BaileysPapa

Yay! My Bailey is 2 years old today! Pistachios and walnuts for everybody!

Birds have different taste buds than us. Parrots, from Budgies to Macaws love hot peppers. Fresh parsley is a big favorite. Cinnamon, too. My guys like 5 spice powder on their oatmeal. Many people give their birds pasta with tomato sauce/gravy on it. (If you're Italian, it's gravy, if not, it's sauce). I mention that because there is a bunch of spices there. I do not eat pasta, so my birds get theirs plain (whole wheat) with their veggies. I do cook a lot of Asian food, and they get Asian spices with that. Stay away from the Alliums (onions, shallots, chives, etc.) . Salt is also not good for birds. Check the Toxic Foods lists for birds, here and online, for other things to avoid. There are many herbs & spices that you can give them, but, moderation is the key. Cook their food with a light hand.

Having worked for the SPCA, I'd say that's potentially animal cruelty. While the driver is protected with leathers, helmet, etc., the bird has no protection. If the wind caught him, or he slipped and fell, whatever, he'd have no protection. I don't like any of that. There was recently a case where a driver of a car drove around with an Eclectus Parrot on his windshield wipers. The bird was exposed to the wind, and the driver insisted that the bird felt like he was flying. I believe that driver is still in jail. This is not a good thing. If the bird was startled and didn't fall off the bike, he may fly into the face of the driver, obstructing his view, and hampering his movements. No, I do not like any of this sort of thing.

My Grey is the largest bird of my flock. The others are 2 Cockatiels, a Lovebird, a Parrotlet, and 5 Budgie Parakeets. As I said, I keep them away from him. But, one of my Jessye's best friends was a Canary that he used to sing along with. The Canary kept a distance from Jessye, but, they'd share Jessye's tree stand and sing together all day. Jessye never went after Tweety (the Canary). And, yes, Jessye sang like the Canary!

I have 10 birds, including my Grey. They all spend a lot of time out of their cages in the same area. Bailey, my Grey, is jealous and protective of me and his cage. If he notices that other birds are on me or his cage, he will travel from wherever he is to chase them. Usually they are gone by the time he gets there, so there's been no problems. But, my other Grey, (now deceased), had no problems with other birds being around him. It is a matter of personal (the bird's) preference and training exposure. Jessye, my other Grey, was raised with lots of birds around all the time, and wasn't bothered by them. Even though Bailey has always been around the other birds, he is. You cannot second guess them, they have their own minds.

I love the look of that baby face! Good luck & happy times!

Having spent over 45 years of my life rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming other peoples unwanted parrots, I was ready to give you a long story about the responsibility of these wonderful creatures. But, after reading all of these fabulous biographies of my colleagues here, I will just say, "Listen to them. They are telling you the real deal." I don't have to add anything, though I have a speech that I've repeated a thousand times to others, saying much the same things. I've seen so many unhappy and confused birds! As a side note to my Grey Forum friends, how cool is it that so many of us have come through the same sort of things, and arrived at this place together!?!

Mmm...Goldfish!

Happy Hatchday/Birthday, Nilah!

Kinda looks like my picture frames, wall molding, window ledges, etc. Hmmm...

Bailey, here. I sent Papa out to the Cable TV store today...last night I chewed off a few buttons! Ha Ha! Imagine, him watching TV when I want to play! That'll teach him!

My responses would be pretty much the same as others above. If you're happy, and your bird's happy, it's all good. If it's not broke, let's not fix it!

It differs from vet to vet. Expect from $25 to $65. Sometimes less if combined with a wellness exam, or other treatment.

After several recent hurricanes, I've volunteered with the SPCA to care for, and return, lost pets. The only animals we had trouble locating their guardians were not microchipped. That's dogs, cats horses, and birds. Returning microchipped animals involved just scanning, and calling their guardians. The microchip is as small as a small grain of rice, placed under the skin, in an appropriate place by the vet. They are well worth the cost, minimal stress, and owner anxiety.

My Bailey talks all day long. To himself, to his toys, to anyone who's home, etc. Do any of the other birds learn to talk from him? Of course not. Though, just like kids, he picks up everyone else's bad habits. Now, he does the Lovebird screech, the Cockatiel shriek, and a loud Parrotlet peep. And often they'll do it either in concert together, or in a back and forth contest. Ah, the "joys" of a mixed flock!

My little Mario is a Parrotlet, same color as those. And yes, they are like miniature Amazons. Same attitude in a tinier body.

As I'm sure you know, bands are not a reliable way to track a bird's home. I'd get in touch with local shelters, vets, and bird stores to see if anyone's reported a missing bird. Take it to a vet to see if it's microchipped. Also 911ParrotAlert online. Maybe put up flyers locally. Good luck. Otherwise, enjoy your new bird.

I am very familiar with that clip. A woman, that I mentored and sponsored through college, now a dear friend, is a veterinarian that works with the World Parrot Trust. She came to me as a young girl with a passion for birds that I've helped foster, and turn into a lifelong commitment. She works with other groups, as well. The World Parrot Trust is a very worthwhile group that is committed to saving Parrots all over the world. In these hard times, I know it is difficult to spare any money, but, if you are able to do so, they are a very worthy cause.

I am always amazed and amused by Inara"s understanding of our language. Her comprehension of situations, her syntax, her self identity and placement thereof, all astound me. You really do have a special bird there.

I told you! 8)

"floofies", Sterling? I love that word!

She'll love it. And if not, send it to my house!

What a collection of moving and provoking photos!

When, or IF, you're ready, you'll know it. You cannot force yourself. Not to get over your grief, not to love another, not to take on a responsibility that you're not ready for. I wish you peace.

Great videos. Where do you live?