bettyboop

The carrier looks great , you did a good job , and I know those boys will enjoy going outside in it . Sammy and I do have better moments , he doesnt seem as nippy around me , but I can't trust him above the waist , so being on me is out of the question .He is a sweet guy and seems content with everything just like it is . we talk all day long .He flies over and sits by me , or flies to the office and hangs out...Usually while Zsa Zsa is preening , as you know they preen forever ... Yes I do spoil myself from time to time , but not much , who has time ?An occasional Saturday off , just to watch movies and lounge around is awesome to me .... Yes , my birds are different also . The only other thing I can suggest for you to help Zuri, play with toys is for you to play with them in front of him, act as though you are having a blast , walk around with them , and don't give whichever one it is to him for a couple of days .This worked with Sammy on a couple of things .Another thing , offer them some walnuts or almonds in the shell , this is great for their beaks .I think you should be able to purchase them at your market.They love shiny things , perhaps you could find some small shiny item and put small wood chips on it . If my birds don't eat wood for a while , I don't worry about it .Once Zsa Zsa didn't touch wood for about a month , then she went back to it, who knows what that was all about . How old is he ? As we all know the Grey is more concerned with you rather than toys . This is one thing I adore about Zsa Zsa , she is clingy sometimes but not all the time . I want my birds to be tame , but when I have to do something , they need to stay put .Z goes nuts if I pick up the phone, I have to go and put her down and give her a toy or she will fly back and attack the phone .I know clipping would solve some of this but I just love watching her fly. Sammy flies but not as much as Z .The only time he flies is if we are out of the room for a couple of mins . then he will call us , and fly to where we are and say peeka boo boo. He is so funny , and the funny things he says , he makes us laugh all the time .

The old trick , never put anything under a perch .HA HA Works like a charm . I also have hung toy boxes , I purchased a kids sand pail and hung it with large plastic chain , placed the sand pail by a lower perch and they go in and get the stuff . My Cag will not play with anything but foot toys, if everything is hanging he won't touch it .Try tying some little pieces of wood on the side of the cage and see if Zuri will accept those . My birds are in their cages for about 4 hours each morning , 5 if I have to go somewhere , like the store .So I am constantly having to find new ideas .I read the other day , someone took a book , any kind , drilled a hole in it and hung it in the cage and their bird loved it .Messy but entertaining ...... So , you think my birds are spoiled , ha ha, oh well so are our kids and dogs .I am a softie, when it comes to my little ones. A little french fry is OK. We all do it . Have a great weekend.

We understand being busy . I took my Mom to the Dr. today .She is going to have total hip replacement after the first of the year . I cleaned at her house all afternoon , it is a mess. It should take three months to get it into shape , bless her heart , she has just let things go for a while now. She is older and I just wasnt paying attention .You know I run in and out before she fell , and just didnt really notice .She has always had such a clean home and kept the front part and the bath and kitchen , but not the rest . I have closets that need attention and cabinets , omg......So I have my work cut out for me . You be careful going to get that little one , hurry back , we will miss you . Hugs , Mary

Thank you Judy , I can speak for the three of us , it is our pleasure to help . Your a sweetie to karma us . Hope all is well in your Birdie world .. Hugs , Mary

Pat , that is too cute about Raja and the boing .Sounds like he was getting rid of some pent up energy .I love it when they enjoy their toys .They are too cute .Zsa Zsa growls at her toys and Sammy slaps them and acts like he is attacking them , then he laughs.

