pearllyn

Oh what a lovely story - I wish all animals could have a happy ending like this one. Thanks for sharing this Dan - it's makes a nice change not to be in floods of tears by the time you get to the end of a story like this one.

My heart just breaks for poor Jakob. Imagine the poor little soul going through whatever it was he went through to make him so afraid, and then just when he was at his most traumatised, he was abandoned by the family he loved and sent off to somewhere completely alien to him. As for how to cater for him, I think you would only really know that when you get him home - some birds prefer to sleep on a perch , some in a birdy bunk, I've read of one bird sleeping clinging to the side of his cage. I would suggest, if it's at all possible, to perhaps let him stay in a bird room. As Birdnut has pointed out, it seems like he is most stressed while he is in his cage, so if you can take that stress out of the equation, you may be halfway there. So long as it's not too big and you keep it well padded, he should be safe, and the handling of him could be kept to a minimum. this way you would be able to quietly spend time with him without stressing him, building trust as you go along. The question of natural remedies is a tricky one. I have recently read of an owner giving their parrot Bach's flower rememdy with positive results, but again, this is second hand and I can't personally speak of it's suitability. Definitely get an avian vets opinion on that, in fact, get several. One thing is absolutely certain though. As you have said, this is no way for him to live. No matter how painful it is, sometimes we have to think about the unthinkable, and the sad truth is, putting an animal to sleep out of compassion, is the last act of kindness a human can do for that animal. I wish you every luck with Jakob, and would dearly love for this story to have a happy ending. x

Lol, you must just be able to contain yourself. Have a great time!

Oops - sorry Dan! When I was making that vid I wasn't paying attention to the tv and it was only after I'd posted that I watched it back and noticed all the swearing on the telly!!!! Darn that Happy Gilmore!! Anyway sorted now - hope you like it!

Alfie loves her mobile phone. At the minute it's dangling on quite a long line off of her perch. I love watching her use her hands and beak to pull it up - she's so clever! Hope you and yours are all well. Lyn & Alfie x

How is Charlie doing now Sheila, it's been a wee while since the implant?

Wow how terribly exciting for you both!!! I don't know who sounds more excited!! Julie by a whisker perhaps? I think it's great that such a strong friendship can be made through the forum. Can't wait to hear how it goes!!

It must be pretty upsetting for you. Any change in Murphy's behaviour yet? If he seems fine and healthy otherwise try not to worry too much.........it could be him just growing up a little as well. We went through many different phases with Alfie, not wanting to step up or having anything to do with me. So long as you're consistent with him he should come around.

It is amazing how they do this. Alfie laughs appropriatly and answers the phone etc, but we've yet to have a conversation with her - looking forward to it.

Salsa is so pretty - I love her. Thanks for sharing.

Lol great picture - has Alfie started a new trend?!! Thanks for sharing. x

That sounds very creative! I think anything that keeps them occupied is a good idea. Looking forward to the pics!

Brilliant! Thanks for sharing - Emma is always a pleasure to watch.

To clip would be a mistake, Don't want my birds freedom to take, Instead I'll work extra hard, To give her the life she deserves. New word - song.

I've had those cardboard box thingamys - and they're a good idea, but expensive for what they are. You can get the same effect with toilet rolls - put treat in them and stuff the ends with toilet paper or whatever, then string them up with thongs - voila! Home made creative foraging system!!! One of Alfie's faves at the moment though is the Hol-eee Roller - it's a stretchy ball so you can put stuff in there that's bigger than the holes - that way, the treat doesn't just fall straight back out. She loves swinging off of it too. I think I paid £2.99 for it, so it's not expensive either!! This was Alfie with her roller the first day she had it - she's more comfy with it now.

P.s. Do you know Adina, that your videos of the buffet ball are featured on the Northern Parrots website on the buffet ball page!!! I watched them and thought - I know those birds!!!!

Well, Alfie does enjoy her buffet ball, but unfortunately, she's another nut nut!! Whatever I put in there, she just takes the nut off the bottom instantly now. I've noticed that the place where i got this now sells a similar version, but one that mounts onto the bars of the cage, with the nut on the top instead of the bottom - might be better.

I know this is a debate that will go on and on...... and on, but I can't help but think that if you don't want a pet that flies, get a hamster, a guinea pig, cat or a dog.......but don't get a bird then cripple it. It may not cause physical harm but what about emotional? Steven, to get Isaac to accept it, when Alfie was going through her "no way to the harness" phase, we did the following maybe half a dozen times and then she decided it maybe wasn't all that bad. Offered her to put the harness on, and when she refused, went without her - even if it was just outside so she could see where we were. Sometimes we would take her away in the car and try to put the harness on her to go for a walk, then do the same, if she refused, go without her. She learned really quickly that if she didn't put the harness on she got lef behind, and now she never refuses it. SHe doesn't love the harness, it's more of a tolerance, but she would def rather wear it and be with us, than not. Good luck with Isaac - I think he'll come round for you.

Happy happy hatchday Ana Grey! xxxx Janet what a lovely post. Ana Grey is such a sweet little bird, I love to read about her. It's great to hear just how happy you are with you little bundle of joy - hope you have had a wonderful day and the banana bread goes down well. And the pics are great - thanks for sharing. xx .

Good post about onions. If Alfie ever wants to share my bolognese or anything else with onion in it, I absolutely do pick the onion out before she gets it. As Jayd says, better safe than sorry. Alfie is just too precious to me to take a chance. Every bird is different, and what might be acceptable to one may not be to another and how can we possibly know what the tolerance level is? Good article Tarn, thank you.

Hi Amanda, Tui sounds like an absolute gem, but how sad about his wings. Steven (elvenking) is right - never be afraid to stand up for your bird - if you don't who will? I know we all trust "the experts" but sometimes you need to be heard too. Well done on rehoming Tui, I have nothing but respect for people who take on older birds.

What a sweet little story. Bless Spock - all he's been through and he's still thinking about you. Thanks for sharing.

Oh that's great - good for you. I've heard 3 stories lately of birds getting out and the first thing their people did when they came home was clip their wings. So sad. Isaac is a lucky boy.

Hi Peanut and welcome to the Forum. You've certainly come to the right place to get help and advice for you new family member! It's so great that you've rehomed an older bird - he's bound to be missing his former family so just be real patient and give him time. Looking forward to hearing how he settles in with you.

Gee whizz! What a day. So glad it did have a happy ending! Please tell me you're not going to rush out now and clip his wings! It's a good thing you had that contact call worked on - a good lesson for everyone! Thanks for sharing.