BaileysPapa

Yesterday, I took Bailey in to the vets for a nail trim. While there I saw this bird with grey feathers, a black beak and bright red tail feathers, but was not much bigger than a Conure. I asked how old the bird was, and her guardian told me she was 13 years old. I said that I never saw such a small CAG. She said that she was indeed, a dwarf. Her parents were normal sized. Her siblings were normal also. Except for one female from a different clutch, who was small, but, not as small as this one. She's had her since a hatchling, and she just didn't grow. The vet says she's healthy and fine, just a dwarf. The woman said she would never breed her, and wasn't interested in making a new dwarf subspecies. I understand, and agree, but, what a cool little bird she is.

I use mine in bread mixes, muffin mixes, and soups, sauces & stews for ourselves and the birds. The added fiber is good for us all.

Joining a local Bird Club may also be an option to finding someone knowledgeable and trustworthy. Making friends who already love Birds could be a big help.

At present: 1 TAG 1 Lovebird 2 Cockatiels 1 Parrotlet 5 Budgies 1 Wife Always room for one more! Bird, that is!

Back in the '70's, I took in a Pineapple Conure named "Chulo". He only spoke Spanish, and my Spanish wasn't as good as his. He did learn English, but preferred speaking Spanish. "Chulo" means something like "Pretty Boy". In Puerto Rican slang, though, "chulo" is a pimp.

Bless you. You have some patience. All these big guys. Your house must be so cool!

What an interesting looking creature! Photoshop, or what?

Having handled aggressive or fearful birds, I agree that whatever works is fine. Some birds are fearful of hands, and our flesh can take only so much pain & scarring. I think that it is fine for birds to step up onto perches, sticks, or whatever. You are not a bad parront. You are resourceful. What would be the alternative? To not take the bird out? To scare it into submission, by doing something like clapping your hands, and have it fly off to the floor, where it would then look to you for rescue? No, the perch is a good idea that works well for both of you.

Almost every time we open the front door, Bailey says, "Hello". Whether we are coming in, going out, checking the weather, whatever...

Good for you both! Persistence & consistency pay off. The older they get, the smarter, more curious and less fearful they get.

The only concern is that both tail feathers have no shafts. Molted feathers come out whole, shaft & all. Watch him and see if he is barbering (chewing) them off. Since there is so much time between losing each, they may just be broken off. As said before. But, I'd watch him preening, and see if he bites them off or not. Don't worry too much, they do not like to be heavily scrutinized and watched too intently.

My birds have seed mix, Nutri-Berries, and pellets available to them at all times. Fresh fruits & veggies stay about 3 to 4 hours. And water is changed about 3 times a day. My messier "birdy soup" makers get fresh water whenever I'm passing their cage.

These creatures are really so much more than "just birds". Glad you're doing so well with her.

Well said. I love this forum.

That must be absolutely glorious for both the bird and it's guardian. But, I've had to catch too many lost or escaped birds in my day to be comfortable with that.

Nice set-up. The orbit will finish it off nicely.

Bailey loves corn on the cob. It's a toy that's a food!

8) It's not that anyone isn't using it. (I hope!) Obviously, it's capitalism & commercialism trying to get you to buy their brand. Good one, though!

When Bailey does something like that, it makes my day! Enjoy the love!

Bailey & I thank you all for the good wishes. There was plenty of Pistachios, Walnuts & Pecans for everyone. A good day was had by all! 8) 8>

If you have it, they want it. If you like it, they want it.

Shanlung...so glad to see you here. I have not seen anything new from you in a long time. I'm sorry about Ivan. You must tell us some of your Parrot stories, for many people here are probably not familiar with you or your success with African Greys. It is good to know you are well and still around, my friend.

Greys are very intelligent and sensitive creatures. Go forward at their pace. If they're friendly and inquisitive, be friendly. If they show an interest in you and their new home, let them explore. Talk to them. Make them a part of your routine, a member of your family. Read as much here as you can. Ask us questions. We are all very friendly, helpful and experienced, and have your new bird's best interest in mind. We want you to have a great relationship with this bird that will last it's lifetime. Good luck, and thank you for taking in this angel with feathers.

Horses are so beautiful. If it had not been Birds, it may well have been Horses for me.

Five Spice Powder is usually Cinnamon, Star Anise, Cloves, Ginger, and Nutmeg. I've also seen it made from the first three with Fennel seed and Sechuan Pepper. And sometimes, the first three and Cumin and Tumeric. A tasty, tangy concoction.