bettyboop

She was clipped when we purchased her , our request . However she was so light she could still fly . Also this may sound funny to some , our breeder when she clips , she likes to do it slow , she takes a couple off at a time stretching it out for about a week to see how the bird does.She has birds of her own that are able to go outside and fly back to her , trained , so she really doesnt approve of clipping .She also says it is less drastic for the bird .Well she is 45 mins.away and I just don't have time . Sammy had a couple of accidents prior to our having him after wing clips , he has been sewn up a couple of times so he doesnt get clipped either , he really doesnt fly that much .He circles the house a couple of times and then he is finished for the day.When we have company they are always in their cages. It's probably not wise but I have heard of so many loosing their birds with clipped wings , so we just choose to be careful all the time . How is Tiago ? I bet you have a lovely view on the 6TH floor , sounds awesome..... Mary

Hello MFJ88, Everyone has given great advice , but beware around his cage .They are very protective of it , this is the only piece of Real Estate they own .My Alexandrine was so bad , I had to have her cage in another room where she could not see it or get to it , if she were out she was on the playstand or on me . Also , don't be afraid , he will know it and it takes a long time to earn the trust factor again . Just stick your hand in , even with a towel if you have to but show him who the flock leader is .Bite the bullit , he is probably testing you .I would open the door and allow him to come out , then step him up.I hear Amazons are very nippy . Good luck , Mary

Have a great walk . It is awesome outside today , actually down in the 50's last night .I am ready for Fall . I bet you guys get great Fall Leaf colors up there .We don't, but we always go somewhere to view .My favorite time of year . Everthing will get better, Alex's are tough birds . Mary

I feel bad that I posted a pic of Zsa Zsa , with all her feathers .I did'nt mean to upset you . I apologize... You are not to feel guilty over the wing clip ! You were trying to protect Tiago , you are a great parent and we know you love your birds , so remember he still loves you and birds are so forgiving . The Feathers will grow back and he will adapt , just give him a little extra time , it will all work out . Alex's are so light , he will figure it out very quickly and will return to normal faster than you think .....You might speak to a breeder and ask if they recomend making both sides the same later on , after he gets over this clip . Are you near Darlene ? My Little Darlings Avairy , she would have great advice ...She would also recomend a great vet for you .Just be kind to yourself , it's going to be OK . Mary

Here are some current pics of Zsa Zsa , Mary

Hope Tiago is OK , Zooman.Let us know Mary and Zsa Zsa<br><br>Post edited by: bettyboop, at: 2008/09/16 02:53

OMG , YOU POOR THING .I am so sorry about the wing trim ..Hopefully it will be OK . That is mostly why I don't have my birds trimed .My breeder will do it but it is about 45 mins. from my house and I usually don't have time .Glad the health check up was good and that is so interesting about the beak .Good info . I'll be thinking about Tiago , keep me up on how he does. Mary

Hello Zooman, There is a Bird show October 17-19TH at the Richmond Green Sports Centre . I don't know what the details are , or if they will have bird products for sale .Probably if you call they could give more info. Also , I don't know if this is any where close to where you live . Mary

Broomer , Those are great looking toys...I'm going to copy your design. I buy wood blocks and toys from Naloni , all of their wood is safe for birds . They have a lot of items and I like their prices. They also have a good selection of toys already made , especially for Greys. Also for dying wood , you can use blueberries, beets , and maybe some other foods that loose color after boiling. Bettyboop

Hi Pat , Actually , I think the whole story on this lady is , she divorced and lost a Grey in the divorce , a Grey she loved very much .....Then she purchased Sammy as a replacement . Rule # 1 ... A pet you love can never be replaced . Then she hooks up with this guy and they are living with this man's Mother .... Now , she did screen me pretty much and had several others inquiring about him who were willing to pay her twice what I paid her .So , I do give her credit that she didnt just snatch the money and run . Now , he has been with us since Febuary .....I can tell he was a problem in that Mothers home , he chews furniture, wood tables , chairs , fabric etc.... plus he bites , he is very quick , there is no body language , no pinning eyes nothing . So he is a problem child who has never been trained . So , we are taking it slow and I can handle him when my husband isnt home and when Zsa Zsa is out of sight . He is never allowed on my shoulder and never anywhere near my face . He can jump about 15 inches and I almost got my eye punctured from this guy .He is extremly noisey , talks non stop ,and throws food everywhere .So , unfortunatly due to this man she is living with and money issues , the Mother probably said the bird has got to go . Sad , but thats the story.He gets a lot of attention with us and is starting to actually work some what with us ... Also , some pets just don't work for some people , which is most likely the person's fault , but if it doesnt work , isnt it better in the long run to find the animal a better home ? I think a lot of people buy a bird not knowing what they are getting into , birds are awesome companions , but work , time and money. I would hopefully never sell an animal , but you know we are all facing some economic issues and honestly we can't say we would never .If I couldnt afford to feed my pets , for their well being they might have to be rehomed .I agree with you completly , I would never sell a pet for money ,that is cold .This lady I guess did what she had to do . Actually , I was afraid he was stolen , but I searched all over the internet before we picked him up and didnt find a thing . Sorry this is so long. Hugs, Mary<br><br>Post edited by: bettyboop, at: 2008/09/11 19:27

