oblivion

On Saturday, my daughter (5) and I drove about an hour up to the Center for Avian Rehabilitation and Education in Hubertus/Richfield, WI. http://www.centerforavianrehab.org/ The plan was to pick up an aquarium stand they had for sale, possibly pick up a bigger travel cage for Spencer, see some of the birds, and just generally check the place out. I'm not looking for a new-to-me bird at this time. What I found was much "more" than I ever expected. As for what I expected, I didn't really know. They have a large number of birds listed via PetFinder, so I should have expected a large space, but I was not prepared. I also knew they had toys and some 'miscellaneous items' for sale, but I guess I never really thought about how 'big' it would be. I expected a small rack of toys, a few cages and, I don't know, a back room with the 'other stuff.' First of all, when we pulled up and I got out of the car, I IMMEDIATELY knew I was in the right place. I could hear parrot sounds, muffled, but many, coming from 'everywhere.' We walked in the door and were immediately greeted by women, one with a macaw and the other a cockatoo on their arms. In front of us was a HUGE selection of toys and foods. I was immediately overwhelmed. I lead my daughter on a quick tour of the 'store' part and noted where most of the noise was coming from - a door with signs warning that birds bite HARD and that children needed to be supervised. I didn't know the protocol - could we just go back and see the birds, did we need to ask, etc., so I hesitated. One of the women there asked if I needed any help and I mentioned that I had exchanged some e-mails with Mary and was interested in some of the used items they had. I was lead to the front counter and after Mary finished up a phone call, she took me out to "the garage." The "garage," a separate, very large garage/storage space, was FILLED with bird cages, stands, aquariums, critter habitats, etc., of ALL sizes. We looked around for a while and found the aquarium stand I was interested in and also, after brain overload, picked out a bigger travel cage for Spencer. This much I know - if I EVER need another cage or aquarium, I'll be checking with them to see what they have. The items were in good shape (some needed some cleaning) and the prices were quite reasonable. After we got the items, Mary was going to look for some food dishes to go with the cage. I wasn't too concerned about that since I figured I'd use some Quick-Lok crocks or similar, but while she and another woman looked for those, my daughter and I went on a shopping spree among the toys and treats. We made a little pile of items on the counter and since they were still looking, we wandered back by the birds. Overwhelmed. That's the main word for it. Overwhelmed and heart-broken. I was in such a tizzy, I only thought to get one picture the whole time. Buddy the scarlet macaw says "Hello" (repeatedly) at the Center for Avian Rehabilitation and Education in Richfield, WI http://www.centerforavianrehab.org/ by oblivion9999, on Flickr The main bird room is a very large 'warehouse' type area (but it's heated and well-lit) with cages down both walls and a double-row down the middle. I really wish I'd gotten an overall shot. The number of birds there was just staggering. They're quite obviously well-cared for, with a bazillion toys each, so I'm not saying they're overcrowded, I'm saying it was gut-wrenching how many poor birds need homes. Many were plucked to some extent - especially the 'toos and a couple of the macaws. Happily, some looked to be regrowing some feathers. The noise was mind-boggling as many of the birds were vying for our attention. Buddy the scarlet macaw pictured above was pulling my heart-strings by repeatedly calling us over with a "Hello!" Again, I was so overwhelmed that I hardly spent more than a few seconds in front of each cage. My daughter thought the naked birds were funny, but I had to point out that it was actually sad - that they had done that to themselves out of frustration. After a quick spin through the birds, Mary found us again and took me to yet another storage area packed with 'bird stuff' to show me a play stand they had available. It was HUGE and far too large for me until I get a macaw (whenever that may be), so I passed on it. We then went up to the counter to pay for our shopping spree. While back up front, it looked like one of the Blue and Gold macaws was getting ready to go to a new home. That was sweet to see. I left there with a cage, aquarium stand, treats and toys for my two birds, a sheet of bird stickers for my daughter, and a new appreciation for the plight of 'discarded' birds. It was both amazing and heart-breaking - the two words I've used most to describe it. In addition to the cost of my items, I left a meager donation (I'm still reeling from Anya's vet bills). Since I don't feel able to take in another bird at this point, it really was the least I could do. I know I'll be back up there to spend more time visiting the birds and plan to do most of my toy, if not food shopping there. If you're in the area, definitely check them out.They were very friendly, helpful, and welcoming. If you're NOT in the area, check out one or many of the rescues in your area. Many thanks to Malikah for encouraging me to visit. I don't think I'm overstating things to say that it changed my life.

