bettyboop Posted November 7, 2008 Share Posted November 7, 2008 I am so happy for you , that he is so gentle .Zsa Zsa will let me rub on her with my hair, like when she is on my shoulder I lean over and rub her with my head , and she will rub her beak against my cheek , but thats it . She talks when I am ignoring her , only to get my attention , but the minute I respond thats it ...She has never been a sweet , touchy , petty bird .I think her being a female has her being more aloof and independent . She is on my shoulder all the time and wants to be where I am . She goes nuts when my husband loves me , kisses or hugs , boy she pins those eyes and goes after him .He loves it .He just laughs and goes and gets Sammy .Sammy will lay on his back in my Husbands lap and allow him to pet his tummy for hours , when I try it , he bites me . So ,I guess our birds belong to us and us alone ..... We love them and it is so awesome to have them in our homes , and isnt it amazing , we have wild birds living with us , eating with us , showering with us .ETC......They know the schedule too, when they hear my car keys , Sammy says Bye Bye and Zsa Zsa starts squawking LOUD .... I hope your little guy stays sweet and calm for you , I wish I had purchased a pair . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zooman Posted November 7, 2008 Author Share Posted November 7, 2008 Thats soo funny how he had garlic breath..lol I never thought but once it was my fault i gave zuri a jalapeno pepper and he ate it and later i had him on my shoulder and he gave me a kiss and it was the pepper but it was too late the little bit of the juice on his beak got on my lip and it burnt me..haha. The things we do eh? Well zuri is still the little suck he'll want to make out with me for 5 minutes i have to say hey stop you had your kisses..lol.Tiago is a little too tongue action for me when he kisses he sticks his little tongue out, i love him but.. I always wonder what people thought reading our posts like whoa these guys are crazy!! Im glad you enjoy reading about our birds and alex's and IRN are quite the clowns and fun too like you've read from us. They def. enjoy being the centre of attention and i can speak volumes about their antics but still cant believe how close i was not getting one because the people at the store didnt like him or the species wow they are soo wrong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bettyboop Posted November 7, 2008 Share Posted November 7, 2008 Hey Zooman , just curious , why did the people at the store not like your Alex ? That is too funny about the kissing , part French ??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zooman Posted November 8, 2008 Author Share Posted November 8, 2008 well it wasnt tiago per say it was alexandrines they said werent their fav parrot mostly cause of their independence and loudness. I have yet to truly believe that, yes they arent cuddly and can be louder not terrible though but i fell in love with him even then. At the time this store had every kind of parrot practically so maybe they just had their favs like we do. Ive treated them with love and respect and have gotten it back from them so im happy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bettyboop Posted November 8, 2008 Share Posted November 8, 2008 Boy , I have heard the same .Z is not loud at all and she doesnt like petting , but she sure likes to be on me or in the same room 24/7 .So I think some of the things they say about them are proven incorrect .I adore her , she is my favorite out of the three birds I have owned , which isnt many , but that's all I have to compare her with . M Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zooman Posted November 9, 2008 Author Share Posted November 9, 2008 I know what you mean there was just something there i felt when i picked him out that i just knew even though the people there didnt think so. I am def happy with him. Yeah like all birds have their thing, wish he was just a bit less noisy sometimes, but i knew this before signing up so im ok with it. I feel in general they have a bad rep. with them not being very cuddly im happy with his level of it ive gotten the love back i lost when i gave him his space during molting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bettyboop Posted November 9, 2008 Share Posted November 9, 2008 As you know , just until recently they were Avairy birds , because of their looks ....So people have only started purchasing them as companions within probably the past , maybe 5 years .People really do not know a thing about these birds .There are no books written about them , and if you tell someone you have one , they don't know what it is .....Alexander the Great is where they get their name from . so they have been around for a long time. Zsa Zsa picked me out , I was picking out a baby TAG, at our breeder site , she would not leave me alone .She flew over to me everytime we went to visit and would get on my shoulder and play with me . The breeder finally said , "that is your bird " , and my Husband said we arent taking two home at the same time , so I chose her . He agreed about her picking me .I am totally convinced , she is my bird and this was meant to be . I would like to have another Alex if I knew she would accept it , probably not ....<br><br>Post edited by: bettyboop, at: 2008/11/09 15:29 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tycos_mom Posted November 10, 2008 Share Posted November 10, 2008 I know Irns have the samw rep I hear it all the time Irns are noisy irns are nippy they don't make good pet. What a load of crap Raja make a bit of noise in the morning for about 10 minutes. other than that he's as quiet as can be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bettyboop Posted November 10, 2008 Share Posted November 10, 2008 I have never checked, Pat , do you know how far back IRN's are recorded as being companion parrots .Who was the first person recorded as having one? That would be interesting to know about .I think it's sad they have such a bad rap . however I do like having an unusual bird ,Don't you ? Z is most noisy in the early AM also . M Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tycos_mom Posted November 10, 2008 Share Posted November 10, 2008 Yes I do love the fact that there are not to many of them that are pets. It is sad if people would just spend a little more time with they're IRN & ALEX I'm sure they wouldn't have the rep that they have Its because people spend mabie onc a week with they're birds and expect them to stay tame and friendly well you and I know that these birds take a lot more time than one day a week. I think thats why the have the reputation that they have. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bettyboop Posted November 10, 2008 Share Posted November 10, 2008 How sad to think someone could or would only allow them one hour a week .That is abuse , parrots are very social , and if someone doesnt know what that means , it means they like to be with you . I can't believe anyone would own a bird and not want to spend time with it .I love my birds and look forward to them being out of their cage and being with us . On days that I have been super busy with my Mom , they have this funny look on their little faces , so I have to stop and let them out to play and fly and hang out , they change instantly . They are so cute .....And so loving .... Avairy birds would naturally be independent and aloof , nippy and not tame , they have been purchased just to look at . So sad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tycos_mom Posted November 10, 2008 Share Posted November 10, 2008 I feel the same I love to spend every bit of spare time I have with my birds they are so much fun to be around yes they are messy and cane get into things they aren't suposed to like chewwing the natural wood trim around every window and ceiling in my house. But they are birds and birds like to chew At least they leave my antiques alone so far anyway. the Trim can bbe replaces fairly inexpencively so its not a big deal. If I ever decide to sell my home or it gets really bad I'll fix it so far they've kept it to one room so I'm not to worried about it. Mabie they will learn that its a no no before it goes to much further. I could not imagine not spending time with my birds on a daily basis. I feel guilty when I'm really busy with lifes chores and don't have allot of time to spend with them They really miss me during those times and all want to be with me at the same time. Then I really feel guilty that I haven't been there for them. thank goodness Its only a couple days out of the month that I get busy like that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bettyboop Posted November 10, 2008 Share Posted November 10, 2008 My life has been a Circus lately with my Mom being ill . This weekend , I called and checked on her but I just told her I needed to be home and clean my house . She is getting better , so it was OK, I will be there tomorrow , but my birds were out all weekend and they loved it . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tycos_mom Posted November 10, 2008 Share Posted November 10, 2008 I'm glad to hear your mom is starting to feel like heself again. Mabie soon things can get back to normal for you. I have been really busy for the last week of so with taking Gizmo to the vet and work. also my daughter moved so I looked after her son for a couple days so they could get everything done. I love my grand children with all my heart but haveing a 1 yr old around for 2 days was plenty for me for awhile I was glad when she came and got him. My Amazon just adored him and she would not stay on her play stand or cage the whole time he was here she had to be right there watching everything he did. It was very cute If he cryed she would cry and then say what happen what happen you okay. She realy does love Children. She also talks in a childs voice sometimes when shes really happy she will say popcorn pocorn please. I think in her previous home there was a child so thats why she likes them so much. Its funny how they remember certain things she's been with me for 7or8 years now and still remembers haveing a child around and even talks like her child from years ago. She's 11 yrs old so she was just young back then. The man in that house was very abusive and swore terribly and if you raise your voice in anger Fergie will start to yell and swear in a mans voice. She also hates men to this day and will bite them if they give her the opportunity. I think this man abused everyone in the house and she remembers and now all men are her enemy. Yet with woman and Children she is the gentlest sweetest bird you could ever meet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bettyboop Posted November 10, 2008 Share Posted November 10, 2008 Well , I hope she continues to improve .Physical Therapy is helping a lot. It is going to be a while before she is back to her normal self . I feel bad complaining , but geeze my work schedule, home schedule ,bird schedule , everything is being put on the back burner. I am also having about 18 guest for Thanksgiving , so the house must be cleaned . That is neat about your bird remembering to speak in a childs voice .They are amazing ...Sammy loves children , but Zsa Zsa doesnt seem to care for the three year old , he scared her one time and she stays all anxious when he is around . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zooman Posted November 11, 2008 Author Share Posted November 11, 2008 wow that is really true i love that fact too that we have birds that are not the norm, but having birds period here is still kinda different like people when im carrying the boys in their carrier will be like is that your cat? turn it to them and they are like wow a bird, i never wouldve thought. Its true no one has heard of a alexandrine but ask about a grey and you get a much different answer. I am so glad as well your mom is getting better i know it was stressing you out and taking you away from your flock but it'll get better. thats right you guys have thanksgiving coming, we have ours in october i always wondered whats the reason? and im sure your little ones will be spoiled with all kinds of different tastes, i brought home lots of different things from my parents of leftovers for them, they loved it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bettyboop Posted November 11, 2008 Share Posted November 11, 2008 Well I bet they loved Grandmothers leftovers . My guys have been eating cooked , mashed Acorn squash .They get it all over their beaks and look so funny .Zooman you can fix this , it is easy .You buy an Acorn squash , wash it , cut it in half , place it in a baking dish with a little water cut side down and bake according to directions which should be on the squash when you buy it . It's like 350 for thirty mins. Oh and remove the seeds and stringy stuff before baking. Then you scoop it out , and I put a tiny bit of salt on it and they loved it . Thank you for the well wishes for my Mom , she is getting stronger .