I find great deals at the bird shows . I will look in my Bird Talk Magazine , which is a great magazine if you don't subscribe to it and see if there are any shows in Canada. As far as Zsa Zsa softening up , I don't know what the trick was .I just spend as much one on one with her , and play with her as much as I can .Remember our birds have another bird in the house which is competition and they are growing up . I spend time with Sammy but at a different time , away where she doesnt see us together . She does not like him , she flies over and picks fights , it's just too scary knowing he is bigger and I am afraid one day he will fight back .She is jealous. I try to always feed her first , speak to her first and have put them in different rooms , rather than being in the same room .....It has helped . In the evening they are in the family room with us together, but my Husband is playing with Sammy. She seems to accept this and always stays with me . That is a great idea about the toy you make for Zuri , they love to forage . I will try that on our birds , I bet they will love it . M<br><br>Post edited by: bettyboop, at: 2008/09/11 13:41

Sorry , it is not safe to bring bug bombs into the home. Hair spray can be used but not while the bird is in the room , and if your bird preens your hair , it is better to be safe and not use it at all . Straight or diluted white vinegar to clean toys , cages , sinks , counter tops , glass, mirrors , etc ..Works great .Candles , air plug ins, anything that smells is a no no. Teflon , copper , cookware , ovens that self clean while cooking , and spray on oven cleaners are not safe. The link lovemygreys gave you has more info. Mary

I make some toys and buy some . They are so expensive , I usually go to Bird Shows and load up . Actually they are like little kids , you buy presents for Christmas and they want to play with the boxes.So they like bottle caps , off water bottles , cereal boxes , plastic tubs etc.... They love paper also , when the mail comes , I can't just lay it down , Zsa Zsa goes to it as soon as she can and starts ripping it up , which she has done many times.LOL.... I change out toys everyday , so I don't know exactly which is their favorite, they explore many different ones . I try to mix textures a lot , paper , wood , plastic etc... I work with him all the time , it's really not as bad as I make it out , he just has such an arrogant attitude, it will work out , Just takes time . I do hope his beak is OK .Let me know . Mary

Remarkable pictures and stories. Congratulations to all of you , these birds are so lucky. Mary

Some of the stuff on ebay is new .A lot of vendors peddle their goods out of their stores on ebay.I bought my playstand on ebay for a fraction of what it cost everwhere else.It was still sealed in the box , just as it came from the factory.My Alex loves it , the Grey won't go near it .So we purchased a wooden one for him .He went on it after about two or three days , for about a month .Now he won't go on it at all.He is so stubborn. His favorite food is almonds and apples .He will also do anything for a cheeto.So I bribe him with cheeto's. He eats apples like they are going out of style.They both want what we eat , dinner time is crazy , they come and sit real nice when we are eating... Zsa Zsa loves her seeds , she will hold out untill I give her some , she eats good stuff , broccoli, squash , collard greens , apples , sweet potato's, but she demands her seeds.Especially in the eve.I don't give her many , just enough to satisfy. My birds get a bath usually every other day .I also use a mister, Sammy (CAG) hates his bath , so it is not fun .He has so much dander , he has to have a bath at least every other day .His previous owner said she never bathed him .You have never seen so much fluff flying in the air when we first got him . Our air cleaner couldnt handle all of that stuff. Our shirts were white after he was off of us.He has perfect feather condition , I don't understand her not introducing him to a bath .She purchased him as a baby and ran into financial problems . How sad ? Gosh my animals would have to be the last to go ....Zsa Zsa loves it and like you say , she opens her wings , gets in the water bowl and has a blast. Now she has started going to the kitchen sink , she sits there and squawks till we turn the water on . She plays in it, actually gets down into the sink and sometimes soaks pretty much all of herself .Then she flies off and water goes everwhere .Oh what a mess . They are a lot of work , but worth it . LOL... How is Tiago's beak ? M