What a sweet-pea. I love the vid with the bird bread and his superior interest in the plate.

Anya had her 2-week follow-up on Wednesday. Her uric acid levels are improving but still high. Her calcium level was lower than hoped, but not bad. Glucose was good. Overall, the vet was happy with her progress. She got another shot of Lupron and will get re-checked in a month. She's, thankfully, gotten better about taking her meds. She's still not HAPPY about it, but takes it much more in stride and she does get extra Daddy Time out of it, so it's all good. BTW, Malikah, I think I'm finally going to get up to CARE tomorrow. But I swear, no more birds yet.

It's been a while since I've updated, but there's not much to say. We had a long weekend out of town, so Spencer and Anya were at my aunt's. I love that they both travel so well. He's been making a whole lot more 'birdy' noises since they've been back - I'm not sure why that would be. They do have a cockatiel, too, but it's not 'tiel sounds and he's never really done it before. The only other thing is that she has a litter of puppies now, so I wonder if that's his impression of puppy whimpering. My aunt and uncle love having the birds visit, but she told me that this time he totally fooled her with his barking and she thought the momma dog was having problems. Nope, was just Spencer. He settled right back in at home like usual - no drama. Things are pretty much on an even keel now.

The only thing I can think of is that's the sound he hears when he 'flicks' his beak in the water, which he does quite a bit.

Spencer has this water drop sound he does whenever you change his water or he hears water running. It strikes me as incredibly clever since, really, how often do you hear water dripping? Yet somehow he's made that connection.

Hey, welcome! I just wanted to trow in that you should be careful about the strokes along the back. Anything below the shoulders can be sexually stimulating and that could bring about some negative reactions.

I LOVE the little red paintbrush-bristle tail feathers. Too cute! Can tell that husband of yours has some workin'-man hands! They made me feel like a slacker for just pounding a keyboard all day.

From one geek to another (clearly), that's awesome.

I have to admit that's I'm slightly amused that I was, in a very round-about way, responsible for him learning his new word. Too bad the bottle didn't work out (yet), but good job figuring it out eventually. It's funny when you can't deny the source of a 'bad word.' My daughter once repeated a phrase only I use - I thought always out of earshot. There was no denying it when I hit my thumb with a hammer, hissed a little bit, and she sweetly looked up at me and said, "F---ing hell, Daddy?" *sheepish grin* The only time I've heard Spencer 'swear' was on my prompting, but he wasn't mocking me directly. As a self-censored 'swear,' I'll often say "Sonova!" but never really finish it off. One trip to my folks in the summer, we'd just arrived and I was letting the dogs out of the car. I only had sandals on and one of the 65# labs landed right on my foot, nails first, so I let out a "Sonova!" From under his blanket in the back seat, Spencer let out a quiet, 'helpful,' "Bitch?" Well, they are female dogs. We had a good laugh about it, but luckily I've yet to hear him repeat it. I'm glad Gilbert's 'anger'/fear, while misplaced, was not self-directed nor long-term.

