dblhelix

Hi all, I use a Canon Rebel XT. Like the camera a lot. Have 2 lenses and use a 17-85 EF-S f/4-5.6 IS USM for most of the shooting I do. Yes, the numbers are F stop which relates to aperature. The lower the F stop the larger the aperature of the lens. Lenses with low F value (so large aperature) are referred to as "fast" lenses since they can operate at faster shutter speeds in lower light, generally producing crisper images. Faster glass is also more expensive and higher quality...

Thanks for sharing this difficult experience with us. This trajic event has served value in alerting other owners to this possibility. Whether it was Monte's age, or if he had an allergy to garlic, or if he just consumed too much at once I guess we will never know. I will say with hind site, raw garlic is pretty harsh. I know if I eat some it kinda burns. Our birds are small and maybe it was just overload for a youngster? In any event, you did nothing wrong and could not have known. I extent my condolences for your loss and look forward to your future participation here, hopefully with a new addition when you are ready. Best.

These things are upsetting...I hope they find Franklin. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22024458/

They communicate and sense if you are leaving, some chirping or talking is normal. You want to try and be realitvely consistent with time out etc, but you actually do not want to have too set of a routine. The more adversity you expose them to the more well rounded and adjusted the bird will be. You dont want them to be so set in their ways that if you change your schedule etc it upsets them. I have found the more changes in schedules, environment etc you can expose them to the better. B) They are cute and it is normal to feel "bad" if you go aware etc, but they need to be able to handle that. Try not to fuss and fret over things and they wont either.

Welcome Brittany and Gizmo! B)

WELCOME!! We look forward to your participation!

Do you mean lowering his wings, or dropping feathers? Lowering the wings and sort of looking around is often body language indicating they are about to fly or want to go somewhere. Dropping feathers would most likely be related to molting. Can you describe the "moaning" sound in more detail? Seems most likely like some normal body language and communication but its tough w/o more info and/or actually seeing him do it!

Tari, My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. These are the worst parts of being a pet owner but we know this going in. They are part of our family, our lives and add so much. Take strength in all the good times you shared together and comfort knowing that this difficult decision is appreciated by your loved one. All the best, Mark

Congrats Dan! This is place is better because of your contributions!! B)

They absolutely go through phases not so much different than humans. At 6 months she is probably just getting to a point where she will begin to test boundaries. They are known to go through a "terrible 2" and then may become much more independent. Next big one is when they become sexually mature at 6-8 yrs (I believe). So, there are lots of things to try and prepare for! Others on this forum will chime in that have kept greys for long periods of time to help, I am sure. I would be careful having the two birds out together. I would make sure at minimum the are always supervised. The grey is considerably larger than the conure and could easily injure or even kill it. There ar many stories of such things happening...:ohmy: B)

Very cute!! Kip does similar foot lifting in the shower! B) She also asks for it when she wants it saying "Shower. Want a shower? Shower?" <br><br>Post edited by: dblhelix, at: 2007/11/25 22:57

Hi Jimmycoop, You certainly seem like you are doing well with your first bird. Asking lots of questions and willing to learn/adjust. I have a question for you, is Cosmo pretty stable on his wood perches/swing? I only ask because they look very round and smooth. It is often considered best to provide wood perches with varying thickness and not a smooth surface. This provides better ability for the bird to grasp and introduces variation to the feet while perching which more closely represents tree branches etc that they would have out in the wild. Anyway, just thought I would throw that out there. Looks like a pretty, happy and healthy youngster. B)

I completely agree this was in poor taste, poor judgment and dangerous, joke or not. I dont personaly know Adele or really anything about how she keeps her bird but I have seen some reasonable posts/contributions from her. People make mistakes, the test is how do they learn from it and how does society provide an opportunity for people to adjust. I dont think 1 post in bad taste warrants banning, even if it (deservedly) strikes a strong chord with most. Such a post certainly should not go w/o feedback. The overwhelming message has been made clear to Adele and hopefully she learns from this. The big danger with such a joke is that new owners or anyone naive my actually think such handling is acceptable. This forum exists to help, not put out false misleading and dangerous information. I do not think Adele should be banned for this and hope she does not leave, but if a pattern of such behavior were exhibited then yes absolutely ban. Sorry for the long response but those are my thoughts.<br><br>Post edited by: dblhelix, at: 2007/11/24 02:24

Hello and WELCOME! We have a great group of members here willing to help. We look forward to your participation.

Glad to hear he seems to be doing better. I hope this continues. Please keep us posted!

My cage (and many) come with seed guards. I chose not to use them since I have found they dont do much to control the mess. If the bird is in mess mode, things go flying all over anyways... In addition, there have been reports of birds being injured by the guards that stick out at an angle skirting the bottom of the cage. Birds that are clipped and/or clumsy may fall onto the guards from the top of the cage and get injured, I have heard. I say ditch the guards, but other may have different experiences/opinions... <br><br>Post edited by: dblhelix, at: 2007/11/23 07:04

Depending on the scenario, it can mean they dont feel well. Sometimes they puff up to show happiness or content. But if they are lethargic and sort of sitting off puffed up this can be a sign of illness. You need to read their body language and you have clearly indicated he does not seem to be himself. Sounds like something is going on.

Do you have a relationship with an avian vet? Maybe a phone call to discuss your observations? If the crop is full but he has not eaten much there "could" be something blocking it. But there could be many things. Keep us posted on what you do/find out. I hope everything turns out OK. Other members may chime in here, but it ultimately is a judgement call you are going to need to make regarding what action to take. Its really tough w/o seeing sammy and knowing his personality etc to try and judge the urgency level.<br><br>Post edited by: dblhelix, at: 2007/11/21 21:08

Sorry to hear of the lovebird loss. That is an unfortunate reality that can happen. Its a tough call you need to make on the level of urgency regarding sammy's eating. If this is just from today, he may have an upset tummy or just not be hungry. Is his attitude and general energy level seem normal? Does he look lethargic with puffed up feathers? These are some signs to look for. If there has not been a weight change (do you weigh regularly?) that is a good sign. Again, only you can decide if a vet trip is needed. I hope things will be fine and chances are that they will, but nothing is ever guaranteed.

Hello sammygray, Have you had Sammy for most of the 17 years? If this is a recent and drastic observation I would try and get to a vet. However, there are many things that could affect appetite on a short term basis. How do his droppings look? Normal? Do you have any weight data to see if there has been a significant change? There are a lot of questions that could help determine the problem. I do not beleive we have any vets as members, so there is no substitute for a professional opinion.

Hello and Welcome! We look forward to your participation B)

Joe you can have the last word on this one if you choose. I am confident that anyone reading this will see who the loser is. The more you post, the more insults you hurl, the sillier you look.

Do you have regular interactions with the other birds you mention? Your new addition may be more at ease right now with your wife if he senses that your wife is more comfortable handling him? Just an idea. Please keep us posted on how it goes and continue the efforts at building the relationship B) Oh and by the way, kudos to you for rehoming a bird in need. <br><br>Post edited by: dblhelix, at: 2007/11/21 05:47

Here's what I say to you Joe. You are acting like a child. {Emotions-00020075}

Greeting Hannibal, 2 weeks is not long enough to determine who the favored human may be. It is possible that the bird will choose someone other than you, time will tell. Some people are devastated when the bird does not "choose" them and chooses someone else. You do need to be prepared for that possibility. The good news is that everyone can have a fulfilling relationship with the bird in the long run and the more time you spend building the bond the better the relationship(s) will be. In addition, the more people, places, things etc you expose the bird to the more well rounded it is likely to be and less likely to be a one person bird. B)