bettyboop

Well , I can not imagine someone totally turning the heat off in their bird room and thats what she would have had to do for it to be cold enough to hurt her bird.Besides she has two small Grand children living at her home , so how cold did they allow it to be ????I don't know , but I told her exactly the same as you said , something else must have been going on . My birds are good , they havent been allowed outside in about 3 weeks , that one day it was around 80 degrees with no wind .They were out almost all day and loved it .Texas weather is crazy.Up and down temps..... Hope all is well with your birds , that is strange their not coming out of their cage but if it stopped , I guess it must be ok . Our fids never refuse being out .Maybe their schedule has changed since yours has and they might get confused. Nothing new here , oh I am going on a cruise for a week in Feb . to Jamaica.Sounds fun , can't wait , it is my Birthday gift from my Husband .My B day was the 18 th of this month , but we couldnt get off till Feb .So , I am excited . Good hearing from ya , take care. M

Great to hear all is going well with you and the boys. Maybe Zsa Zsa is too young to be hormonal .I don't know . One of my friends lost a bird Saturday night , early Sunday morning .She found him in his cage Sunday morning (Caique 3 years old ) , she thinks it was too cold in the bird room .???????She has three other birds in the same room and they were all ok , does that sound possiable ? Two of them are Alexandrines.I just can't believe it could get that cold in a room in your house with you in the house . I suggested she consult with her vet .What do you guys think ? Glad to hear Zuri is adjusting to the food and that you are seeing improvements in color , that is fascinating to me that food has such an influence on their colors.....I bet he loves the errands , Z acts like no big deal , Sammy gets sort of spooked in the car , so we have to cover him , takes the fun out of the whole ordeal .... Chat when you can , the whole darn board just floats away when your not here .HA HA .... M

Zooman , We will miss you a lot.When any of us are missing it's just not the same.I understand . Yes, it is smart to return them to their cages when napping.....However , lately Zsa Zsa has been a demon when it's time to go back .Sammy has always been difficult, he never wants his cage , even when he has been out all day .I usually put a treat in his cage and most of the time it works . Zsa Zsa , has been so lovey lately , she rubs her beak on my face and gets in my hair and rubs her face in it .She must be getting hormonal , however I am not familiar with this ,I have never owned a female before .How about you Pat ? Does this sound hormonal ? Yes , loss at this time is harder than any other , Pat how is your Daughter ? Please know I am thinking about you all ... Take good care and don't work too hard .Post when you can and let us hear all about the boys . M

Yesterday , Zsa Zsa chewed up my Husbands travel mug lid.He fell asleep and woke up with her just chewing away on the mug that was sitting on the coffee table .Lesson learned , I told him to put her in her cage .....She is so interested in anything we drink out of ,she flies to the sink when she wants a drink , even with a full bowl of fresh water ....

The chewing thing is really strange , it's like anything they can get their beak on , they can destroy in seconds . My birds usually are watched very carefully , only having two birds is easier than a houseful , if I remove them and firmly tell them no , they seem to get the idea , till next , ha ha . Zsa Zsa is acting hormonal , slightly , I am not looking forward to this stage . M

Pat , I am so sorry . That poor kid and his friends and family , How sad.....Death is bad , but for someone to be murdered , it is senseless . Did they catch the people who did this , I hope so and I hope they throw away the key . My kids , were in Houston last night after burying their GrandMother , I urged them not to travel back to Fort Worth till today .(I didnt go, it was my ex husbands Mother , she was always kind to me , I attended her service here , and told my Daughter I would keep the three year old .)I just didnt want them on the highway traveling , it is so dangerous to be out on New Years eve. night ..... I am so sorry for all of you , and his family .You will all be in my thoughts and prayers . Sometimes saying nothing is the best , just hug your Daughter a lot, and reassure her of your love .Even though she knows , you love her , at a time like this , it may be all that helps her ... Hugs and prayers , Mary

Thank you Zooman , hope you also have a HAPPY NEW YEAR , we have no plans , my Grandson (AGE 3) will be with us .His parents have gone out of town for a funeral .Yuck ...No more funerals .I guess they are part of life .So we will be watching kid movies all night , what fun . Yes , where did 08 go ? Good question , time to reflect ...... You know Sammy doesnt play with toys like Z does either .He is like Zuri , would rather talk , whistle etc....I really don't worry about it .I do know if I hide treats in toys ,paper cups , etc.. that seems to keep him busy . I will take those small drinking cups , place a treat inside , like an almond , and stuff them in the side of the cages and my birds will make a Holy mess , shredding those cups to get to the treat , sometimes I put little toys inside . He likes to play on the bottom of his cage so I place a small stainless steel bowl in the bottom of his cage and put little foot toys in it , he will climb down and play for a while , he empties the bowl and bangs it around his cage .I think he likes that noise the best .It is funny . Happy , Healthy , Prosperous, Peaceful , New Year to you both and to your families, and fids . Hugs , M

