rbpittman

Having just recently adopted a U2 myself, I'm learning about the "screaming". Sterling took about 4 days to loosen up enough to start vocalizing his wants and desires. What I've found with him is that walking away and ignoring it does no good, he just screams louder. In the last 2 days I've tried responding to his "screams" with a phrase that everyone in the house is to use when he does it at inappropriate times (like when I'm on the phone). I simply respond back "hey dude" in a very cheerful voice with every screech. Granted today is only day 2 of this experiment, but the screaming has greatly reduced in length and number of times per day. What I have learned is that morning and dusk vocalizations are normal and we have also incorporated "scream fests" into the daily routine. When I arrive to my office/bird room with a tray of bowls for breakfast, Sterling starts the daily call of the flock that it's time to eat. I start pulling up the shades and turn on the radio, put on something silly like Elvis' Jailhouse Rock and we all dance and sing in the morning. My 12 yr old doesn't like this (his room is directly above) and it wakes him up, but 8:00 a.m. is not too early to get up for anyone in my opinion...lol. We also do this for about 20 minutes before time to settle down for the evening (I close the shades) and we watch a little tv before turning in for the night (8:00 p.m.). Even Dixie (AG) has gotten into the act and seems to enjoy, of course the first few times, she looked at me like I had lost my mind! Hope this helps! -- Robin, Paul, Dixie, Stering, George & Gracie

I have had Sterling (M U2 9yr old) since July 4th and have been spending a lot (quite a lot) of time reading about 'toos on mytoos.com. Their forums are full of information on sexual behaviors and maturity along with other behavioral issues that are common to these birds. I assume that you already know about this site since you have given me wonderful advice about Dixie (AG) in the past. What I have read is that the spring is the usual time when the 'toos exhibit most of their hormal activity, and that the lengthen daylight of summer adds to it. Sterling likes to be petted under his wings and along his back, and this is a no no since it can cause him to exhibit sexual behaviors. Our U2 experience so far has been great and the information from the mytoos site has been wonderful in making this transition into a good experience for my entire family. Now if I can get Sterling to liking my husband we would all be happy....lol. pictures of Sterling: http://s684.photobucket.com/albums/vv201/rbpittman/ -- Robin, Paul, Dixie, Sterling, Geoge & Gracie

Dixie's got her constant chatter, but Sterling has been on a Hello kick for the day....hello, hello, hello, hello, hello, hello, hello, hello, hello, hello,hello, hello, hello, hello, hello,hello, hello, hello, hello, hello,hello, hello, hello, hello, hello,hello, hello, hello, hello, hello,hello, hello, hello, hello, hello,and then hello. -- Robin

What a great pic of Apollo napping....Dixie naps around 3:00 every afternoon, other than that, she's in constant motion, moving from one side to the other, on top of, down around, in, out, window to window, perch to perch...a constant ball of energy. Sterling on the other hand (9 yr old U2) loves to nap and I love to watch him nap....he's so sweet. Gracie and George take naps in their "treehouse", all cuddle up together. -- Robin, Paul, Dixie, Sterling, George & Gracie

I love spending money on the birds! Even if it's only on their food. Yesterday set me back a pretty penny, but that's because I couldn't resist getting "extra" goodies for Dixie since we've added Sterling to the flock. George & Gracie don't go through their toys at the same rate that the Grey & U2 do, but they also don't have the same needs. As far as food goes, for the Pugs, I spend roughly $35.00 a month on their food, not counting their cookies (dog biscuits), rawhide bones, daily dental chews and this morning's annual vet visit will set me back close to $300 for the three of them. As far as the flock's food, we're using the same foods I normally buy for us humans, so I don't see much of an increase except for the dried fruit, pellets and seed mix (which is decreasing). Are they expensive, only if you look at the money, are they priceless, absolutely, the peace, joy and lessons they are teaching me and my son couldn't be bought for any amount of money! -- Robin, Paul, Dixie, Sterling, George & Gracie PS - Dog vet visit was much more than anticipated! They are such loving creatures though! Coudln't live without them.<br><br>Post edited by: rbpittman, at: 2009/07/10 17:23

I purchased an orbiter for Sterling (U2) yesterday and while he hasn't shown much interets in it, Dixie sure has. Seems that it's just the right size for (almost twice her size actually) and she's climbed all over it several times, hanging upside down trying to reach across from one side to the other (literally impossible) and taking full delight in it. I'm waiting on the atom's I ordered to arrive. I will be putting them in the living room for Sterling and Dixie to have as additional perches when we're not in my office. -- Robin, Paul, Dixie, Sterling, George & Gracie

