Happy Birds 6

9/24/08 - Rudy

Hey Shirley
We finally decided on the name Rudy. He is doing great. He is getting out of his cage several times a day. He seems to have taken a liking to my 19 year old daughter who just loves playing with him. I am jealous because I have been working nights and he is most active in the evening and that is when he likes to come out most. I have the next 7 days off and plan on spending most of it with him. He also likes to fly from his cage and is getting better at landing where he wants. He even flew to my daughter and landed in her lap. My wife, who I had to beg to get permission to even get a bird, loves him too. She even asked if we should get him a friend! I told her I wasn't sure that he needed one since he would be our friend. She loved the baby book you made and treats Rudy better than her favorite dog. He is eating great! I am looking for a nice play stand for him. Do you know of any good pet shops in my area the cater to birds? Thanks again for providing us with our new family member. we will certainly be thinking of you if we ever decide to add to the flock.
Bruce Parker

9/24/08 - Moxie

Hi Shirley,
You will be happy to know that Moxie made it through Ike without any issues and has really become a great companion already. She is becoming quite vocal, demonstrating a very wide range of interesting sounds, especially in the morning when she very excited to see whomever wakes first and comes to say hello! Her balance is amazing as well and she is getting fairly active, especially outside of the cage where she is finally gaining the courage to do some small supervised flights … except her landings are completely lacking in grace.

We were able to see a vet the Monday after getting home and after a thorough examination and the usually array of blood work she was given a clean bill of health too. We are fortunate here in Houston to have to board certified Avian Specialists at the clinic where she went. It was quite fun since they do not often see young African Greys that are curious about anything and eager for new experiences, so after Moxie met both of the vets and the resident she felt like she was a rock star. I also found a solution to her not really enjoying the travel crate by mounting a perch inside it, just above the floor. She now likes it almost as much as her regular cage and is more difficult to encourage to come out than go in now.

So all is well with Moxie and we should be able to send some good pictures soon that show how wonderful she is. Derek

9/26/08 - Nikko

Hi Shirley,

I hope you remember me. I'm Tina W, I purchased a B&G named Nikko 2 years ago from you. First of all, he is doing wonderful. He has been a wonderful addition to our family. He is pretty much the center of all attention. I am now, after 2 years of being a macaw mommy, ready to expand our little family. I have been waiting and watching your site for a congo, and I was pleased to see today that they are getting ready. I have spent the last few months studying and researching both congo's and greenwings. I would like to have 1 of each. I would like to first start off with the congo. I met a wonderful lady a few months ago in the pet store. She was pushing her shoppng cart around the store with a cockatoo perched on the cart. That started a great friendship between us and I went to her home and she has 2 macaws, 2 cockatoo's and a congo. She is planning to take her birds to visit with senior citizens and I am going to work with her. I think that will be a wonderful experience. She couldn't believe how wonderful of bird Nikko was and said he must have come from a wonderful place because he mannerisms were great. I explained to her where I obtained him from and how wonderful I thought you were and how well your birds were raised. She said she could definitely tell that from how well Nikko behaved. Now, I am ready again. I will be watching to see when the eggs hatch and will contact you and prepare to send a deposit.

Unitl then, take care and I look forward to talking with you soon. The photos I have attached is of Nikko and the new friend we made ,just this past August.

Tina and Nikko

9/27/08 - Babaloo

Hello Shirley,

I just wanted to give you an update on Babaloo. He is doing fine. He got a new manzanita perch last week. I bought the largest one that they had in stock. He likes it and I even added more branches to the top. He likes the height thing. Many people say to be careful with birds being able to be on a perch higher than the owner. He can be at the top and still comes down without any problems. I have him on a more organic diet. He still loves his Zupreem Fruit Pellets, but I sprout all of the beans and grains for him and he gets a constant supply of fresh veggies, fruits and nuts.

He is still just as wonderful as he was when he came to me. He's so laid back...just goes with the flow. Nothing seems to unnerve him! I've attached a few pics so you can see him. Take care!

