BaileysPapa

Many of us feed our birds a "chop" mix of different fruits & vegs. What they eat today, they may not eat tomorrow. And what they won't eat today, they may eat tomorrow. Offer him different things everyday. Chop them up, mash them up, cook them, serve them raw, make veggie kabobs, big pieces, small pieces, different combinations in different ways each time.

They're always testing us. Sometimes we let them win, sometimes they have to learn that sometimes you do what is asked of you. He just learned that YOU sometimes win. I don't think any harm was done. See how he continues to act. If aggressive or fearful, then, yes, go back to Step Up training. If not, just another test encounter.

And so goes the circle of life.

I whisper to Bailey, "Pss Pss Pss", and he does it back. Also, "Ssshhh". Like it's our little secret.

Metal zinc is different than micronutrient mineral zinc. Metal zinc is many times more zinc, to a toxic level. Of course, zinc is zinc. But a living organism can metabolize the micronutrient. And it is good for growth, bone health, and blood chemistry.

They understand so much more than we think they do.

Welcome to our flock, and the world of Greys.

Thanks for helping this old girl. Sometimes it's amazing how little people know about their birds, and the relief a bird must feel going into a better home with a more confident & knowledgeable guardian. Good luck with your new friend.

My Bailey won't poop on me, but, he will anywhere else! It's great that Brutus will say he's sorry. You must have taught him "sorry" for other reasons, and he's made the connection of unacceptable behavior. Aren't our birds fascinating and fabulous?

"Aha!" moments are what keeps us going. Good for you! And Rosie!

It is normal growth. Their beaks grow differently than our fingernails. They grow in layers. From the back to the front. She looks fine. Be sure she always has things to rub her beak on, like different textures of perches, cuttlebones, and wood to chew.

Like everyone else has said, Relax, they'll be fine. As long as their food & water will be taken care of, they'll adjust. I was recently in the hospital for 3 days. The birds stayed in their cages the whole time, and my wife fed & watered them. When I got home, they all cried and screeched so. None of them would leave my side for the whole first day I was home. Even tolerating each other being on me at the same time. Your fids will be okay.

I am aware of this place, and have been in touch with Animal Rescue Corps and other rescue groups, to get something done. Several groups are investigating. Let's hope for some help for these birds. The owner meant well, but became overwhelmed, and lost funding, etc. But, it is out of control now.

Here, in Florida, we wonder why anyone would live in a place like that? (I'm from up north originally, myself)

I have always had birds, and looked for a woman who would accept them. Since I've always had so many, I made that point clear from the beginning. Many women were not too keen on that. They didn't last, and I don't miss them. When my wife & I got serious, I told her then that the birds will always come first. Before her, and even before me. She accepted it, and has found out how serious I am. Still, we are together. There are guys out there who'll understand. Just wait for the right one.

Same here. My Bailey loves his playtop, and spends a lot of his alone time up there. When I go to get him, he steps up readily. And his perch up there is above my head.

Happy Valentines Day, Everybody! Just a quick reminder that many Valentines gifts are not for our birds. Chocolates, perfumes, scented candles, and various flowers are not good for the fids. Enjoy them away from the birds, and everyone can have a great day.

Just like with food...what they like today, they may not like tomorrow. And what they don't like today, they may love tomorrow. They live each moment in the present, and anything could be, in the next moment. Enjoy, and be happy for each little triumph.

I agree with everyone else. Why take a chance? As said, there are many reasons why the baby Lovebirds may have died, many not contagious. But, want if it is?!

I, too, use our vet for grooming all my birds. For exactly the reasons you have stated. Another point that you brought out, which I stress to everyone, is use the travel cage frequently to avoid it being "the box that brings me to the vet where I am poked & prodded". I put my guys in it to clean their cages, take a walk, or just hang out now & then. It gets them used to being in there, and not only going somewhere uncomfortable. A while back, a friend wanted to borrow one from me to bring his Amazon to the vet. The bird freaked out from not being familiar with being in one. It was a horrible stressful scene for them both. My guys go into theirs willingly and are comfortable in there. Because they have been conditioned so. Thanks, "Inara's human", for bringing out some good advice.

I had to sit on as murder trial, and most of the people involved didn't speak English. The courtroom was chaos, the trial went on for 6 weeks. Thank God we were not sequestered! We witnessed fights between the parties involved in the courtroom, the parking lot, and the hallways. It was brutal. I went home to my birds, and they relaxed me. They were sensitive to my stress, but, were my "decompressors". At the time I was guardian to a Red Lored Amazon who asked me everyday, "what's wrong?" I told him "Nothing, I love you." he'd say, "I love you, too." And my world would be happier. Focus on your bird, and let the rest of the world go how it will. Their unconditional love is such a panacea for anything. When they'd fly to me, and kiss me, it was like everything was right again with my world. My birds today have that effect on me as well.

If this is what I think you mean, in the US, "peat pots" are made of dried, compressed peat moss. They are not treated with any chemicals that I know of. I used to be part owner of a garden center, and we sold lots of them for starting garden seeds or cuttings. There are "pots" made of coconut fiber, osmunda fern fiber, and compressed wood excelsior fiber. Do you mean any of those? I would think that being organic, in that they are all plant fibers, they would be digestible. However, a large quantity of them could form a blockage in the digestive tract. They probably are digestible, but, would take a while for the body to break down. Plus, not being actually for consumption, they may have bacteria or other unhealthy consequences. I would NOT give birds any more of these things, unless labeled "bird safe", and/or for consumption.

I've seen it a couple of times. It has some very good points about parronthood. I really felt for the couple that gave up their 'too to a family that had a 'too that theirs bonded to during a birdsitting stayover. They had him for 15 years, and gave him up for him to have a life with another 'too. Though, their decision to never get another parrot is, in my opinion, a bit harsh. He kept saying "They are not pets". I agree to some extent, but, I see it as they are more than "pets". I am familiar with the Ara Project in Costa Rica, that is rehabilitating Macaws to return to the wild. And I can identify with the rescuer that had to keep getting a bigger place. Been there, and done that. Now, my little mobile home is like a whole different world than my past homes (and farm). I think the thing that they want people to get from that show is that these are wild creatures, and a lot more work than most people think, or are willing to put into them. And like the ex-breeders said, Adopt, Don't Buy! The world is full of poor babies that need homes already. I know of, and have been involved in, many cases like poor "Lou", the abandoned 'too. It happens more than I care to remember. Even though it stirs up memories and feelings that I'd rather not experience again, I'll watch it every time it's on.

Yes, if you have a quiet house, because you are at work all day, Bingo is taking naps during the day. I put my guys to bed about 9:30 PM, and we get up at 6:00 AM. They usually eat a bit of breakfast, then preen and nap a little. Same at lunchtime; a bit of my lunch, preening, then a nap. Birds will get grumpy, if not given enough sleep throughout the day & night. But, given the opportunity, they'll adjust their schedule to suit yours.

I won Lafebers Monthly Raffle! We were picked! We got a box full of bags of Nutri-Berries, Avi-Cakes, and other treats. What a terrific surprise! They give away $50.00 of bird foods every month. Go to Lafeber.com, and enter every month. They also send out a great weekly newsletter. Thank you. Lafeber!