Had some kind of maybe progress with Spencer last night. He was up late beating the heck out of his favorite 'toy' on top of his travel cage in the kitchen. When I went to put him away, I tried to get him to 'step up' onto my hand. He backed up a little, but then actually stepped up. Then he did what he normally does - after a few seconds he fluttered off to the floor (hard landing on tile - oof!). Ordinarily I'd then put his cage on the floor and he'd climb into it, but I decided to try to work with him a bit. I followed him around the kitchen asking him to step up and when I eventually 'cornered' him, instead of getting bitey like usual, he stepped up. Then flopped off. Then stepped up again. And flopped off right away. We did that about 10 times. He never stayed on, but also never even motioned to bite me. THAT is big. I think it either means he's no longer THAT scared, or he's realized bites won't achieve what he wants - either way is good. Eventually I gently grabbed him with two hands like a QB taking a snap and he flapped his wings like mad until I put him in the cage - but again, no intention to bite and he settled into his cage for the trip upstairs with a quick tail shake. Also, earlier, my daughter had startled him by offering him a toy a little too quickly. He put his beak on her hand, but didn't bite. THAT made me very happy and I made it a 'teachable moment' about being careful around him and not startling him. He really is trying to be a 'good boy' and he loves hanging around us. And I am truly learning a whole new level of patience.

I have an old (10 years or so) Hunter HEPA unit I've been happy with which I've repaired once (the control/timer board died, so I bypassed it and just hardwired and on/off switch). Now I can no longer get replacement filters for it and the motor is making 'interesting' noises, so I don't trust it anymore (I actually just turned it off today). I think I'm going to replace it with a cheap box fan set on low with a couple furnace filters duct-taped on the backside. I can hide it under Spencer's cage with little visual distraction. Something like this:

I think I didn't properly convey the magic. Maybe I need to do a video. Your chopping hand stays safely on the handle. Your other hand stays out of the way. The food is kept in place by the bowl in the cutting board. Again, the only time I have my left hand near the blade is for the first few cuts of a carrot - and it doesn't have to be right against the blade like other knives. Then it's totally free from there once the carrots stop rolling. I've caught my fingertip/nail a few times using a french chef knife, paring knife, trimming knife. I've NEVER cut myself with an ulu knife. But I'm not trying to convert anyone - just putting it out there.

Considering he couldn't pluck the top of his own head, I'd say he DEFINITELY had help. I hope he can grow back most of his feathers - he's got to be chilly! Good on you for taking this poor dude in. Wishing you all nothing but the best.

I just wanted to share a tip with how I prepare veggies for my birds in the morning. I have yet to make a mega-batch of 'chop' and freeze it, which I may try eventually, but for now I do small batches just about daily. It helps that I have a bunny, too, so we always have good greens on hand for her and SHE gets salad every day, so it's easy to tear off a few small bits and chop it up for the birds. This includes anything from kale, collards, carrots, turnip and mustard greens, endive, red leaf, green leaf (iceberg is pointless), escarole, radicchio, etc., and in the summer, dandelions from the (unsprayed) yard. In addition to what the bunny gets, I'll add various things for the birds - green peppers, broccoli, fruit, perhaps some egg, pasta, rice, or whatever healthy leftovers I have around (before or after chopping). The 'tip' part of this is that I use an Alaskan Ulu Knife and 'bowl'/cutting board gotten as a souvenir to do the chopping: Choppin' Broccoli! (And carrots, green pepper, collards, kale, and lettuces for the birds. With an ulu knife). by oblivion9999, on Flickr It's easy to control the size of the bits, and the knife and bowls design make it very safe to use (though carrots take a little extra attention to get started without rolling away). You just rock the curved blade back and forth in the bowl, changing directions to get the size you want. And cleanup is a super-simple rinse. If you don't know of any friends or family vacationing in Alaska any time soon, you're still in luck - Amazon has them. (E.g. http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&index=blended&field-keywords=Ulu%20knife ) Just thought I'd share - I hope someone finds that useful.

