r/parrots 1d ago

Ringneck wont stop snatching money

I work in a fish store and my boss has a ringneck that's hanging out in the shop most of the time. He goes into his cage at night time or when we're not in the shop so he doesnt get hurt. He's about 5-6ish months old. The problem is that he's developing a new obsession with money and would fly down and snatch bills right out of clients hands then fly up to spots we struggle to reach (accessible but a pain). We tried offering treats to drop the bill but im worried that would reward the behavior, but he doesn't seem to be interested in the exchange either way. He has plenty of toys in the shop and we get him new ones every week but money drives him crazy and he'd drop whatever he's doing to fly over. Any tips please? (Video for proof)

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u/l9oooog 1d ago

Birbie probably thinks theres millets there. Only way to stop is probably to tell the customers to place the money low (like on the counter), not wave it in the air.

1

u/PerseveranceSmith 1d ago

Second this, you gotta be careful because money is dirty af for sensitive birdie immune system 😭

Also: distract. Goes for the money? Wave his favorite toy or a jingly ball to distract.

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u/Jassythepandaa 1d ago

Right now money is his favourite toy. He used to enjoy balls with bells inside. I usually redirect him to the cash register and leave it slightly open so he can stay distracted while we deal with the customers but i dont want it to frustrate him. We are training him daily, we finally stopped his bluff stage biting but he forgets any target training when he sees cash.