Mitred Conure, Strawberry - Bird eClub Member Profile

Description

Date & Time

Edit

Delete

Hi guys--hope you are all ok. Miss YOU
Hello every birdie, it is SKY with this weeks SPOTLIGHT on CARING with my goofy, fun loving buddies Polly, and Zippy and their Momma Karen
SKY; When did you first become interested in birds? How did you become a bird owner?
Momma Karen; My grandmother had a pair of budgies that she allowed free in the house when I was young. They would go to her and 'talk' with her, imitate and call the outdoor birds. Grandma also fed the outdoor birds and would have jays and other birds sit on her as she offered them seeds. Seeing the different birds going to her is what started my interest.
Sky; Please tell us all, when did you first join Bird Channel? Polly; Momma joined B.C. in 2008.

SKY; How are you involved with birds in general? Momma Karen; I just talk about birds all the time in the various social settings I find myself in.
Sky; Momma Karen, could you tell us about the birds in your life, both past & present?
Momma Karen ;As a child I had a budgie that I had purchased from a dime store. Somehow it ended up with mites, I think. This was back in the 1960s, so there was no vet care and I was very ignorant. The poor thing died when I was on vacation with my family. He was well tended by the before mentioned grandmother. After my 5th human child, the family wanted a pet. Friends were breeding budgies at that time and gave us one for me taking care of the birds (and mice, and rabbits) while they were on vacation. I learned about the sensitivity of their breathing with this one. I moved our 'pet' back into the family space too soon after spraying for lice—we were having great difficulty getting rid of lice. About the time Orion died, Loki was hatched. The same friends let us have a 'replacement'. Still learning about avian vets, Loki lived for 8 years, but died because of a tumor. We had not found an avian vet.
to be continued next week
with my heart filled with love
SKY 224183

Come visit me, JESSE, AMANDO, a Rain Forest Raider, little angel, jack, Sarah Little Bird, rally,, ANGEL, I'm a SILVER SLUGGER, 2nd baser, Zeena, I'm a Major League Beak, SKY Mighty Macaw's Pitcher, Lupe', flynn, Poncho, Casey & Tia ready for the Derby, broken wings, broken promises & CASPER, I'm a White Hawk!!!.

06/11/2013 08:57.31 AM

Report This Comment

Hi Strawberry and Bilou
Spotlight on Caring
Spotlight on Caring -Taz part 7
Sky here with our last blogs with the Proctor flock. I must say I have dearly enjoyed learning all about this well known B.C. flock. SKY; Please continue, Mom Gail; SUZIQ was the next member of the flock. She came from the same bird store as Scooby. We used to visit there fairly often and buy food there as well. Suzi was a sweet bird and used to live with the owner's wife but then after nine months she decided that she did want to sell her so Burt bought her for me to try and ease the pain of losing Xena, I was not ready for a grey and didn’t know if I ever would be. Suzi still is a beautiful and sweet girl who loves her me and only me. Suzi does like to lay eggs a lot. I have had her checked out to make sure her calcium levels were okay and they were, I also make sure that she gets enough calcium in her diet. Ekkies are also very sensitive with regards to their diets. They don't do well with a lot of additives in their food or with pellets; they need a nice fresh food diet. They also have a tendency to toe tapping and wing flapping usually due to an excess of additives in their diet or stress can also be the cause. Suzi did start to toe tap and wing flap years ago and I had to play detective to try and figure out what was causing this as she was not on any pellets or other type of bird food and there didn't seem to be any cause for stress either. After a lot of research I decided my only recourse was to do an elimination diet for her. I took away all food except peas to start with until she quit and if she didn't start up again after a few days I added another vegetable which was carrots...all well there but when I added corn well Suzi started up again, mom took it away and after three days she quit again. The only food to cause an issue was corn so no more corn for her ever. If she gets a little bit of corn cause she gets the wrong bowl the toe tapping and wing flapping come right back. No corn and all is well.
CHLOE is next to join, I was still missing having a grey around the house so Burt looked through the papers and found Chloe in a neighboring state. I talked to Chloe's mom through e-mails and we met them to pick her up and take her home. Chloe has been and is a joy to have around; she decided that she liked her dad best even though she was a Mother's Day present for mom. She is a good talker and has lots of sounds, some that she makes up. She loves to sing.
SIMON came to join us the following year. I always wanted a B&G macaw and so back to the papers for Burt. He spotted Simon in a neighboring state as well. We took the drive to see him. When we got there, we were let in to a very dark house where all the blinds were drawn and there was another macaw in the back screaming with a blanket over the cage.

05/23/2013 06:55.43 PM

Report This Comment

Spotlight on Caring Taz part 7b
As soon as Simon saw us he let out a really loud and friendly Hi, and as soon as we walked in we knew he was coming home with us no matter what. He has been a challenge for sure and I got bitten quite a few times in the beginning. He does not like men at all, in the 12 years he has been here that has not changed. He is a momma's boy and he has anger issues but I have figured him out pretty good now so I rarely get bitten unless I cause it by not paying attention. He is a very sweet bird in his own right. He loves being held and loved; I call him my cockatoo in a blue suit. My heart melts when he looks up at me and says "I love you", just like a guy. CHICA flew into our lives when her previous owner decided that he couldn't care for her anymore so he gave her to me. When Chica first came to live her she didn't like to be touched very much. She used to eat absolutely everything in sight until her bowl was empty. She gained quite a few grams now she is starting to enjoy being preened and held. It has taken time and patience so it is so nice to see her enjoying herself. She has learned a lot of new words from Simon and she has the most infectious laugh that it is impossible not to laugh with her.
PEARL was a beautiful little cockatiel. Burt saw her in a pet store, he really needs to stay away from those places, and brought her home. This was shortly after Tweety passed away. She was a sweetie and was sitting on Burt’s shoulder a few days after getting here and laid two eggs, she never laid anymore after that. She was with us for a few years and then got sick, we tried hard to save her but eventually she just couldn't stay with us anymore. It seemed as if she had turned the corner and was doing better but the next morning she was gone. She is buried in our back yard in the flowers. Miss you little girl. NAPOLEON joined us next. In case you didn't guess by now, I love greys. A lady in the bird club wanted to find a home for him and while at the meeting Napoleon and I were bonding so Burt talked to the lady and Napoleon was mine. They brought him over with his cage that evening. Napoleon is a wonderful companion and a wonderful bird. Napoleon is a sweet and loving bird who loves to give me kisses. He is constantly learning new words but won’t talk in front of Burt, when Burt leaves the room he starts talking or if he is with mom he talks…of course he doesn't like Burt or men for that matter. I am now complete...I have my grey...
Sky; Thank you for sharing such loving and touching facts about your bird family.
with my heart filled with love
Sky 224183

05/23/2013 06:46.55 PM

Report This Comment

Hello Strawberry~
I hope your day is going great too! I have been working hard on my toy and I think I will probably be getting a new one tomorrow! this one has been lots of fun and I hope the next one is too!
Enjoy your day!
Love, hugs and a vote ~ Sugar

Come visit me, BOTD ARCHIVES, Sugar, The Calendar Page ~June's Flower is the Rose! & The 2013 Baseball Score Page.

