chezron

Organic Harrison's is the pellet eaten by my birds. So many of the pellets have ingredients, like corn, that are likely genetically modified. Some studies have found deleterious effects from GMO ingredients and I do not wish to experiment on my cherished pets. Harrison's is organic and so is guaranteed to be GMO free. Pellets are a convenience and not a substitute for fresh fruits, vegetables, beans, and grains. I serve two bowls: one with pellets and the other with a seven layer salad of sprouted seeds, and whatever is organic and seasonally available. I add chia seed and red palm oil to the soft foods.

So happy for you!

How cute with her little baby black eyes! Congratulations.

My three guy's cages are lined up right next to each other. I believe they will work it out if you move them close. Who knows, it may turn into a good thing.

You can't be sure the "Ironwood" on the list is a Carpinus. Many trees are called, "Ironwood."

Congratulations Cag Rico! Look forward to pictures of your new little one.

Isn't that funny how their tastes' vary? Brutus does not like peanuts, purple grapes, banana (once in awhile), pistachios or almonds. He loves green grapes, apples, pomegranate seeds, and water. Oh my, he loves corn on the cob!

Such sweet stories! awww

I, too, read this story with apprehension because I was afraid of a tale of horror. Thank you for a good, heart-warming story!

George sure is a cutey!

I have a CAG, a Panama Amazon, and a quaker. I got the quaker first, then I brought home the CAG, and then we adopted Pancho (PA) this summer. They all have their own cages lined up in our office/kitchen. It has been pretty seamless. The quaker sits on Brutus' (CAG) cage and Brutus sits near Jimpster (quaker) and Pancho sits about two feet away on his cage. Brutus includes Pancho in his comments, yet doesn't interact with him. He adds Pancho's name all by himself - we did not teach him. He says, "I love Pancho", "Where do you live Pancho?" "Jimmy and Pancho and Brutus", etc. I have a sneaking suspicion that Pancho HAS interacted with them and showed them that he is not to be messed with. Anyway, the addition of Pancho has worked out very well, much better than I ever thought possible.

Sooo funny! My grey used to sit on the kitchen cupboard doors too, until we bought a house where the doors go all the way to the ceiling. I kind of miss him dropping things into whatever I am preparing. He had it figured out too; he would always find the HEAVIEST toy to drop.

Can't wait to hear about Timmy!

Gorgeous bird! So what's a little wood off a door? <g>

Birdnut, you are so right about that!

Great post Zandische! I try to avoid the use of ALL aerosols or anything that will volatilize to a great degree. We also have the windows open most of the time for fresh air. I mean think about it, not only are birds lungs super-efficient, but they live OUTSIDE normally, and exposing them to fumes, gases, smoke or candle scent is an extra burden on the unnaturalness of being indoors. I do not have scientific studies to buoy this out but it sounds good to me! This about effect on humans by "air-fresheners" - "Reports of the dangers of chemical air "fresheners" are just beginning to make the news. A recent MSN article stated that being exposed to air "freshener" chemicals as little as once a week can increase your odds of developing asthma symptoms as much as 71 percent and can contribute to an increased risk of a number of pulmonary diseases. [2] The article went on to state that "A 2006 study showed that people with high blood levels of the chemical 1.4 dichlorobenzene -- commonly found in air fresheners -- were more likely to experience a decline in lung function." A September 2007 TIME magazine article, 'How "Fresh" is Air Freshener' reported that the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) discovered that most chemical air "fresheners" contained variable amounts of substances called phthalates (pronounced THAL-ates). Besides the use of phthalates used as sealants and adhesives and to soften plastics, they are also used to dissolve and carry fragrances. The TIME article went on to report that "phthalates are commonly found in a variety of products, including cosmetics, paints, nail polish and children's toys -- and have long been at the center of a larger international controversy over their health effects." [3] The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has no regulations on the use of phthalates, does not require the labeling of phthalates content on products and does not consider the quantities to which people are exposed to be harmful, even though studies have suggested that high exposure to certain kinds of phthalates can cause cancer, developmental and sex-hormone abnormalities in infants, and can affect fertility. [4 ]" I don't know about essential oils health effects. I imagine anything that volatilizes is probably not so good for your bird. I did find this on a Safe Bird website: "Scented items that release fumes should not be used around your birds. If you must burn scented candles, remove birds from the immediate area. Most of these items contain essential oils, which are hazardous when burned. There has been some evidence that they are not particularly good for human lungs as well, but we have much larger lungs that are constructed differently from bird lungs, so we can tolerate years of exposure. Birds can succumb upon a single exposure if they are in a confined space where they cannot escape the fumes."

Patience certainly is a virtue in this situation. I would advise you to take it slow and let your bird tell you when he is ready. You can tell. Good luck!

I had fears of bloody encounters when I introduced an Amazon to my aggressive quaker, and mellow CAG. Those fears have never materialized. I have not observed much mingling between the birds, although, Brutus (CAG) talks about Pancho all the time ("I love Pancho", "Brutus, Jimpster, and Pancho", etc.). Jimpster (quaker) now sits in a new spot closer to Pancho and in between Pancho and Brutus. They all tend to sit approximately two feet away from each other when resting or preening. I really think they like each other's company even if they don't interact. I know Pancho calls, "hello?" when the other two are upstairs visiting their father. Jimpster and Brutus like to fly together and spar once in awhile. Jimpster is normally on Brutus' cage and rarely on his own cage. Neither one has visited Pancho's cage (or maybe they have and I don't know). I think that perhaps there have been visits to Pancho's cage, and he may have told them, in no uncertain terms, to back-off. I think Pancho is a scrappy little guy, able to handle himself, and he may have made his point early-on. I dunno. Keep us posted on your progress.

Yoohoo! Way to go!

He seems very content!

Congratulations! You may not even notice the progress, but keep trying because it makes a difference. Before you know it you will be able to handle Sam as much as your husband.

Without a doubt, it is Swiss cheese!

Very perplexing, but I think Dan is on the right track.

I think the way you are handling things with Gracie is spot on. Please don't take the mean lady's comments and techniques to heart. Gracie really likes you or she wouldn't act as fond of you as she does.

Allowing your bird to fledge and learn to fly, BEFORE clipping it's wings (if you choose THAT option) is super important in developing your bird's self confidence. While learning to fly, I believe they feel more in control of their environment and less anxious about change, in general. My bird loves to fly and is absolutely giddy with excitement and self confidence with his flying skills. He is just joyful (there are no other words to describe it) when he swoops across the open living area of our house. I could never take that away from him, although, we must be super vigilant about opening doors.