From Birdie Brunch reader Betsy Lane:
File under “the universe is too complicated to be arbitrary” which begs the question “does a dyslexic agnostic believe in dog?”
THANK YOU for today’s (9/11/16) birdy brunch! It was perfectly timed….
Editor’s note: We have quietly rehomed a number of large birds found by the Chicago Police and Fire Departments over the years. We found Popcorn, (a citizen calling to say a white bird was stuck in the bushes). We post pictures to Facebook and local neighborhood groups.
Debbie C. reached out for advice
Hello Mitch,
I have a Senegal baby parrot, four months old. It is pulling its feathers out. I have had Senegal parrots before, and I never had a plucking problem with them. This bird has everything.
I don’t understand why it pulls out its own feathers? It is breaking my heart. I would appreciate Any advice, & help that you can give me.
Thank you sincerely.
Debbie C
I am so torn by my bird’s recent behavior. While I was cleaning his cage this morning, I let him roam. He was well behaved. He started pecking at the carpet and I said “No” in a stern voice. Of course, he fluffed up and waddled around.
When I finished, I gave him his bath which he loved. He just goes to the top of his cage and I spray and sing to him. After that, I got the cape I usually wear when holding him. He got all excited and came right up to my shoulder. He nuzzled and kiss my ear many times.
I have an African Grey who simply loves only me.
However, when I let him out of his cage to wander around, he insists on biting my woodwork! Is there anything I can do to stop this behavior?
When he does this, I put him back in his cage. He really doesn’t want to go and ruffles his feathers.
Thanks,
Joanne
Hi, I have a 7-month-old English budgie that was born with one splayed leg that sticks straight out.
His wings were over-clipped when I got him at 2 months of age.
I have waited un-patiently for his wings to grow out as my other parakeets are flighted.
From: Sharon M.
Date: Thu, Aug 4, 2016, at 7:06 PM
Subject: two separate pieces of advice needed: ringneck parrot-biting and unsalted sunflower seeds
To: “[email protected]”
Sunnie- not sure if a male/female (DOB=4/27, took him/her home 6/27) and is a little over 3 mos. old now.
jellenp@……..
Mitch, I learned sooooo much from you in today’s message about bird safety. I’m seeing my household with completely new eyes now. Thank you so much.
We are first-time bird companions of two one-yr-old beautiful little male budgies acquired at the same time from the same breeder when they were still youngsters. They are healthy and active.
There’s all this talk of immigration in Congress – something I try not to involve myself in.
Yet I know of feral parrot flocks around the country which I’ll identify shortly.
We talked about birds being the godfeathers of social media.
Birds are flock animals.
Your bird was born expecting to be in a flock. When the bird comes into your home you become its flock.
We have interactions with caged bird keepers from around the planet every day. “He won’t eat that” “I’ve tried that” “I just can’t get him off of his sunflower seed diet” (yes we actually hear that a lot – sigh).