Lulli Sends His Love

Lulli is a big boy. He is playing on the Atom hanging from my office ceiling as I type.

Some of his posturing is easy to misread if you aren't familiar with macaws.

Luckily, my BG Macaw, Molly, has the same posturing and I know what it means.

The "Fluffle Head" can look menacing but it actually says, "Hello, aren't I cute?"

Of course, there is only a subtle difference to the "Go ahead, make my day" stance.

The raised wings and horizontal posturing is actually "throwing a kiss". Again, it can look especially threatening.

Knowing the body language and respecting the bird is everything when handling someone else's parrot.

It takes a little while for the guest bird to settle into our routine around here and I always go very slow the first day. I like to let them get their bearings.

I find that if the first handling experience is successful, the comfortability level goes up from there for both of us.

Relaxing and staying calm and confident is imperative. Your energy level is like electricity that travels right down your arm to the parrot.

Jasper On Top of the World

This is Jasper. He is an African Senagal parrot. Jasper has some issues trying to maintain his feathers. He has reoccuring feather picking. Just when things start to improve, there is a setback. I truly know how frustrating that can be! My fluffy grey, Buster, has the same chronic issue. However, Jasper and Buster, for that matter, are happy birds. Jasper and his companion bird, Solo, stay with me when mom is traveling.

Here you see why Jasper loves coming to Parrot Nanny. He gets time out to climb around and get wet, just like at his home. Having a dedicated room for the little guys allows me to give the small ones a playtime without worrying about intermingling. Jasper loves this time! They all do!

BEST OF THE BAY! ME?

I am so honored to be voted Best of the Bay by the East Bay Express magazine! Wow!

I knew when I started this business that it was something bird people really needed. Much loved parrots cannot be warehoused in facilities to languish away their days until the parents can come pick them up.

They need a homey environment where they get the attention, foods, and care that they're used to. They also need someone who will be able to handle an emergency should it happen. I am very lucky to be able to provide this service for my clients.

Check this out! http://www.eastbayexpress.com/bestof/best_parrot_nanny/BestOfAward?oid=1156804

Dream Birds

We all have an idea of what our dream bird would be. For me, it would be one that isn't messy, doesn't get too noisy, and can entertain himself for most of the day...but then, I have many birds to occupy my time! Each one is my dream bird at some point.

For a good friend of mine, the dream bird that has finally come into her life is this marvelous Hyacinth macaw. This big boy will keep her busy for many years. He is smart and playful and his personality is slowly emerging as they get to know each other. I love hearing about little incidents and exchanges that take place showing how each is learning about the other.

These big rambuncious parrots can easily get the best of you. Their intelligence will often turn games around to where they are training you, not the other way around. Occasionally the word, "Brat" is used. Keeping the upper hand is important but to ensure the trust bond isn't damaged, nothing but positive reinforcement should be used in training. Lots of "Atta boys!" and only a few "no's" will get the best results.

What is your dream bird? Hopefully it's the one you have!

The Joy of Parrots

Whatever your mood, if you share your home with a parrot, you will be entertained. How can anyone not feel the joy that these parrots are exhibiting?

It is so rewarding to know that you are providing a rich environment that stimulates play.

Whether it's a simple plastic bottle or a spray shower, the parrots know how to make it

FUN!

I can only speculate that play in the wild is similar. Of course, they wouldn't have as much time to play....but I assume that if there's a droopy branch or a nut shell to explore, at least the youngsters will make it a play event.
Playing helps strengthen the motor skills that allow these guys to climb, hang, and manipulate their food.

Parrots make me smile.

Why Parrots?

Parrots are a passion that parrotless people cannot understand.

Parrots are a form of craziness that self imposes incredible work and excessive ear abuse.

Parrots are expensive to keep when you add up the toys, organic produce, and veterinary bills.

However........parrots are beautiful and they interact with us on a whole different level than dogs or cats. Your parrot knows and trusts you, but will not typically go to a stranger without some anxiety. Their intelligence and long life make them complex companions to keep us company into our old age.

They benefit from the relationship as we do. We belong to them as much as they belong to us. One big happy flock.

Fun and Complex Foraging Ball

Some birds figure out foraging toys way too quickly. That takes all the purpose out of the foraging! By taking a whiffle ball and inserting tiny wrapped goodies inside, the bird will have to pull out the teeny pinatas from the holes and then unwrap them. This takes time, effort, and persistence. It also takes time to make them but if you gather the materials, you can make a few while you watch TV and have them ready to go. Have fun and enjoy watching your bird explore the surprise packages!

Homemade Toys Are Terrific

Stringing together some blocks of pine and some paper towel tubes keeps Cleo and Lulu busy all day. They love tearing into the various textures. They all take comfort in the wornout cotton t-shirts hanging in their cages as well. Simple yet adequate.