Vamppire

Hi Judy~ I didn't say "a lot", I said "some", but now that I think about it, it might have been over at Avian Avenue. A number of members expressed dissatisfaction with the site over the potentially harmful toys they carry and how they won't publish reviews warning others about the dangers of the toy, etc.

Hmm, actually it might include both natural and artificial colors. Sorry

Spencer went through his "don't like this color" stage but now I believe they get equal treatment, whether its to eat or to literally just grab foot-fuls and drop them on the floor for the fun of it. lol. I believe fruit blend is naturally colored, not artificially. It does color his poo sometimes, so don't panic if you see an orange or red dropping. Do a google search and you'll see a lot of people use and recommend this brand. I know some people around here don't like Drs. Foster & Smith, but they often have a great price on this food and offer free shipping over $49.

This is Spencer's pellet which was recommended by our breeder and also given the thumbs up by my avian vet. It is my understanding that this is one of the top pellets brands available...

LOL how cute! Spencer gets a pretty good idea of when I'm about to put him into his cage for the night because he does everything he can to avoid it! I would think something was wrong if he took the initiative lol!

I understand what this is like. I lost an 11 month old cat to an incurable disease, and it was not for lack of trying to save him... I took him for many doctor and specialist visits, but there just was no known cure. We had to make the decision to let him go too. Only had him 6 months and it might as well been forever....believe me, you're not alone. Grey will always have a spot in your heart that will never be replaced, but time will lessen the pain and make you ready to open your heart up again. *hugs*

That's pretty much how I look at people when they offer me meat. LOL! You might have a little vegetarian!

I think I'm mimicking Spencer more than he's imitating me! I've picked up his "Oooooo!", his clucking sounds, whistles, and I find myself doing them not only back to him but to myself and other people lol! I was in the grocery the other day and was making tongue-clucking sounds going down the aisle without realizing it.... I'm not around babies much, but recently I was talking to a friend's baby like I talk to Spencer.. "Oh you're such a good boy!" LOL... I'm definitely on the road to becoming "that crazy bird lady!"... especially when I start to take him out in his new carrier this summer.. oh my! Anyone else pick up habits from their fids or is it just me?! LOL While I'm here, here's a couple recent pics of the little guy

Had to go cuddle Spencer immediately after reading that story. So happy to hear it worked out, and your determination and devotion is touching and inspiring!

Great, I am going to try this tomorrow. Thanks!

I love it! I hope this isnt a stupid question, but what do you use to take the ends off?

Congrats! I know I'll be just as excited when Spencer starts talking! I beam with pride just over the rare times he mutters something other than typical bird noises lol!

LOL that is hilarious, glad I'm not the only one! He hasn't done it since then, but we really haven't had the chance as things have been a little hectic here this week. Will see if it becomes a routine for us too lol

Love it!! Thanks!

Love it! Still waiting for Spencer to get down to a beat. Thanks for sharing the vid!

I'm wondering if I missed some posts somewhere, because >^..^<'s outburst completely confuses me. No one can know the original owner's reasons behind rehoming Hunter, but was it said anywhere that this change was even made in the middle of a binding lease? We don't know the term of the lease. The landlord could very well be introducing a new rule upon renewal. I have seen nothing here that even slightly indicates that this bird was taken by immoral means or intentions. On the contrary, it's refreshing to see someone so dedicated towards making this rehomed bird comfortable. Looking forward to hearing more about Hunter

Nah no lotion or anything of that sort... didn't have my hands in anything today... very weird!

Spencer just started licking my hand and fingers, esp. between each finger, and has been at it for about 15 min! No biting, just licking and the very very lightest beak touch. Whats going on?!! LOL! Hes doing it now while I type with the other hand! There's nothing new on my hands as far as I know. Is this some sort of grooming behavior, something sexual (hes only 9 months), or is he getting ready to get out the salt and pepper!?? I'm not complaining, its actually kind of relaxing lol! But its weird and came out of nowhere!

Great idea, thanks!

If I would present him with something that scares the bejeesus out of him, he would do his screeching/flapping show, like he does when he's getting a little too into his play. I once tried to give him a brazil nut and he freaked out like that. LOL. The only other sounds of displeasure I've heard were his clicking. He does that when he's nervous about a new person and he did it yesterday after an unfortunate "flighted bird meets wall...... Wall wins" incident. For a while he also did an "uh oh" whistle... imagine saying uh oh but in whistle form. He would do that a while back when he was still crashing into things a little too often, like after I picked him up he'd be like "Uh oh... uh oh..!!" and he also did it a bunch of times when my father visited and he was curious but nervous about him. Seemed to be "whoa that was scary but im ok, im ok! I think..."

I've only had Spencer since September, so I am no expert but I can tell you some things I've observed - He started off being very nippy the first couple of weeks, but it seemed to be him exploring me and his world rather than attacking.... even though he would grip pretty darn hard. This subsided and now most of the time when he grips my fingers when I stick them in his face (we really do ask for it, don't we?? LOL) he wants to climb onto my hand so he's just gripping me the way he grabs his cage bars, to pull himself up. He's such a good boy, I've yet to have a problem with him being aggressively nippy. I've also found that putting his head down does not always mean he's asking for a scratch. If he goes to nibble after I touch him, then he was not asking for a head scratch. This is more evident when someone he's not very comfortable with is around. "Aww he's putting his head down *goes in to pet him*" and I have to clear my throat and shake my head "noo..nooo... i wouldn't do that..." LOL... When Spencer wants his head scratched, it's definitely a different look and he will let me pet him until my hand cramps. It took time for me to learn the subtle differences in body language and which feathers are fluffed up, and it took time for him to trust me enough to even want head scratches. He's getting fussy about going back in the cage lately too, so I feel your pain there!

I've also been advised by airline workers against putting a bird under the seat due to the cold air flowing down there, and it is true, there have been times both me and my bf had to wrap our feet in blankets, or i've taken my shoes off and lifted my feet up because my feet were FROZEN. This happens in the summer with the AC on. It's also harder for me because the planes flying to and from here are small... which = less space under the seat. I believe I read that delta does not take live birds checked if the temperature outside is under 50 degrees. Can't really win no matter what you do, it seems! Looks like pet sitting will be the way to go unless we happen to drive to our destination next time. Thanks everyone!

I have a question about Resolve, mentioned earlier. I was under the impression that a lot of people do not use chemical cleaners around the birds, resorting instead of things like vinegar, etc. What makes Resolve different? Is it just because such a small amount is used on poop spots?

I have this vac: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Hoover-Whisper-Cyclonic-Upright-Vacuum/10258692 ...Which is now $40 less than I paid 4 months ago, great price! The suction clogged twice when it sucked up too many long pieces of wood from his toys and blocked the tube, but it was easy to get it out. It normally sucks up smaller wood parts, pellets, feathers, etc with no problems. Actually seeing all the dust and stuff that gets sucked up (vs. vacuums with bags) is really interesting, and a little scary, i have to say! It is quieter than a lot of other vacs, which probably helps when using it around the cage. He doesn't freak out too much... The handle lifts out into a hose so its quick to suck up junk around/under the cage.

Thanks everyone for the help! Hopefully this will work out ok! Lambert - Spencer arrived via cargo... I believe that is how all breeders need to ship birds. Airlines have temperature controlled cargo and baggage, but the problem in the winter is that those areas are exposed to outside temps when loading and unloading, so there are cutoff temperatures and you aren't allowed to ship animals if it is below that temperature. It is higher for birds than dogs/cats. If I didn't find a sitter, I think it would be impossible to travel on a plane w/Spencer right now even if I wanted to. :eek: