First Timer

Minna with Sydney

I had a visitor today.  Sydney came she had never held a parrot before.  We went to the macaws, but they acted a bit intimidating.  So we decided on a more mild mannered bird.  I chose Minna.  Minna is a sweetie.  You can tell by Syd's posture that she was a little nervous.  Eventually she relaxed a bit more.  Minna enjoyed meeting Syd. 

Quick Cleaning of Crevices

Some cages are not easy to clean. A thorough cleaning is certainly recommended when needed. However, when the cracks and crevices in hard to reach places get dusty or have bits of dry debris accumulating, you might resort to a quick fix.

I keep a "can of air" around. You know, the kind sold in office supply stores to clean out dust from electronic or computer equipment. It's not really air, it's compressed gas. These cans are labeled ozone safe and CFC free but I only use this method with the bird out of the area.  For one thing, the sound would be off putting to a parrot!

A few quick shots from the canned duster and, voila, the dry bits are blown away.  Works like a charm! 

The can comes with a long tube to get into tiny grooves.  Way cool. 

Infatuation On A Whole New Level

Rocky is the normal male cockatiel seen here on the left. (Normal is the description of his color, not his behavior or personality.) He is staying in my cockatiel room and learning to be a bird. 

He is closely bonded to his human and has caused some trouble at home by being increasingly noisy. He has had different experiences with other cockatiels at his home as well.  Now he is an only bird and his deep connection to his mom has become an issue. If a bird doesn't feel that you're listening...he just gets louder.  And yet, if you respond, you're actually training him to be loud to get the attention. 

So what is the answer?  It's a very fine line.  When a bird calls out to you, you should acknowledge but without reward.  The best way to do this is to simply start to sing or whistle softly so that he can figure out where you are and know he is okay. If this doesn't quiet him, you can enter his area without making any eye contact and busy yourself in the vicinity.  Straighten magazines on the coffee table, adjust a picture on the wall, while you talk softly about what you are doing.  Don't pay any direct attention to him.  Your presence may be enough to quiet him.  

Make sure you go to the bird when he is quiet, eating, or playing and not when he is demanding your attention. 

While Rocky has been here, he has become one of the flock. However, he seems to be infatuated with my own male cockatiel, Echo.  Rocky zeroes in on Echo and follows him everywhere!  Echo doesn't return the interest and acts like an older brother who has his kid brother pestering him. Not sure how this will play out in Rocky's future.  Perhaps a male companion cockatiel would be in order.  Rocky certainly seems quiet here, but then, everything is relative.  In this home, quiet is someone else's noisy. 


Rocky Watching Echo



Freedom to Roam




Oro Watches Mom Read

  Here is a photo of Oro at home. She was mesmerized at her vantage point above mom, who was reading below. It must have seemed wonderful for her to be above mom!  I marveled at the perfectly untouched stair posts. 

Sometimes, however, we allow things to get out of hand. One way we do this is to fail to put boundaries and limitations in our parrot's lives. After all, we want to give them as much freedom and joy as we can right?

But if a parrot is allowed to roam on the floor and wander throughout the house, the house becomes their territory. They then feel the need to protect and defend the whole area. Maybe not at first.  Maybe not while they're young.  But when they become sexually mature and their wildness comes to the surface, they go through a stronger period.  

It is normal to have to deal with the wild and instinctual nature of these beautiful and intelligent creatures. However, it is easier to manage this if their perceived space is the cage and playgym. If their space includes the entire house, you're going to have a rambuncious time of it. 

Think about how much more well behaved a parrot acts when in "a neutral area".  They don't own it and therefore they remain on their best behavior.  You don't want to burden your bird with having to take on a large area.  That's too much stress.  Close supervision and plenty of rules will make for years of success with these guys.  They'll be happier, and you'll be happier.  

Out of Cage Time and Joshua Update

Simon On Pulley Gym

Simon is spending time here on my new pulley gym.  This manzanita branch hangs in my living room and I can raise and lower it as needed.
Simon wasn't too sure about it at first. He is caged in a different room with his flockmates so coming downstairs to the big "Simon Sized" gym meant he was separated from his "family".
However, soon he relaxed and utilized the expansive branch complex.  The second time he was brought to this contraption, he thoroughly relaxed. Everything takes time.



Joshua in the paneled cage.

 As an update to Joshua's new and improved smaller cage (truly not small as it is a macaw size cage), here is a photo of him happily ensconced in the more familiar setting.  The acrylic panels are mounted on the inside of the two back corners. These are the areas that he would tend to flee to when he flailed about. He gets around just fine using the ropes and perches. No hampering his style whatsoever. Who would have ever thought that a parrot would prefer a smaller cage.
I'm a firm believer that parrots like being in their cages. Some people only feel guilt-free if their birds are out all the time.  But imagine if every day someone lifted the roof off of your cozy home and put you outside.  There you go!  Be free!  Sometimes it's just nice to be in your comfort zone. Ideally, in my opinion, parrots should have brief sessions out of their cage. Going back intermittently will allow them to relax and eat. 

Greys and their comments!



Joshua Migrates to New Digs

We outfitted Josh's old cage
with the acrylic panels in the back corners to prevent his wings from getting wedged in the cage bars when he flails about. But I wanted him to migrate over to the new cage without the drama of a panic attack. 

I opened the doors to both cages and enticed him to make the move with some of his favorite foods in the new cage.  He started working his way over slowly eating the goodies as he went. I left the room to make him less self-conscientious.  Of course, I stayed within earshot.