What a beautiful cage for Apollo! He definitely needs more toys and perches. Dixie has 4 perches in her cage, all differing in diameter and length, one running across and 4 shorter ones that are specific to each food/water bowl and one up high for sleeping. All having different textures. I often will hang a new toy just outside her cage for a few days to get used to it before putting it in her cage. Sometimes just after a few hours if she wants the toy from the outside of her cage. I rotate her toys on occassion, giving her a new perspective on them as well. Great name on Apollo, I wish you both great success in your venture in life. -- Robin, Paul, Dixie, Sterling, George & Gracie

We have moved Dixie's cage back to her original place and put Sterling's cage on the other end of the room. This seems to have put Dixie back into her normal state of Greydom...she's definitely smarter than I am...lol and playing normally, obviously very happy. Sterling has only come down off his cage a few times to run over to Dixie's, in which I quickly got up and spoke to him, telling him "no" you can't visit right now, but you can look from a distance. The second time he turned around and walked back to his cage, poor little guy, I think he wants to be friends and Dixie is just not up for that yet. Sterling has started becoming more vocal..mostly his scream, which I know is what he is supposed to do. This morning he announced to all it was breakfast time as I had finished putting his bowls into his cage. I almost died laughing when Dixie announced, "pretty voice". I had never heard her say that before, but she obviously knows it. WTG Dixie. Right now they are having a "noise" match which it really funny

Two toes on each foot. What family does the peacock belong to? -- Robin, Paul, Dixie, Sterling, George & Gracie

#3 boy and parrot

Quick update on Sterling and Dixie's socialization. Sterling likes to jump over to Dixie's cage and I'm not sure if he's trying to be social or dominating. Yesterday Dixie lunged at him so today I'll be rearranging cages so they can both be on their respective homes without worries although they will never be out of the cage without supervision. Had to give the hubby a reprimand about this yesterday, he walked out to get a cup of coffee and while nothing happened, don't even want to take the chance. I know this is going to take some major time to get them to liking/tolerating each other if ever, but I've committed to taking care of Sterling as I was asked to by his former owner's family. I was aware of the potential problems, it is something we will handle to make sure all of the birds are happy. We are so in love with him it's not expressable in words. Paul did have some major time with Sterling last night while watching tv. Sterling was enjoying jumping from my shoulder, down to the bed, running across and jumping on Paul's shoulder (we were reclined). When Paul moved the blanket to readjust Sterling dove under the covers and wandered around a bit and then stuck his head out like playing peek-a-boo. Seems the boy did get his own bird, just not the one he thought he wanted. I guess a higher power had better plans than we did. Thank God for that. -- Robin, Paul, Dixie, Sterling, George & Gracie

After reading about Dayo and the blanket, I thought I would give Sterling (U2) a chance to snuggle with us while watching tv last night. We've only had Sterling since Saturday evening so we're still in the learning experience. Sterling would jump from my arm, run across the bed, jump on Paul's shoulder, then back, several times. Paul picked up the blanket to readjust and Sterling lunged under it, wandering around for a moment and then quietly sticking his head out like playing peek-a-boo. I was amazed at how quickly he enjoyed this game and continued it for several times before it was bed time. Paul would be thrilled beyond words if one day Sterling behaved the same way Dayo did! Thanks for the inspiration. -- Robin, Paul, Dixie, Sterling, George & Gracie

Dixie has started throwing her bowl as well, I thought it was a one time thing, but after watching her for the last two days she's doing it on purpose. After she eats her breakfast (banana's, strawberries, grapes and cheerio's) she pulls up the bowl and drops it into the bottom of her cage, as if to say, I'm done, remove this empty bowl waitress! -- Robin, Paul, Dixie, Sterline, George & Gracie

Too funny, so much so that I peed my pants......off to the shower! Chalk one up for the birds! -- Robin, Paul, Dixie, Sterling, George & Gracie

Sterling (U2) took his first misting shower with me this morning. Dixie (CAG) on the other hand wants nothing to do with water, except for her water bowl which she gets into about every other day. I've tried putting a dish into the bottom of her cage, but she only poops in it. We'll keep working on it. -- Robin, Paul, Dixie, Sterling, George & Gracie