05/15/2013 02:57.16 PM

Report This Comment

Hi Strawberry and Bilou
Spotlight on Caring-Taz part 6
Hello from SKY. Welcome to part 6 of my interview with Taz and his Mom Gail Sky; Please tell us about Xena and the other birds that make up your flockily. Mom Gail; XENA was the love of my life. She was my soul mate and when she died a part of me died with her, she left a hole in my heart. Don't get me wrong, I love all of my babies very much. Xena was only 18 months old when she died; we got her from the same lady where we got Taz. This can be a very long story so I'll make it short. Xena broke one of her legs but it was just a hairline fracture so she had to live in her aquarium for four months while it healed. She did amazing while living there. We used to live in a townhouse with three levels at that time and we used to go to the bottom level to relax at night and watch TV. Some of the birdies used to live on the second level and some on the bottom level so the birdies that lived on the second level all came down stairs so we were all together. Burt used to pick up Xena's aquarium and bring it down so she could be with the rest of the flock. This hairline fracture healed and Xena was back in her cage and all was going well until she broke the other leg but this was worse and required surgery to put a pin in it, back in the aquarium she went for another four months. She was so good; never once in either instance did she cry from pain or ever try to bite me. I had to give her antibiotics so I used to pulverize the pill and add it to some cantaloupe juice and Xena would happily eat it all up...she loved cantaloupe. After the four months were up, she went back to the vet, he x-rayed her and decided the pin needed to come out as it was starting to cause issues with her walking. I was in the room with her during her recovery time and she never woke up from the surgery! The vet did everything he could to try and resuscitate her but nothing worked. I cried out in such pain and fell to the floor when she didn't come to. I was devastated and I mean devastated beyond belief. They gave Xena's body to me wrapped in a towel and I sat on the floor literary wailing until they came gave me a room to sit in. I sat there and cried and wailed until Burt came to pick me up, they called him as I couldn't drive myself home. It took me a couple of years before she could even think about her without breaking down. I couldn't sleep or eat and lost 40 pounds during the first few months; I told you she took a piece of my heart. Burt didn't know what to do or how to console me as I was inconsolable. Thank goodness that I had my husband and all my babies here to help me though it. I never thought in a million years that I could ever love a little bird so very much.
Sky; next week we shall conclude our interview with Taz and Mom Gail. I trust all have enjoyed this series as much as I have in preparing it.
with my heart filled with love
Sky 224183

05/10/2013 02:49.10 PM

Report This Comment

Hi Strawberry !
Mother's Day is Sunday - NAME THAT TUNE on page 231616 has mother songs this week ! Go see if you know any !

You could win a custom juke box for your mom !

Come visit me, Cookie ready for bazbol !, BC Library Now Open & Fly with the angels my Sally.

05/09/2013 04:25.15 AM

Report This Comment

Hello Strawberry~
How are you doing? I hope it's all great with you too!
I've got jackhammers and dump trucks outside my window!! They are working on the drains in the parking lot so I get to watch it all!! They have to make sure all the drains are working for when it gets really wet up here!! They sure are noisy! Even my noise isn't that loud!hehehehehehe
Enjoy your day!
Love, hugs and a vote ~ Sugar

Come visit me, BOTD ARCHIVES, Sugar, The Calendar Page ~June's Flower is the Rose! & The 2013 Baseball Score Page.

05/06/2013 01:03.10 PM

Report This Comment

Hi Strawberry and Bilou
SPOTLIGHT on CARING-TAZ part 3
Hi SKY here with part 3 of our interview with TAZ, the PROCTOR FLOCK and their mom GAIL. SKY; Do you volunteer somewhere,or speak to people about birds
Mom GAIL; I don’t volunteer anywhere as there is no place near us. I do volunteer to take my birds (mainly Simon and Scooby) to local elementary schools. I do have a funny story about Simon while at an elementary school…we all were moving our birds from classroom to classroom and my husband, Burt, was carrying Simon and I was a head of them in the hallway when Simon decided he wanted to be with me and not Burt so he flew out of Burt’s hand toward me when he overshot me and failed to stop or turn before he got to the wall and crash (he wasn’t hurt…he’s pretty hard headed in more ways than one). Nothing else was hurt or damaged so we continued on to the next classroom, when we got home we got a call from the school about Simon…he was not welcome back unless he had his wings clipped or was wearing a harness. Since neither of those was going to happen he never went back to that school. We tell everyone that he got kicked out of school…hehe
Scooby loves to go to and see the kids and the kids love him. All the kids line up and one by one they get to have Scooby step up on their arms…the look on their faces is priceless…
SKY; thank you Mom Gail and TAZ
to be continued
with my heart filled with love,
SKY 224183

04/24/2013 03:51.23 PM

Report This Comment

Hi Strawberry and Bilou
Spotlight on Caring -Taz part 2
SKY; How did you become a bird owner?
Mom GAIL;When we got back from Hawaii we started doing a lot of research on parrots, especially cockatoos. While doing that research a friend of ours had a little cockatiel named Tweety that they wanted to find a home for since his wife was pregnant and they didn’t think it was safe to have her around bird poop, so Tweety was our first bird and we were hooked. The rest of the flock followed though out the years…
Tweety (Cockatiel (RIP)
TJ (CAG) (RIP)
Jewels (Nanday Conure)
Taz (Citron C2)
Xena (CAG) (RIP)
Calabar (Mitred Conure) (RIP)
Scooby Doo (OWA)
SuziQ (SI Ekkie)
Chloe (CAG)
Simon (B&G Macaw)
Pearl (Cockatiel (RIP)
Chica (B&G Macaw)
Napoleon (CAG)
Rosie (GALA)) SKY; TAZ, when did you join BC?
TAZ; 11/16/2006 but Mom didn’t start using it much until 3/23/2011 and Suzi Q was voting to help Chi chi attain her 10K votes…
SKY; tell us a little about how you are involved with birds?
Mom Gail; Other than taking care of my own flock, I am the secretary/treasurer of our local bird club. We are involved with rescuing birds and finding homes them and others that need a new home.
Sky; thank you Taz and Mom Gail. We will continue with our interview next Wednesday.
with my heart filled with love,
Sky 224183