Z had a boing , she tore it up , she tears everything up . She is so destructive . She had two rope perches .$$$$$$$$$ , you should see them . I give her old ceral boxes , with wood toys inside , she goes nuts . She eats through the box , then shreds the wood stuff . DAILY , we do this $$$$$$$....LOL....If she sees a cereal box on the counter , she goes for it .. Good point about the entertainment being a challange. I think mine is making sure she is happy , I work so hard at spending time with her and keeping her away from her cage . It is another room , she is so protective of that darn thing .Sammy isnt as much of a challange , he seems to be content with his schedule and isnt as clingy as she is , however he is bonded with my Husband and goes wild when he comes in from work. I just want her to be as free as she can be in our home and with us . We share food , she has her own dishes, LOL....We share water , we share the shower on occasion , we have fun ....She loves the car , Sammy hates it ..It makes him nervous . Do you have toy box in your birds cages ? It can be anything , a bowl , a box , filled with all types of play stuff .My birds love their toy boxes, they go down and empty it out , play with the stuff and then play with the bowl . Sammy bangs the bowl around , he loves the sound , it is a metal food bowl , and when it hits the cage , he laughs .Z has her toys in a plastic bowl , so she enjoys chewing on it also .<br><br>Post edited by: bettyboop, at: 2008/10/24 14:22

Hello , I am the owner of a 19 month old female Alexandrine . I purchased her for $400, at the age of 4 months .My two Greys were older and rehomed . After buying a baby , and two rehomed , I will never have another rehomed Parrot . My reason for this is , when you bring home a baby you have no baggage , they have no bad habits and the adjustment period is shorter .This is just my opinion , and I know that Tyco's Mom rehomes all the time and has great luck with her birds .So , everyone will not agree with me ..... I don't think it would be fair to you , if you have the option to just buy a bird because you can afford the lesser priced one , I really think the baby would be a better choice . Also how much experience do you have with birds ? Alexandrines and Ringnecks can be a handful .It took 6 months with my Female Alex, to be able to handle her without being bitten . Females are a lot more nippy than the male , so I do suggest DNA to make sure you purchase a male . The males are better talkers than the females and have a much better temperment. What part of the country do you live in ? I know an excellent breeder of both , that I can suggest to you , if you are interested . They are great birds , and so beautiful . The older my Alex gets , the more beautiful she is .I actually prefer her over our CAG . As I said he is rehomed and has calmed down but he is a Grey . They are more fearful of new things and we have to work very slowly around him . The Alex is afraid of nothing and is as curious as a cat . She is always right there in the middle of everything . She also lets us know when someone isnt welcome , according to her senses.Meaning when someone visits that she doesnt like , she will squawk till they are gone . LOL....Usually these are people , I don't care for either , such as a neighbor . Maybe she just picks up on my vibes , but she starts it the minute they walk in before I react . They are awesome birds and I do wish you luck and encourage you to visit the Alexandrine thread . All birds bite. I think my Alex's body language is much easier to read than my Cag.

Wow , I bet the town Salem was cool , I love those little towns all decked out for Halloween , I would love to see it. I didnt get to do my Fall Trip this year to see the leaves. Oh well . I am glad our birds miss us when we are gone , it proves we are doing something right . I noticed when I logged on , this thread has been viewed 1000 times , isnt that great ? I guess we need to stay on our toes .LOL... I was wondering , what is the biggest challange you have experienced with your bird or birds ? Have a nice day ....

Having two birds is different from having one , my Alexandrine is very jealous of our Grey . He could care less about her , shows no interest at all . I remember having one bird , it was so much easier . I miss that time , but I love both of our birds , so they are here to stay .It is a big decision . You will work it out .

Hi Dave , House is a show on TV..Woody is her bird, I think ..LOL... too funny , secret code .... House is great , we love it . I don't know Woody .<br><br>Post edited by: bettyboop, at: 2008/10/22 18:42

Also something to consider , he is not the same bird .15 Years is a long time . I agree , I would give him a couple of days to adjust, his own cage , toys and favorite foods . Sitting by his cage and allow him to come to you . How awesome , she offered him back and it works for you . That is really something . Hope it goes well .

