bettyboop

Pat , I know what you mean about the floresent green glow .That is exactly how Zsa Zsa looks . I hate to say this but I allowed myself to run out of Harrison's pellets . I thought I had another bag in the fridge and I didnt .Well I order on line and it was going to be at least a week , so at the grocery store I purchased a bag of Hartz Parrot food .I know , trash , trash , I hated the idea . Anyway , it has all of these dried veggies , different shapes , nuts ,seeds, etc... smells like orange . They loved it , and they have been eating it for about two weeks and refused the Harrisons . So now , I'm looking at these guys and honestly they look better than ever . Zsa Zsa just went through a mini molt and she is glowing .Both of their attitudes have changed for the better , and they are all lovey dovey acting . They say diet improves their disposition . Well , I can't believe but Hartz has been around for a long time and I can only judge by how my birds look . There has been a great improvement in their over all apearance.So Zooman you may want to try Hartz. It is much cheaper than Harrisons , and right at my Grocery store.

Ha Ha, yes along with the dogs they all get a toy for christmas.Just something to entertain them . They don't understand , I'm sure . No problems here with the site being down , actually I haven't been on since Friday .... Oh , I know about talking about the problem , but we are suppose to stay on the topic of birds .I think we are to discuss the other stuff in private.Thanks again for the help.Actually , I plan on just staying out of it .... That is super , they both can turn around , my birds look at us like we are crazy when we try to teach tricks . They know come here , and they usually obey .I have worked on this since day one , just in case , which I won't mention . They are smart and so much fun . Yesterday since we were home all day , they knew it was Saturday, and boy the calls they did to come out for the day , was almost ear shattering .ha ha , they won . We had a good day . I told you ZsaZsa goes after water and the other day she was on my coffee cup which she has shown no interest in at all . Sammy , likes coke , so we can't leave a coke sitting around or he gets it , and says yummy , I think he has only done this a couple of times.It's not as though I allow him to drink coke. How about your boys , do they like something you eat or drink ?

Sorry , I have us completly off topic .I am sorry , however my birds were involved . Thank you for the tip , I plan to do exactly as you have advised , I can give the book in private to our Son and it will help him as well as her .Enough said , about this subject. My Birds are doing great , they just finished dinner . Fat and happy and hanging onto us like there is no tomorrow .We are walking trees, ha ha . They look great right now , can't figure out why , but tonight I was looking at their feathers and Zsa Zsa is so brilliant colored , and Sammy looks so smooth and perfect .I am always so concerned about their getting all the nutrients , I can get them to eat . They are sweet little birds , and I am so happy we have them . Sammy has settled some the past month , he seems to be getting kinder and more laid back .He has been with us 9 months and that's about enough time to plan on staying and being part of the gang . How are your boys doing , any new tricks ? How about the play stand ? Thanks again for the wonderful tip .Karma to you for helping me . Mary

Thank you Zooman, Last night I told my Husband , "we can't give her that book " , you are so right ....She is going to be offended, and that is the last thing , I would want . She acts very frustrated with him , and very impatient.She is very young and comes from a very poor background which is OK , but her level of Education is lacking also .This bothers me , if her parents didnt expect anything out of her , how can she expect more out of him .So sad ....As far as I know , the Father of this child is no where to be found.Nor is the second childs Father.Yikes....... Anyway , I came to the conclusion , just stay out of it . If she wants to talk , I will listen . My only concern is my Birds when they do come over . She will have to keep them off my birds cages . Thank you for the input, Mary

Poppy, Good for you . I am glad there are parents that do all they can for their children, what ever they can to help them be the best . We purchased Jenny McCarty's book yesterday for her , a Christmas gift . I do hope it helps and she doesnt get mad at us . The book has web sites , diet information , materials to order , and where to get free help . This is all new to us , so I am not sure what is available. Thank you for the input. Mary

Thanks Zooman I feel bad for the little boy , and I have never had to correct our Grand kids with our birds .They were told just like you told the neice and nephew , don't do this or what ever .They are respectful . I can't just sit back and watch my birds just take what ever this little boy wants to do .I know the Mother has her hands full , but they can help this child .She just has to take classes and attend the workshops.