04/17/2013 09:24.40 AM

Report This Comment

Hi Strawberry and Bilou
SPOTLIGHT on CARING TAZ and Mom Gail
Hello Everyone, SKY here with this weeks SPOTLIGHT on CARING. Today I will begin a series of wonderful interviews with TAZ, from the PROCTOR FLOCK and his wonderful mom Gail.. SKY; When did you first become interested in birds? Mom Gail; When my husband and I were in Hawaii on the island of Maui we stayed in a hotel that had parrots all over the lobby. We would go and look and talk to them all each day. Some were in cages and some like the macaws were on a big round ring perches. They had a parrot walk one day and we went on it to see what went on behind the scenes. It was very interesting and the gal who was their main caretaker was very knowledgeable. We decided to go to a bird store just to look at the parrots and on the way we got our picture taken with macaws all over us and that was fun, still have that picture. We found the bird store and began looking around and we told we could come into the baby bird room. That is where we both fell in love with a baby Umbrella cockatoo named Sweet Pea. Being just a baby it was the sweetest thing and of course wanted to cuddle…I was hooked. My husband being the sweet man he is tried to buy Sweet Pea for me. He talked to the owner and offered what he thought was a fair amount for the bird. We gave him our phone number for the hotel and left. Of course I was so anxious about it I couldn’t focus on anything else, we got the phone call and they declined our offer. They did call back later with a counter but it was still way too high for us…over $3000.
We left Hawaii without Sweet Pea…still thinking about that baby.
to be continued
with my heart filled with love SKY 224381

04/09/2013 07:05.30 PM

Report This Comment

Hi Strawberry and Bilou
Hello everyone, Sky here with this weeks SPOTLIGHT on CARING. I must apologize for missing 2 weeks but with the disappearance of Oliver 2 it was decided to fore-go continuing his Spotlight article. As many of you will know last week was of extreme stress at the SKY Flock Home. After being asked by several of my good BC friends I will share what took place.
On the weekend of March 23rd a woman came to visit us looking to adopt a baby Budgie. When she saw that my Momma Deb has 2 very sweet pet rats she screamed and looked rather uncomfortable. Her husband teased her for over-reacting. She stayed and met the little white and violet baby that was ready for his new home. Happy with the baby she left with her new friend.
While here she met me, SKY, minding my own business chewing on wood blocks and just hanging out as usual. She never asked what was wrong with my wing or Momma Deb would have explained my story of abuse. On Monday morning the OSPCA where at the front door with a complaint regarding the home being over-run in rats ( come on now, 2 is not over-run) and there were birds inside with broken limbs.
Momma Deb allowed them into our home, having nothing to hide. They checked all of us out and when the woman inspector met me and my fister Little Angel a severe plucker, she told my Momma Deb that both of us couldn't have a quality life, and that she ought to think of euthanizing us. Momma Deb told her in no uncertain terms her opinion on that one.
The inspectors who decided my life was worthless also didn't know a Budgie from a Cockatiel or one color of each from another. This uneducated person who passed a death sentence knew nothing about birds.
Momma Deb was very upset about what was said regarding me and Little Angel and turned to her BC family for help. The response was beyond belief. When the male inspector returned last Thursday he said the OSPCA had received 100s of emails and many calls on our behalf. All was revoked and we shall remain safely with Momma Deb. Through this Momma Deb learned the following;
1) no owner HAS to allow the animal control people into their home without a written warrant
2) whenever possible keep something in writing from a Vet stating that the bird is healthy, and able to live a quality life. If it has any disability or behavior issue-plucking etc
3) ignorance is dangerous--educate these people before they arrive at someone else's door. If you are "birdly," offer to consult for them
4) The BC family is a powerful force in your corner when you really need them.
I wish to thank all of you for your prayers, emails, calls and LOVE.
with my heart filled with love SKY 224183
Come over to meet my NEW FISTER ZEENA 255116

04/02/2013 08:58.56 PM

Report This Comment

Hello Strawberry~
I would not be on my way without stopping in to say hello to you and to stomp on that vote button!!
Love and hugs ~ Sugar

Come visit me, BOTD ARCHIVES, Sugar, The Calendar Page ~June's Flower is the Rose! & The 2013 Baseball Score Page.

04/02/2013 01:09.07 PM

Report This Comment

Hi Strawberry . . .
Thanks for stopping by to help me celebrate yesterday :) It was the perfect start to mom's vacation - waking up to see ME looking at me in the spotlight !

Enjoy your weekend ! Any special plans ?

Come visit me, Cookie ready for bazbol !, BC Library Now Open & Fly with the angels my Sally.

03/30/2013 05:21.11 PM

Report This Comment

Morning Strawberry !
Hooray - we got just a dusting - the snow all stayed south of us ! Plus mom saw robins - she came home as excited as a kid at Christmas ! Did the storm reach your way ? I know they were saying south and east . . .

Even better, only 3 days to her vacation and cage shopping ! What a great use of tax refund . . . :) She's been checking on line, but won't buy until she gets to touch !

Don't forget to go play NAME THAT TUNE on page 231616 - all car songs this week :)

Love Cookie sitting home praying for Sky and Little Angel !

Come visit me, Cookie ready for bazbol !, BC Library Now Open & Fly with the angels my Sally.

03/26/2013 04:27.09 AM

Report This Comment

Hello Strawberry~
How is everything going with you? I'm doing just fine. We are suppose to get a big rain and wind strom tonight but since it happens all the time it's really not a big deal. We are always ready for power outages here since it happens all the time! I've got my fireplace and lots of snacks so if the power goes out, I'll be just fine! Mom already went over to the library and picked up some great books for us to read! I really do love books ya know!
I hope you have a great day!! Stomping out a vote and sending hugs your way!
Love ya ~ Sugar

Come visit me, BOTD ARCHIVES, Sugar, The Calendar Page ~June's Flower is the Rose! & The 2013 Baseball Score Page.

