Timbersmom

When Timber wants something and does feel I'm getting there fast enough, he "rattles" his cage. Yes it is loud, but as Sterling said they like loud noises!

Argh! I signed

Actually, most like boiled eggs and they are fine for them. As to the meat, Timber loves it. I do avoid giving him the processed meat like from the deli or packaged. It is heavy on salt and the nitrates aren't good for them. But when I cook a roast or other meat at home I give it to him and it's usually a hit. On that same note, he likes boiled or baked chicken wings. He will strip the marrow out of the bone (little cannibal As to vegetables, just keep experimenting and offering them. You have to be inventive. Timber won't eat raw veggies in a bowl, but he will eat some (particularly green peas) when I hang them on a skewer in his cage. Same with broccoli and carrot. He will at least nibble when it is on the skewer. Cooked sweet potato is often one they will try. Try offering it on a spoon (that's the way Timber likes it). For some reason anything I hand feed him is much more acceptable than anything I put in the bowl. If none of that works, try sneaking veggies in via birdie bread or chop. There are stickies on both those I think. Don't just try one either. Sometimes they will start eating something they initially rejected.

When I was avoiding sunflower seeds, I used this one: Higgins Safflower Gold Natural Food Mix for Parrots. After the vet said he really needed to add a few grams, and I read Dave's post on how he didn't think sunflower seeds were bad for them if not the sum of your diet, I use this one: Higgins Vita Seed Parrot Food, 3 lbs and this one: Higgins Vita Seed California Blend Parrot Food, 5 lbs. I do have to pick the peanuts out of all of these but there aren't that many. I just pick them out when I put the seed inn his bowl. I'm sure there are a lot of other good ones out there. A lot is dependent on what your bird will EAT. I've tried a few he didn't care for (who knows why).

Great video! He fits right in with the other inmates at the Sterling Ranch Hope you wife is recovering quickly!

I always keep a good quality seed mix available to Timber. They make safflower based and "no sunflower" mixes. If they have peanuts in the shell in the mix, I pick them out. They can carry a nasty fungus.

Sarcastic from the beginning Dorian was!

Haaaa to "applesauce!" It could be much worse though, as I'm sure you can imagine Have you tried cooked sweet potato? That was one of the first vegetables I was able to get Timber to eat consistently.

It's like being married... you think it can't possibly be that long but on the other hand it seems much longer. So glad you found each other!

Timber is a "closet talker." He doesn't use words (though he will make sounds and whistle) often at all when we or others are in the room with him. He will talk a blue streak if we go in another room where he can't see us. I have not figured out how to encourage him to interact verbally with us. With him, he does it when HE wants to do it, not on command. I believe Elvenking gave you excellent advice though for encouraging it though.

Wow what a nice memorial for Cocaba! That's a real blessing.

ROFL Dee! You all crack me up. I've never had a close encounter with my nose or mouth, but have taken a misstep when barefoot and did the one footed hop in surprise.

LOL maybe! Or maybe it's his mark as a vampire...

Timber has a red one on his neck.

Timber makes what we call his "baby bird cheep" when he wants something (like when he sees hubby getting cheese) and he's 10! As to the breathing thing, I've never dealt with a baby so don't know. Hopefully someone who has will have an answer for that one.

Hello and welcome to the forum! Ask any question you want. Chances are, someone on the forum has had some experience with just about every circumstance and issue.

LOL to the chia seed with the coffee! Timber has that forage ball, and though it is simple he never tires of it. He will hang off the chain by one foot to root around in the open areas. No more cowbell, said no bird ever.

LOL! That's funny, and I'm sure you can laugh about it after the fact.

How frustrating! Glad your wait time won't be as long this time anyway... God bless!

So sorry for your loss!

Absolutely! I had initially wanted a baby grey, but circumstances prevailed, Timber needed a home, and I wanted a bird. I still sometimes wonder what life might be like had I gotten a baby, but I wouldn't trade Timber for anything.

Glad to hear you are experienced with birds! I wasn't when I got Timber so I always go overboard on the side of safety when a new member posts here and hope I don't offend. Funny about the peanut addiction!

Beautiful pics of Sully!

Hello and welcome to you and Kya! He may never eat pellets, mine won't. I've tried every kind, variety, etc. over extended periods of time. Not happening. I make sure he gets vegetables and a quality seed mix. He also shares dinner with us (I'm sure you've noticed that if you are eating Kya expects to eat too). He will eat nutriberries, which may not be the best choice but beat poptarts! My goal with him is to get as much healthy variety in his diet as I can. Sounds like you are off to a great start if he's receptive to the fruits and vegetables. Remember to limit the fruit since it has a high sugar content. If you haven't already done so, make sure you take a look at the list of foods that are a NO for parrots. If I hadn't seen that I would probably have killed Timber with avocado, which is something I eat a lot of. God bless and good luck! I'm looking forward to hearing more about your life with Kya.

The bird fair you mentioned might be a good place to look. The one we go to (takes about 1.5 hours to get there but worth it) has a vendor selling new cages and playstands etc. If you have a way to haul it, you might find a deal there.