<br><br>Post edited by: bettyboop, at: 2008/11/12 01:09 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bettyboop Posted November 12, 2008 Share Posted November 12, 2008 Pat , it amazes me that you have so much time to visit with your birds .I wish you lived close to me , I would want you to be my bird sitter.I bet my birds would love you . I think it's great that we all love them so much .They are a wonderful addition to our lives. How is Gizmo ? Is he getting more settled in ? Mary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tycos_mom Posted November 12, 2008 Share Posted November 12, 2008 Gizmo Let me give him scritches today twice I still can't get him to leave his cage. today I got him as far as the top of his cage and I locked him out for awhile so I could work with him and he let me give him scritches all over his face, neck and head Poor guy has somany pin feathers starting to grow. When they are under allot of stress their feathers stop growing now that he is more settled he's gettin tons of new feathers no wonder he let me give him scritches he actually closed his eyes and just enjoyed it for about five minutes so sweet. Next its step up training .:laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zooman Posted November 13, 2008 Author Share Posted November 13, 2008 wow you have made great leaps with gizmo good work, he was cage bound before you right? and his pin feathers are a good sign when a bird gets a good diet it sometimes triggers a molt so thats good for you and gizmo. and dont you know it i tried the squash thing you mentioned and it turned out pretty good. I thik ill have to buy some more i love the stuff and zuri and tiago loves it too, their beak gets all orange and look so funny. thanks for the help Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bettyboop Posted November 13, 2008 Share Posted November 13, 2008 Oh , I forgot to tell you. On yours ,you may add , butter, brown sugar , a dash of cinnamon , and sprinkle with chopped pecans. YUMMY ..... So glad you tried it .Another good one , sounds like you like squash , buy a spaghetti squash , this is the larger yellow one , cook the same way , shred out the inside and put spaghetti sauce on top , it is wonderful. Glad the birds liked it , they do look cute with all that yellow squqash on their beaks . I love the in season foods at different times of the year . Do your guys like baked pears , and baked pumpkin , ? Karma to you for trying the squash ..... M<br><br>Post edited by: bettyboop, at: 2008/11/13 11:29 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bettyboop Posted November 13, 2008 Share Posted November 13, 2008 Pat , that cage is his security blanket .He will come out and off. Try placing something off the cage but where he can see it , that would interest him .Can he fly ? Or do you know ?It all takes time and trust . M Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tycos_mom Posted November 14, 2008 Share Posted November 14, 2008 I know and he's come along way in 2 week It took Tyco a Year before I could touch her feathers. Now she love getting scritches but only before bed and first thing in the morning Greys are funny like that they only want affection when they choose. Not when you want to give them some. Its strange with Gizmo he won't step up but he allows me to give him scritches. With Tyco it was the exact oppisite Tyco would always step up for me but wouldn't allow any touching. Mind you with Tyco she is perch trained and to this day she will not step up onto my hand from her cage so I have to step her up onto a perch and then when she's off her cage she will step from the perch to my hand don't ask me why but thats the way she likes to do it. Gizmo is Terrified if I try to use a perch so he's definatly not perch traind I wish he was sometimes it makes things easier for training. or getting them off things that they don't want to leave. Like My Amazon likes to get ontop of my Kitchen Cabnets and chew them. and she never wants to come down I use a perch to step her up and I don't give her a choice. it works great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tycos_mom Posted November 14, 2008 Share Posted November 14, 2008 Mary I Know that you Alex is quite cage aggresive how do you get her off her cage will she step up for you and if so how did you get her to do that when you first got her or has or have you always been able to step her up from her cage. I need some help with getting Gizmo off his cage without scareing him Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zooman Posted November 14, 2008 Author Share Posted November 14, 2008 well thanks ill try that im not too sure about the spaghetti squash though haha, that sounds a bit to odd with the spaghetti sauce ill take your word for it though. I love buttercup and forget the other name of it but its soo good. K im going to sound like a dummy but how do we give each other karma? So my boys have to deal with the smaller room stands i gave mine away today i was trying to get ideas from other members but haven't seen one that i def wanted they are very nice and gave me ideas but its not what i envisioned. Guess ill have to go online to other stores. Have you ladies seen a really good stand idea anywhere? When i brought zuri home the first couple days he didnt want to step up either he was trained though. I sat near him read, napped and ate next to him and talked about random things. the first time i reached in i got a good bite. sat down talked some more and the next day went again, he stepped right up, that was the only time ive been bitten, my point is if hes comfortable enough to let you scratch he wont be scared if you slowly teach him to step up, I have this video where the trainer actually put her hand the same level as the perch and enticed the bird to just step on your hand for a treat. Its not even stepping up but just stepping onto because your hand is level with the perch he is on, if that makes sense, try that maybe but talk to him and he seems very intelligent and not vicious take it slow he'll come around. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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