murfchck

We now have another animal that has moved in, outside. An opossum, still a young little one. I first saw him a little over a week ago coming out from under the deck. A few days later he was running along the back fence with my dogs right there, totally ignoring each other. We didn't know what to do so got online about trapping it only to find that they are natures best rodent eliminator. Every thing we read said if you are lucky enough to have one in your yard to let it be. It will only stay around between 1 and 3 months then will move on. So we named him Buck and then never saw him again... Until this morning, I let the cat out and just saw something run along the bird flight. It looked like a big rat so I jumped back inside but had to be brave and went out anyway. Turned on the light and there was Buck, inside my little rodent safe area, frozen from the light. No matter how safe they say these things are, they are still scary looking small or big and I ran past him into the yard. While running by him I was think how stupid I am because I am running away from the door and will have to get past him again but I just couldn't stop running. I pulled up my big girl panties and went back to the door and shut the light off for him and by the time I made it back to the yard he had moved. I never saw him actually leave the patio but didn't care because he wasn't in the corner over the door giving my his version of the eye of distain anymore.

With our flock there are some that only I can handle and some only my husband can handle and it really is what it is, lol. For 3 years now I have been trying to get his little girl Gabby to tolerate me and she will now, IF she needs me to carry her somewhere or I am peeling potatoes. Cotay, she will only step up for me if I have a towel over my arm, it can be a towel so thin and full of holes most people would deem it useless but as long as she doesn't have to touch my skin she is just fine with me. If I approach her without the towel I WILL get bit. Then we have my love bugs who totally hate my husband and 3 of the 4 will take full on flight attacks at him. Chacho, yellow nape, it seems I am the only person in the world he has let handle him. Vincent, goffins, liked Pat at first then the first time they were playing together (Vinny will get on your finger and throw himself backwards) he flipped himself backwards and it startled Pat which cause Vincent to lose trust and bite the snot out of Pat. Forgiveness has not been given and Vincent will fly to Pat's shoulder all cute and sweet then crawl down the front of his shirt and bite at his chin and cheek. Marley, military, she just flat out right hates men, strangers and his former owners. Pretty much leaves me that she loves! Kane, blue throat, not sure why but hates for Pat to pick her up, once she is on him she is fine but it is a total blood bath getting her there. It is hard for me to give any advice about this because I am torn on a approach. On one hand I feel we should give them the time to adjust to us and let them move at their own pace to build the trust. On the other hand, if we don't "show" them what they are missing out on like the head scritches, hugs and taxi rides on the arm (or shoulder) then they won't ever know. I say this last part because with Chacho, Pat gave him the time, sat and still sits beside the cage talking, singing and giving him his favorite treats. We feel now that after a year of this, attacking and trying to kill Pat is his game that he plays. That the window of opportunity for Pat to form any relationship with him has passed. Not that we will give up and stop trying but we have moved on to acceptance now. It is the same with the others, they have taught us our boundaries with them and it is okay. Happy and healthy is what matters most because each gets their love from the chosen one, the other person just has to love from afar. :-)

That is where I got the herb idea, love Pintrest, lol. I took the bowl ring, from the extra bowls you can get from Petsmart, and hung them from the wire with Rosemary, mint etc. planted in them. For plants like that to work apparently you have to have a wind, we don't have any wind. :-( https://goo.gl/photos/uvk2p3fEUVCk9ygX6 We tried sitting out there last yesterday after work and I kid you not came running back inside with no less than 15 welts each. I am scared to put my babies out there now. I picked up some natural stuff you sprinkle around, says it is only good for 7 days and then you have to reapply, one hour maybe, but not even a day. I hate when the city drives around spraying for these but at this point would welcome them and their chemicals. I guess though they have to have a reported case of Zika before they will do anything.

Have 2 fans and a misting system but they are determined little suckers to drain us of our blood!

The mosquitos are killing us, any suggestions for that? I have all the herbs that are supposed to keep them away but i swear they are drawing them in instead!

Thanks, Other than the cockatoo's, they are quiet. A loud squawk every once and a while but no one would ever know they were there. On the inside of the house yesterday Marley was into everything. She destroyed a toy, leaving the chain which she promptly wrapped around her neck, twice. The first time I couldn't undo the link and though, of she wouldn't be that stupid and I waited for Pat to help. Yup, she was that stupid. Pat had to get pliers and get that link undone and get the chain out. Not much later, she popped a wire off the cage, not all the way off just enough where she could get her silly little head stuck trying to squeeze out. Got a white wood 2x4 and screwed that sucker on to keep her from the bar. Lots of family drama going to which I do not see a good outcome. Our friend Bill had emergency surgery Sunday. Doing good but his head is fuzzy. Our dog started limping Friday night and she had to go in last night since she wasn't walking. Turns out she is okay after 3 xrays but totally unrelated, they found 3 large stones in her bladder that will need to be removed if with a change in diet they don't break down on their own. Good days ahead!

Video tour. Sorry for the quickness, walking on a sprained ankle and navigating the stepping stones while videoing was a bit scary lol. https://goo.gl/photos/NVRpKdHUL2cc416AA The macaws in the big cage were Nati, Chulo, Honey and Sunny. We had Mary Ann and Marley in there but they did not play well with others at all. Kane got to hot and so did 3 of the 4 greys. They don't have shade screens on the roof area yet so they just got short time out there. Looks like at the back area of the big flight we will have to make 2 more areas for the trouble makers. Marley chased these guys around, challenging them every step of the way. She would even rush to the food bowls if someone was trying to eat and jump in them so they couldn't. Mary Ann who can't fly was set on a perch stand which we made so she couldn't travel around but had plenty of walking space, somehow managed to get to the other side where Honey and Sunny should have been set when they came out. We still don't know how she did that. Cocaba's area we still need to work on. He needs to be in the grass, not on any stand. I put a cage tray on top of a small cage for him, low perches and even a little wooden house. He hung on the edge and I caught him on his way down to the ground. Need to figure out how to elevate a grass area for him that isn't to high but high enough to keep the ants away. I am thinking of something like a large dog crate that the top opens up so he can't hang on the edge of it. At this rate we should be done by next summer.

We are 99% complete now. The perches, swings and bridges are up! Now if we could just build them a boat, they could go out to the flights and swim, umm, I mean play.

There is one that stands out for us, it sounds like a cockatoo, or 3, screaming. Decoded it means, hey come talk to us! Haha! My guys have so many that are each their own but my favorite for real is Bongo. He will start the Andy Griffith song and then when i join in he will stop and start making the finger snapping to the beat. It means he is happy and wants to interact! Coming from my statue, that means a whole lot to me!

I am going to have to make name plates for the flights. We don't know who goes where any more, keep changing our minds, lol. Had to make the extra flight yesterday and every where that sold the hardware we needed for the door was closed, :-( Ended up taking the hinges and handle off of the back entry door (by the hose) and using that for the flight door. Wired the back one up to keep the area bird safe until we can get what we need. We decided to use the new one for Muneca since she is the smallest. Kane will go back into the one we first made for her, Bubba and Ollie will get the big one right off the house. Thought that would be better for them since they struggle with feathers and this sun would give them sunburns. Added perches for the greys now so they can come out and fixed up the Too's cages so they have their favorite toys in cages that are all their own. Kane and Muneca are still perch-less but hopefully we can get that done quickly. We need to go and install a door for a friend today who is selling her house, someone actually came and stole their front door, didn't go in the house, just took the door. People are just weird. They are closing on the 2nd and it is on hold until this gets fixed and they live out of state. Our friend who has been ill has now moved into assisted living with hopes of getting back home at least a few days a week. I don't know how that would happen but if it gives him hope, then okay! Our neighbors dog was back here last night, lol. Thunderstorms until next weekend. This poor lady is going to get home and we will have to tell her we broke her dog. Hubby threw a bone over to the dog last year and she asked we not give her dog "human" food. It will make her weak.?. Haha, okay. This girl who just paced the yard now chases Pat and vise-versa, she jumps around and is being a happy dog.

So we had 7 of the 9 going in the big flight yesterday. lol That was just nerve wrecking. One full on fight between 2 of the flightless birds, Bubba and Mary Ann. No damage that was visible, Mary Ann had Bubba's wing in her beak though and wouldn't let go. Sunny, well he claimed an area and heaven help any who tried to enter. Chulo, who has no friends, made a friend. He and Marley beaked some but it was more playing. Bubba and Oliver are just flat out bullys and will NOT be able to play in the big flight. They could be on one side of the flight and scale that wire to the other side faster than then the ones who can fly could get there. So today we will be making yet another smaller flight for Kane since Bubba and Ollie will be moving into her area. ( I am not sad about that though, I was really worried about the height of hers and how she falls all the time so may be a blessing) Due to the heat and just being tired yesterday we opted to just use the bamboo screening for the roof area right now and we only put it on one side since that is where the sun was, lol. Not sure what we will do today since the sun will be on the other side that isn't covered until evening time. Here is my favorite picture from yesterday, Chulo https://goo.gl/photos/fYh3Fip9nxNDVSVR7 And I just loved this one of Chulo and Marley. Marley is a foot bird and talks with her feet, in this picture she just set her foot on Chulos beak. https://goo.gl/photos/pEAdDnQqxLQGke2H6 Mary Ann https://goo.gl/photos/5KgrBGYUPawodH3d7 https://goo.gl/photos/onUjUpjvDCgfr5jt6 This is Chulo with Sunny and Honey in the back ground. https://goo.gl/photos/kx9vGH5tp4nsu8MW7 Nati wouldn't come out of her room so she didn't come outside and I didn't get pictures of Bubba and Ollie while they were out there because I was on guard duty, Pat has some though and I will get them soon to share. Chacho was the only other one outside yesterday and he was out all day!! But his flight isn't new so all was good! Today the Too's and the greys will make their way out!!

What a scare! So glad all is good again and pulse is back to normal. Nancy, try an orb. I got one because i just thought it would be fun, turns out it is fun! But be sure and tell her "no Sophie, that mine" works every time!lol

What a relief! Wine and internet don't mix well! Haha! Thats why i stick with beer and vodka!

The roof came from an old barn, it is the same as we have over the ones off the house. There is a gap between the flight and the roofing so they can't get to it but it has been great for the existing ones with keeping the heat factor down. The misters help a lot though. I am not the best at growing things so the plants you see, in a month won't be there. The birds will have something to do with it but mostly it will be me and my brown thumb.

She also always signs her name at the end of her posts, this didn't have it and her email is different.

I am pretty sure this was your idea!!!! Those are pretty, hubby wants some type of vine that would be safe, me I worry about attracting bees. lol. We have a corrugated roof going up but will be leaving the very top uncovered, kinda like a skylight. There is also a misting system we will be tapping into for them. Sad part is that by the time we get this thing finished the Texas weather will be hear and it will be to hot!!! I know a lot of people who still take their guys out when it is 100+ outside but my first year my Oliver had a seizure while out in those high temps with us misting him so I now live with that fear and am overly cautious.

Sorry all, been sick in bed going on 2 days now pretty much. https://goo.gl/photos/66cBb17tA41uuzYh6 This is the full view. Notice all the branches still leaning and not mounted yet?? Gesh, will this ever get done? Still don't have the roof/shade areas on either. https://goo.gl/photos/29bNQZd3LCg9mkWK9 This is where the greys will go. Not sure why the picture looks so narrow but trust me, the cage is huge. https://goo.gl/photos/DjhbhDCqGEqWPyoo7 This is the door between the existing flights and the grey's cage. Had to put one there because our hose is behind there and we use that almost daily with the pond and new plants. https://goo.gl/photos/FEz9q4YVrMHFCYji6 I am standing in front of the greys cage to take this picture of Kanes new area. It isn't huge, tall yes, but she doesn't fly so... https://goo.gl/photos/WJ6887MWohXsGtQP8 https://goo.gl/photos/Vnpz92TudMMpmWGe6 Left side, right side of big macaw flight. Still decorating also. Going to put bamboo around the back area to hide the shop some. The large stand will be coming off the base it is on and attached to a large stump to keep it out of standing water, this will be for some flightless macaws. Got that pond because it was cracked and couldn't hold water and was going to plant live bamboo in it so it wouldn't spread but was told with the crack it would spread so tossed that plant idea out. I have 2 grapevines that actually have grapes on them and a crepe myrtle and palms and ferns so far.

We are bird safe now! Little bit of tweeking and we are ready to let them loose! Can't stop smiling! I will get pictures in the morning!

What?? Nancy, whats going on?

