spookyhurst

There are 3 plumheads available at my rescue. They say the 2 year old is definitely male because of the plum colored head. The other 2 are only 1 year old and have grey/blue/brown heads, so the sex isn't known yet. IRN's are so beautiful. I wish I had room to bring the 3 plummies home . EDIT: Here's a link to the little plumheads I like: http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=10232980<br><br>Post edited by: spookyhurst, at: 2008/05/30 03:07

Hi, Ringnecks are such beautiful birds! Congrats on your new addition. I'd like to get one myself someday. I hope I don't get in trouble for recommending another board (since this one is heavily African Grey), but http://www.indianringneck.com/board/ looks like a very active board that can provide some immediate answers about your Ringneck. If it's wrong to recommend this, then sorry mods, delete away. Someone here might have a ringneck though, so hopefully they can provide you some answers. Also, please post a photo of your sweetie. I'd love to see what he/she looks like .

It's great to see that so many people have taken in adult greys ! If someone in AZ is looking to adopt, Tucson Avian Rescue & Adoption's website says they will be getting one in soon. Also, if you don't feel you can take on a bird with a bunch of baggage, don't let that scare you away from adopting. There are usually bird's available who have no issues (like Nikko), but whose owner has to give them up for some reason or another. There are even occasions where there are birds under a year old available. Whenever I see one on the adoption list, I think, "Why would a person surrender an expensive bird less than a year after they got it?" They must have had some serious life changes.

When people say they have no money for the vet, I think that they aren't prioritizing very well. If your bird has a medical emergency, there's most likely something in your life you can cut out, ie. cable tv, cable internet, eating out (or in Tari's case, meat ), etc. When I lived by myself, money was extremely tight, and those were the first 3 things to go. I even rode the bus...in 115 degree weather...after grocery shopping...with a connection :ohmy:. Fun times, those were .

I adopted Nikko when she was 4 years old (she's now 7). The rescue gave me a letter from her original owner, and she said she was worried because Nikko was very bonded to her. It didn't make a difference, because she bonded to the family well. She favors my mom the most, but the whole family, as well as friends, can handle her.

That was great! I agree that every pet store/breeder/rescue should have this as required reading. A couple thoughts: People who want a parrot should consider fostering a bird first. My local rescue is always looking for foster parents. It's a good way to find out if a bird is really for you. Thought 2: I arranged to adopt Nikko sight unseen. My local rescue (a 3 hour drive) rarely gets a TAG, so I jumped at the first opportunity. I'm not her favorite person, but we still get along alright (with the exception of this morning :pinch:). When I visited the rescue for the 2nd time two weeks later (Nikko needed a check-up), I met a beautiful CAG who really liked me. He kept making a phone ring sound, and wouldn't get off my arm (he also gave Nikko a big kiss). He seemed to like me a lot better than Nikko does, but I already loved Nikko, so I don't really regret not getting a bird that loved me the most. She's polite with just about anyone, even new people, so I'm happy. Last thought: if you would like to spend some time taking care of a lot of different kinds of birds, consider visiting The Oasis in Arizona. They have over 500 birds living out the remainder of their lives there. It's kind of in the middle of nowhere, but they have housing for people who would like to come volunteer for a week or two for a working vacation. This summer, they also need handy people to help them build more aviaries. They already have two nice big ones for the Greys and Macaws, and are working on ones for other species. They also need muscle to help them dig and lay pipe for expanding their misting system. Here's a link to their website: http://www.the-oasis.org/index.php . They have a newsletter they mail out (which is how I get most of my info) and e-list for current events. You can probably just send them an email if you want to get on the mailing list. Be sure to check out the "Residents" section to look at pictures and read stories of the birds that live there. I lied, I have one more thought: If you want to adopt a bird in Arizona, visit the Tuscon Avian Rescue & Adoption (TARA) site at http://www.tarafoundation.com/ . Nikko tells me they are a wonderful place that works hard to find new forever homes for sad little birdies. You can see the available birds at http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/AZ297.html . How I'd love to bring home those 3 Plum Headed Parakeets! I can't believe no one has adopted them yet! The Hahn's Macaw is a beauty too!<br><br>Post edited by: spookyhurst, at: 2008/05/27 08:38

I would like to get a second bird someday. Maybe another grey, but probably not. I've thought the Senegal, Meyer's, and Pionus would be nice birds. They have the kind of personality that would fit nicely into my household. But more than likely, I'll just get either a canary or a pair of budgies. I think people tend to forget that smaller birds can be just as enjoyable as bigger birds. And I think Nikko would probably be less jealous of little birds that spend the brunt of their time in a cage. The one thing that bugs me about bird owners is when they say they can't afford to take their bird to the vet. To me, that isn't an option. You have to make a choice, go into debt or rehome your bird to someone who can afford to care for it. Unfortunately, I've seen posts on these forums from people who have a sick bird but won't take it to a vet, with excuses ranging from I'm-a-poor-college-student to I-spent-all-my-money-on-buying-the-bird. If you're flat broke and have spent your last dollar on a new bird, it's kind of Murphy's law that your bird is going to get sick. Personally, I don't have a ton of cash, but before I adopted Nikko, I made sure that I had enough set aside for emergencies. I cross my fingers that I'll never need to use it on anything more than annual well-bird exams.

