Kiefer Found A New Home

Kiefer is now residing in a new home where he will have a stay-at-home mom and a dad that knows how to interact and play "tickle tickle" every evening. I know in my heart that this is the best thing for this young smart active little guy. My business is growing and my time isn't. Just caring for all the birds in my home and making the necessary "nanny visits" to other parrot homes leaves me with minimal time for one-on-one attention that each bird requires daily. Kiefer could not get enough. He was always "asking" to come out and play. I miss him terribly and will anxiously await news of his antics and happiness. Allowing one's flock to grow too large is an easy thing to fall into. Every parrot is unique and precious. I love them all. Good parrot homes are difficult to find because I don't want to encourage people to get more birds than they can handle. I also do not want to put a parrot in a home that has no idea what it is like to share a home with a parrot. I interview and question expectations until I get a good feeling about the situation and potential. But still, it's like giving up a child.

The Ben Boy is Back

Sweet Ben, a 25+ year old Blue Crown Conure, is back at my parrot-friendly home. He was adopted by a hopeful mom who tried to work through some "noise issues" but her neighbors were not happy. Ben apparently makes a bit of noise when he is left alone. He also made a bit of noise whenever the new owner had company. Well....Blue Crowns make themselves known with noise. If they want attention...if they want to know that they're all right...if they are happy....they make a rather loud call. I can tune it out and I don't have any close neighbors. Besides, the noise around here is all relative. He's just another part of the chorus. I suppose I will keep this guy because putting him through another trial home is just too stressful for the both of us. He deserves a home where he is loved, appreciated, and understood. Beautiful Ben, a little on the loud side, but very lovable.

Cages: Jail or Home?

It's easy to understand why some people believe that keeping a bird in a cage is sad. However, it is my opinion that most birds are comfortable in their cage and do quite well if the cage is large enough and is outfitted with lots of fun perches, toys, and food. Consider it a challenge to create the most stimulating and enriched environment possible for your birds. Think about how the interior of a cage can be utilized by a climbing, hanging, inquisitive parrot. Perching on a playstand can, in fact, be somewhat limiting if there is no way to exercise. Time inside of a cage is as important as time outside of a cage. Some feel that they should leave the cage door open but actually this may make your parrot feel insecure. Think of how you would feel if your front door was always open! Also remember that a parrot needs to take a nap now and then but if they're out all the time, they may not do this. Teaching a parrot to entertain himself and feel calm in his cage is an important lesson. It's not jail, it's home.

Visual Stimulations In The Home

Winter can be the season that your parrot feels nesty. Most of you know that giving them a box or nest like area is likely to inspire seasonal aggression or territorial defense. However, even just visual
targets can cause problems.
The oak wall unit above had to be removed from my new birdroom. Visually, the birds reacted to the cubby holes. Just like an open kitchen cabinet or the cavernous pockets amid the books in the bookcase. Such "prime locations" can change the behavior of your bird.

Pay attention to what your bird can see from his place in the house and remember to see things as they do!

Ben Found A Home

Ben is an elderly little Blue Crowned Conure that I have had the pleasure to know. He is the sweetest little guy. Only the perfect home would do. I found a loving home where he would get the attention that he craves. "Hello" he would plead whenever I walked by. He loves his new mom and they are happy with each other. Good Luck little Ben. May you have a Merry Christmas and a really Happy New Year! Conures know how to enjoy life!

Parrot Interactions With Each Other

Recently I had the opportunity to have a little girl Yellow Collar Macaw board here at my home. With the owner's permission, I allowed Kiefer and the new girl to hang out together on the hanging playgyms in my office. I was present and ready to step in at any moment. Parrots that are newly introduced need to come to their own terms with regard to relationships. In this case, Kiefer took the inititive to investigate the little lady. She, on the other hand, retreated and acted very submissive. In photo Kiefer is coming down to see her. She is not so sure of him! If he came on too strong, she would fly off and find refuge on me. These two had never been confronted with the same species before. They never did establish any lasting bond...good thing since the young lady went home after a few days. I think they might have succeeded eventually but I would rather have parrots of the same sex become pals. Much less complex! I feel that having buddies is great but I like to always provide their own individual cages for stress-free living. Relationships built on a neutral playgym are less territorial. Always have plenty of room for them to work things out and be there to supervise until you feel confident that all is well.

Exercise for Parrots

You can see from these photos that even a little time on a hanging Atom (Mother Pluckin Bird Toys) can produce plenty of activity.
This young Hyacinth Macaw hangs, flaps, and climbs all over it! He is getting lots of toning for his muscles as well as a much needed release of energy!
He has strong legs, wings, and pecs. His favorite maneuver is hanging by his beak (a very strong beak!) to beg you to retrieve him. "Save me, I'm falling...." only he never falls. Many parrots learn this trick. It's almost irresistable.

Good Homes Needed

KIEFER
2 yr male Yellow Collar Macaw.
Funny, Playful, Interactive. Needs a quality home with loving person. Adoption Fee $700 firm.

Ben, photo at top, 25 year old Blue Crown Conure, needs special home with love and attention. New home must buy a good cage for him. Adoption fee $100 firm.

Below is Mikey. Beautiful Male Eclectus. Full of personality and great talker. Needs a quality home with loving person. Adoption fee $1000.



Apply by emailing me at gayle@parrotnanny.com

Interviews by appointment.

Out of Cage Time Should Promote Exercise

Indy is a Hyacinth Macaw. When he is my guest, I strive to find ways to expend some of his energy. He is young and can be a little bit stubborn. My hanging ropes, limbs, and swings keeps him busy as he climbs, hangs, and navigates his way to each inch. You can see that one of the ropes does not have a ceiling guard up to protect the ceiling. Big mistake because Indy climbs right to the top to explore the hardware! Using his legs and crawling all over this apparatus strengthens his muscles and tires him out...eventually. I can easily wipe up any mess that happens underneath with a tissue. Much easier than papers and rolling platforms. Also, the parrots tend to stay up there!