That sounds like just the right dog. Unfortunately, the one we are babysitting, although docile in the house became a little too excited when the birds were out. She was jumping up trying to get their tails. We took Bubba and Oliver out to the flight and she was going nuts. Bubba was nearest her and kind of froze just watching her. Oliver wasn't having any of that and stepped around Bubba to put himself between them. I was so proud. ( the cage wire was between the dog and them and only one branch in the flight as of now so there was no chance of anything happening but wow is Oliver the protector!) Taking Bongo and Bubba to doctor this morning, then a slow breakfast a little shopping and back to building the flights!! Last day of vacation, boooo.

https://goo.gl/photos/uqMmS2jz9htBJ6Ys6 Ouch! lol On vacation this week, almost have the walkway wired now, just one more wall with a door and a small section of the roof to cover and they can come out and play! I went plant shopping yesterday, found 2 large grapevines, with grapes on them, and couldn't pass it up. First greenery, I feel progress! Today and tomorrow, rain. I am amazed, we are watching our neighbors dog for 2 1/2 weeks and she is terrified of thunder, so much so she only has half a storm door left in her back yard and the door knob has been chewed to crap. With the impending storm, we brought her to our house last night, we are on high alert with the birds. She could care less about the birds or our 3 dogs who really also could care less about her. Too bad she has a home, finding a large dog that can be in the same room with the birds is a dream of mine. I want a big dog to watch over them when they are outside so I don't have to worry about anyone jumping the fence.

As most of you know, we have taken in several birds that belonged to an older man who is in failing health. The plans were made years before and it is in his will that we are to care for them along with support. It wasn't an easy decision for anyone, Pat I had many talks about this and not because of the birds but are we the best possible choice. They are all pretty young, 14-15 years old and there are 7 of them. He let them go while he was still at home so he would know we had them and they would be cared for, he is now in a hospital, surgery yesterday and we were told he will not be coming home but going to an assisted living home. It was the hardest decision he has ever made and I know one day we too will have to face this. Having 20 large parrots, we discuss often what we will do. We have no children and are the youngest of the kids in our family. We always say our house will go to whoever takes them on, but a sanctuary is what I see for them when the time comes with the $$ from the sale of our home and estate going to the sanctuary for their care. Our friend did keep binders for his flock, they hold their papers, bands and even their first feather that was lost. I will be adding to it with the likes, dislikes, favorite foods, foods that are good tossing material and words they say etc. I want my flock to have the best chance at life after I am no longer around!

Oh and is she smart. You guys are welcome over anytime to visit, my neighbors say we should charge a cover charge but I tell them, if you wanna see the birds that is great and it only cost one cage cleaning! hahaha! Funny, we don't get many visitors, hmmm. She does actually like my shoulder better than Pats and yesterday I told Pat when he was asking why she faces the back when she is on the shoulder that I don't know why but am fine with that, I fear she will just get this urge to rip my face off. Later that night, Ixta decided my bottom lip was not fat enough and she decided to grab hold and rip. Yea, fun way to start a vacation. It wouldn't stop bleeding, anyone ever use quick stop on their self? Well I did, man oh man does that burn. Poor birdies when we use that on them. It is just a few minutes of pure burning pain but then it is done and sealed up. Flight is coming along very nicely. Not as quickly as I would like but we are now framed and ready to wire the walk ways and get it 100% safe and secure. We have changed our minds again about who will be going where but I think we finally have it figured out. All the macaws will go into the big one but Kane, she has her own flight because she is a snot and would go to the very top and hang and not come down unless she fell. Cocaba also will not go in there because he is to old to put up with the youngsters and doesn't perch. All the greys will have their own cage as well. With a bit of wire moving on the existing flights right off the house we will have the cockatoo, Gus and Koko together and Lily will have her own. On the other side of them will be the little ones, Muneca, Vincent and Chacho. Ahh, 20 birds and all have their own space!

Okay, well maybe it isn't. lol Could have just been a bad day. Here we are after a bath and Pat tried to get her off my shoulder and she didn't want to. She gets her way and it didn't bother me one bit! https://goo.gl/photos/UmRp7srAg7KYXDc38 Worked on the flights again yesterday. or general population as I like to call it, and will be back at it again today. So close to being done with the wire. I am ready to start the waterfall fountain and get some shrubs planted. :-) I am sure the birds are looking out the windows at us saying, just get us out there, we don't care if it is pretty!!

Honeymoon is over... glad i had that moment.