Pat , So good to hear from you . You are missed , when you aren't around .Boy , I understand the chewing .I have doors that go into my laundry area, when I go in the doors are open and Zsa Zsa flies over and perches on the top , she can chew a chunk out faster than anything you have ever seen , so now , I shake the door the minute she lands on it .I have crown moulding all over the house also , thank God they havent gone after all of it .I think Zsa Zsa is starting to show some hormonal action also . I am for sure her chosen mate , so no telling , what I am in for . Hope your birds leg heals quickly , that is exactly what I have always been fearful of , Z flies over to Sammy's cage , and he nips at her feet , so now his cage stays in the other room , so she can't get to it . We have had three deaths since the 20th of December , so it's been sort of sad .Funerals , are not good at Christmas or anytime . Hope you had a nice Christmas . M

How exciting , Maybe Judy will get an Alexandrine !!!!! Maybe , I promise you would love it . Tips , get a male , and the youngest you can find , one that has been cuddled and held . They talk more than the females and are less moody .However Zsa Zsa is over that nippy , moody stuff , after about6 months of biting the hoopla out of me , when we first brought her home .Now she plays in my hair and preens me .So precious ..... Make sure and keep us posted on the Maybe .. Hugs , Mary

Unfortunatly , there isnt much going on with our birds , at the present , so I could see where Pat might be bored with us . Alexandrines , really are simple laid back , easy birds ,don't you think ? Zsa Zsa is just the same ole same ole every day . She likes her time out of the cage , her food , her bath and something new to play with about every other day . They are very good caretakers of their feathers , so they don't pluck and they aren't all high strung like a Grey .I love it that they really arent afraid of anything .Z will take on anything , she might study it for a moment , but then she goes after it . So anyway , Pat we enjoy you and hope all is well . Sounds like Texas weather , if you don't like it , just wait a minute and it will change . My birds really miss going outside , everytime we go out the back door they Squawk , but it has been way too windy and cool .However , I think today is going to be in the 70's .... Have a good day , it's the last few of the year . M

Yes, a lot of people have cats and birds . Don't ask me how they do it but it is possiable . I had cats when my kids were growing up , but not any more . I like them , but we have laws in Texas , they must be leashed and I don't think I like that law , so I will pass on cats . I think that is great you take your bird places , I have allowed my birds to visit , they like it . You are so correct in suggesting those people discuss the pro and cons of getting a bird with you before they just run out and buy one , lots of work and dedication. Where is Pat ? She hasnt been around much lately.. Pat are you still with us ???

Thanks, Hope your Christmas was great . It is now the day after and ours was wonderful .I am so thankful now , things can get back to normal and I can spend some time with my birds . The three Grand kids are going to be here to spend the night tonight and the birds love them , last night was to hectic to allow them time with the birds , so I am glad they will be here. Then tomorrow and Sunday is mine .HA HA . Z and Sammy will be glad , we have had so much company since Thanksgiving .Normally we do once in a while but our door has been revolving .....I am ready for calmness. M

Pat and Zooman , I just wanted to wish you both and your birds a very Merry Christmas . Hugs , Mary

Christmas shopping almost finished, I have to pick up a few last minute things today .Then I am finished. Wow , I agree what a week ...and it's only Tuesday, hahaha... Our first Grey was a TAG, and Sammy is a CAG, I think the Tags are more laid back but that is just my opinion .I don't want any more birds , I am so busy , and I wonder sometimes if they get the emotional feed they need , I know they havent the past few days .No , no more birds for me , they are plenty for me . I enjoy them but right now , my schedule is just running all the time , I actually am off Wed.-Sun.So , the birds and I will play . I always try with Sammy , and am perfectly content with our relationship. He and I have come a long way ,so it can only improve .However , Z is top bird , she was here first and she is treated as top bird , so as jealous as she is , it might be hard for Sammy and I to get to close. Well you have a wonderful Christmas and give the boys a Merry Christmas from all of us in Texas . It's cold , but no snow , darn. Merry Christmas, Mary

Yes , Sammy will step up for me as long as I am his only choice , if my Husband is in the area and he can see him , he will bite me......I do not mess with him unless he flies to the floor , then I step him up and take him to a T stand or playstand ...He belongs to the Man , ha ha.Sammy is big , and I like him but we are not bonded ,I have always been fearful of him after the first bite and he knows it ...I don't mind , it would be sad if one didnt belong to each of us, everyone that comes over thinks he is a trip , since he talks and babbles so much , which makes my Husband very proud... Z is my bird .I love her and she knows it. Zsa Zsa does not like my Husband , the other night I was exhausted so I went to bed early .He said she flew around looking for me and then gave up , she went to her cage and went to bed ....She screeches and has a fit if he tries to work with her , only if he is eating something she wants , then she will fly to his shoulder ... Yes , that is strange about Las Vegas , but you know we were there in Oct. and a cold front blew in and when we arrived it was 50 degrees with a strong North wind .My Mom in law , said she could not believe it... M

