xandriasphynx

I just got to this post - I LOVE water bottles! Just as a thought one day at the feed store, I picked one up (just one made for rodents), since no matter how often I changed Chico's water I worried about bacteria. I was really surprised he took to it right away! I keep both now, his dish and the bottle as I found he drinks from the bottle but still enjoys soaking food/dipping himself etc.

Shanlung, your life with Tinkerbell was amazing! I read your stories, and couldn't stop looking at all the pictures. Taiwan looks like a beautiful country as well. I really don't like the thought of cutting of a birds feathers to ground it - to me it's tantamount to de-clawing a cat, or de-barking a dog. Birds fly, cats, scratch, dogs bark, etc. All these natural behaviours of animals have been altered by people to make peoples lives a bit easier, rather than the animals. However, I believe that with the wing clipping, most people are sincerely worried about their bird injuring itself so clip, before testing out the options first. When I lived in the city, my Conure never had his wings clipped. I could safely have him outside the house, he was so scared he wouldn't dream of flying off - clamped on to me like a vice. Even in the house, the furthest he ever flew was off the top of the cage onto me. Once in a while when he had the urge he'd fly aroung the house a few times, then back onto the cage or myself. With my grey, he came to me clipped though the breeders policy is to clip their wings after they are already comfortable flying. When I am too far away from him for too long, he attempts to fly to me...and he's pretty good at it. Manages to land on me most of the time, or safely glides to the ground. I really was hoping to take him outside with me in the spring/summer to sit by the pool and go for walks...but I am out in the country, on a woodlot and as somebody previously wrote we have MANY predators. Scares me thinking he will fly onto one of our many trees and disappear, or get eaten So, I've decided to let him make the decision. I will let his feathers grow back in and see how well he behaves and if I trust him enough not to fly off - or at best see if he trusts me enough to come back quickly when I call him. I'm hoping to have a mutual relationship of trust, so I can let him be a bird and not just a shoulder ornament, but if not, he'll still be much loved but sadly grounded. Xandra

Thank you

oops, here's the pic.

Just wanted to share a picture of my sweetheart....he arrived here last week and acted like he belonged here forever :lol: We just love him, can't imagine life without him now! Xandra

Hi Birdgranna, I sent you a private message with her link - I wasn't sure if posting them was allowed :blush: She's north of London, Ontario in Exeter. The one Nanday that was old enough to play with was SOOOO sweet, she didn't want to let go snuggling on my chest! Xandra

Hi there, if you find the right breeder they are an amazing bird and depending on your lifestyle could be a nice fit. Very sweet and smart birds. Take your tame checking out aviary websites on the internet that are fairly close to you (so you could visit) and ask the breeders a lot of questions. Find one you feel comfortable with, who will offer support and guidance after you buy the bird as well. A good breeder will probably ask you more questions than you ask them, as they want their babies to be the right fit for you and your family. They care where the birds end up, rather than getting the money in their pocket. Good luck! Xandra

On a breeders website, I found some wonderful advice on taming a wilder bird. The site is; http://www.parrotscanada.com/ and just follow the link that says 'Tips for the new bird owner'. Hope this helps! Xandra