03/19/2013 03:36.56 PM

Report This Comment

Hello Strawberry~
How is everything with you? I hope your day was just wonderful.
It got warmer here~~up to 55~~but we still have rain. It's okay with me since I know that spring is very close now. I have about a thousand frogs outside my window and they are making a huge noise! Okay! Maybe there are only about a hundred of them but boy are they loud! I hope they quiet down before I hit the night cage!!
Enjoy your evening! Leaving a vote and a big hug!
Love you ~ Sugar

Come visit me, BOTD ARCHIVES, Sugar, The Calendar Page ~June's Flower is the Rose! & The 2013 Baseball Score Page.

03/15/2013 08:58.35 PM

Report This Comment

Spotlight on Caring--Luigi & Momma Dania
HELLO, SKY here with this Wednesday's Spotlight on Caring, featuring DJ Luigi and his Momma Dania .
SKY: Welcome Luigi and Momma Dania. Please tell us when and how you first became interested in birds.
Momma Dania; I became interested in birds and pets since I was 4 years old! I loved animals and I wasn't afraid of dogs bigger than me. I became interested in birds when I first saw my grandma's Budgie when I was six years old. I played with it everyday until when I was 9 years old, the Budgie died.
SKY: When did you become a bird owner?
Momma Dania; I became a bird owner because I was bullied in school. I always wanted a pet and begged my parents for one. I ended up with two birds because I tricked my parents into getting a coupled bird! My parents got me a pet because I was always lonely at school and didn't have anyone to talk to. So having a pet was like having a friend to talk to.
SKY; How did you learn about BC?
Momma Dania; I joined BC when my friend who owned a budgie named Moby told me about BC and said how it could help me raise my lovebirds.
SKY; Tell us all how you learned how to look after Luigi ( and Angel)? Momma Dania; I learned a lot by talking with my family who have experience with birds and some of my friends.
SKY: Momma Dania, please tell us about Luigi and his former mate Angel.
Momma Dania; Luigi was a juvenile peach-faced lovebird when I bought him and his mate Angel from the bird breeder who breeds lovebirds and budgies. She owns a website called Heartsong aviary. Angel is a peach faced lutino lovebird. She became aggressive when she was 5 months. She was extremely aggressive but with patience and care, she became a loving bird! After her hormonal phase passed, I taught her not to bite. Over time, she was able to step up and go on my shoulder. Luigi on the other hand, was a sweet lovebird. He is really silly and likes to act silly to get my attention. I actually communicated with my birds to ask if they wanted to get out of the cage by bobbing my head up and down and they would respond by getting ready to jump on the door! Throughout the months I had trouble breeding Angel and Luigi at first . I got tips on birdchannel for breeding my birds. After a few tries they got baby birds twice but they sadly didn't make it. I decided to sell Angel because she wanted to continue breeding, so I gave her to a family who rescues birds. She is now with Sunny, a young peach-faced lovebird of 7 months who plucked his feathers when he lost his wife-bird. His wife bird was badly hurt and didnt make it.
SKY: What are your future bird pIans? Momma Dania; One day I will return to my home country Lebanon to start a big aviary and breed Hyacinth macaws. I study about different parrots and hope to be able to help save these endangered beauties.
Sky; thank you Momma Dania & Luigi
with my heart filled with love SKY 224183

03/13/2013 06:43.43 AM

Report This Comment

Hi Strawberry and Bilou
SPOTLIGHT on CARING-ANGEL BERTIE'S GYM
Hi everyone, SKY here with a special feature blog. Today's Spotlight on Caring guest is the Proprietor of ANGEL BERTIE'S RAINBOW Gym, my daughter Ms Chirps. Page # 247770
SKY; In light on the growing numbers of bird friends flying to the Rainbow Bridge due to health problems related to obesity, I understand you, Spot and Momma Rea decided to open the gym. Is this correct?
Ms Chirps; Absolutely. It is alarming the number of BC birds that are over weight and out of shape. We decided to open the gym to help teach birdies to exercise and to have seminars of food and health issues.
SKY; That is a wonderful idea. I know that too many of us eat to well, exercise to little.
Ms Chirps: Yes, it's very true. We hope to help stimulate owner/bird exercises to increase our life spans and avoid health problems.
SKY: To help promote this endeavor YOU will be hosting the first ever Rainbow Gym indoor birdie GAMES next week?
Ms Chirps: YES. On Saturday MARCH 9th and SUNDAY MARCH 10th we will be having a full range of events. Boys versus girls. There will be something for every bird to take part in. The complete list is posted on ANGEL BERTIE'S RAINBOW GYM page.
SKY; How does a bird register to take part?
Ms. Chirps: come to page # 247770 read the list and leave a quick entry blog.
SKY: thank you Ms Chirps. SO, every bird, come take part in this fun competition!!
with my healthy heart filled with love, SKY-224183

