Paddy has changed his night routine

1900 Views 10 Replies 7 Participants Last post by Frankie'sFriend, Jan 10, 2016

Frankie'sFriend

Discussion Starter · Jan 9, 2016

So since I went away to Canada and the US for nearly 8 weeks Paddy has changed his night-time routine and doesn't seem to want to change back. It's really sad as this was my favourite time with him (well one of them). He used to wait on top of the budgies cage at dusk and jump on my shoulder and climb down my shirt and snuggle up in there for an hour until it was his bed-time.

When I was away the people looking after him said he had started hiding under paper a lot. This is what he wants to do at night. When it's dark he wants to get into his cage and scrambles under his paper and wants to go to sleep. he actually does sleep there lying down like a puppy al lnight! He doesn't sleep on a perch or in his hut any more.

Also homer and he are so bonded now that when I bring him into my room at night away from the budgies Homer flock calls and Paddy responds and just seems to want to be back next to the budgies.

Because I'm at work all day the 4 budgies and Homer are often out in the bird room together all day so they can fly around and play. If not, their cages are next to each other so they can all talk. When Paddy is out flying and the budgies are in their cage he loves to sit on top of their cage for hours. He has always done this.

Paddy wants to come to me still when I come home. He jumps on me and kisses me etc. He also wants to play on the weekend and in the mornings. He is sitting on my foot as I type this and the budgies are in a different room.

I just wonder if I should accept the fact he is not going to come down my shirt at night for snuggles now? I think he probably fretted for me when I was away and had to find his own comfort at night and snuggling up under the paper was it. I have been coaxing him out by gently getting him off his paper and he was fine once we got into my room away from the budgies and happily snuggled in my shirt. But lately he struggles when I try to get him and even bit me really hard and tried to get away which is not like him. I do not want to MAKE him come to me at night if he is clearly not wanting to.

Kinda sad though

What do you think?

Madonna

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FaeryBee

· #2 · Jan 9, 2016

It's hard to say if the change is going to be on-going or not.
Perhaps if you sit next to Paddy's cage when he goes under the paper and simply talk to him without trying to move him, he'll start venturing back out to spend time with you. It's certainly worth a try.

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Frankie'sFriend

Discussion Starter · #3 · Jan 9, 2016

FaeryBee said:
It's hard to say if the change is going to be on-going or not.
Perhaps if you sit next to Paddy's cage when he goes under the paper and simply talk to him without trying to move him, he'll start venturing back out to spend time with you. It's certainly worth a try.

Yes, that's an idea and worth a try. Thanks, Deb. I think he's being his usual drama queen self

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FaeryBee

· #4 · Jan 9, 2016

Paddy's keeping track of the time.
He figures you were gone for 8 weeks so he plans to make you suffer for at least that long and maybe double -- just to show you HE's the BOSS BIRD.

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Jonah

· #5 · Jan 9, 2016

Sorry to hear that Madonna. It's obvious that he is still very fond of you and it may be no more than it is just going to take some more time, I like what our friend Deborah has said, and I will be pulling for full restoration of previous affection....:hug:

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Niamhf

· #6 · Jan 9, 2016

I'm sorry to hear the routine has been broken

I like Deborah's suggestion

Another option could be to perhaps remove the cage from sight until it's actually bedtime? Obviously you don't want to upset him but it could be worth a try.

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Frankie'sFriend

Discussion Starter · #7 · Jan 9, 2016

FaeryBee said:
Paddy's keeping track of the time.
He figures you were gone for 8 weeks so he plans to make you suffer for at least that long and maybe double -- just to show you HE's the BOSS BIRD.

Deb, all I can say to that is :bowrofl:

Jonah said:
Sorry to hear that Madonna. It's obvious that he is still very fond of you and it may be no more than it is just going to take some more time, I like what our friend Deborah has said, and I will be pulling for full restoration of previous affection....:hug:

Thanks for your kind words, much appreciated

Niamhf said:
I'm sorry to hear the routine has been broken

I like Deborah's suggestion
Another option could be to perhaps remove the cage from sight until it's actually bedtime? Obviously you don't want to upset him but it could be worth a try.

Thanks Niamhf, that is another idea I can try.

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Budget baby

· #8 · Jan 9, 2016

Madonna I think I agree when you said he was fretting for you whilst you were away. It must of been quite an upset for him after all . perhaps with time and he realizes you are back for night times he will come around once more. I must say I would totally feel how you do though as snuggles are exceptional :hug:
Don't give up on him just yet, he may surprise you :fingerx:

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aluz

· #9 · Jan 9, 2016

Keep on loving and being patient with Paddy and don't force him out at night against his will. When he's ready, he will come to you.
From your description of his behaviour, it's very likely he has developed this insecurity while you were away and this hiding under the paper is his way of coping with the insecurity. It was his safe place when you were not there to comfort him at night and it will take time for him to break out of this habit.

Lovebirds are very intelligent and when super bonded to their owners, they can suffer when there is a radical change and they don't quite understand and may feel abandoned. Hopefully soon and through the continued routine, your Paddy will go back to his old self. :hug:

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StarlingWings

· #10 · Jan 9, 2016

I agree, he probably needs some time to get into his old routine now that you're home

It may take time but I think it can happen! :fingerx:

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Frankie'sFriend

Discussion Starter · #11 · Jan 10, 2016

Pretty boy said:
Madonna I think I agree when you said he was fretting for you whilst you were away. It must of been quite an upset for him after all . perhaps with time and he realizes you are back for night times he will come around once more. I must say I would totally feel how you do though as snuggles are exceptional :hug:
Don't give up on him just yet, he may surprise you :fingerx:

Thanks Cathy. Yes, I won't give up yet. I guess I'm being quite impatient with the little man.

aluz said:
Keep on loving and being patient with Paddy and don't force him out at night against his will. When he's ready, he will come to you.
From your description of his behaviour, it's very likely he has developed this insecurity while you were away and this hiding under the paper is his way of coping with the insecurity. It was his safe place when you were not there to comfort him at night and it will take time for him to break out of this habit.

Lovebirds are very intelligent and when super bonded to their owners, they can suffer when there is a radical change and they don't quite understand and may feel abandoned. Hopefully soon and through the continued routine, your Paddy will go back to his old self. :hug:

Thanks Ana. I need to give it more time then I guess. Funny you say about him being iinsecure as I think that's exactly what happened. I have also noticed his behaviour during the day has changed. He is way more clingy and I wondered if that was because he was trying to 'keep tabs' on me to make sure I will not leave. He's happy to be with me on the weekends and mornings way more than he even was before which is so sweet. Thanks.

StarlingWings said:
I agree, he probably needs some time to get into his old routine now that you're home

It may take time but I think it can happen! :fingerx:

Thanks, I appreciate the encouragement. I hope I can get my little fluffy boy back at night. It's such a special time.

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