Laurie

Thanks for your help, guys!

Great job! I'm sure they'll enjoy it once they get used to it...

Thanks! Next I want to try carrot that's shredded. I've given him peeled baby carrots, but he just thinks they're great fun to rip up & throw around...

Yes, I have heard that routine is most important. It's funny because when we got Klaus I decided on a set routine that he would be out from 6:00 - 8:00 pm on worknights, when I get home from work. I would put him in at 8:00, then run around like a madwoman trying to do the daily chores. Klaus has since trained me that "out" time is from when I get home until I go to bed. We do chores together. We're quite a team...

Hi, Joe! We were having dinner tonight and I was laughing with Scott about how his mother invited me for mostaccioli one night. When we sat down to dinner, it was elbow macaroni with a beef & tomato sauce. Hence began a debate about whether mostaccioli is a dish or a pasta. I argue that mostaccioli is a type of pasta that can be used to make many different dishes. Scott argues that mostaccioli is a specific dish. Please set this poor man straight! Everyone else, gang, feel free to chime in - I just figured Joe is our resident expert on Italian food... Thanks!

I have offered raw broccoli to Klaus many times. He wouldn't even pick it up to play with it! Tonight we had cooked broccoli so I offered him some that had been cooked, and he's eating it! Yeah!

Yeah, the DaVinci Code was awesome. I went on to read everything else Dan Brown has out there - all good books. I think Angels & Demons was even better than DaVinci Code. I went to the library today and got Sue Monk Kidd's "The Mermaid Chair." ("Secret Life of Bees" either isn't offered, or was already checked out.) I'm excited to start it!

Aaaw, so cute! Karma for you...

From what I understand, their vocal chords aren't even fully developed until 9 to 12 months of age. That's why I'm always suprised when I see posts like, "4 months old and talking!".

Oh, he can be bored. I think he might be trying to get out. Klaus does this, too, when he wants out. If it's not a good time for me to take him out, I just ignore him and he eventually quits.

Welcome, Cclia - nice to have you here! I do not have any toys where Klaus has to find the food in them. What I do is put a few of his favorite goodies into a coffee filter and twist the top up tight. He loves tearing it up and finding the food.

See? You're doing just fine!

Aaaaw, what a sweet baby! Thanks for sharing...

Hey, it's short for Fredriqua!

Well, I'm new at this too (I've had Klaus about 4 months). Yes, I have heard that around the age of 2 years, the bird's personality will change and they often attach themselves to someone else in the household. I'm not sure what happens if you live alone with the bird. As far as older bird vs. baby, I would definitely say baby. Older birds will be more set in their ways and I would think the adjustment to a new home would be harder than with a baby. On the other hand, it would be hard to beat the satisfaction of knowing you rescued your little guy...

Welcome- We're glad to have you here... Cheers!

Congrats! It's a pleasure having you here!

Judy's advice is right on! Klaus basically grabs some of whatever I'm eating (which forces me to stay away from chocolate & potato chips!). Also, if it would make you feel better, there is a product called NutriBerries. It's seeds that are rolled with other stuff into little balls, and it's supposed to be super nutritious. Of course, the manufacturer suggests that you switch your bird over to this as their main food. I just pop one into Klaus's dish when I'm feeding him. Sometimes he eats it, sometimes he doesn't. I consider it to be like his daily vitamin. Anyway, that's one way your bird could get her beloved seeds, and some nutrition, too.

Personally, I rarely put my hand in Klaus's cage when he's in it. If I want him out, I open the door and he comes out. I'm sure after your bird has time to adjust to new surroundings, he will do the same. Hopefully your cage has a slide-out bottom and little doors for food & water so you can do cleaning, watering & feeding without disturbing him too much. Patience is key here. Two days is not very long at all!

Well, trick or treating in my neighborhood takes place right at "Klausie-time." (Which is the time Klaus spends out of the cage, with me.) My husband works afternoons, so luckily my brother in law was here to help. I trick or treated with my son for a short while, then came home, let Klaus on my shoulder, and we passed out candy together. (My brother in law took a turn walking around with my son.) Klaus loved it! He was chattering away and wolf-whistling at everybody. It was a lot of fun - almost everyone ooh'd and aaah'd at Klaus. He's my good boy!

Yeah, we're a little off topic, but I'm part Ukrainian (my maiden name is Tehansky). Have never been there, though...My dad's nickname was "Russian" and I have nicknamed my son "Mishka." Lusya, things are very new for you and your bird. Trust me, you'll get used to each other in time. Your bird will let you know what she wants. Don't worry about the water, they will drink when they're thirsty. Also, she will get some water from fruits & veggies. It sounds like you are doing a great job - Izzie is lucky to have such a good mommy!

Here's something weird that happened to me... My alarm clock went off this morning (yay) and I stumbled into the kitchen only to find the coffee NOT going. Puzzled, I was checking out the coffee maker to see what was wrong when I noticed it was 3:00 am. (I get up normally at 5:00.) Further puzzled, I went back to my bedroom to see if I'd screwed up setting the alarm clock, but it was fine, set for the right time. Hmmm...Poltergeist? Really old alarm clock that needs replacing? Over active imagination? :laugh:

Aaaw, cute picture! I've been hemming & hawing about whether to try to potty train Klaus. At almost 8 months, do you guys think he's ready? Let's face it, I'm probably the one who's not ready... :laugh:

I'm not an expert, but I would not even let Klaus have an M&M or two. If it's on the "absolutely not" list then it'll never happen. Also, on the milk, I have picked up somewhere (or thought I did) that they are lactose intolerant, so I'd watch that, or at least research it further before letting him have any more. Everything else sounds ok. Again, not saying I know a ton here, but I think variety is key (as it is for everyone) and I also think that eating is a big social time for birds, so it's good for them psychologically to share food with you. So there's my two cents worth!

I love the name Brody!