Wow Pat , You have been through a lot . Bless your heart , I had no idea. I like your attitude , to your Dr. "I don't have time to die " . That is probably what saved your life . I understand your birds are important to you for many reasons and they are very lucky to have you . You have accomplished much in this world and you should be proud . I am glad I know you , and we are friends .I admire your fortitude ....... Keep up the good work and I am glad you enjoy birds so much , they are fun . Hugs , Mary

Hey Zooman , Glad you were able to have some fun yourself . I bet those birdies were glad to see you , for sure. I bet they managed very well, I have done the same thing and all was well when I returned . That is great about selling toys on line , let me know when your website is up and running . I could use some toys now , my two are out of new stuff , but I havent had time to shop , make , or order . I have a break in ny schedule this weekend , so I do plan on making some. Glad you are back , missed you . Take care M

The others have given great advice , one other suggestion is to sit by his cage , door open and read childrens story books to him . Let him come to you , and he will . Do not worry about the bath thing , slowly introduce him to a water bowl by placing little plastic or wooden foot toys in it , he will be cautious , but will eventually go to it and start playing in it , then he will take a bath . I took a small spray bottle and set it near my Greys cage , so he could see it , then after a week or so I started carrying it around and he wanted it , then I put some warm water in it and sprayed but not on him , then he worked into beaking on it , drinking from it , then we gently sprayed it over him , never at him , now he tells me TAKE BATH ....Greys are naturally very cautious , so move slow , don't rush , let him make some moves on his own . Good luck

Hello, It is highly suggested that your bird gets 10-12 hours undisturbed sleep at night . I think this means away from the TV viewing area. Our birds cages have rollers , so we move them at night or either go to our bedroom to watch TV . Our CAG likes to be covered and our Alexandrine does not . I read where covering bird cages at night started because our homes cool down at night , and it keeps them warmer . So , it is up to you and your bird . I would try to move him into a quieter location . Just a suggestion ...

One whole hour , oh my gosh , you deserve more than that ..... I understand though , it is hard to pull away . Perhaps you could have a Saturday off once a month .I just know I am a work a holic and it took me years to figure it out . I am important , and I need breaks , breaks from work and breaks from my chores.We try to get away twice per year , it feels good . Even to just go to a park or sit outside in the sunshine .Just do something fun . You birds will even notice a change.... Sorry I didnt get back sooner my phone line was down till just a few minutes ago .We have squirrels and I think one chewed on a line , they have done it before . So funny...... Hugs , Mary

OMG , Zsa Zsa is like glued to my shoulder , she is so glad we are home . My Daughter is so good to our birds but they are always so glad to have us back . They both are calling , everytime we are out of sight , so we call back and they start all over till we come back into the room . They love the foraging out of the tubs , I also put little treats , like Almonds , banana chips , rasins etc ...Z likes it the best , so I hope your fids enjoy it . Where is ZooMan ??? Hope he isn't getting bored with our thread .... I spent a lot of time reading to my birds over the weekend , just trying to give them some one on one attention . Sammy recites my three little pig book , almost perfect .He says I will huff , puff , blow down , it is so funny , he loves the books , more than Z , however his is vocabulary is huge . I do talk to them all the time , and I run out of interesting things to say , so that is one of the reasons I started reading books . The Grandkids have tons of the classic childrens stories at the house , and they are always fun to read . I have not seen the new rescue bird yet , you are getting quite a large flock Pat ......When do you have time for yourself ?Not that I do , but one more bird would for sure put me over the limit . Well , I have to get ready for work . Talk later, Mary

Hey you two , I'm back !!! Thanks for the welcome and the I missed you , That was sweet Pat ... It was relaxing and fast , LOL...It was fun , the weather was awesome and those Hotels are something else .It was like being in different countries all at the same time .Amazing how realistic they are. No we didnt come back rich , did a small amount at the slots , just to say we did it .LOL...how silly... The birds were so glad to see us and loved being back home , they had a blast flying all over and checking to make sure everything was right where they left it .Got plenty of kisses from both .They are so funny . Zooman , hope you had a nice day off , I love days off. Toys , Sammy only likes foot toys , that is about all he will mess with and they can range from plastic , wood , leather , or rope . Z likes plastic , paper and wood . If I dare try to read the mail , she is right there , ready to shred what I am tossing in the trash , LOL... I save the plastic lids from butter tubs etc...and she loves to play with them especially the small ones. You can punch holes and string them together, she also likes the tubs, I use a large plastic chain and make a slit in the bottom of margarine tubs , run the chain through the slit and space the tubs , about three on the chain . Then I hang it from the top of the cage and place little snacks and toys in each one .She loves it , Sammy takes things out of his but he doesnt climb up and down the chain like she does . They both like the practice golf balls , and you can really get creative with them . Hope this helps . M

