Timbersmom

Wow! What a mess that looked like. I'm sure glad everyone and every bird was OK and I sure feel for the owners of the shop.

I wonder if the diet could really make such a difference? I'm a novice, but I suspect it was a combination of things, diet included. As for the mating type behavior, I'm clueless because I have no experience.

Timber's cage is actually in my kitchen (not ideal I know but he is clipped for now) for the very reason stated. The kitchen is where we hang out and where I am the majority of the time (even as I write this). They do want to be in the middle of things. Any time I leave the room, Timber starts verbalizing or whistling. I take him with me when I'm going to be in another room for a long period. I have 4 free roaming cats, and Timber enjoys tormenting them so I suppose that is company. He makes a noise that scares them, and I know he does it intentionally because he waits until they are all four in the room, makes the sound and watches them run (while he looks pleased with himself). He also clicks at them and tries to get them to come closer to the cage. The cats are curious and watch Timber, but they don't show any aggression. That said, I wouldn't trust them alone with him for a minute if he was on the floor in the open. I've read too many incidents where birds were injured or killed by dogs or cats. As Katana and Nancy said, make sure your cage is secure and you should be fine.

That's all any of us can do. Keep the faith!

Congratulations and welcome! The link is not working so we can't see the pic. The talking thing depends on the bird. We rehomed a TAG in June, and he talked all the way home. Then he was silent for a few days. After he got comfortable, he doesn't talk much when we are in the room, more when he is by himself. Others find that their bird likes to talk and interact when they are with them. Again, it depends on the bird!

LOL Progress indeed!

Haaa... the stories that rope could tell Nancy...

Great pics! Thanks for sharing

I'm using an Eden Pure clone (Sun Heat) in Timber's room. We have gas hot water heat, but in this big old house we don't turn the thermostat over 66 or so. The nice thing about this one is, as Ray pointed out, it doesn't get hot to the touch and it has a thermostat so it kicks on and off as needed.

LOL Ray! We all have our talents...

Well, I just thought he was playing with the bell until I really took a close look the other night. Gilbert may just be sneakier...

I thought Timber's beak was razorlike as well when I brought him home, probably because he was determined to sharpen it on my hand. When I took him to the vet for a check the next day I asked about the beak and why it was so sharp and got the "are you nuts?" look. She said it was normal. Ha.

Wouldn't you like to know what is going on in their heads? At least Timber hasn't made me the object of his affection.

No you are certainly not alone. I have to rein myself in all the time and remind myself that with work and everything else, I don't feel I have enough time for Timber sometimes. It's hard though!

Probably when I told my coworkers I couldn't go out with them after work because Timber needed his out-of-cage time. Ha. We've had this discussion on the forum before. The looks you get!

Sounds like Henni is bright and engaged. Good for you for rescuing her from that miserable existence.

There's Cleo, at last! What a pretty girl

What a beautiful bird! Thanks for the pics

LOLOL Gives a whole new perspective to the fascination greys have with bells doesn't it?

Interesting. After I typed that I thought it sounded a little naive. I've just never seen it in birds. Of course, I haven't spent a lot of time with one before either.

haaaaa... good to know I'm not the proud owner of a perv at any rate

Well, this is a subject I didn't realize I would have to bring up. Timber hangs on his bell, which is suspended from his cage ceiling. He appears to be masturbating. Is that possible? I know I sound stupid and I imagine birds do this, but I'm ignorant, so please help me out! If that's the case, I assume I should just ignore the behavior? Thanks!

Good to hear that Gilbert weathered the earthquake so well, but hope he doesn't have to get "used" to it, ha. Here in southern Illinois we live near the New Madrid fault, and have an occasional rumble. Nothing since Timber has been with us though so I'm not sure how he would react.

Glad to hear Charlie is acclimating and talking for you. Sounds like he is one of the verbal one!

The tile sounds like a great idea for Emmy. Don't you just love the cuddly times? As for Dutch, I assume you are touching his beak and feet through the bars when he comes over to you? That's what I did with Timber when I first got him and couldn't touch or handle him in any way. It shows them that you aren't going to hurt them and gets them used to your touch.