Wingy

Dave I have several like that. They are all different patterns like candy canes, bunnies holding baskets and dotted with colored eggs, and jack-o-lanterns. My mom is in the process of making me more and says they have a "crazy" print and that poop will never show. Goodness only knows what kind of pattern she found. I'll probably look like a zebra that fell in a bag of skittles but its all good. They are great for when you have to stay clean.

I am fortunate. I am also fortunate to have an understanding family who are willing to take turns making the almost 140 mile round trip with me so I have someone to talk to in the car.

DS and I went to visit the baby yesterday. When we got there baby was sprawled out sleeping in the tank and making its baby peep cries in its sleep. I stood there watching until he/she woke up and ran over to get some attention. Thats what I told myself anyway, more like he/she was looking for lunch. We sat down for some snuggle time and I discovered 2 things. First, babys feathers are starting to come in under its wings and there is a ton of red ones. At first glance it looks like baby has a bad case of chicken pox. Unfortunately all the pictures of the under wing area came out blurry but I've noted that area and will get pictures next time I go. Second, baby does not want to poop on people. He/she struggled to get out of the towel and was determined to get off of me, to the point that not only did I get a good pinch on my arm but I was worried that baby was going to take a header off my lap. He/she went back into the tank because I was concerned for its safety. Once he/she was back in the tank it did the wiggle and squat and then ran back to the side of the tank wanting more snuggle time. I learned a good signal yesterday and will be watching for that in the future. Oh wait I actually learned 3 things. The third is that I am a toy buying junkie. I have been buying 2 or 3 toys each time I visit the baby. My partner in crime looked in the cage yesterday and laughingly told me I better stop cause there is no room for a bird for all the toys in there. Whoops. Here is the latest good pic and a video I got a little over a week ago but was just able to upload. Click for larger picture. Click for video. Click for video.

I will look them up. The one I bought, pictured below, is from a woman in Ohio. She had a tree house one that was almost 6ft tall and 3ft wide and wouldn't fit in my car. I'm contacting her now to see if she has another one and can deliver it when she attends the next bird show here. She has to darn near pass my house on the way to the venue so maybe she will. Anyone in the NE Ohio/ W PA and WNY areas, I highly recommend her play gyms. http://naturesbirdperchantoys.com/Home_Page.php

Here is a list of some vegies and their mineral content. http://www.healthalternatives2000.com/vegetables-nutrition-chart.html

You have a beautiful baby.

It sounds like Momo has figured out that you'll leave him out of the cage and won't ask for a step up unless he has to go back in. Like a child he is telling you he doesn't like that idea. Can you change your routine to include a step up and trip to another part of your home every 1 or 2 hours. Momo has figured out that the step up out of his cage gets him good things now he needs to learn that step up when he's out of the cage also gets him good things.

You are lucky. The last time the zon bit me you could see bone in 2 places. It was all I could do not to scream.

There is too a step program. Its known by how many steps to takes to get to the first aid kit.

You can take thin slices of vegies like carrot or the stems of broccoli and dry them in your oven or a dehydrator. Then they won't be wet. I used to use a vegetable peeler for strips that were uniform thickness. I offered the dried vegies when I was eating snacks that the flock shouldn't eat.

I really like the wiffle ball toy. How ever did you get the large ring through it? I have a large ring and can't bend it at all. I have to agree with Amali on being careful what you use. Those sparkly beads that you cut from a strand are just painted. My sons quaker started to chew off the paint so I had to take them from her. Since those beads aren't designed for kids they aren't required to be lead free even.

I'm trying to get into the latest Keane cd. I'm just not feeling this one but need to give it a few more listens before I decide. This summers music scene is a bit blah. I can't blame the recording industry for not signing bands and favoring single artists this year. The demo's I'm hearing just aren't good.

Did you get your play stand from a lady in Ohio? It looks very similar to a creation that I have. I want to get another from her but can't find her brochure.

The number one tip I can give you is practice. The zon was familiar with the camper because we always had it set up but the kids had several overnights of back yard camping as trial runs. The zon was left alone, had people walking by and birds over head all to judge if he would do alright (we watched and listened from windows above).

Consider a Quaker. They are big parrots in little packages.

Momo isn't afraid your going to poison him. He is just cautious. You have to remember that in the wild these birds are dinner to larger animals and being cautious is what keeps them alive. Since Momo is interested in what your eating keep cutting off a piece and putting it in a treat bowl. One day he will come over and take a taste. Don't give him kids vitamins. They aren't meant for birds.

Thanks Jayd. I just cannot believe how difficult it has been to find age progressive pictures of a TAG with red in the tail area. In the beginning I really did wonder if there was some cross breeding in its lineage. I don't agree with that happening but it played no part in my choice. This little guy/gal won my heart with its interest in people. He/she pushes the older and bigger CAGS out of the way to be at the front when ever someone stops to look in the tank.

Today has been a Scissor Sisters day after I woke myself up at 3 am singing one of their songs out loud in my sleep. They are a terrific band and I have had the honor of meeting and hanging out with several of the band members over the past few years. The lead vocalist extended an invitation for me to be his "special guest" at a show and that simple kindness helped get me through a very bad time in my life. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOaqEnsl3u0

It could be a lot of reasons from everything is fine to serious. Yes a molt can make a bird cranky as can severe fluctuation in temperature. So watch your baby carefully, including poops, and trust your instincts. If you think something is wrong you need to decide if it can wait until normal office hours or if it requires you to call your vets emergency or after hours number. **edited to add. Its not a bad idea to make sure you have your vets number/emergency number handy and know where the travel cage is just in case. I have always kept a written list of emergency numbers taped to the inside of a cabinet. I know its a hold over from wall mounted telephones but if I am ever not home I can direct someone to the number easily.

My opinion is never kiss anyone but your husband/wife/intimate partner on the lips and even then both should brush their teeth first. I never offer my lips to a pet. I like them to much and don't want to get bit. I also do not believe in sharing utensils with our companion pets. Call me silly but I think its gross. Bird poops on the perch, steps in it, cleans its feet with its beak and is then going to eat off my spoon? YUCK! I have always just offered tid-bits of food either by hand, on a napkin or in a treat bowl. If its something soft like oatmeal I'll bring 2 spoons and 2 dishes, one for me and one for them.

From what I've read it is very normal for them to be distrustful or frightened of new things. Do you by chance eat when Momo can see you? Many times our companion parrots will get interested in foods they see us eat.

I asked Talon to please move this thread to the nursery because I want to document the red tail and how it changes as our baby matures. Only time will tell if the red feathers will be a ring around the darker tail feathers, red tipped tail feathers or true red tail feathers since they are still emerging.