Best to you,

Brian and Babaloo

9/29/08 - Simon

Hey, Shirley!

Just a note to give you an update on Simon! He is beautiful and we're all in love with him!

His progress is slow but not a deterrent... He is getting used to all the sights and sounds. He will take food from my hand but isn't too happy with me holding him just yet.

We're all just taking our time!

Todd & Ali

9/30/08 - Faith

Hi, Shirley
Hope this finds you doing well. We have experienced a problem with Faith. All of a sudden on Sat she started plucking her feathers. No obvious changes have taken place in our house hold. I woke up Sat to clean her cage like I do every Sat. Put everything back in her cage like it came out. There has been no traumatic events in our home. Things have been as they always are. She gets a lot of attention and is held frequently and loves to be petted and held. She interacts with us really well. She has not had a change in appetite or behavior other than the plucking of feathers. Sunday she continued plucking and still to this morning she continues. She is pretty much bare on her bottom side and is starting to pluck under her wings now. We can’t figure out what has happened should we take her to the vet? Any suggestions?

I did forget to mention she took a fall about a week before this started. We did not see any immediate reactions from her after the fall. She got back up on her perch and continued with her day. She is still a bit clumsy she has fallen a few times but nothing major and not from a really high elevation.

I have made an appointment for this afternoon after work. I too don’t see what other than Sherrie not being home and no noise at the house during the day. Thanks Shirley , I will let you know what the Vet has to say tomorrow.

Thanks
Concerned
Keith

10/1/08 - Faith

Hi Shirley,
We took Faith to the Vet. Nothing visibly wrong, took blood and going to have a work up done. He kind of thinks along with what we thought. The absence of my wife being home and the quiet from an empty house. We have added some toys and foraging toys to her cage and leaving the television on and replaced her bar roofing to just a solid roofing that she can’t hang upside down on. She goes to the top and hangs upside down to pluck her feathers. She was a bit confused because she couldn’t find a way to get up there anymore. Just trying a few new things with her and see how she does. Thank you for all your help.
Keith

7/12/08 - Faith

You know all the things that we tried, medications, toys, interaction, to just letting her find herself, I cant really give you an answer. She just one day decided she would find something else to do besides pluck. We never gave up on her and tried so many different things that I couldn't credit it to any one thing in particular. But she has always been a happy and healthy bird. She insisted on plucking for 6 months before she finally decided to quit. She just had to grow up I guess. Regardless she has really been a shining light in our home.

Again

Thank You so much

Keith

10/2/08 - Moxie

Shirley,
After several delays getting the Avian Adventures cage for Moxie, an alternative was found locally here in Houston from a manufacturer called SuperPet. Attached are some pictures of the new cage and Moxie … she is getting very acrobatic now and trying hard to talk … the challenge now is to set up her cage so that she is happy with it. As it stands, she is quite happy when outside of it and really easy to get to step up now, almost on command. I’m still trying to figure out what food works best for her, but the place where I bought the cage also has an incredible selection of bird food, treats and toys.
Derek

10/4/08 - Simon

Hi, Shirley!

Simon is settling in. We had to make a trip to Houston and he really enjoyed himself! He LOVES the car! He starts singing and jabbering, almost all the way home!

He is still not letting me hold him very much but he likes to come out and explore the outside of his big cage.

And he is a super hardy eater! He'll eat almost everything he is given.

His big cage has a sturdy curvy safety rope that he loves. That's usually where he sleeps & naps.

The first picture is of Herman, our Brussel Griffon, who is fascinated with Simon and will spend hours just watching him.

Lilly, usually stays under his cage to catch whatever he throws out! It's too funny! At least he keeps them busy... :)

More later,

Take care and thanks again for such a wonderful bird!