The Oasis is auctioning off a very pretty painting of a B&G macaw to raise money for Gulliver. If you're interested in bidding, it's at: http://www.the-oasis.org/gulliver/auction/

Did the vet check for aspergillosis? Common symptoms are that the bird quits talking and trembling. I sure hope your bird feels better soon!

Voted!

I think Ruby is gorgeous ! Another member, Makena, is concerned because her vet recommended Haloperidol for her plucking grey. Is Ruby still taking it, or was it short term?

I want to visit the Oasis someday . They have Mingus, one of the conures from "The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill" movie. You can do a working vacation there too, which would be great. They have housing for you to stay in while you help them take care of the birds.

If you scroll to the bottom of the page, you will see a picture of Gulliver, as well as pictures of the Oasis's macaw aviary that he will hopefully soon live in. http://www.the-oasis.org/gulliver/

It's looking more hopeful that Gulliver will make it back to the US. Here's the latest report: Dear Friends of The Oasis and Gulliver, the bird stranded in the South Pacific.... First of all, let me thank those of you who have donated to Gulliver's rescue...and to those of you who called and wrote with dsuggestions. Everything has been helpful and most appreciated. For those of you who are hearing about this for the first time, please visit www.the-oasis.org and on the first page, you will see a box which will bring you to Gulliver's story. In brief, 6 months ago an American Blue and Gold named Gulliver was stranded on a small island in the South Pacific when the boat he was sailing on crashed into the reefs outside the island. The Oasis Sanctuary has been working for the past month, since first learning of his plight, to get him back, as the Republic of Kiribati allows NO animals to be imported to their country... In the last week I have worked with Oasis attorney Tim Medcoff and by Monday will have Gulliver's necessary paperwork overnighted to US Fish and Wildlife/CITES office. Since the Republic of Kiribati has signed legal ownership of Gulliver over to The Oasis, we simply have to wait out the time needed to get the complicated paperwork done and the needed permits in hand. At that ttime I will hop a couple of planes with Krystan, a Veterinarian friend, travel 20+ hours to the tiny island the bird is on, escort him back to Los Angeles and into quarantine. So far so good. Gulliver's island caregiver had notified me that she was running out of food, so food and other supplies are being air-shipped this week to her, along with more documents for her, as Agricultural Commissioner on the island, to sign. The island that Gulliver first landed on, Fanning, has no electricity or running water. The island he had been moved to last month, Christmas Ialand, has both plus a small airport. There is one internet cafe on the island, so we can have communication...but it s 25 miles away from the bird! There are no phones other than radio-phones, which are iffy at best. There is no Fax, nor a computer printer. So getting all the paperwork back and forth is most difficult, time consuming and often expensive! "Team Gulliver" - the folks here on the mainland and in Hawaii who have been spending time, energy and personal funds on this endeavor - are feeling as though we are getting close to the finish line. Let us know if you have media contacts on TV or press. Let us know if you know someone with a plane (no kidding) or with connections to airlines which might help Krystan get from Colorado to Phoenix or LA. We then fly on to Hawaii, change planes and off to Christmas Island. When you say good-night to your birds and other critters, remember Gulliver and the other birds not so fortunate as yours. Hold a good thought. With a little luck Gulliver will get home to the US very soon! Syb -- Sybil Erden, Executive Director The Oasis Sanctuary www.the-oasis.org 520-212-4737

Skuffy wrote: They used to do surgical sexing.