The evening wasnt ruined , it wasnt a long drawn out situation .However the safty of my birds is up to me . I can't imagine how freaked Zsa Zsa was . Unfortunatly , they will be at our house for Christmas , we are becoming his Grandparents ..... I know what you are saying about Autistic children , and this is her responsibility, to see to it that he is getting help , to help him learn how to act . I don't think he is in a formal type training program .She hasnt done what she needs to do for this child .There are many Goverment programs she can get him involved in free, and she hasnt.I am not being rude, or insensitive , this is very sad , and I feel very bad for the little boy . I know we have never been in a situation like this before , and it's not that we are judging her , but after all this is our home.<br><br>Post edited by: bettyboop, at: 2008/11/29 13:43

Why don't you form a bird club ? It would be fun . Perhaps the bird store you shop at could help you .Or , do you have bird rescue in Canada ? A place where people surrender their birds if they can no longer care for them .I would do a search on Yahoo and see what comes up . If either of you come to Texas , I would love to meet you guys . So if you do , let me know . I have had no problems with health care and we have great Dr.'s , so I havent experienced anything that has been bad . I know with anything in the media they always concentrate on the bad and never the good .We have great insuance coverage , and I have always had good care with them . Yes, the birds loved the treats . When everyone was gone , I found a Marshmellow , pickle an olive in the bottom of Zsa Zsa 's cage and a cookie , and part of a roll in the bottom of Sammy's cage .I was pissed .(excuse please) I have no idea when this happened..... The young lady that is engaged to our youngest son has a 6 year old Autistic boy who wanted to climb on Z's cage . He even had his mouth on the cage , I asked her to make him stop and she just stood there , allowing him to do this , so we just rolled those big cages to the office and locked the door . When they left , I told my Husband you better straighten this out , I am not putting our birds through this again , ever ...He agreed. I was so mad and am so concerned about this situation . He has no idea what he is getting into and what he is getting us into .This child was playing with his food , putting food in his hair , throwing food at the table . I know he is ill , but she needs to get him some help , and she just told him to stop but didnt enforce her decipline, I am not happy with her Mothering skills with this child . The 4 year old was ok , he was a normal typical child , except he is still wearing pull ups ,(DIAPER ) come on , my 3 year old Grandson has been potty trained since he was 2. Sorry guys , I am venting on you . The food was gone , they ate it all , and you can not imagine how much we had. We had very little leftovers and I cooked a 15 lb. turkey and a 10 lb. ham . Wow , amazing how 20 people can eat so much . I am on a diet , so I am glad it is gone...HA HA ....

Pat , I hear you about the buying for kids. I think that is great , but our kids just looked at us ...They think we have a tree out back and just go pick $100 dollar bills . Christmas should be simple , and it never is with us ...I am so happy your Daughter is cooking for you , what a wonderful treat .I could dream about that .HA HA ..... I wish we all lived close and you all could come over for Christmas Day , we could talk all day about our birds and enjoy a nice fire .Drink some nog together.Yum....Nice thought.... Anyway , I better go , I am cooking the Turkey and it's almost time to get the dressing ready . Have a nice day , M

I only pay $10 for a co pay at the Dr.'s office .It's not free but it's not that expensive. Yes, we do have a big family , it is usually pretty lively...Sometimes it's over bearing but at Easter and Thanksgiving , we are the only ones that offer to have everyone over .If we don't do it , it won't happen . So , it's more important to me for it to happen than not . We do have a large house and thats why everyone expects us to have it . Zsa Zsa sits on her top perch and doesnt move when we have a house full , Sammy climbs around , but we watch the cages very close .We also tell the parents they will bite , so it's up to you to tell your children do not touch !The birds know our Grand children , so they usually are excited to see the older ones. I think it says a lot when they growl at people . They sense things , for a reason . There is one person , and when he comes in , Zsa Zsa squawks , over and over . Poor thing ,she will usually stop when I talk to her . It is so cute , she runs over to the cage side where I am , like save me , save me....