Thanks everyone. Katana, one tip on bottles is that if you can, go for a heavier one like from Gatorade or the like. Milk and water bottles are much lighter and can be easily chewed. I don't like the idea of him accidentally ingesting any of the plastic. The heavier ones take longer to actually do damage to and by then, there's a new one available. I missed video of it on Sunday, but I hung one of the bottles from a chain on his kitchen perch. It was the most acrobatic I've ever seen him - hanging by his little hubs on one foot and batting the bottle around with his beak and other foot. Seriously, these are the best 'toy' finds I could have hoped for. He takes to them like a Labrador to a tennis ball. It's amazing to me JUST how hand-shy he is. He was doing some additional exploration on Saturday and discovered our master bathroom. I'd had him in there in his cage a few times, setting his cage by the shower and splashing him a bit over the stall. When he rounded the corner and saw the shower, he got pretty excited and waddled over to it. So I opened up the door and started the shower to see if he wanted to go in. He had some troubles climbing up so I offered a hand. He was so excited about the shower, he actually stepped up, but as soon as he realized he had, he fluttered off full-on into the shower - which I really don't think he was expecting to do. He retreated to the ledge of the shower door and got excited as I diverted some of the spray over him. He REALLY liked the shower (he's pretty luke-warm about the mister). The few other times I've gotten him on my hand or arm, despite not moving at all, he's done the same - flown off after a half a second. If I have food, he'll come to me. If I just hold out my hand, he retreats. And yet, through the cage bars not a few seconds later, he'll gently grab my fingers in his beak or let me rub his feet or face. It's amazing (and important not to underestimate) how much security those bars grant. One other funny/cute thing from Sunday - my daughter joined me in 'the pet room' while he was out on the floor. She'd just gotten back from shopping with Mom and had a small carton of Goldfish crackers. I dusted what salt I could off of one of them and offered it to him. He was hesitant at first, but eventually took it. He LOVED it. He got to where he was just about chasing my daughter for the carton of them (she retreated to the couch and was fine). I did use another to try to lure him onto a step-up, but there was no joy. I saw him getting frustrated, so I eventually put it into one of his bottles so at least he had to work a little to get it. BTW, my Anya cockatiel is doing quite a bit better. She's putting weight back on and her poops are looking 'good.' I'll be interested in how her blood retest next week.

Not only is it pointless to worry about what others think when you know the situation best, it's also a little silly to expect the worst. "Rules" are made to be broken as the situation warrants. She was essentially quarantined at CARE, just as my Spencer was 'quarantined' in his one-bird house where he lived for 13 years before I brought him home. It's not like you brought her home from a pet store. Go easy on yourself. Sweetness. Continued good luck, especially with the planned cage outing. Love to Scarlet!

Birds, bunnies, dogs, cat have all been to work and on vacations (with 6 hour car rides) with me. It's just part of life in our house. About the only pets I haven't traveled with are the fish.

At the risk of getting back on-topic, Spencer's vet has no big concerns about his weigh, and his blood panel came back normal, so I guess he's just an outlier. Not much else is normal about him, why should his weight be?

Thanks for the idea. I'm constantly recycling old toys and safe household items into treat puzzles.

Her doses are so minute (0.02 ml to 0.08 ml - just a couple of teardrops, really), I really don't think I could use a 'broadcast' application like that. If it goes beyond 'annoying,' I'll ask the vet, though. Edit to add: I just got an e-mail from the vet and Spencer's bloodwork is normal. Hooray for that.

LOVELY pictures - except her poor feet, of course. Ouch! She looks like a bird who's got stories!

I have nothing to add other than congratulations and support for most of the advice above.

You've got that right. Yesterday was my birthday and I already have a friend's and a former pet's death anniversaries in close proximity - I'm SO glad I don't have to add Anya to that list. The daily meds are a bit trying - she doesn't even want to step up out of her cage readily any more, which breaks my heart. When able, I have her out for a while before the meds so it's not just out, stress, back, but even that only goes so far. The good thing is she's a sweetheart as usual when she does come out - it's just that initial stress/hassle. And they seem to be helping (another blood test in 2 weeks to know for sure), so that makes it worth it. I just had Spencer back for his blood test this afternoon. He was not amused, but shook it off pretty quickly. Hopefully he comes back clean - at this point we don't see any reason why he shouldn't.