03/05/2013 07:11.43 PM

Report This Comment

Hi Strawberry and Bilou
Spotlight on Caring-Chyna FEb 27th
Welcome every bird to this weeks feature SPOTLIGHT on CARING with my very special friend, the lovely, talented Miss Chyna and her Mom Jane. Visit Chyna on her page 221660.
SKY: Jane, when how did you become interested in birds?
Mom Jane; I have always had dogs in my life. My best friend had birds and so did my aunt. After we lost our Alaskan Malamute my husband suggested a bird. I have always loved parrots. We purchased two lovebirds from a breeder. He seemed to be a bird mill type. They lived a week. We found a good breeder thru our vet. My sweet bird’s name was Rikki (peach face lovebird). I just loved her and we learned a lot together. I had her only 4 years. She was lost to an accident. That was very hard to come home and find out she was gone.
My husband drove me to the only pet store and there I fell in love with Pahaa (Blue Crown Conure) but, he wasn’t for sale. It was the pet store owner’s bird.
SKY; Chyna how did you find out about Bird Channel? When did you join?
Chyna; Mom had been reading about the BC from Bird talk magazine but never joined until June 2010. Where we met three wonderful friends ... Kirby, Squeaky and Falco.
SKY; Mom Jane, are you involved with a locale bird club?
Mom Jane; I wish we had clubs, fairs etc up here. There is nothing at all. A 75 mile drive away is Petsmart. Visiting Ithe store I noticed that the birds were stressed and they were placed right next to the reptiles mainly snakes. As that is a bird’s (and mine) mortal enemy, I spoke with the employees. They said that they couldn’t move them. So, I started with phone calls and letters. The birds are no longer near the reptiles. I feel so much better about that.
SKY; Please tell us how you became a bird owner and a little about their past and present histories.
Mom Jane; After speaking to Pahaa’s owner, I was put on a very long list for a BCC baby. She told me the breeding pair was across the state. So, off we went. I thought I could get on a shorter list. But, the breeder said that his list was very long. Then he asked if it had to be a baby? He had a bird that was returned, they had him less than a year. They were moving and got rid of all their pets. I went into the storage room and in a dark corner, there was Bailey (Pahaa’s brother). As soon as the door to the dirty cage was opened, he jumped right on me and snuggled. He came home with us that day. We had a wonderful life together. We were very close right up to his last moments of life. The last thing he did was give me a kiss. Pneumonia took his life away. He was 191/2. The next month I was still grieving very hard. My husband found a Yellow Collared Macaw on the net. I had told him I couldn’t get another BCC as Bailey could never be replaced. I said I just wasn’t ready and my husband said ..you will never be ready. The bird in the picture was very nice looking so I said yes. We called the man and said we wanted the bird.

02/27/2013 05:41.47 PM

Report This Comment

part 2-Chyna
We tossed some clothes in the car and off we went. It was a long drive out of state. When we got there, that wasn’t the same bird. The feathers were dull, dark, tattered, eyes dull. The small tiel cage with one old toy was opened and the bird flew to the ground. No one could touch it but it would step up on a finger. He said that he only kept birds for 6 months and then sold them. He had this bird for a year (from a breeder). He didn’t want it anymore so, he’d give us a good price. I just couldn’t leave the bird. He thought it was a boy. Then he gave me a bag of food for the 8 hour trip home. After we were on the way home, I opened the bag, it was moldy. We stopped at a Petsmart and purchased new food, toys etc. I was watched the whole way home. After we got home around midnight, the bird saw the new cage (Bailey’s) and everything I put in it. The Bird was so very happy and running around and playing. Finally we all went to bed at 1am. The next day, the bird was sneezing a lot so he went to my vet asap. My vet said to me that I have a very sweet but neglected bird. A lot of tests were done, Now we know that bird is a girl. I named her Chyna. We had heard China Girl on the radio several times on the way home. She was on meds for respiratory infections. I was also told that she was neglected. You can see on her page all the times she was ill. It seemed like she was on meds more than not. In the spring, she got worse. my vet called another bird specialist and off we went on a 150 mile trip. She had pneumonia and I was in a panic. But, she recovered from that. She was still having respiratory problems. Both vets were seeing her all this time. It was decided that she needed nares surgery as they were blocked. One side was a lot worse than the other. I was in a panic when she went into surgery. After what seemed like a lifetime, the vet came up to me and said, please come back here. I thought I’d lost her. But, there she was laying on the table in restraints and looking at me. He said that they were ready to put her under but, she wasn’t moving. So, they started the surgery and she never made a sound or moved. He said that has never happened to him. After her little recovery period, she was back with me. I had to peel her off and put her in the Wingabago. This summer in time for her second hatchday, she was well and enjoying her day. She and I have become very close. But, Bailey’s memory is still in my heart. The best news for me was when my regular vet on her first yearly check-up (who has seen her just days after she came home) said to me" You wouldn’t know this is the same bird, she looks wonderful." She will probably be on allergy meds on and off all her life. She’s had many many vet visits, tests, labs, meds and surgery but, she is so worth it, I love her.
SKY: Thank you Jane and Chyna for your wonderful, heart warming interview.
with my heart filled with love
Sky--224183

02/27/2013 05:28.15 PM

Report This Comment

Hi Strawberry and Bilou
Spotlight on Caring Falco and the Boys,part 2
Hello, SKY here with the conclusion of our interview with Falco and the boys, and their wonderful Mom Arlene SKY; can you tell us a little about how you are involved with birds? Mom Arlene; I am a member of the National Aviary, so I visit there as often as I can, and I am also a member of a local chapter of Parrot Education and Adoption Council. I'm not really that active, but do enjoy their very few social events. SKY; I do know that you volunteer at a rehab Center. Can you tell us a little more about this? Mom Arlene; I do volunteer at a local wildlife rehabilitation center, part of the local Animal Rescue League. I actually wrote 5 of their original 8 education programs, and went out into the community to speak about all the animals there. Recently they have hired an educator to do the programs and update them on the computer, etc. I've taken birds on outings, and done training at the museum where I work with one of the education birds from the center. Currently, I take birds or other animals, including a skunk and a porcupine, to meet and greet events, where I can introduce the animal to the public and solicit support for the work at the center. I love working with the owls or hawks, they always seem to draw a crowd.
SKY; Tell me about the birds in your flock?
Mom Arlene; We already spoke about Falco. We have had a wonderful life together since she's been here. I also have 2 rescue doves, Millie and Lily, who came from the wildlife center several years ago. We had them at the center and thought they would make good foster parents for wild doves. When they saw the baby mourning doves, though, they hid! So, they now live here in peace and relative quiet. We just lost Buddy, our cockatiel. He was with us for about 11 years, and he was a rescue. He came from a home where he was traumatized, and it took over a year for him to accept that I wasn't going to hurt him when I opened the cage door to clean. We became good friends, and I'll miss him a lot. I purchased Willie from a breeder after we lost Divo, our lovebird. Willie has been a delight, he's really funny and has grown to be absolutely gorgeous! He doesn't say much, mostly "What a good boy" but he loves interacting with me.

