Timbersmom

Timber is always trying to get on the floor, and with four cats mine is off limits too. It's so frustrating because I can't leave his cage open while I even go in the bathroom because he makes straight for the floor as soon as my back is turned! Not sure what the fascination is, but that's his choice. The cats really don't show that much interest in him (he is more interested in them), but I'm not willing to take any chances. All I can figure is, he is a ground forager by nature and thinks there might be food there? He likes to throw his food out of the bowl then go down to the floor of the cage and eat it. Foraging toys on the floor of his cage are his favorites as well. I wouldn't give up on the talking yet! He may take off one day and never stop...

That's a neat trick with the bowls! The vet said on our initial visit (the day after I got Timber) that he was a little underweight, which has always worried me. Unfortunately, she didn't weigh him. He was so wild at that point that they had to restrain him with a towel to do anything, so maybe it wasn't possible. So, I don't have a baseline. Her comment was based on the fact that his breastbone (wrong word I know) was too prominent. And she did say that he was a small bird even for a TAG. Now, his "breastbone" isn't as obvious so I know he's picked up some weight. I really wish I had a baseline so I would know how much he has gained. He is a very picky eater, and though it shames me to say this his primary diet is nutriberries and avicakes. I tried many brands of pellets, and he just doesn't eat them. Fresh food (the kind that is good for him) is a no go unless I feed them with a spoon. He doesn't seem to like anything hard (except nuts and some seeds) which I suspect is why he won't eat pellets. I've tried soaking them, but he doesn't want them that way either. I don't have a problem with him being "small" but I do want to make sure he is a good weight for his size!

LOL I can hear him yodeling away now!

LOL The things we do for them.

That's a good point Greywings. I guess if I have bought any I would have to be prepared to eat a piece of it in front of him! Not gonna stand on one foot though...

He's a pretty bird! You are doing great! Sara, enjoyed the video! I've been thinking about doing a little "training" with Timber but can't decide what to do. I'm trying to come up with something he would enjoy doing that would keep him thinking, like a ring toss of some kind.

It's also possible that our birds are just spoiled rotten! Foraging in the wild would be a lot different than eating for pleasure, which most of our well-fed birds do. Good luck in AZ (with the palm tree and all else).

That's a good video. Sara, interesting link! Let us know how it turns out if you order.

That was my thought exactly. I want to progress in my relationship with Timber, and I don't see that happening if he sees me coming at him with vaseline and a glove! Much better to let those who don't have to live with him handle that kind of detail... Of all the stuff I've tried to get Timber to listen to, his favorite thing is for me to whistle the song that goes something like "there was a farmer had a dog and Bingo was his name." When I get to the spelling B-I-N-G-O I spell Timber and say his name instead. He makes a little chirp/click sound when I'm spelling. If he is excited or nervous, he'll usually calm right down when I whistle that song. Weird, but true Another nail in my "crazy bird woman" coffin...

I had to laugh at your response after the vet told you what was involved, mine would have been the same! Sure glad it is healing though, what good news!

That's great news Teri! I'm so happy you and Virgil are doing so well. There's no feeling like the one I have when Timber rests his head on my stomach and closes his eyes when I'm sitting with him. We are at the point where if I say "wanna go?" he walks to the edge of whatever he is standing on, and steps up. If he doesn't "wanna go" he goes inside his cage. Much better than a lunge or a bite.

Enjoyed the video, thanks for posting! I was really surprised to see Timber run right in a box and start pulling the stuff out. I thought he would be afraid to. Hope your idea works for Gilbert!

Great video! Thanks for sharing

I will check them out. Thanks!

Hello and welcome! I've used the food lure myself in the early days with Timber (my rehomed TAG). Better that than scaring him, and it isn't necessary now.

Haaaa! Funny video! Timber hasn't gotten in the fridge, but he sure wants to! I guess when they see you sticking your head in there all the time and coming up with goodies... why wouldn't they want to do the same?

LOL Sounds like Timber when I get the spray bottle. There is a particular perch he wants to be on when I spray him. No help here on the sunflower seeds, not enough experience!

I hope he enjoys the spray. Timber sure does, but I have read here that not all do. Glad to hear he isn't growling as much, which is probably a sign he is "getting used to" his new environment. It sounds like he just needs time. Have you tried sitting close to the cage and just reading to him or anything? I know I've seen that suggested here. They feel safer in the cage, which is why he goes to the furthest corner. With Timber, my interactions with him started through the bars. He wasn't as fearful of my hands with the bars between us. I'd just touch his beak or feet and talk softly to him so he would get used to my hands and know I wasn't going to hurt him.

Great pics! I use photobucket but don't know much about the way it works. Hopefully someone more experienced with it than I can help!

LOL Great pic!

Fingers and toes crossed...

Congratulations on the boy! I'm going to check out Avian biotech. I'd really like to know if Timber is male or female too.

Glad the birds did so well, but that doesn't sound like a very "restful" vacation! Glad you are home safe and well though.

LOL to the mental pic of the dog... what seems like a lifetime ago the hubby and I raised Dobermans. They would stand there, patiently, while I clipped their nails. I remember wondering what you would do if they DIDN'T want their nails clipped!

That's the great thing about this forum, besides helpful information, people who GET it!