Thank you for the warm welcome FairY;) When I arrived at her home I was asked to wash my hands with disinfecting soap, before I handled the birds (great idea!). She introduced me to several adults by placing them on me...all friendly, not skittish nor biters. Even a stunning Umbrella Cockatoo that I would have taken in a heartbeat! Then I got to meet all the babies...what a treat!!! She handles all the babies, and they are all brought into the kitchen for their breakfasts...the younger ones of course the glop, the elder ones all get scrambled eggs. After breakfast the older babies are placed on playstands to spend the day with her/themselves playing and socializing. She has Conures and Senegals as well, and the babies were all more than happy to step up, and let me pet them anywhere and hold them close to me....I was really impressed. It does seem all her birds are taught at early ages to be social, to step up, and not to bite. She raises her birds full-time, she has for over 20 years. Her home was very clean, cages clean, birds in great feather...could see no pluckers anywhere. She offered me complete aftercare in case I needed anything at anytime. Super lady, amazing birds. Before any get wing clips, she allows them many flights. She says this is to let them know they can fly, gives confidence, and if they fall they know how to glide. She will not allow any bird to leave un-weaned, so often they are over 4 months...which to some may seem old, but honestly they really are still such babies and all are happy to bond with anyone who will let them snuggle. Chico (my hubby picked the name ) was placed on her kitchen table and waddled right up to me, I put my hand down and he stepped right up to investigate me. He picked me, before any of the others had a chance. My boy was waiting for me this morning, so happy to step up on me out of the cage. He wasn't so eager to step up on the playstand while I made his breakfast...lol! He wanted to stay with me holding him He's a big suck, I adore him!!! Xandra

Hi there, I had the same problem years ago with a Conure I had purchased from a pet store. It took me almost a year, but afterwards he became a sweet, loving bird - my best buddy until he passed away from old age a couple years ago (was so heartbroken it took until now to get another bird, a sweet Timneh). I used to carry his cage every day into our small bathroom, and open the door/remove the top. He was forced to be close to me in a confined space. I would just sit and watch him for hours, not forcing him to do anything. Every now and then I would move my hand close to him, offering his favourite treat. I would withdraw my hand as soon as I sensed he was getting nervous. Eventually I could get my hand quite close, then one day I had to contain myself when he finally took a treat! This is how we began trusting each other...and though it was a long process, definately worth it. I wish you and your TAG well! Give him a lot of love, patience and time and I'm sure he'll reciprocate. Xandra

Hello everyone, it's a pleasure to be here. I was very happy to find this forum, and was lurking for awhile reading all the posts until my sweet Timneh came home yesterday. I really have to brag a bit about him....African Greys are truly remarkable birds. Well, after what I read on the breed, that they may be a bit shy for the first few days, I don't think he knew how he was supposed to behave. As soon as we got home I put him on his new playstand (while I thought I would just place the food and water in his cage) and he started munching away on his food and drinking from the treat cups. He was happily chatting back and forth with me and my hubby, and after filling up on a bit of food, banana and apple he insisted on stepping up on my hubby or me...whoever was closest at the time. He seemed to act like he was right at home! Not skittish at all, VERY affectionate with both of us, just a real baby! He did decide however that my nails were fair game as he nibbled on them carefully every now and then. We are soooo in love with him, he's a blessing....and I really think he likes us too! I spent well over 300$ on toys and food, but thought I would introduce him slowly to the toys...after all they are supposed to be a bit shy to new things (HA!). As soon as I picked up the first one he became all excited bobbing up and down on his play stand, and almost attempting to fly toward me and the toy. I brought it to him so he could investigate it, and right away he grabbed it and started chewing on it. No fear, no shyness, just obvious excitement. It was so fun to watch him. Since he approved that one, I went to get the next, and he had the same reactions to all of them...no fear, just wanting to have fun! So, all ending up in his cage. After some time snuggling with us (he was so confident he even was preening his feathers as he lay on my chest!), I thought he'd need a nap so placed him in the cage. Nope, he wanted to taste all his new toys, food, explore...he's really outgoing, not a shy bone in his body. After awhile he wanted back out with us...he made himself quite clear as he crawled to the top of the cage and would stare at us chattering. I don't need to say step up (I still do) as he starts before I can even finish saying it. I am extremely fortunate to have found a wonderful breeder. Really, I can't say enough about her and her birds. My Chico is 4 months old, and it's clear he was lovingly hand raised. Today after his breakfast, he spent his nap laying on my chest under a warm blanket...almost making purring sounds! If anyone in Ontario, Canada is looking for an ethical breeder let me know and I can pass along her info. Thanks for reading my long winded introduction :silly: Xandra