Talk to you guys on Wednesday , I am taking the birds to our Daughters , it's like packing half the house .We have to be at the airport at 5 AM, OMG .That means I have to get up by 3 AM , I thought this was suppose to be restful and relaxing . Hugs , M

Yes they will be fine .I just know how they like the same ole same ole , all the time . It hopefully won't last long . M

Well , I am not into throwing my money away and I ask why Vegas ? He said I got a great deal and a great Hotel .So we just plan on relaxing , enjoying each other, and site seeing . He is my Guy , he is so sweet ... It will be interesting ,LOL.... Yes, my Daughter does great with the birds and they know her because she is over all the time, I'm not worried . However I do miss them when we travel as well as our dogs . My Husband and I both play with Sammy , but he takes over when he gets in from work so I can devote the rest of the time with Zsa Zsa .Sammy loves my Husband , so I don't exist after he is home anyway...They aren't being ignored , it's my afternoon time , like 12 noon - 4 that I am not home to interact and play with them .So instead of 8 hours play time , they are basically getting 4 .They havent shown any stress . They will be OK. I know Pat wasnt directing the comment to me , it just made me feel bad and like I said , I have been a little tired and overly sensitive since all this with my Mom. It's over and I am sorry . Pat is a wonderful person , I know she would never do that . Hugs, Mary

Pat , thank you and don't worry . I am so tired and just being sensitive , overly !!!!!I know you better than that , it's just that I have been away everyday for three weeks and it is driving me nuts . My husband just called and surprised me with a get away . We are leaving Monday morning at 7 AM for Las Vegas and be home on Wednesday .He arranged with our oldest kids to cook , and take care of my Mom while we are gone.Oh , I am so excited , he is so great . Our Daughter takes care of the birds at her house while we travel and they love it , she never tells them no , LOL... Also , I misread the artical that my friend shared with me about the Alex and IRN , they are related .Sorry , my mistake .Take care Hugs , Mary

Zooman , I thank you for the encouraging words .They help alot. It just bothers me that the time I usually am home with the birds , now I am at my Moms, working and when I get home I am exhausted , I just look at my birds and almost dread opening the cage doors. I want to but that first thought of everything I do when they come out is overwhelming .LOL.. Yes, it will return to normal , I just hope nothing is undone with my birds , they have been so spoiled and I hate the fact that just because I have been thrown a curve , they have to pay the price . I wasnt being rude in my remarks to Pat , her remarks made me feel bad .I was just trying to say , things do change for people , things happen that we have no control over ... Thank you again , for your kindness.You are a true Alex friend. Mary

Pat , glad you are back , we were wondering where you are. Hugs, M

Well , one thing I can honestly say about my Alexandrine , when she came home she was not the sweet little girl she is now .It took alot of time and bitten fingers to get her where she is today .The secret is when they are being hand fed , it has to continue, they have to be handled alot .My breeder who is excellent , had a bumper crop of birds the year Z was born , so after hand feeding , she wasnt handled alot which made her have that famous Alexandrine temperment that they are known for .Females are different than the males , they are the protector of the nest , the chicks etc... I have to spend alot of time daily or else .They are not all as sweet as ours . A friend of mine has a male and a female , the male is much kinder than the female .It isn't because we have done something wrong , it is because they are females and Alexandrines do have strange temperments .Ours are also going into sexual maturity , which is a different ballgame , you will see . Sometimes in our lives things change .As of right now my Mother has a hairline crack in her hip .I am working at my job , going to my Moms to bathe her, cook meals , clean her house wash clothes and then I come home to my home . two birds , two dogs and a husband .This is not something I ask for , I would rather be home all day playing with my birds , so it isnt right to say people shouldnt have had them in the first place , things do change unfortunatly . They are great birds as I said but they do require alot of time to remain tame. I did find out , the Alexandrines and IRN's are not related , I thought that was odd because they look sort of alike .