Timbersmom

It's early days yet with your hubby. Our situation was much the same. The first couple of weeks, Timber would go straight in his cage when Gary came in the room. He would stop and talk to him, even give him treats which he would accept, but his tail feathers were quivering with fear/nervousness. Now, while Gary isn't able to scratch him or get a step up, Timber doesn't flee at the sight of him and doesn't get upset when he is around. Just this morning, Gary said Timber said "Hi" to him when he came downstairs. My point being, it just takes time in most cases. Others may have more advice on how your husband can "make friends." You might, for instance, let your husband and him alone give him his most favorite treat. I told Gary he needs to whistle at him and always speak when he goes by.

I hesitate to jump in here, but I'm going too. I thought Dave's post was very informative for new bird owners (like myself). I took his sarcasm as being directed at the companies who attempt to rip us off, not at the newbies who are looking for items (cages in this instance). I really appreciate the effort he and others here go do in looking stuff up and posting the information. At any rate, I think it is just a matter of perception, and was not intended to dis you or your purchases. The most difficult thing about forums, this one and others, is that when people care a lot about something they tend to overreact. Yet, when all is said and done, they are one of the most useful tools for finding and sharing information.

^^ Yes. Don't be discouraged if you see some regression. Sometimes it seems like one step forward and two steps back, but you are actually making forward progress regardless. Timber bit me this morning for seemingly no reason (I'm sure he had a reason, but I don't know it). First time in 6 weeks or so. As others on the forum say, sometimes it seems to come out of nowhere when you think you are past it. He didn't latch on and go for bone, but I did shed a little blood. I just said "no bite" and walked away. We'll see how the rest of the day goes!

Timber is about 5 and has very set ideas about what is "step up worthy." If it doesn't look like a perch, he isn't going! Now that he steps up easily, I'm working on trying to get him to step down. He'd rather just stay on my arm until we get back to his cage. We are getting there though!

Ouch! That one stings.

I like the name! Good luck with the pellets. My TAG is a picky eater and we struggle with that.

Thanks for the treat idea! I finally thought to use cheese, which is the one thing he will do about anything for, and got him on the scale's perch. He only weighed 271 grams, but the vet said he was a small bird. I'm going to try to weigh him once a week just to monitor, but I'm thinking he really is just "small." He has a big heart though!

Well I finally got Timber on the scale, and yikes! He weighs 271 grams (TAG). Guess the vet wasn't kidding when she said he was a small bird. I think he has actually put on some weight since I've had him, and his breastbone isn't protruding anymore. I'm going to try to weight him weekly just to track it.

Yes, very early days! Sounds like you have found what triggers his interest at any rate. Good luck, and remember to take everything verrrryyyy slooooowwly

That's great! I'm so happy for you. Moments like that make all the struggles and waiting worthwhile. Slow and steady wins the day (usually anyway). If he's asking for scratches I'd think he is definitely starting to trust you. I was thinking the other day when I was scratching around Timber's neck that it takes a lot of trust for them to expose their fragile neck to your large (in relation) hand. Good going!

On another note, I also received my avian light today. The base doesn't screw into the pole so that will have to go back or they will have to replace a part. I swear, kids are easier! :0

I'll try that one next, thanks! I had a couple of pine nuts in my hand to give that a try a few minutes ago. He wouldn't step up, but went back in the cage! He hasn't done that in a long time. I think he has my number and sometimes it seems he can read my mind! Little rascal...

I'll give that a try thanks! Timber isn't to motivated by food, but it is worth a shot. One of the reasons I got the scale is because the vet told me he was a little underweight. Now I know why, he just isn't that interested in food. Wish I could say the same! Funny how they are willing to do something like Jasper did weighing daily then refuse to have any of it. The scale is sitting in full view on a cabinet close to him, so that may help too.

Well, I finally received my bird scale and got it assembled. I turned it on and Timber stepped on my arm. So far, so good. Took him over to the scale and he won't step on the perch. Argh! I had no luck with the kitchen scale because he wouldn't get on it and I thought having a perch would make all the difference. Wrong again. Any suggestions?

Whew, what a relief to see him behaving "normally" after the ordeal. So glad he is OK, and sounds like progress, though it never come fast enough!

No pro here, but it doesn't bother Timber. He's fond of turkey and I guess that might look like his mama!

LOL I thought it was an acorn or a hazelnut. Doesn't look like an almond to me either. New seminar for the forum... identifying nuts, branches, and other potential hazards

Funny! While I'd never leave them together unsupervised, I've been surprised at the lack of problems with the cats and Timber. They are interested in what the other is doing (both species are nosy by nature) but don't seem interested in taking it any farther than that. I'd say Timber is much more aggressive toward them. He hangs from the bottom of his door and tempts them to poke their noses toward him and will slide down the side of his cage if they are passing like he is trying to take a nibble.

Sounds like a plan if you have time Nancy!

I've been experimenting with sprouting and Timber likes them too (5 yr old TAG). Now if he would just eat them out of the bowl instead of wanting me to hand feed them to him!

Pretty girl! And Rocky is a handsome dude too Looking forward to more pics

That's a shame (not being able to take him). Obviously the woman isn't a pet owner. She makes it sound like getting a new purse!

LOL Isn't that the truth! Timber is constantly striving to get down to the floor where my 4 cats reside. Now, my cats are large (for cats) with the biggest going 18 pounds. Here is Timber, a small TAG, trying to get down there so he can vanquish the cats from his domain. He puffs up and spreads his wings like he is a bald eagle and seems puzzled that they don't flee in fear. They just look at him with curiosity.

Glad to hear it! Most of the things we dread don't turn out so badly after all. Will the kids be home for the long weekend or too far away?

Wow, I feel for you. Makes me nervous just thinking about it. I'll say a prayer for you and Bubba!