I guess I've turned into an eccentric parrot person, especially with the new addition of Sterling, the U2 who's owner recently passed. I've always considered myself to be slightly off the beaten path, but then again it's what makes me a unique individual. It started with the lovebirds. They chirp and play and are happy go lucky little guys who actually work better as a calming factor than any drugs I could think of. When we go camping the greatest joy my husband and I have, other than watching our son, is waking up to the birds singing outside our tent and watching them. We have 14 bird feeders outside that NEVER go empty and three fountains for them to bathe in. Dixie was for me as a gift from my husband and son, a special bird that would truly be mine. Much research and thought went into our obtaining her. The first day I saw her I spent 3 hours at the bird store. Sterling is my adopted baby, who I am enjoying getting to know more and more with each passing minute. If any of this makes me crazy, so be it, it brings me back to the time when my children were little and needed me for their every meal, toy, happy and unhappy moment, which brings me back to happier times of life. In reality, they are the best therapy in the world without needing therapy! They have taught Paul (soon to be 13 yrs. old) patience and the art of being calm. Even the XBox has taken a back seat to Sterling for Paul. -- Robin, Paul, Dixie, Sterling, George and Gracie.<br><br>Post edited by: rbpittman, at: 2009/07/07 16:53

Thanks to all for their input, I'm trying to register on the mytoos.com site for additional information. I figure I can never be too informed. When I started looking at obtaining a bird, their site actually stopped me from getting a U2, it really made me see the light of these birds. Now that we have Sterling, it will be very useful, especially since Dad volunteered my services. The men at the VFW have set up a "toy" fund for Sterling, especially since he has started tearing up his toys with gusto. Dad has been especially impressed with how well Sterling is doing considering the death of his former owner. We want this baby to have the rest of his life in my home (obviously after I go, my son). The more information I can obtain and support that is being offered makes this a positive choice in taking in Sterling. Three days into our adventure and we're all still in love with him. Yesterday he ventured onto my daughter's arm for a bit (Sarah is 20). She has now offered to do all the bird sitting for us when we must go out of town. She's even warming up to Dixie (but then again, Dixie is "MY" baby.) Thanks again to everyone for their support and advice. -- Robin, Paul, Dixie, Sterling, George & Gracie

Yesterday with Sterling and Dixie was quite exciting and impressive. Dixie didn't seem to care that Sterling was around until he got close to her. She was perched on her swing in the window next to my office chair and Sterling came down from his cage, walked over to me and wanted to sit on the back of the chair or my shoulder. He's very docile and has yet to scream, but has been talking to me. Dixie wasn't happy about his being so close so I separated myself and Sterling from the vicinity, putting Sterling back on his cage. Sterling likes to jump on Dixie's cage and at one point later in the day, while she was inside her cage, he did this and she was not a happy camper. I wouldn't be either. I put Sterling in his cage for a time out and explained "No, you can't jump on Dixie's cage." I will have to move the cages I suspect. They are close together. Dixie was much more affectionate with me yesterday after I had put Sterling back in his cage and had her out with me, just Dixie and Mommy time. I know that the two of them coming together may take months, and I'm prepared for that. Paul has been very active in caring for Sterling, it was amazing watching how close the two of them seem to have come in such a short period of time. Sterling is content to sit on the arm of the chair and have Paul stroke under his wings, on his neck and under his chin. If Paul takes his hand away for more than a few moments, Sterling gently nudges his hand for more affection. It's funny watching this child and bird bonding, playing and having fun. Paul wasn't too keen on my making him get up to feed all of them this morning, but it's summer and he's in sleep mode.....8:00 is not too early for anyone to be up...lol. I spoke with the avian vet on Saturday afternoon, and bless his heart, he actually answered the phone after hours. Sterling had been seen only 3 months ago for his annual check up and of course Dixie was seen 2 months ago when I brought her home. All with health is going good. Sterling is happily eating this morning, grapes, strawberries and banana's, some of his seed and has tried a pellet or two. I'm hoping to decrease the seed an increase the pellets, but that will take time. I hope this picture will publish, I'm not good at putting up pictures here. -- Robin, Paul, Dixie, Sterling, George & Gracie

What is the difference between a softbill and a hookbill? The terms "softbill" and "hookbill" are both used to describe different types of birds based on the structure of their beaks. Members of the parrot family are hookbills. If you notice, the one thing they all have in common is that curved hook-like beak. The beaks of hookbills are capable of tremendous strength, and can crush the tough shells of nuts, seeds, and thick skinned fruits. Thus, hookbills eat a different diet than softbills, and knowing that a bird is a hookbill can give you a vague idea of the types of food it eats and even what region the bird originated from. A hookbill as mentioned above is the avicultural term for members of the parrot family based on the shape of the bill, distinguishing them from softbills and other birds such as doves and finches. This indicates the bird will use the bill to be an active climber. It also refers to the much stronger crushing power of the beak. Softbills as mentioned above are named not because of their "soft bills", but from the soft food (fruit, berries, and insects) that makes up the majority of their diet. They don't tend to have the crushing bite of the parrots, as they don't need to be able to crush nuts and seeds as part of their diet. The toucan is probably the best known of the softbills, other softbills are Toucanets, Aracaris, Lories, and Lorikeets. Hand reared softbills can be affectionate, though unlike Sam the Toucan from the cereal commercial, they can not learn to talk. -- What is a passerine or passeriform?