My dad told me about this story awhile back. Gulliver, a B&G macaw, and a dog were shipwrecked on a small island while yachting with their owners. The owners hopped on a freighter that went by, but left the poor animals behind. I think the dog managed to get back to the US, but poor Gulliver is stranded, and could be put to death. Here's the story: International Efforts Under way to Save Gulliver "The Bird Without a Country" Death Sentence to End Gulliver's Travels? An abandoned American-born parrot named Gulliver sits waiting on an island in the South Pacific… waiting for the US government to allow an Arizona based bird sanctuary to bring him back home…. Following the shipwreck of an American boat last year, a young Blue and Gold Macaw named Gulliver, was abandoned on a remote island, part of a small coral atoll straddling the equator in the South Pacific Ocean. Gulliver was under the threat of death, as The Republic of Kiribati does not allow the importation of any animals. A group of animal lovers, along with The Oasis Sanctuary, working together as "Team Gulliver" have been trying to save the bird's life and return him to safety in the United States. Recently, the government officials of Kiribati formally signed ownership of Gulliver over to The Oasis Sanctuary, which has negotiated with them to bring needed veterinary and other supplies to the remote islands. This new born friendship between Team Gulliver, The Oasis Sanctuary and the government officials on Kiribati has been based on getting to know this amazing bird, and has bought Gulliver some much needed time…. None the less, legal problems remain with bringing him back to the US. Since Gulliver left the US without required federal papers, difficulties in bringing the bird into the US have arisen. Abandoned, without proper proof of American birth, the bird falls under CITES federal jurisdiction as though he were a "wild-caught" exotic animal. The Oasis has contacted the appropriate agencies, USDA, US Fish and Wildlife as well as the CITES authorities, to obtain permission to bring Gulliver back into the US. Currently, Gulliver and The Oasis find themselves in a legal "Catch 22"… while progress is being made, paperwork challenges continue to surface. With the help of sympathetic US officials, Gulliver moves closer to home… Everyone's goal is to bring Gulliver back to Sanctuary in the United States as soon as possible, before his time, truly, runs out. * * * * * * A Hawaiian representative of The Oasis Sanctuary recently flew to Christmas Island in Kiribati and returned with the Kiribati government's signed relinquishment of Gulliver, which now allows the Sanctuary to speak for this homeless bird. Since there are no Veterinarians in the Republic of Kiribati, as part of the needed documentation before being able to bring Gulliver into quarantine in the US, The Oasis is raising money to send a Veterinarian to Kiribati to provide the bird with a necessary Health Certificate. Between travel expenses, supplies for the Kiribati Republic, Quarantine and other fees, saving Gulliver is becoming an expensive project. If you are able to help, please go to the main page of www.the-oasis.org and click on the Gulliver story. You can make donations from there. If you are an Attorney able to help with the filing of the complicated governmental paperwork, please call Sybil Erden, director of The Oasis at 520-212-4737 any time, or e-mail her at oasis@the-oasis.org We have been asked: "Why Gulliver when there are so many birds needing help here at home…" Gulliver is a Spokes-bird for all the birds abandoned everywhere in the US…at Humane Societies, at Veterinary offices, residing in dark garages …. If a small group of animal lovers who have never met, located around the globe, can bring Gulliver home to the US, imagine what we ALL can do to help the birds here at home! Help us help Gulliver. Help us help them ALL!! CONTACT: Sybil Erden – Executive Director, The Oasis Sanctuary - 520-212-45737 or e-mail oasis@the-oasis.org

Snowball has 4 new dancing videos. My 2 faves are "Bad Reputation" and "I'm a Believer". http://www.birdchannel.com/bird-magazines/bird-talk/2008-june/snowball-dance-videos.aspx

First off, if you missed last year's saga of the Loch Garten osprey's, you should check out the blog starting with March of last year. What a soap opera! The gist is that Henry is late back to the nest, and finds another male(VS)has taken up residence with his woman (EJ) :ohmy:. Much egg punting ensues. http://blogs.rspb.org.uk/lochgartenospreys/archive/2007/03/23/The-Osprey-Season-is-nearly-upon-us.aspx This year, Henry did not return at all . Which is good news for VS, because he has once again hooked up with EJ. You can check out the nest action at this here: http://www.rspb.org.uk/webcams/birdsofprey/lochgartenvideo.asp

Poor Talon ! And your poor fingernail too . How long has it been since you moved? The stress may have lowered her immune system enough for her to catch something. When I adopted Nikko, she had a bacterial infection. She had been at the rescue for a week or 2, and they said it was probably the stress that let the infection get ahold of her. Nikko said to let Talon know that she sends lots of get well wishes! Also, she mentioned that Talon should milk this for all it's worth, starting with some new toys :side:.

Kaedyn, your entry is awesome! I have 2 entries. The first is of Nikko, and the second is of my dog Spencer.

Thank you Bettyboop . Zsa Zsa is gorgeous! I didn't realize Alexandrine's had such colorful beaks.

Glad to hear Tobie is getting along better . Nikko also prefers Zupreem (or Pretty Bird African Special) to Harrison's. The colors and fruit flavors are more enticing I guess. Although your vet favors a restricted diet, I just can't follow it myself . One of Nikko's favoritest things in life is food, and she would be pretty upset with only pellets and a few greens. I figure that like humans, birds should be able to enjoy natural foods in moderation. When grapes are in season, I give one per day. I also buy corn on the cob sometimes and give her a small corn wheel. Tonight she had some peas, corn, tomato, and pasta for supper. She also adores butternut squash (her favorite vegetable by far). Sunflower seeds are a small treat (just a few per day) or are used for training. I can understand that birds with health problems need special diets, but do birds that are healthy really need a restricted diet to stay healthy? What do you guys think? Am I fooling myself with my current thinking?

Here is Nikko's entry. Although there is no possible way she's going to beat out Aries :lol:.

Also, when Yoda grabs your thumb when you pick him up from his cage, he is probably just stabilizing himself. My bird often grabs hold of my thumb if she thinks she might fall.

Who's that crazy looking fellow in Jake's mirror ?