Our birds always stay in their cages when we have company , I am too afraid someone will open a door and stand there for a while and talk , which they do..... Our birds sort of get nervous when others are in the house anyway.Especially if it is someone , I don't care for, the can feel my anxiety. You know even though it is cold outside , we still have temps in the 70's, so ours are still getting out for about an hour on the weekends, as long as they are in a sunny spot . Move to Texas, year round great weather ... Gizmo will be Ok , he will work it out , it's only been a short time , I am sure he is still adjusting . Yes Christmas is upon us , OMG ..Panic , just kidding .We have a very large family .....$$$$$$.Plus the youngest son is now engaged to a woman who has two small children , like we needed that .HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH. We can't figure this one out . Stupid is as stupid does..... Zsa Zsa , and Sammy get me at home for four full days , I know they can feel the excitment in the air , the flowers came in last night for the tables and boy they were eye balling them . I told Z "don't even think about it ", she loves flowers , she loves tearing them up and eating them , especially those spider looking mum things ...She is so funny . I told Sammy pretty flowers , so he said it over and over till bed time .Such a hoot. We are having 20 for Thanksgiving and 5 are little boys , ages 10-3 years old .My birds will for sure be in their cages under lock and key with close supervision . Hugs , M

Poor Gizmo, He has been in the cage so long , eventually he will discover the joy of freedom .I am sure everything is still new and scary .It took our first Grey 7 months to relax with our home being his. It just takes time .It will work out. Sorry you have a cold , I had something that lasted two weeks , but am better now . Yes , Raja sounds very much like Zsa Zsa perched on you , they are so curious. Wow , you already have your tree up , oh my , you are way ahead of me.Mine should go up this weekend , hopefully. Good to hear from you . Take care, Mary<br><br>Post edited by: bettyboop, at: 2008/11/25 11:44

Just wondering where you guys are ????? We are getting ready for our Thanksgiving on Thursday , so we are shopping and digging out recipes, getting ready to cook our hearts out . How are the birds ? All is well with Zsa Zsa and Sammy , they were eye balling the big bird as it slid into the fridge and I assured them , don't worry you don't know him ....Ha Ha...I am sure they will enjoy a few bites , when they are served their T Day dinner . Take care, M

I think it is cute , but scary , Sammy likes to walk around on the floor and he does climb down and play at the bottom of his cage . Our TAG , also walked around on the floor .I was always so afraid we were going to step on him . But, when Sammy is out of his cage , he doesnt go many places at all , he flies to the playstand but then he just sits there and talks .He will fly some , but he is a pretty much stay in place guy. I have never seen Zsa Zsa on the floor.

That would work . Gotta cover the bottom . Yes , there are lots of places to hang toys , but my guys always stay on top , or unless Zsa Zsa drops something , like the highest perch .

Hey , I read an artical the other day that said when your birds disposition changes to check their diet .Make sure they are getting all the food groups , like from the pyramid that we try to follow. Just a thought.....Way to watch the body language !!!! I do know hormones can make them act funny , just as molting can also. Is he molting ? Zsa Zsa is having a light molt at the present . Great , company is coming for Thanksgiving and there is fluffy white feathers floating around...I do know when she molts , I do try to give her more protein . Like little bits of egg white.She also likes peanut butter. Yes , that is some playstand , but what do they do with the bottom section , and what about the bottom to catch the poop .It wouldnt work for us. The one I bought has a floor under everything and my birds rarely ever use the bottoms or lower part . Zsa Zsa has a large metal one and she does go up and down the ladders to get a toy dropped and then right back up . Not Sammy , he is a perch potato.If he drops it , he just says uh-o .....(SP?)or oops....

Boy , I understand about the money , and Christmas on it's way ..... I suggested you take a look and since you are so creative , copy the design . They are pretty simple . Do you guys not have a store for Bird stuff in Canada? Take Care , Hope the boys are good Mary

Grapewood is not expensive , you can purchas it on line . We bought our stand from Drs.Foster and Smith .It is wood and rolls around , so then we just made some changes to it , like adding the Grapewood branches . You can go to Foster and Smith to see the one I bought . They don't use all of it but they love the Grapwood .I also have a large metal one , Zsa Zsa loves it , she does use the whole thing , she runs up and down the ladders and plays on the bottom , but I don't want another one , so that is why we bought the wooden . Sounds as though you are working the imagiation , thats good , you will figure it out . Yuck , it's Monday , haha back to work . M

Hey Zooman , any ideas on the playstand yet ? We purchased a wood playstand , large for Sammy and added large branches of Grapewood branches onto it .Check out Grapewood , my birds love it and you can buy all sizes.He has had it for 8 months and hasnt chewed anything up yet .I think you can just type in Grapewood into your search engine.We purchased ours at a birdshow.