Minna Coaches Joshua

 Minna, who was watching this entire operation from nearby, coached Joshua in my absence.  "Do you want some help?" she asked.  "Wanna go back to your cage?" said with the sweetest little voice. "Come on."  "Are you okay?"

Minna seemed genuinely concerned that Joshua was anxious and unsure. This is just one more instance where these parrots are talking in our language and expressing appropriate phrases at appropriate times.

Here is a photo of Joshua after he finally made it over to the customized cage.  The clear acrylic is fastened on the cage bars and may be difficult to see in the photo.  Minna continued her encouragement  after he was fully in the new cage.

Joshua In Renovated Cage

 It was amazing to listen to this dialog from around the corner. 

Can a cage be too big?

Joshua Wants Back Into the Small Cage

Joshua, while getting calmer and tamer, still tends to flail wildly if he panics.  In his regular cage he would get his wings caught between the bars.

I hated the worry about this happening and breaking the delicate bones in his wings. I decided that the safest cage in my home was the huge Exotic Enclosure in my living room because it has 1/2" bar spacing. 

I put Joshua in it and hoped he would enjoy the large play area with the many ropes, perches, and toys.  After a couple of weeks, I have observed that he does not like it.  He is too nervous to enjoy the expansive area.

So now I will come up with Plan B.  I want to put him back in his previous cage but first I will install some acrylic panels to prevent the wings from going through the bars.  Hopefully, Joshua will soon become calmer and less prone to the panic attacks.  Until then, I know he will prefer his smaller cage. 

I suppose the large enclosure was like trying to live in a huge and cavernous ballroom instead of a cozy and comforting bedroom.  I'll keep you updated...

Extras For Sale

Crystal Flight Hanging Play Area

I have some extra bird supplies that I would like to sell.  Here is a photo of one of four Crystal Flight Hanging Play Areas that I have.  They are gently used and can be converted to doubles easily if you want or need a larger play area.  They hang down from the ceiling approximately 5 feet.  The acrylic tray catches almost all of the mess and it is easy to sweep up underneath as there is no rolling platform stand to deal with. The tray measures 36" x 22".  These sell for $350 new and I am asking $95.



Sittin Pretty Stand

 Another piece that needs to go because I have no room, is a Sittin Pretty Powder Coated Rolling Stand.  It's configured for a large parrot but we could put a more appropriate manzanita perch on it for any size parrot. It has a bracket to hold two cups for food and water (not seen in photo) and it can hold any form of climbing toy.  Perhaps an Atom or Ring or Boingg?  The white PVC guard keeps the parrot from climbing or sliding down the pole.  Again, this is used and needs a scrubbing but the first $50 takes it.  




Newly Powder Coated Cage

   Lastly, I have a strong steel cage that I recently had powder coated.  It is suitable as a second cage for a medium size parrot.  Perhaps a good sleeping cage or for a parrot that is permitted lots of out-of-cage time during the day.  It has two crock holders.  I just need to recoup the cost of the powder coating which was $150. The bar spacing is just under an inch. 

Thanks so much. 

Guilt Comes With The Territory

Bintel Flucuates With Feather Destruction

Parrots, even fully feathered ones, give their caregivers an inordinate amount of guilt. But when they attack themselves with fervor, we fill with anxiety. "What are we doing wrong?" Our anxiety is transferred to them and then it all seems to escalate.

I truly think that this is what makes damaging parrot behavior so difficult to resolve. They seem to have psychic powers and we cannot hide our reactions, no matter how hard we try.

This also happens when a parrot bites. The tension and fearful anticipation changes the relationship. All parrot owners need to practice a few moments of meditation just prior to entering the parrot's area. Otherwise, our daily stresses become their daily stresses. Close your eyes and take a deep breath and lower your energy level.  Then, and only then,  address your parrot.

When the feather destruction gets really bad, a collar or medication may be necessary to detour the pattern. This is always a tough call because the collar or routine of medicating can also become a stress. It's a complicated decision to make.



Artie Happy But Naked

 Even birds that pluck and/or mutilate can be perfectly happy birds. We are the ones that suffer and feel the guilt.  All we can do is provide the optimal environment. Full spectrum lights, a healthy diet that addresses potential food allergies (cut out peanuts, corn, and wheat), frequent shower opportunities, and a happy cage space loaded with foraging, preening, and play activities. 
 
Another possible resolution is to change the relationship with the bird from being too bonded to allowing the bird to be independent and self entertaining.  If the parrot thinks of you as his mate, he/she will feel too much frustration.  Try not to cuddle too much.  It's not good for any parrot because they are hard wired with strong instincts.

Psittacine Cuisine Yummy Cooked Grains



Smeagol Analyzes the Menu



Yumm.  Psittacine Cuisine!


I always love it when one of my guests enjoys my cooking.  I make a special concoction called Psittacine Cuisine made up of various cooked grains.  Smeagol here really loves it!  

Don't Bother Me, I'm Eating!



Updates Fall Behind



Andres w/Perma Play




Minna With Sweet Voice




Sara Joins In




Smeagol Adds Holiday Color



I've fallen behind in posting updates and photos. 

Andres the Umbrella has found a new favorite toy.  She spends a lot of time tinkering with the Perma Play Mobile.

Minna has enjoyed some time with the rowdy crowd.  Her sweet little voice is a nice change from the more robust characters!

Sara and Smeagol have become friends and neighbors.  I think they're drawn to their own holiday colors.  Both can be sweet and quiet until they blast out with a surprise bellow as if to say, "I'm here!"