02/20/2013 06:33.41 PM

Report This Comment

part 3
Our latest addition to the flock is also the oldest bird in the flock, and that's Gizmo, our TAG. Giz is in his third and I hope, final home. He's 32 years old, and has lived here for the past 2 years. He has learned new words since he's been here, he loves to whistle and makes up his own songs, and he surprises me nearly daily with a new noise, word, or action. When I got Gizmo, the rescue place told me he ate seeds, bananas, and grapes, and that he did not like any new toys. Since I've had him and moved him to a larger, more comfortable cage, he has tried every single food I've put in his dish, he has played with countless new toys, and has not shown any fear either of food or toys! He still gets some seed, but his diet now is mostly fresh foods, some pellets, and some seed/nut mix.
Sky; Did you encounter any problems when you introduced the birds to your existing flock?
Mom Arlene: I haven't really had problems with the birds; it's more training the dogs that I've concentrated on. I don't let Giz out with the smaller birds, as some of the folks on BC told me that bigger birds sometimes get aggressive with smaller ones. He does get his time out of cage daily, though, as do Falco and Willie. The doves don't care if they're in or out of the cage, they have each other.
SKY: Please tell us one or more things you feel are important to share with other bird owners? Mom Arlene; My most important message to other bird folks is to make sure you have time to spend with all of your birds. They need you and depend on your company. Also, before adding a new bird, do your homework! Know the needs of any new bird you decide to buy, adopt, or rehome.
SKY; Thank you so much Mom Arlene, Falco, Gizmo and Willie for sharing with us about your flockily.
I have included contact information for the Wildlife Rehab Center for those interested in learning more, or making a donation. SKY; Tell us a few things about the center? Mom Arlene; This is kind of disjointed, but about 95% of the native species that we take at the center are there because of some run in with humans: people cutting trees or brush, then noticing the nests of squirrels, people running over bunny nests with their lawn mowers, and so on. Also, when people release doves at events, keep in mind that they are native to Asia, not here, so when the lucky ones find their way to the rehabilitation center, they are emaciated and dehydrated because they don't recognize food sources in the wild backyards they pass over. if anyone feels like donating, the name is Animal Rescue League Wildlife Center, and the address is 6000 Verona Road, Verona PA 15147. You can also donate online at AnimalRescue.org. The main job of the rehab center is to rehabilitate and release native PA animals. Our release rate is around 65%, which is double the national average, so your donation can do some real good.
with my heart filled with love,
Sky2241

02/20/2013 06:26.12 PM

Report This Comment

Hello my dear friend . . .
Did you hear ? More snow coming tomorrow - but after last weekend, it'll seem minor - actually, I think it's supposed to be anyway. Today feels like spring might be right around the corner though ! It's mild and the sun is shining . . . so how far away can spring really be ?

Mom's on vacation, so we'll have lots of time together - I overheard something about grooming, but I'm hoping that's her and not me !

Have a great day ! Love Cookie

Come visit me, Cookie ready for bazbol !, BC Library Now Open & Fly with the angels my Sally.

02/15/2013 11:03.13 AM

Report This Comment

Hello Strawberry~
Happy Valentine's Day!
I wanted to come by and tell you that I HEART U!
I hope you have a day filled with love!
Hugs ~ Sugar

Come visit me, BOTD ARCHIVES, Sugar, The Calendar Page ~June's Flower is the Rose! & The 2013 Baseball Score Page.

02/14/2013 03:03.35 PM

Report This Comment

Hey Strawberry
Happy Valentine's day, Hope it's a wonderful day filled with a little extra attention. I know, we get lots every day, so today shouldn't be any different, but if your folks are so inclined, may you have a special treat today. Nothing new here, mom is going to the pool today, maybe for the last time before the big trip. She has a busy day tomorrow, so today may just be for us! Hugs, Willie

Come visit me, Gizmo, vote Bellatrix, 217549, BOTM, Willie, vote Bellatrix, 217549, BOTM, In Divo's memory & Falco, vote Bellatrix, 217549, BOTM.

02/14/2013 08:10.36 AM

Report This Comment

Good day Strawberry ! !
I love you more than applesauce,
than peaches and a plum
than lollipops and candy drops
and berry bubblegum !

Happy Valentine's Day ! love Cookie

Come visit me, Cookie ready for bazbol !, BC Library Now Open & Fly with the angels my Sally.

02/14/2013 06:44.42 AM

Report This Comment

Hi Strawberry and Bilou
Spotlight on Caring-February 14th-Falco & the boys
Hello every bird, SKY here with this weeks Spotlight on Caring. This being Valentine's Day I want to first all our BC friends and family a day full of love and romance! This weeks Spotlight features a flockily well known to many, Falco, Gizmo, Willie and their Mom Arlene. SKY; mom Arlene, when did you first become interested in birds? Mom Arlene; I used to have a budgie as a teenager. He was constantly with me when I was home. SKY; How did you become a bird owner? Mom Arlene; I became a bird owner from working at the wildlife center! We get ring necked doves there nearly every summer: you know the kind--either beige with a ring around its neck, or all white, and people release them at weddings or funerals or who knows when else. Anyway we always have to rehome them, as the owners don't band their legs and nearly every year some get lost and don't return home. I took a pair the first year, but doves aren't that interactive. Later (in 2005) I answered the phone when a woman asked if we rehomed parrots. I told her no, but that I might be interested. She gave me her information, and I called when I got home. That's how I got Falco! Her breeder/owner had gotten too infirm to care for her properly, and the rest of the family already had enough birds. When we met, Falco came right to the front of her cage and began talking and dancing. That's how I knew we were meant for each other!
SKY; when do first join Bird Channel? Mom Arlene ; I believe it was in 2009
SKY: thank you Mom Arlene, for sharing with us. Next Wednesday we will hear the REST of the STORY. I promise you it is well worth the wait.
GIZMO is working on the 10K HOF. PLEASE stop in to support him with your votes.-190123
with my heart filled with love, SKY

02/13/2013 02:06.16 PM

Report This Comment

Guess what I did Strawberry ?
Yesterday the road crews were out with their bob-cats and dump trucks clearing snow ! Well, I sat at my window and made sure they did a good job ! LOUDLY ! Just in time for tonight ! Although tonight is only supposed to be a few inches . . . maybe mom will have a Valentine's Day delay !

Although, I shouldn't complain - dad noticed dry rot on one of his tires yesterday so he's staying home to have it taken care of - that means lots of extra out of cage time for me ! YIPPEE !

Hope the new snow stays f*a*r away from you :) love Cookie

Come visit me, Cookie ready for bazbol !, BC Library Now Open & Fly with the angels my Sally.

02/13/2013 10:08.55 AM

Report This Comment

Hey Strawberry
If we're hearing from you, it means you have power! That's great news, we have been worried about everyone on the coast.
Thank you for helping me to achieve the Hall of Fame. You are invited to the party on the HOF page today, all day long, I hope to see you there! Hugs, Willie

Come visit me, Gizmo, vote Bellatrix, 217549, BOTM, Willie, vote Bellatrix, 217549, BOTM, In Divo's memory & Falco, vote Bellatrix, 217549, BOTM.