Todd & Ali

10/6/08 - Ziva

Hi Shirley
Its been a while since I have had time to email you. Ziva is doing just awesome and is as beautiful as ever. She just turned a year old on August 16th so I though you should have a new picture of her. She has gotten quite comfortable in her home and on me. My husband has to bring her up to me if I even think about sleeping in on the weekends because she sits down in the living room and calls me, 'ma ma, ma ma..' it drives him nuts so he brings her to our bedroom. She has gotten the routine down very well, he brings her up and she gets in the shower with me on her perch and enjoys every second of it although it is hard to share the shower with her...she takes up most of it. I just love her to death which is a very good thing. She loves her mama too...very clingy little girl.
Tobi

10/6/08 - Zera

I got Zera safely home and she is beautiful. She seems to love the her play top. One thing that concerns me though is she hasnt eaten since she came out of her carrier. She hasnt even drank from her water bottle. Is this normal?

Yes I had everything done as you suggested, but right after I sent the email she began eating her pellets. As a matter of fact she still is now. She seems to be enjoying herself quite well at the moment actually. She has a nice comfy towel with soft foods but she not paid that much attention.

Scratch that, right as I typed the sentence she climbed down and is now eating there.

10/6/08 - Mojito

HI SHIRLEY,

MOJITO'S FLIGHT WAS RIGHT ON TIME AND THE CHECK-OUT AT CONTINENTAL WAS FAST.

WHEN I GOT HOME I IMMEDIATELY PLACED THE FLIGHT CARRIER IN THE CAGE AND OPENED THE DOOR TO ENCOURAGE MOJITO TO COME OUT AND EXPLORE. HE WAS SHY AT FIRST BUT, MY WIFE TALKED HIM OUT OF THE CARRIER APPROXIMATELY ONE HOUR LATER. HE SEEMS TO PREFER THE LADIES.

YOU WERE RIGHT ABOUT HIS APPETITE, HE WASTED NO TIME BEFORE HE STARTED EATING.

GEORGE

SHIRLEY,

DO YOU RECOMMEND THE CAGE BE COVER AT NIGHT. MY WIFE ATTEMPTED TO COVER IT SO MOJITO WOULD SLEEP BUT HE BECAME AGITATED INSTEAD. WE THEN REMOVED IT. WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST?

THANKS,

GEORGE

10/14/08

Hi, Shirley!

Simon is doing better everyday! He had a very good visit with the vet and is on some medicine for a little yeast infection in his throat. He takes his medicine like a big boy! He loves to be with us and will start calling and shaking the door of his cage in the morning if we don't get up as soon as he'd like... :)

I thought you'd like to see pics of the "cowboy Simon"! LOL! I couldn't resist...

Take care!

Ali

10/15/08

Shirley,

I wanted to let you know everything went well yesterday, Frankie was up and alert when we picked him up at cargo. On the ride home we hit traffic and was longer than usual (45 Minutes) but we talked to him and all went well. When we got him home it was only a matter of minutes before he was out of his carrier. We offered food and water and then he sat with me for about a hour and I scratched his head and talked to him. Later in the evening he went in his cage and ate well we had bird bread and bananas for him and he did finish the bowl. It is only the first day and I'm sure we all have to adjust, but so far so good. I do have one concern which maybe you could offer some advice. He does step up for us, but we have a hard time making him feel secure and he usually gets out of our grip. I was going to try to pick up a arm guard later today, do you think this will help? He is a very beautiful and gentle bird and my family and myself are very happy with him. You can tell he was definitely loved for. Thanks again for the wonderful addition to our family. I will send some pictures soon.

Rose

10/19/08

Hello Shirley,

It's been four months now since Chloe has joined our household. She has made herself at home since day one and has grown so much. That band that was so loose on her now fits her just right. She started talking about two months ago with short phrases like hello and good girl. She's now saying things like how ya doing, Chloes a good girl, It's not a toy, (the TV remote) also Ha Ha Ha. She'll pratice her talking while hanging upside down and swinging. If you sit by her with food she's your best friend. She'll try anything you let her have. Loves her grapes, broccoli, peanuts, cheese, pasta, and the little cannibal also loves scrambled eggs. Here are some pictures of her.

We would like to thank you again for such a wonderful bird. We have told friends if you ever think of getting a bird, we know of a great aviary to contact.

