Timbersmom

LOL They are a lot like toddlers!

Keep working on it. It takes time but it is worth it

LOL Isn't that the truth! I was listening to a particularly long session of Timber "performing" over the bird cam today (I'm at work, wish I could figure out how to tape remotely). I heard him say "tickle, tickle" for the first time. I say that to him when I'm scratching his head. I also heard "I'm gonna get you bird" which is what my husband says when he is messing with him. Hubby also says "I'm gonna get a red tail feather" which I think I heard some of today. Yesterday, I heard him say "I love you" for the first time. I say it to him regularly and always at bedtime, but hadn't been sure that is what he said until yesterday. I've had him almost nine months now, and I have to say his talking has really picked up the last few weeks. So, don't despair other rehomers! The thing that always amazes me is their change in tone. It is very clear when Timber is saying something he learned from me and when he uses hubby's voice for something he got from him. Fascinating and so endearing...

True! Many of us have birds that are named irregardless of gender. Coco is a good name for either, so that works!

LOL to the poultry! I think (though I don't know) that they pick up words and phrases for different reasons. Some they just like the sound of, and others are based on emotion. Timber also says the "pretty bird, good bird, good boy" type stuff a lot. I'm assuming that is because they are usually said in a loving tone by the owner? He also zeros in on things said with emphasis or emotion (like the bad words). My personal feeling is that a lot of what they choose to say is based on the emotions they hear when we say it.

Oh, how scary that would be! On the positive side, it's good to know your neighbors care enough to call.

It sounds like you are making great progress! For the first couple of months after I rehomed Timber, he would only let me scratch his head through the cage bars and only at bedtime. They tend to be more receptive then it seems. It took us awhile to work up to a real scratch session, because that takes quite a bit of trust from the bird. I suspect Zydeco already talks when you aren't around. You will probably start hearing more and more as he gets more comfortable. Two weeks is a very short time in "grey" time. Keep talking to him. Even if he isn't talking he is listening. One of these days he will surprise you with something he learned from you. Good job!

Hurray for you and for Oscar! Keep us posted. The only new perch that seemed to initially alarm my rehomed TAG, Timber, was the boing. I added other perches to his cage without him reacting much. He wouldn't necessary hop right on them, but they didn't seem to scare him. It took him some time to start liking the boing, but now it is his favorite thing to do the "sit and chew" on. That said, every bird is different. Timber's vet said to never use a sandpaper surface type perch because it can hurt their feet. Others with more experience will chime in. God bless!

After seeing Sarasota's toucan offerings, sorry guys, no contest!

Congratulations! Glad you got what you wanted, though I know it wouldn't have mattered.

What a sweetheart!

So sorry to hear this! God bless.

It does seem a bit like OCD, Timber does similar things with his bell (primary one). It has to be rung at certain times. He also uses it to express emotion, happy, sad, mad and everything in between!

Good deal! It's a blessing when your bird will eat something that is good for them. Good going

Hello and welcome! Living by the beach and working from home sounds great. Good luck and God bless

Good to hear from you and what great news! Progress indeed. I am used to the biting too. Now I'm trying to master not reacting to the bite. That's a tough one when you have a blood drawer like me. The floor is usually the first place they will do a voluntary step up for you from. You might try waiting until he REALLY wants back up then offer a hand or forearm? Timber won't step up on my hand (fingers), but will on my forearm.

Amen to the bells! Never ceases to be Timber's favorite thing.

You just never know. I only have one bird, but I know my cats are funny that way. One minute they will be cleaning each others' faces, the next they will be quibbling, hissing and scratching at each other. I don't speak cat, so I don't know what set them off. Are birds like that too I would assume? I know a lot of people who are...

Ahh, thank you for that. I see your point. He sees them all the time, not just once in a long while. Thanks

Interesting!

Wow, I had no idea! I rehomed Timber from my daughter-in-law last summer. She had Timber for six months. She (and my son and granddaughter) are in and out of my house all the time. I have to say it never occurred to me that it might have an adverse affect on him. Just when you think you are starting to get a handle on things, you get another surprise. That said, if it bothers him he hides it well. It might help that he never really got close to any of them, which is one of the many reasons they decided they couldn't keep him. Makes me sad to think it might be bothering him though!

What amazing memories they have!

Looks very nice! Good luck and God bless

Second that. My TAG's cage is even closer to the kitchen stove. Stoves are an inherent danger that always have to be carefully watched. Since most of our birds are with us wherever we go, you have to always be vigilant about the stove regardless of the cage's location.

Very nice! Great pic too