02/10/2013 08:16.32 AM

Report This Comment

Oh my dear friend !
What a great relief to hear from you ! We too, were lucky - just over 16 inches and the power stayed on ! It helped that it was a Friday night too - two days to dig out ! The first digging that was done was dad making a path out to the outdoor flock's feeders. It was very cute - they all sat and watched and waited for their breakfast this morning !

Then today we played - mom got out my foot toy box and I got to pick some out for myself ! That's always hard - I want them all at once !

Well, I'm off to have my goodnightbird popcorn ! Hugs for you and mom and flock :) love Cookie and mom !

Come visit me, Cookie ready for bazbol !, BC Library Now Open & Fly with the angels my Sally.

02/09/2013 02:58.05 PM

Report This Comment

Hello Strawberry~~
I was so very happy to hear from you! I've been thinking about you guys and praying that everything was okay! They say that nearly 600K people don't have power and I was really worried! Glad to hear you still have your heat and the lights! It was one nasty storm!
I hope your dad gets to feeling better. Mom's sister has asthma and we know how dangerous it can be. Keep him warm and tell him we are praying he feels better soon!
Please give Bilou a big hug from me and thank you so much for coming by! It makes me feel better to know you are all okay!
Love and hugs ~ Sugar

Come visit me, BOTD ARCHIVES, Sugar, The Calendar Page ~June's Flower is the Rose! & The 2013 Baseball Score Page.

02/09/2013 01:34.39 PM

Report This Comment

Oh my dear friend
I hope and I pray that the next few days are easy on you . . . that's the only thing we're worrying about is the power - I've got plenty of food (so do the humans) and toys (so do the humans) -

Please, please, stay safe and warm - you have become very special friends :) love Cookie

Come visit me, Cookie ready for bazbol !, BC Library Now Open & Fly with the angels my Sally.

02/07/2013 12:29.03 PM

Report This Comment

Hey Strawberry
YUCK, more snow! Like there hasn't been enough already! What an adventure already, right? I love being on board the Pearl!We kept getting squawked this morning, but it seems to be working right now. At least for awhile, that is...
Wow, less than 100 votes to go! Willie is getting excited! Mom made Indian food last night, a nice chicken curry, some kidney beans in sauce, and pav bhaji, a veggie dish. You might think she cooked it, but really, most of it comes from Trader Joe in boilable pouches. The only thing she cooked was the chicken, and even that sauce was from a jar, heehee. The neighbor liked it, though, and there aren't many leftovers, just some rice which we will get, and a small amount of chicken. Today is shopping and errands, saving tomorrow for a swim. Hope you are having a great day! Hugs, Gizmo

Come visit me, Gizmo, vote Bellatrix, 217549, BOTM, Willie, vote Bellatrix, 217549, BOTM, In Divo's memory & Falco, vote Bellatrix, 217549, BOTM.

02/07/2013 12:00.50 PM

Report This Comment

Hello Strawberry~
I hope the day is going great! Are you guys going to get snow today?? It's not really clear on the weather channel where it's going to go or how much snow it's going to be! I just hope you guys stay warm and cozy!
I'm doing fine. We are not doing much today except get things ready for mom to go to work tonight and dinner for the family. I think mom is going to have to go to the market later. She usually goes on Fridays but since she is working tonight she'll probably be too tired to get much done tomorrow!!
Enjoy the day buddy and I hope it's great!
Love, hugs and a vote ~ Sugar

Come visit me, BOTD ARCHIVES, Sugar, The Calendar Page ~June's Flower is the Rose! & The 2013 Baseball Score Page.

02/07/2013 11:23.54 AM

Report This Comment

Hi Strawberry and Bilou
Spotlightlight on Caring--February 6th-Cappy
February 6th SPOTLIGHT on CARING-Cappy part 3
Hello BC friends, Sky here with the conclusion to our interview with my good friend Cappy & his Mom Terri. I wish to take this opportunity to THANK all our dear friends who have stopped by with condolences and floral gifts for our sweet fister RUBY, a Blue Crown Conure who left us last Thursday evening. Your love has helped us through this most difficult time. Now back to the "REST OF THE STORY"
SKY: tell us you did when your where faced with all these health issues on a newly adopted bird?
Terri: We did call the guy we bought him from to let him know that Cappy was very sick and the guy had the gall to ask me why I had taken him to the vet. He did offer to have us return him but I was already committed to Cappy and knew this guy would NOT do what was right by Cappy or his other birds. He wouldn’t entertain the idea of helping with the vet bill. I was so mad I ended up calling the Oklahoma City bird mart and sent out the alarm that I had purchased a very sick bird there. I believe they have since closed the Oklahoma City Bird Marts! I have tried to contact head office about this dealer but never got a response. I sent out the alarm also to local bird clubs that I found online. I was so upset that people out there don’t care one lick for the health and happiness of these beautiful creatures nor do they care about anything other than the almighty dollar. I suspect this dealer continues to sell sick birds but I have sent out messages to everyone I can think of to not buy from him.
Sky: can you give us a few ideas what other problems you then had to work through?
Terri: After Cappy became healthy he started attacking my husband at what seemed like every turn and he had melt down when Rudy would fly by him which resulted in bad bites to my husband. My husband has had his ears pierced twice, his nose pierced once, his eyebrow pierced once and his fingers pretty near shredded on numerous occasions. Please note that we do not generally allow him on the shoulder … he typically launches himself from the arm or lap to your face or just chews away at the fingers. As we watched and tried to figure out what caused these attacks we learned a few things.
Sky: please continue. I know we all are interested in your observations:
Terri: Cappy is a daddy’s boy, he is very attached to my husband and looks for and to him. Cappy had been known to attack women but I have been very lucky in that he hasn’t attacked or hurt me to the extent he has my husband. The old axiom of hurting the one you love the most seems to fit here