I understand about the toy thing , however I just think it keeps them busy , which is good.It is really kind of cute , to me when they get mad at the toy. However , everything can't be easy or they would get bored with it .Look at all the toys they destroy in just minutes . They are just too cute . Zsa Zsa was loving on my face a few minutes ago , she hates for me to touch her but she will rub her face and head on my face .She is so sweet....Makes me want 10 more just like her , ha ha.Yeah right?????? $200 DOLLARS is insane , I will be looking for a less expensive one .As I said earlier , mine is just a small cage , works fine .Do you ever go to yard sells?Also , the Bird shows might have some good prices on stuff like that . Look at the Perch Store , they have sales every week and also Drs.FosterandSmith.com .Hope you find one . That is really cute about Zuri saying , tickle tickle .I think the males must talk more than the females, or at least it seems that way . What is Zuri's favorite food and how often do you bathe him ? M M

I don't mess with Zsa Zsa's tail , I learned the hard way . I also read how in the wild that tail really attracts prey ,and they are very protective of it , so I stopped out of respect .I don't mean this remark to be rude , I just try to understand as much as I can about them in our homes as their life would be in the wild .Another reason that they naturally do not like petting is because they do not preen each other in the wild . Yes, some Alexandrines do cuddle and like to be petted , however this is because they have had this since they were hatched .Learned behavior....My bird does not like petting , and she really hates it when I touch her tail .She is also a female , which makes her a little more touchy than the male . I think , with our Grey who is 3 ,he is crazy sometimes maybe due to hormones , he wants us to touch him and he wants to be touched where we know not to touch , so then he gets pissy and bites. Our Alex's beak appears as big as it is now when she was 3 months old , I don't think it has grown ....I looked at some of her baby pics , it looks the same . Pat,I think he is really sweet , and the picture was really cute....His head does look a bit fluffed , aren't they cute when they do that?Zsa Zsa cracks me up , with the head fluffed and those pinning eyes. I can read her so much easier than the Grey. Mary<br><br>Post edited by: bettyboop, at: 2008/09/08 13:31

Yes , you are correct about the pooping thing when they get spooked , perhaps they also fly away to keep from pooping on you .I have read if they bond with a person as they mature they won't poop on you as they wouldnt poop on a mate in the wild...... I havent been bitten in a long time .KNOCK ON WOOD...My Alex body language is so easy to read , not the TAGS , but I do watch them very carefully and it does prevent bites. The carriers , in the links had no flowers on them , so hopefully they will be somethiong you find helpful.Not sure if this is what you are looking for . I have a small wire cage I use for travel , that my birds go in when they go in the car .When at home I am fortunate to just roll their cages outside .I have a huge patio and they love it out there . Mary

ZooMan, Yes , I found him that morning and I promise it was bad. So yes , check the toys for frayed ends , heavy wooden things at the bottom of a cord or string .I take all toys out of my birds cages at night. Nothing but perches and food , water bowls. I agree about the jealousy between my Alex and CAG,she does show jealousy when I have him , however I don't really allow him on me except to transport him to playstand or off of certain pieces of furniture.He really likes to bite me as I have said before.So basically , he is my husbands bird.It breaks my heart to think , I have made her feel unloved by bringing another bird in .How sad. In my Bird Talk magazine there is an ad for carriers to take birds outside that look normal , LOL...the company calls these neat looking things "Pak-O=Bird, the website is www. celltei.com, there is also one on www.sandyperch.com that is a back pack that looks like something a guy would carry . My birds are not potty trained , I give Pat a THUMBS UP, on that one .I was told the CAG was at one time , however he doesnt seem to remember it.LOL.... They give us clear indications when it is going to happen before it does.So usually they have returned to the playstands or cage before , I have a thing I bought at a bird show that goes around my shoulder and down my back to catch an accident, it also keeps nails from digging into my shoulder as well. Pat , thanks for the pics.I am not sure , but it looks as though your IRN has a much smaller beak than our Alex's .Is this a characteristic of the IRN ?<br><br>Post edited by: bettyboop, at: 2008/09/07 13:25

Pat , they are lucky little birds to have you . Sounds like a wonderful home , and I am glad it is filled with love .You are a good Bird Mama.It does sound as though you are at your limit , or maybe you should get an Alexandrine to go with the IRN ....

