Tiel Time is Fun Time

Brie and Abby Here For A Visit

Yesterday, Brie and Abby came down for a pedicure and enjoyed hanging out in the cockatiel room with the flock.  They seemed to be quite comfortable on the new Atom that I recently installed in there.  An Atom allows the birds to find positions that don't create a territorial dispute.  Birds like to have their personal space, so to speak.  If one is directly above the other, there is a dominant/submissive posturing going on.  A lot of this is quite natural and doesn't upset most flocking birds.  They are used to squabbling and readjusting their position within the flock and territory. 

I have mostly male cockatiels so a visit from these two pretty girls was a nice change.  You'd think the boys would be drawn to them but Echo, my big friendly boy, wouldn't leave Sue, the visiting mom, alone!  He just wanted to be on her and get human attention!  This just goes to show how much we play a part in the flock dynamics. 

Some Birds Are Easier Than Others



PJ Gettin Down and Dirty

 PJ is visiting!  She is a hyperactive goffins who is difficult to keep challenged as her attention span is usually one minute at the most.  That sentence, if said fast, exemplifies PJ's personality.

Unfortunately, when she gets bored, she pulls out her feathers.  After watching her "get comfortable" in a stainless steel cup, I realized she is quite hormonal this week and interested in "feeling good".        She can see her image in the shiny cup and then she can position herself for pleasure...need I say more?

This is not a good state of mind to be in if you're an anxious goffins.  I diverted her attentions to another cage, sans stainless steel cups, and inserted some treats inside a pink foraging wheel.   


PJ Enjoying A Better Pastime

 Imagine my surprise when she spent over 20 minutes working on excavating the almond from that toy! This toy is a simple Jungle Talk toy!  Cheap and yet challenging.  It really helps to have oodles of foraging toys and just keep them in a bin handy to fill and hang each day for something different.  You could even pre-fill them if the treats won't spoil.  Almonds in the shell are great because they become a new challenge when they are finally retrieved from the toy.  http://www.everythingbirdie.com/jutamamutrdi.html

Having an intelligent active and eager parrot is not for everyone.  A bird such as this takes lots of time, work, patience, and creative ideas. 

In return, you get an engaging, interactive, talkative, entertaining, little companion.  But with that comes an enormous amount of guilt.  It's nearly impossible to create an environment that keeps these guys stimulated and busy all day long, year after year. Definitely possible, just not easy!

Social Misting Time

Echo and Rocky Unfold For Complete Saturation

Before the cages get cleaned, the foods get distributed, and the floors get swept and mopped, it's shower time!  While the flock of cockatiels is out on the hanging gyms in the morning sunshine, I fill the large misting bottle and begin what turns into a free for all.  (This procedure is a little messy but it's worth it.) 

It's funny how some of the guest tiels are more shy about getting wet at first.  They aren't forced to bathe, of course.  However, by watching the pros enjoy themselves, they soon mimic this behavior and become bathing aficionados.  Soon, the entire room is unfolding and fluffing to get their dusty and powdery feathers all the moisture that they can hold. 

Afterwards, there is a preening session that goes on for an hour.  Spending time in the tiel. room is very calming.  You are amongst some very happy campers in there!  They have the best of everything. They enjoy each other's company but are not cramped or forced to accept any attention that they don't want.  If someone's personal space is encroached upon, the perceived intruder is either given the signal to buzz off, or the less socially inclined bird moves easily to a different spot in the large room.  A flock society is very respectful.

An Outgoing Grey, Joshua

Yesterday was a day to simply care for and play with the birds.  I actually had the time to spend pausing and watching as the parrots enjoyed outside of the cage time.  I was mesmerized watching how Joshua immersed himself in play on his Atom hanging over his cage.  He climbed up and rolled around in it with delight.  He would look over to make sure I was watching, just like a toddler.

You can see, in this closeup, how relaxed he is!  Providing a safe and fun environment for our parrots is so important.  I like an Atom over the cage because it's out of the way and easy to just let the bird out for some free time.  They tend to feel comfortable in their own zone. 

Joshua is learning "Time to go back."  He knows the routine, however, he also knows how to be a bit stubborn.  He would like to just stay out all the time.  But I am a firm believer that it's our job to guard their safety.  If I'm not in the area, Joshua can get into trouble. 

Sometimes he gets startled and flies off.  He found himself on Chauncey's cage yesterday. I heard the commotion and came to the rescue.  Chauncey, my slender billed cockatoo, has a beak that is quite intimidating.  He was not happy having Joshua on his cage and was poking at him!  Poor Josh didn't quite know what to do.  I walked up to him and said, "Time to go back." and he flew over to his own cage!  No harm done and peace reigned again. If you want to get an Atom, go to http://www.motherpluckinbirdtoys.com/

Tweeters Is A Survivor



This is Tweeters.  She is one of my Peace of Mind Placement birds.  Unfortunately, last Sunday, her mommy passed away.  There were instructions to call me and I went over to retrieve her right away.  I brought her home and I am watching her for signs of grieving or depression.  So far, she seems pretty active and is eating well.  Some birds can shut down when their world changes.  Tweeters, however, is a greencheek conure and that means active and playful.   

She is a gorgeous bird with brilliant jewel colors.

Charlotte and Tweets Bonding



I have her located next to Ben, my Blue Crown Conure.  Ben and Tweeters seem to be communicating and they appear to enjoy each other's company. Yesterday, Charlotte was working in that area and Tweeters became her corsage.  Apparently Tweets is accustomed to being on a person all the time!  What a sweetie.

  

(Peace of Mind Placement is a subscription service that I provide for people who have no family or friend to assume responsibility for their bird if they "don't come home" one day.)    

Munch and Sam/Power Eaters

Munchie, seen on the left eating Broccoli, and Sam, scarfing up the Psittacine Cuisine, are the best of eaters!  They are eager to try just about everything! 

When breakfast is served, they are totally available!  While the flock enjoys their free flight time, Munch and Sam eat heartily.  I get busy and clean the cages and sweep the floor.  While I am distracted....

look who found the open bucket of Nutriberries!  I think Munch is the ringleader but Sam follows him in every adventure.  Sam can't move around as easily as Munchie so it looks like he is standing watch for his friend.

 
Sure hope they don't teach the rest of the flock how to break into the stash!  It is so rewarding to see the bonds and friendships formed in the flock.  Munch and Sam are certainly a dynamic duo!