Dennis & Paula

11/1/08

Hi, Shirley!

Simon is doing GREAT! We have really bonded and he will go to almost anyone! He is saying "Hello" in a Mrs. Doubtfire voice, which is hysterical, and he is trying to say Good Morning.

I do have a question...how often should I clip his wings? It needs to done again and I don't want to lose the line that you already made. It would be much easier.

ali

11/5/08 - Kindle & Orchid

Hello Shirley,

Just thought I would drop a note to let you know how the babies are. They both are very lovie! I put them on my chest and they put their heads down for scratches and lets me pet them anywhere. They literally lay on me! Wow you must have been a great first MOM!!! Mr. Kindle (TAG)is currently learning to poop on the newspaper. This will allow him to walk all over freely. Orchid (Cag) is liking her new bath times and learning peek a boo. I will send pics soon. This is a full house of Greys and Pugs. Time is short. Thank you so very much!

Evelyn (New Mexico)

11/7/08
Hi Shirley,

Albus survived his first major molt pretty well--he was grumpy for a couple weeks, but we're back to our ultra friendly self now. One of my student's mom is a principal at a special needs school in my county. Her school is studying the seven continents this year, and they were in their study of South America, and she asked me to bring my birds to the school and show them off for the kids. Albus was a ham. He went and played with everyone. The school's principal just went with him and took him around while I took Hermione (my Grey...who doesn't really fit with South America, but...). Everyone was amazed at how friendly Albus was--their idea was that these are big mean birds who bite, but he was a perfect gentleman to all. He's really doing wonderfully. I've only found one person he doesn't care for. I'm the primary tennis pro in town, and as such I get TONS of racquets to restring. When school is in session, I simply can't keep up with the amount of school work and the amount of tennis lessons, and the stringing work, so I teach a kid to string and he comes over a couple of times a week to work. Albus doesn't like the new one. :-) I think he knows that when Michael comes over, my attention is going to be diverted away from him and onto Michael and my other work, so he takes it out on him. He'll let him hold him, but he loves to puff up and raise his wings when Michael walks in the room :-)

john

11/18/08
Hi Shirley
It has been a while since I have written you.Sitka is doing wonderfully.His appetite is great.He loves to cuddle with me.I took his seed catcher off of his cage so he can come off his cage whenever he wants.He knows step up comand and also when I say fly he flaps his wings like he is flying.Of course nor really taking off but he likes to pretend.When he is in his cage and is ready to come out he bobs up and down so I told him dance.So now when I tell him dance he will.He is so fun and lovable.He does try to test though.More Bill then me.He doesnt really talk yet.He will say his name and step up(I think its step up)and he will mumble to himself a lot.I have been trying to teach him a couple words but he just gives me a look.Any way he is doing great.I will talk to you later Amanda

11/26/08

Shirley,
Just wanted to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving. I hope that your water issue has been taken care of. I know that being without the simple things that we take for granted can be completely unnerving.
Babaloo is doing great! I did have to take him to the vet last month though. He was just not himself. She pulled blood and did a Chem Panel and CBC. He did have a high white count, so she gave him an injection of baytril and then oral meds for 14 days. He bounced back after another 2 days and was back to his normal self.
I wanted to send you a watercolor picture of Babaloo that a woman in Dallas did for me from a photo that I sent her. I really like how it turned out. I can see him peering out at me from the canvas.
Well, better go get him up and prepare his breakfast. I'm off for the Thanksgiving holidays, so I'll be spending time with Babaloo and decorating the house.
Take care,
Brian, Babaloo and Kiwi

12/3/08

Hello Shirley sorry it's been awhile since i last updated you on Rocky. Today is his Birthday he is 1 yrs old. He has been a delight to have around, he's hasn't said a word yet but he loves to make sounds and he whistles a lot. The most distinctive sound he made was the telephone but he hasn't done it for a while.

Well i hope all is well at Bignest i know you will be busy in the coming months so i thought now would be a good time to give you an update. Take care will give update soon

Deshon