should be fine.

[Bird Junky]

Hi Don't worry he wont die if you remove it he'll just find another

object for his affections. Sound like a teenager with too much

time on his hands. Remember he's a flock bird without a flock.

Its your job to keep him busy & entertained, not his to

entertain you. See taming/training posts for some ideas.

Yours B.J.

[robert]

Jun 24, 2012 18:32:57 GMT Bird Junky said:

Its your job to keep him busy & entertained, not his to entertain you.

Ok I'll try to remember that.

[robert]

Jun 24, 2012 12:11:34 GMT stace said:

Lol, Robert! Gotta admit, that Dutchy is pretty irresistible.

PJ is at an age where he's going to become obsessed with girls, or girl-like things. Around that age Boo went through exactly the same thing. I just had to keep swapping out his toys. He'd get in a complete "flap" once toy-oh numero uno got taken away, but I'd try to divert his attention with the new thing. Wasn't always completely successful. I also tried to get very similar toys as substitutes, but if it wasn't "the one", he wasn't ever satisfied.

He was driving us nuts the other day, calling out for the old dutchy for hours. He's getting so good and complaining and letting us know. He'll keep on flying over to their aircon if he's not happy with the temp and such.

[Hezz]

Blue was obsessed with his mirror for a while, so I removed it every other week. He soon found it wasn't the be-all and end-all of life and found other things to keep him occupied.

I too don't like the toy as a budgie toy, sorry.

[robert]

Well the good news is nobody has to like it 'cept for PJ

[birder]

What he really wants and needs is a friend - one with feathers. Why not get him a budgie friend and make him happy?

[robert]

Is that what he really needs? It's like listening to people tell you what your child needs a bit. Like thanks for the advice. He actually has a friend named PoPo and I spent 10 hours a day with them so there is also no chance of him hanging, and why anybody would tell me they aren't for my entertainment is beyond me. To put it simply, when I want advice I'll ask for it, thanks.

[Rachael Kellett]

Robert you are getting very defensive. Members are just trying to offer you advice about the toy which you did ask for. You have been told that the toy is not safe for your budgie, whether you decide to listen or not is your choice but we do have yours and your budgies interests at heart so please remember this before being rude thank you.

[BudgiesBuddy]

I agree with Rachael that everyone was trying to be helpful and nothing else. We don't have such people here. All the members here have good intention

[Marianne Marlow]

My Sky gets obsessed with feeding and doing the same things to Mirrors as PJ does with his toy.

I have to take them away or he becomes anti-social with the other birds.