Ha Ha , then it can go away . Just stay for a white Christmas ....... I hear we will be getting some more in here Saturday night , but no snow . This AM it is 58 degrees and such a heavy fog, it's dripping , like rain . My breeder says if I keep it sealed up , which I do it won't go stale , it's a mix , not just sunflower. They love it . Sammy is good , he is for sure a mans bird , he loves my Husband and is cool with me till the man comes home then I don't have a chance with him , ha ha .He entertains me in the daytime by talking and acting funny .He is such a little clown .He calls me Mootsie , thats what my Grandkids call me , and he picked up on it , so funny .They love the words that are different ..

Brrrrrrrr , yes it is 24 here this Am.My Husband works in Dallas , so he was off about 30 mins. early . We didnt get but a little precip. , but I heard east and west of us is worse.It was 80 here Sunday , so this is just our cooler summer weather , ha ha..... The white sunflower seeds are hard to find . My breeder sells them along with a safflower seed , banana chips , and something else.It's 45 mins to her house , so I usually buy about 15 lbs , per trip.@$3.99 a pound .Ouch.....But it is an organic blend , so I know it is good for them .I have no idea where she gets it and she won't tell , because she wants me to buy it from her . You can go on line and type organic parrot seeds and you might find them . Stay warm, M

I didnt think you were judging , I just wanted you to understand it was a total act of my thinking I had another bag of food and I didnt . It was amazing to me the difference . No offense taken ..... You will see abig difference with them being under the light . Supposedly , the white sunflower seeds have less fat . M

No, I didnt buy the Hartz because of price .My birds were on Harrisons and I ran out.I order on line , so it would be a couple of days to get the Harrisons .I was at the grocery store and that is all they carry , so I bought it .When the Harrisons came , they refused it , so I continued on with the Hartz.Within 2 weeks they looked like different birds. Actually , I think the sunflower is good for birds . It contains a non saturated natural oil in it which is good for our skin as well as the birds skin . Which can help them not to pluck . If the skin is moist then they don't itch .I really think the Hartz has less sunflower seeds in it compared to some I have seen .I also allow Zsa Zsa her seeds because in the wild , they are seed eaters , so it is natural for them to have seeds. I have done a lot of research on sunflower seeds and they are very healthy.But each has his own way of doing things and I respect yours . When Zsa Zsa had her last big molt , which seemed to go on forever I was told to increase her oils with nuts , so whenever she starts molting , I buy organic pecans , and give her a tiny amount daily , it seems to shorten the molt .It didnt increase her body weight .Tiago likes them because it is a natural food for Alex's.Sammy doesnt seem to care for them either .

Yes , now that we are adding two new Grandkids to the list , the Christmas account has stretched even farther . Glad we can do it , they are cuties . You are a great Bird Dad , doing a great job . Pat yourself on the back . M

The light is a great idea, I use one everyday , even when the sun is shining. My birds love it.

No waste , that says something . I am going to look for Browns at my pet smart store . Thanks Pat

My birds wouldnt eat pinapple the first few times I offered it and now they love it , so keep trying .My guys do not like anything cold . If the store you shopped at carries Hartz parakeet then you can ask them to order the Parrot food . Stores are usually pretty coperative at adding what the customer ask for . That also tells you they have an account with Hartz. Yes , I do give my birds a lot of different healthy foods , but I can tell a big difference since they have had the Hartz food added to the diet , like Pat said they glow , Zsa Zsa does , Sammy looks groomed and smooth. I also buy a cereal that has no sugar in it . I look in the health food section and the brand I found was Ezekiel. It has tons of good stuff in it . I add alot of dry stuff to the pellet seed mix . Zsa Zsa has to have her seeds , it is a natural food in the wild , she demands it , ha ha ha. Zupreem should be a good food ....I think I used it for a short time when Z was a baby , not sure .

My brds won't eat Zupreem , I have tried it twice. So that won't work for me . They are funny , Zsa Zsa likes moist food more than the dry stuff , so I usually prepare soft wet food and sprinkle the dry store bought stuff on top . She loves yogurt , sprinkled with pellets .Strange but true .She drinks a lot of water also , so on occasion , I drop some liquid vitamins in her water , maybe every other week . I try to make sure they get something green , orange , red and purple everyday .They do really good with puree made in the blender of frozen , thawed berries .Then I add cereal and make this chunky stuff and they love it .<br><br>Post edited by: bettyboop, at: 2008/12/09 11:20

Pat , as they say the way a bird looks says it all .So , I guess Hartz and Katee have some wisdom in that cheaper priced food .The hartz I buy is 14.99 a bag and you know that's a bunch cheaper than Harrison's.... I am glad we found it and our birds are BEAUTIFUL ! M