Zooman , that is exactly when Zsa Zsa slowed down talking .When we brought our CAG home , I didnt want to say that I wanted to know what your opinion was.My husband and I have said that over and over , she slowed down when he came.I wonder what that is all about..... My TAG who played very rough with his toys got a rope toy wrapped around his neck .So, you know how they chew the top toys first , which leaves a heavy weight on the bottom of the rope, when this happens remove the toy .I still miss him , Zsa Zsa has just about chewed up all of his toys that were left over .Sammy is in his cage , which was weird at first , but now it seems natural. The smell doesnt stink , like when they are wet , it's like a sweet almond smell .Maybe it's just her , LOL....<br><br>Post edited by: bettyboop, at: 2008/09/06 23:02

Oh, so you have a TAG , mine is a Cag .I owned a Tag once.He died in the middle of the night from a toy accident .It was awful .....The Tags are so much more laid back to me .Our CAG , who we have now is a bully. He hates bath time , goes nuts when I tell him it is bath time .Now Zsa Zsa loves water, she goes to the kitchen sink and sits there and waits for us to come over and shower her , yes she gets into it .She really enjoys her bath.There is a pic of her taking a bath in her water bowl you can look at on an old contest , The wet bird contest . Boy that excites me that someone actually charged $650 and got it for an Alexandrine.Wow , you know that is a lot of money , but they are worth it . I think both of you live in Canada,right?You may be neighbors. Yes , they do preen a lot and their feathers are so important to them .Since Zsa Zsa molted she is sweeter , but I think she is older also , she loves to be on my shoulder but has more of a I'll do what I want attitude .Remember I have the female .I would love a male but I can't do three birds .Two is like a zoo. I do not understand how some can have so many birds . Pat , you have 6 , how do you take such good care of so many ? Do you ever get a break ?LOL..... Why do you think Tiago's talking slowed down ?Zsa Zsa spoke more also and has slowed down .I have even heard of some saying theirs have said a few words and never spoke again .My husband has a funny thought on that subject."He says , why should they , they have everything they need , including attention, ".So I wonder why do they actually stop or slow down ?We are their flock and comunication with the flock is important so I wonder what the deal is ?I do handle her as much , maybe more than when she was younger.Who knows? That is funny about kissing with the tongue out , Zsa Zsa just puts her beak to my cheek and then she makes a little smack noise. Last night when she was on my shoulder , I noticed a smell , do your birds have sort of a sweet smell or maybe it is the female scent ?

Yes, they do have long tails and they get longer.I understand what you mean about their looking so clean and smooth, they take very good care of those feathers and boy don't they preen a lot . Sounds like you purchased from Little Darlings , Darlene is the breeder there ...... I wish my breeder who also works at home would have been so cuddly with my girl , however I have heard the females are not as sweet as the males. Sounds like he is a real honey , just keep on doing what you are doing and he will talk .They are very loyal to their owners , mine is on me all the time , she is sweet.....I spent $400 on her , so you did good and you won't be sorry.So glad you have one . Mary

Hi Pat, ZsaZsa said her first word HELLO at around 8 or 9 months.However , being a female they don't talk as much as the males or so I have heard .I would think her jabber that I could not understand started around 5 or 6 months , so he is probably practicing .I took her into my office and showed her the Alexandrines talking on YouTube and that is really what got her going .Also pet him a lot , as much as he will allow .I have heard petting and bonding is very important . When I brought Zsa Zsa home she would lunge and bite and scream, so it took me some time before I was comfortable with her.She was hand fed by our breeder but I don't think she was handled enough after weaning , because our breeder had a large hatch that year....As a result , now she will not let me pet on her , she has a fit if I touch her .She likes to be on me and with me , but no petting.I think the lack of this has interupted her speech .She does talk but not like Zooman's Alex and not like our Grey .Although it may be she can't get a word in , he never stops , it's insane how much he talks. She says , hello, no no no, whatcha doin and na na which I think is night night.She is 18 months old .So work with him and he will talk and your heart is going to melt , they have the cutest , clear voice you have ever heard .Does he wolfe whistle? That is the first thing she picked up around 6 months old ... He is adorable .I know you love him. Mary

I do hope all is well , keep me posted. Yes , Alexandrines do have to be handled constantly to remain tame . Also , I think as they get older they need all kinds of new stimulation to keep from getting bored.I am always trying to find something different to amuse her. Mary