You are probably correct that she showd fear and that is why Raja shows dominence towards her , that's what they do . Our birds seem very close to us right now , they both just want to grow on us .HAHA

Zooman , That is very smart of you to do the step up practice with your birds . You do good with them , and it is very important to continue training sessions to help them to remain tame . I don't always do that but you helped to remind me of something very important, so I will begin again today. Thank you... My birds do step up , so I guess I just didnt think about training . I have taught Zsa Zsa to fly to me on command. I sit across the room and tell her come to me , and she flies over .I sometimes will go into another room , and she will come to the other room, as if we are playing hide n seek .haha.... We do this everyday ,in case God forbid she ever flew out the door . Sammy doesnt quite get it .....more work ..

Alexandrines can be very jealous of other birds. Perhaps Raja is jealous of Gizmo . Why has he started to bite or bluff at you ? Is this a new reaction ? How does Gizmo react to a playstand ? Give him a reason to want to come out . If he has fun playing , maybe this wil entice him to come out . I would , wait a while to clip this guys wings , if it were me.You are trying and doing such a good job of helping him become independent of his cage , now you want to clip him , which might be devestating .Also perhaps would send mixed signals.... You have no idea what we have been through with both of our birds , biting us , even attacks from Sammy. I don't always think clipping is necessary for attitude adjustments .Z has only had one vanity clip, that was when she was 4 months old , it didnt change her attitude , maybe it made her worse .That was the time when she was making me bleed daily. Sammy really doesnt fly a lot , he will come over to visit , or go to a perch or playstand , but he will stay wherever he goes for hours , just talking and talking and talking . He really doesnt have to have a toy , he just likes to talk ....So , clipping him would do nothing to help his attitude .He is an arrogant bird , who has been here 9 months .He has come a long way , and he has a long way to go. He is sweet , but can change in an instant.... Just get him away from the cage , and the cage out of sight .It will get better.<br><br>Post edited by: bettyboop, at: 2008/11/15 11:40

You are correct , it is important for safty concerns. He won't bite you as much if he doesnt get a reaction .With Zsa Zsa another thing , I could get her attention with anything and just very quickly slide my fingers under her feet , so quick it startled her and I would lift my hand high which took her more off guard of biting me .Worked like a charm .When you do get him off the cage , take it out of the room , or take him where he can't see it . If they can't see it then they are in a neutral situation and become more workable . It will work out , I have faith in you . Hugs M

Pat , Zsa Zsa was so protective over her cage , I took it away from her .She went to a sleep cage at night in another room , in the daytime she was on the playstand , if I had to leave then she would go to her big cage which was in a room away from the playstand , but only while I was gone . Then when I returned I would open her door and make her step up , she would bite and I never gave up , it hurt , but I was determined she was not doing that to me and it worked , she steps up perfectly for me , everytime . But I kept her cage and still do out of sight and she does not have the opertunity to be there while I am home , I shut the door.

I agree with Zooman , it's just going to take a little time and the idea of placing your hand along side the perch with a treat sounds like a good way to entice him . I bet if he sees the other birds on your hand , he will pick it up . Sammy and Zsa Zsa have learned from each other , like how to ride around on my head. They love to fight over who's on top . Drives me bananas....HA HA The Spaghetti Squash is better than you think . Just try it once. Ha Ha I'm not sure about a playstand , I have always thought everyone I have seen is lacking something abd look so unnatural(SP?) . I will think about it . To give Karma , or decrease Karma, the two thumbs over to the left under how many post we have made , the thumb pointing up , click on it and it adds a Karma for the person and the thumb pointing down , decreases their Karma , if you dislike something they have written . So now you can Karma away .You are not a Dummy... Have a great day . M