By that time you should be used to it...lol!

While I was away at summer camp with my son and his boy scout troop, one of the men at our local VFW passed away. It was not a well known fact that this man had birds, much less an umbrella cockatoo. Cutting to the chase, Dad called me at camp with tons of questions about caring for this bird. The members of the VFW were trying to do their best by this man and his winged friend until the family could get there. Unfortunately, I was five hours away and the best I could do was tell them to make sure he had plenty of food and fresh water at all times, and to try to sit with the bird during this obviously stressful time. When I came home on Saturday, much to my surprise, I had a new bird. His name is Sterling, he is 9 years old, and absolutely gorgeous. Apparently the man's family had no desire to keep the bird and were going to take him to the ASPCA. Dad voluntold me as the new permanent home and mommy to this beautiful creature. This man was well loved by his fellow members. Now I desperately need the help of the members of this forum. We brought Sterling home Saturday evening, after scrambling to the local bird shop for a new cage. I wasn't happy with the size cage Sterling had. The members of the VFW chipped in on the cost of the cage and we have about a 6 month supply of toys. We did bring a very large perch from the man's house for Sterling. I believe he was out of his cage for all but sleeping and when the man was away from home. Sterling is clipped, but has the ability to glide down to the floor is what I consider to be a very graceful way. The man's family gave me a folder that contained Sterling's hatch records, Micro-chip information and health information. Fortunately the avian vet is the same one I use for Dixie (CAG). Sterling is not very fond of my husband, but is totally enamored by my son Paul. He is quick to jump from his cage porch to Paul's arm, climb down and run across the floor to him, and will sit on his lap and make gentle clicking noises. He does the same for me. So far we have not encountered any of the screaming that is common to Toos, Sterling is very docile and is in perfect condition on the outside. Now for my questions - especially since I have Dixie (CAG). 1. Socialization between the two of them. I'm making sure I keep them separated, how do I go about getting them to know one another safely? 2. Jealousy? Does this happen? I was away for a week and have done everything I can to make sure Dixie doesn't feel like she's being ignored. While I was gone she did very well with my husband and mom, even getting closer to my husband than she was, but quickly left him when I got home to come to me (thank goodness). 3. Nutrition? I'm feeding Sterling the seed mix he was raised on, and have offered him the same fresh foods I feed Dixie (I cook for her daily). Dixie is on about 75% Harrison's with 25% seed/dried fruit mix as an all day available food. Breakfast and dinner are fresh fruit, vegetables, rice, etc. Are the specific needs? 4. Is there anything else I need to know? I've already ordered a book on Toos and will read it from cover to cover like I did before getting Dixie, but feel like I'm behind the curve on this one and don't want to do anything to create problems. I apologize for the length of this post, but wanted to give as much information as I could.

Dixie has continued her jumping off antic's and seems to enjoy the freedom she's learned. She is a little more graceful today than yesterday and is "gliding" somewhat down to the floor. She seem to like to do this if I walk out of the room for a soda or more coffe, like she wants to come with me. I left the baby gate open today and found her at the bottom of the stairs waiting for me to get back with my coffee. I watched her follow me into my office and back to my desk where she quietly picked up one foot...like ok, I've walked this far, pick me up! I put her on her swing and she was content there for about 45 minutes and she jumped again. Walked over to her cage and up the ladder to it. She was hungry! Thanks for all the advice, I can't wait for those flight feathrs, that way she can go where ever she wants. -- Robin

Dixie whistles and talks, equally, she especially likes to do the wolf whistle and then say "pretty girl". I'm sure others on here have much more info and expertise. -- Robin

It's a good thing these threads are kept! I didn't realize that the humidity would/could affect the fids. Here in SC there's plenty of humidity, but not in the house, I bought something to measure and fortunately the house is at 45%, of course outside right now it's about 96% -- Robin

I wondered where the sound like a truck backing up came from - Dixie does that all the time. I thought it was from being at the bird shop for a long period of time...and hearing a truck back up. -- Robin