02/06/2013 03:17.29 PM

Report This Comment

conclusion
2) Cappy didn’t like people talking with their hands (he would go into meltdown screaming and attack mode) – We are still working to de-sensitize him to moving hands … we suspect he has been hit in the past and that is the cause for his overreaction.I have tried to make a game with my hand movements so he understands that I am not going to hurt him and now he may even get a little playful with regards to hand movements. Playing peek-a-boo with larger hand movement is one method I have used
3)Cappy doesn’t like to be put in his cage – My husband would get bitten nightly at Cappy’s bedtime …. He just never wanted to be put to bed no matter what time it was. We have to towel him every night and put him in his cage inside the towel and then close the door and reach in and get the towel. That prevents Cappy from biting and he doesn’t get near as worked up about going to bed.
4) Cappy LOVES towels …. Strange as it seems he loves to be toweled and hugged and snuggled. When Cappy starts into a meltdown a towel can calm him down rather quickly, we just towel him, hug him and tell him he is ok and we love him and he settles down …. most of the time we can release him and he will remain calm but sometimes he may not and then we have to put him in his cage for timeout.
As we have learned and implemented the things above Cappy has become much calmer and the bites have subsided a lot …. We still have them now and then but they are not as intense and they are becoming less frequent. Another thing we have learned is that when he is in a meltdown we must remain calm and patient and to reduce our energy as well and that makes a huge difference in how Cappy responds to us.
SKY;Please tell us one or more things you feel are important to share with other bird owners?
Terri: Patience, Love, Understanding, the ability to put yourself in their feathers can go a long way to solving many problems. Bites can be the most difficult thing to endure, because as humans we do take it personally, and bites HURT. But we can learn to understand, respect and prevent future bites to a certain extent. Every bird has their own unique personality and as such they all present different body language that we as humans must learn to read and understand. It can be summed up in the words of my husband’s two co-workers. One said I had to be totally committed to the welfare of our birds and the other said I just needed to be totally committed. One thing that seemed to help my husband deal with Cappy’s biting is the way he viewed it. He used the analogy of getting a 4 year old human child that had been bounced around 4 or 5 different homes in a short period of time and how would that child react and how would you respond.
Sky: Cappy, Mom Terri thank you so much for this very informative interview. I hope we all can gain something from it.
with my heart filled with love,
SKY 224183

02/06/2013 02:58.32 PM

Report This Comment

Hey Strawberry
I'm glad to see you again! Mom got a swim in yesterday, but not today. The dog visit to the vet was routine and both girls got their shots updated. Mom's vet did tell her that Daisy is definitely NOT over 5 years old, he thinks she's more like between 2 and 3, so they changed that in her record. He said that when they age them at a shelter, most of them are erroneous. He's had many years of experience, so we think he knows best.
Mom got one gift for her friend's mom when she visits Vietnam, but she's going to bring her some other things that she has made as well.
Mom went to a friend's house after the wildlife center today. They played with water colors for awhile, then she came home to blog and play with us. Our neighbor is coming for dinner tonight, but we're okay with that because he likes us birdies. Hope you are having a great day, hugs, Gizmo, aboard the Pearl

Come visit me, Gizmo, vote Bellatrix, 217549, BOTM, Willie, vote Bellatrix, 217549, BOTM, In Divo's memory & Falco, vote Bellatrix, 217549, BOTM.

02/06/2013 12:25.03 PM

Report This Comment

Hi Strawberry !
Well, I didn't scream as much at mom last night - and today she should get home on the early side - two prep periods on Wednesday means less to bring home.

Dad is off today - he's meeting with the accountant (wings crossed for a nice refund . . . mom wants a new 'puter!) Then he's stopping at the Wild Birds Unlimited in preparation for Fridays storm ! If I'm lucky it'll be a long weekend :)

I hope you stay warm and cozy and LEAVE YOUR TAIL ALONE ! love Cookie

Come visit me, Cookie ready for bazbol !, BC Library Now Open & Fly with the angels my Sally.

02/06/2013 08:42.56 AM

Report This Comment

Yippee ! ! !
I'm so glad you stopped by ! You are such a good looker and I've missed you :)

We have snow here today ! It looks very pretty cause it's on the trees and grass, but not the roads - I'm watching all the little birds out back at the feeders - boy they are piggies ! And the squirrels are collecting up the peanuts mom put out for them . . .

Come visit me, Cookie ready for bazbol !, BC Library Now Open & Fly with the angels my Sally.

02/05/2013 05:06.05 AM

Report This Comment

Hi Strawberry and Bilou
January 30th SPOTLIGHT on CARING-Cappy part 2
Hi every bird, SKY here with this weeks SPOTLIGHT on CARING Part 2 as we continue our interview with Cappy and his Mom Terri. I'd like to take a moment to ask for continued prayer for Ms Chirps -228922 Momma Rea who was taken to Hospital in Rochester, NY this afternoon. We hope to be able to update you asap. SKY; Please tell us the history of Cappy, and how & when he joined your flock:

Terry; We found Cappy at a bird mart in Oklahoma city while we were hunting for bird toys. A kid of about 8 was walking around with him and he was a snuggle bunny and just wanted to be held and to cuddle. My husband and I handled him and he was so lovable and kept telling us he was a good boy and a good bird. We handled him for about 2-3 hours, then we went to talk to the owner. This guy also had a poor Ekkie who looked horrible and you couldn’t even approach it … probably should have set alarm bells off in my head but I was more attuned to Captain who seemed healthy and happy. Cappy was being sold because he had a history of attacking women… from what we could understand Cappy went from original home, because of bad behavior/biting, and into a exotic sale in Tennessee where the dealer in Oklahoma picked him up for a quick resale. Our vet Tech was also at this particular bird mart and we showed her Cappy. We all felt he was in good health and his feathers looked pretty good other than an awful butcher job for a wing trim.

SKY: I understand that there were a number of very serious issues that came up once Cappy joined your flock. Can you elaborate?

TERRY; The first problem we noticed was within a day of purchase. Cappy was sitting at the bottom of cage and appeared ill so we got him to the vet ASAP. He tested positive for Chlamydia and PBFD. Immediately we removed Dory and Rudy from the home and sent them to a friend until we could figure things out with Cappy. Cappy underwent 10-11 weeks of antibiotic shots in his chest before he was cleared of the Chlamydia. After he was cleared of the Chlamydia we re-tested for PBFD and came back negative so finally after about 12 weeks he was pronounced healthy.
Sky; due to space limits by BC we shall conclude this interview next Wednesday. Thank you Cappy & Mom Terry for sharing your experiences with bringing a new bird into your flock!
with my heart filled with love.
SKY 224183

01/29/2013 10:42.57 PM

Report This Comment

...