Timbersmom

Welcome Katie! Post some picks and tell us what Cleo is up to :0

I think it is great that he is coming over and practicing, so you can see how he does and how he interacts with the birds too. It's also good that mom is there for backup if needed. I guess getting a petsitter is like a babysitter when the kids are young. You have to trust your instincts and watch the reactions of the animals/kids. Can you ever really know what goes on while you are away in either case? Not really, unless you have a nannycam. At any rate, I'm sure you will make the right decision, and safe travels!

Gilbert's progress is increasing exponentially, which is great! It seems like he has "turned the corner" doesn't it? Funny about the balloon ride. I was at a bonfire last night and a couple we know are headed to Albuquerque tomorrow. She is scheduled for a balloon ride, he is scheduled to stay on the ground and watch her balloon ride His comment was something like "I have no desire to go any higher than my stepladder will take me." Enjoy the ride!

LOL I remember my kids doing that (saying I love you mommy) when they knew they were in for it. I'm still waiting to hear "I love you" from Timber! He was accompanying me with comments during a phone conversation yesterday, so I'm hopeful he is going to start talking when I'm in the room.

Good pics and Romeo is a great looking guy! Thanks for sharing

Hello and welcome! I'm pretty new myself so I'll let more experienced members address your questions. I'd suggest you spend some time reading the past forums. There is a lot of good information there on diet, health, and behavior that helped me a lot when I got my TAG (rehome) in June. Good luck and God bless

Thanks! We have hot water heat and do some humidifying too, so should be OK there. It has been 65 here in his room already and he doesn't show any signs of being cold but it is good to know

Question then. I typically keep my heat on 65 (yes I'm cheap). As long as it stays at 65 or above from what I'm reading here Timber is OK temp-wise? I've put supplemental heat in his area and it is currently set on 68. Any advice?

LOL Sounds like Gilbert is doing great! I know just what you mean with the GI Joe sneak. It is so funny to watch them do that.

Good luck and safe moving! Sorry I don't have any info that would help on motels.

WaTaFa - You will probably get more responses if you post a new thread in the health room. I'm a newbie. Good luck!

Welcome Benline! We love pics

LOLOL Between this an Nilah's bedtime ritual, my night is made!

LOL Your descriptions had me laughing! Birds certainly seem to treasure those rituals. I'm a creature of habit myself so I can identify. If I miss a step, Timber gets visibly huffy. Like, "Can you get anything right?"

Happy birthday Talon!

I think all animals can sense that. Pheromones perhaps?

I have the name, number and address for one in St. Louis if need be. I was looking at a relatively local breeder's site, and they actually recommend the one I took Timber to initially. I understand that there is a difference between "avian certified" and a vet who sees birds. That's another thing I'm going to ask when I call (when it is time for Timber's checkup).

LOL I'm sure I've been called worse too, but at least not to my face!

What I meant was that when I bought a cat from a breeder, I had to sign a paper saying I would have him fixed and not breed him. Maybe it was just that particular one, but that is my only experience!

Ooooo that's the key! Here I am a "parrot person" out there I am the crazy bird lady

Reminds me though that many times breeders and rescues require that you spay or neuter a dog or cat you get there. I'm actually all for that, but the taking away of choice is similar.

LOL Isn't it funny how illness can sneak up on you like that? Blessings for a speedy recovery

Thanks for the list Jennifer! Unfortunately, I live in southern Illinois, which is much closer to Kentucky and St. Louis than Chicago. Most of the vets on the list are 5-6 hours away. It sounds like you are in a similar area Pikachu. St. Louis is a lot closer. Which vet is it you are using? If you want to send a private message that is fine. I can also give you the info on the one in St. Louis that was recommended to me.

I've seen a site with the opposite, you have to keep the bird unclipped. I don't think they should be able to "legislate" that for the individual either way. I can understand the principle behind it, that people need to be educated and aware of all the dangers etc. and have their home prepared for their choice. The vet told me she was going to give Timber a light clip when I took him in for the initial visit and I didn't have any background or knowledge to make that decision. In hindsight, I think it was the right choice, because I couldn't handle him without a towel and I have 4 free roaming cats. Now that I can handle him and I'm more educated, I feel more qualified to make that decision for myself.

Loved the story, and great video! Thanks for sharing