Strange Red Parrot Behavior

[jfinn-irwin]

I have two red parrots who spend a good portion of the day staring at the heater in their tank. Could they be looking at their reflection? The water temp. is ok, so I don't think they are trying to stay warm, and besides that, they face directly into it, mesmerized by it.

[Coler]

Heh. Durn cichlids.

They may just be kooks...but what tank size & other occupants are we talking about, how long is tank set up, and what are your water readings for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate (Ph too why not) tested with a good liquid drop test kit ? Also what temp is the tank running at (and type of thermometer ?)

Otherwise, are they feeding well ?

[jfinn-irwin]

It's a 55-gal that has been up and running for 3 years. The temp is 78, and all other parameters are normal. The tank mates are about 10 neons, 8 danios, 6 black skirt tetras, 5 small corrys and one 10 inch pleco.

I'm inclined to think you're right, they're kooks. They act healty and have good appetites. They show no signs of illness.

[Coler]

Tank is heavily stocked (what size are the BP's?)...if this is new behaviour, i.e. the parrots are in the tank for a good while...I would wonder what your nitrate level might be...test with a good liquid drop test kit ?

What kind of water changes do you do ?

[jfinn-irwin]

This has been happening for about 2 months, and I've had them about 7 mos. I change 25% of the water weekly, sometimes more. I will test the tank. However, this tank has been a success. I have all my original smaller fish (or their offspring) no sick fish, no obvious problems.

[grannylvsfish]

Im thinking 25% is not good enough. you have a lot in there and you need a lot more water out then back in. start with 50% . I do that 2 times a week!

[Pittbull]

There KooKs hehehe coler you the man aye..

[Coler]

lol ty ty.

I would do a nitrate test before and after water change, just to verify that you're changing enough water - can't hurt. Otherwise, they are indeed kooks.

[jfinn-irwin]

I did a water change about 5 days ago. I just tested the nitrates today and I got a reading somewhere between 0 and 20 ppm (safe?). I am inclined to think they are just weird. I've only had red parrots (this pair and another pair in another 55gal), but they seem to be very intelligent, but somewhat peculiar.

[Coler]

readings sound great - as you know (presuming good liquid drop test kit not strips).

It is official. They are kooks.

[Pittbull]

KooKs yay..

[jfinn-irwin]

Thanks for helping confirm it! They just happen to fit in with the rest of my family!

[Pittbull]

hehehe me 2...

[GlassCat]

Maybe they are just goofy. I also have two Parrots who sit and stare at me when I'm eating dinner (in the living room)... it makes me feel guilty and I always end up getting up to feed them... my husband just laughs at me.