PJ Goffins Cutie

This is PJ. She is a sweet little goffins girl that has the beginnings of some feather issues.

While her mom and dad are away, I have a chance to get to know her.

There are so many factors to consider with feather picking. Since she is in a fairly new home with new people and new surroundings, I am hopeful that she will soon feel comfortable and relax in her new routine.

Here she is doing great. PJ is currently playing on the ropes while I am at the computer. She gave me a great pose when Cali, my son's dog, walked underneath her! Cali is always hoping for a dropped tidbit. PJ is a charmer but, as with most goffins, she is active and needs plenty to do.

Noise Sensitivity

For a while there, I was really worried that my birds were too noisy. Yes, they're happy, but they are really noisy at times! When I drove into the driveway, I could hear them easily. I hoped it was just when they saw my car and the rest of the time...

yeah right!

Well, an amazing solution occurred to me. I was so concerned about how loud they sounded from outside, that I went to tap plastics and purchased two sheets of 1/4" clear acrylic. They fit on the inside of the windows using little clips at the bottom and a patch of velcro in the upper corner. (I wanted to be able to easily pop them off.)


This worked like a charm! Once I felt confident that the neighbors weren't hearing the racket, I could relax. The double insulation also made the room quieter and warmer. The birds seem quieter now, although they still amp up the decibel meter now and then. Somehow the plastic on the windows makes everything seem calmer. For those that don't have double paned windows, this might be a good solution for you too.

Couldn't Resist

Sorry, could not resist snapping a few photos of my own wet birds this morning. They truly enjoy their showers and when it's raining outside, I find a soaking shower keeps them quieter and happier. It's like they need to participate in the joyous rain.

Littlest Bird In The Flock

This is Lexie. This photo doesn't give you a hint to her size. Is she an amazon? Even though she is the smallest bird in her flock, she is full of precocious sass. Big personality in a little peach front conure. Look at that "I dare you" stare down! Away from the cage, she is a sweety.

Need A Break?

Sometimes, you just need a break! Taking care of a parrot, or multiple parrots, can be all consuming. These four characters are having a little vacation of their own while their mom and dad are enjoying a little time at home, sans kids. While here, they enjoy the new scenery, comradarie with other birds, and new experiences. They come here every so often which makes it not so scary. These guys settle in and start playing and eating almost immediately. Solo, the little Senagal on the food cup, is having a field day in my large Exotic Enclosure. Jasper, the little feather- challenged Senagal, is exploring his smaller abode which is packed with things to do. Lexie, the peach-front conure can't decide what to do next! Simon, the amazon in the big cage is more laid back and watches with interest. Everyone is having a fine time. Hopefully the same holds true for mom and dad!

New Successful Toy Found

I recently ordered a new foraging toy for Chauncey, my slender billed cockatoo. He is highly intelligent and needs multiple puzzles and foraging toys to keep his mind challenged. One of the problems with foraging toys is that some of them are difficult to clean. I like this one! And, so does Chauncey! It is easy to "load" and the treats inside last a long time. (over an hour sometimes) It has three levels and he must pull out the floors to release the goodies to the lower level. Admittedly, with his beak, this is easy to do. Chauncey has used this one for a few days now and it's a hit! It comes in two sizes, small and large. Chauncey's is large, of course. ($15 and $28 respectively) Those interested can find them on Margo Rose's website: www.rosespet.com

By the way, that's where I order the many beautiful nuts and fresh crunchy Harrison's that we use around here! Check it out!

How to discourage unwanted sounds

This is Daisy. She has learned an ear piercing shrill call that she emits when a stranger walks in or when she is stressed. This is her way of announcing that she is anxious.

Can this be discouraged? One suggestion is to "desensitize" her to as many "scary situations" as possible. If people coming into her area are worrisome, spend an afternoon having drop-ins stop by. Pre-educate them to walk in without making any eye contact and sit down facing 3/4 away from her. With their eyes downcast, have them talk or sing to her using her name. She will slowly become more comfortable with "strangers". This, obviously, takes some commitment to arrange.

Another suggestion would be to calmly respond to the shrill call with a reassuring "counter call" that she may take on as a self-soothing murmur. Many birds learn to announce, "You're okay" when they feel uncomfortable. My birds announce this when a guest bird seems agitated or ends up on the floor.

Busy Birds At Play

We all want to give our birds the best possible entertainment. For Munch, below, a shiny bowl inside a paper bag means hours of fun. For Chubbles, some time on top of his cage "doing battle" with his toys really makes his day! If your bird isn't into play in a big way...or, if he/she is, check out:

www.birdyboredombusters.com
toys@birdyboredombusters.com

Tracy Bell seems to really understand what a bird wants. Enjoy.

Feather Picking Frustrations

Buster, "my fluffy grey," is getting worse. Some of you know the frustration of loving a feather picking parrot. There are many ups and downs. Things start to improve, but you know not to get too encouraged. For who knows what reason, the damaging behavior revs up again and all progress is lost. I always suggest creating the best possible environment and then just loving the bird regardless of the outward appearance. Staying calm and "unaffected" and not taking it personally is key. I generally do not recommend collaring the bird for chronic picking but now feel compelled to try it for Buster. This photo shows the first prototype of a collar/bib that is made of felt. (Obviously not meant to last long!) Once I get the design pattern determined, a more substantial model will be constructed. Or, if it bothers him and raises his anxiety level, I may forget the whole thing! We'll see.