Herbal Remedies have been becoming more and more popular this day. Partly because many see the effective of long term usage of herbal remedies, furthermore they are natural and do not result in any negative side effects after prolong usage.
Previously I’ve mentioned about Kermit’s screaming problem, till now I figuring out an effective solution to minimize the problem. I don’t really wish to see Kermit turning into a screamer. Through my daily observation of Kermit, I noticed there are a few possibilities that lead Kermit into screaming:
1. Over-Bonding Issue (Whenever I’m out of sight, he will scream!)
2. Calls from other bird/flocks (Kermit’s scream most of time are triggered due to Kiki’s high-pitched calls)
3. Fear & Stress (It’s probably difficult to remedy due to unknown factors leading to fear & stress)
Possibilities 1 and 2 can be remedied with day to day training over time to time, but as for fear and stress can be difficult to deal with as most the triggers are unknown.
I remembered at one occasion when Kermit was with me in the living room. I was reading a book and Kermit beside me playing with his toys and shredding paper boxes, then suddenly Kermit break into his notorious screams again and flapping here and there continuously. There were several occasions that this similar scenarios happened.
At that moment, I knew he’s afraid and in FEAR. Many times, I tried hard to think back that I’m actually doing and what could be the trigger to the scream. Unfortunately, there’s no lead and I totally have no idea what led him to be so afraid of. Possibly could be he just want to vent his frustration, like humans we do get moody too.
This led me to finding solution in dealing with emotional stress and fear, I’ve been researching for natural sedative or depressant that is suitable for the avians. Soon I came across with an article online indicating Chamomile Flower as an effective stress reliever with calm soothing effect. The good news is that it is natural and safe for birds. I’ve decided to give it a try on Kermit.
So how do I introduce the herbal remedy into Kermit’s body? Giving fresh chamomile flower as daily diet? Well getting fresh chamomile flower and getting them to eat the flower can be difficult and a daunting task. Instead I got Chamomile Tea Bags from the local supermarket, brewed and dilute them as the drinking water for Kermit.
How do I prepare?
1. One pack Chamomile Tea Bag with 1 Cup of boiling water (leave the tea bag for 3-5minutes).
2. Dilute the tea with 4 cup of water.
3. Once the mixture is cooled can be use as daily drinking water.
4. Chill/Refrigerate the leftover (Possible of keeping the tea for up to a week).
Direction of Use:
2-3 times weekly.
Kermit had tried the remedy for a week and I’ve yet to see the improvement. I do hope that the effects of Chamomile Flower can help Kermit in any way.
The frequency of Kermit saying “Peek-a-Boo” has gradually increased a lot. Every morning, he will say “Peek-a-Boo” with his low volume cute little voice, expecting me to remove the cage cover.
Although the increasing frequency of hearing Kermit’s “Peek-a-Boo”, but he still hesitate to perform the amusing mimicry in front of other family audience. He’s indeed a shy performer.
Below is the video clip taken in the morning. Kermit appears to say “Peak-a-Boo” at video time 0:08, 1:05 and 1:14 respectively.
Kermit is so motivated into saying “Peek-a-Boo” this days. The increased frequency of these words might be the results of a game that I play with Kermit everyday. Like what Kermit says, “Peek-a-Boo” is the name of game.
How to play the “Peek-a-Boo” Game?
I will cover Kermit’s head with a small handkerchief and gently removing it, surprising him with my version of “Peek-a-Boo”. Sometimes, I do surprise him with my “Peek-a-Boo” when he’s quiet and behaving well in his cage. That’s my way to let him understand that whenever he’s quiet, he can expect to play a game of “Peek-a-Boo” with me.
Whenever I start playing “Peek-a-Boo”, Kermit’s pupils will dilate, pining in and out, that’s a sign of an excited parrot. He definitely enjoys and looking forward for this game and stimulated him in saying “Peek-a-Boo”.
I noticed from the day I introduced the “Peek-a-Boo” game, the problems of notorious screaming and contact calls from Kermit seem to improve.
Lately I managed to capture a short sound clip of Kermit’s contact calls. In the following sound clips, you will hear Kermit starts to make the annoying contact calls when I sounded “Be Right Back” and left the room.
It still a normal and acceptable vocalizing by Kermit, but just imagine and multiply the volume by 3 times. It can be quite piercing to human ears. Definitely you are bound to get complaints from neighbors. Luckily, I haven’t got to hear Kermit lunging at that volume for quite some time. I’ve yet to capture the sound clip of the notorious scream. Hope I never had the chance for that!
bryan : Vasanthan: Although I've 2 parrots, but they are of 2 different species, Agapornis and Poicephalus. If I've a pair, I don't think I will want to move on with a breeding programme, furthermore it does require lots of effort and time.
Vasanthan : Since u have a pair , a girl and a boy, do you keep them in the same cage to promote breeding? when do they breed? age?
eunice : hi Bryan, thx for visiting me too! Enjoy ur weekend!
bryan : eunice: Thanks for the compliment And same goes to you, good luck to you too
eunice : hello! Lovely blog design All the best to u! «link»
bryan : Peiyun: Thanks. I love this picture too
Peiyun : I like the pic of Kiki puffing up on the cup!! so cute!!
bryan : Vasanthan: Thanks Vas. Well in fact you're not the only one mentioning keeping birds steal their freedom away. This might be the always the case, because household parrots gets cage out time. Kermit and Kiki are out of the cage most of time except during roosting time or when noboby is at home.
Vasanthan : This is an good post. i didn't like th idea of keeping birds as pets because i tot we were stealing their freedom. but this blog makes me think the other side of the argument. i kind feel ok since kermit and kiki are enjoying themselves
bryan : Guest 1272: I bought the chamomile tea bags from the supermarket. I'm sure there are different brands of chamomile tea bags in the market. Just be sure to read the labels that it only contains chamomile and no other items. There are some chamomile tea bag have extra ingredients like ginger spices or honey, try avoid these.
Guest_1272 : Hi there can i know where u bought your chamomile tea? are they also selling it here in Singapore. Thanks
bryan : Guest_1458: Not to pin point any, but I will say majority of the seed mixes in the market have too much Sunflower or Safflower Seeds.
Guest_1458 : Bryan, What commercial seed mixes are you referring to?
bryan : Angelrain: Well it's not unusual to hear parrot being vocal and makes noise. If the parrot doesn't utter a single noise, most probably it's a sign that the parrot is sick. Perhaps for new owners considering having parrots, can consider the quieter species (doesn't mean it will be perfect quiet, juz rarely vocalize and scream like cockatoos).
Angelrain : I agree with ya on them being vocal. My friend had one who makes noise for hours on end and I usually wonder what is wrong with it.
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