Birds of a Feather: Discussions

I am interested to see what you feed your bird/s. Are you organic? Do you use the pelleted diet? Do you supplement? Do you use herbs? Do you cook meals? Etc.? Just how do we all feed our special companions?

I'm surprised no one has joined this neighborhood yet but hopefully that'll change. I've had birds all my life (budgies when I was a school-aged child living at home) and now I have 34 birds ... mostly cockatiels, three Greys, rosellas, ringneck doves, and two budgies recently adopted from a local shelter.

I'd love to have intelligent conversations about behavior and diet. Join me?

Hi- I live in NY and have a wonderful African Grey named Bill, who is 19 years old. He was a rescue 9 years ago and he is a joy. However, since his previous owners did not handle him that much and did not let him out of the cage for a few years, he was very wary of being handled and I have the scars to prove it! It took me about 2 years of working with him to really get his trust and love. He still bites though!! He is so smart. He can imitate just about any noise, burglar alarm, microwave, telephone, ME!! He can pick up just about any tune and whistle it down to the note and retains it. He "joins in" conversations with just the right word too (what? Oh!!, etc.)
He is a rather fussy eater, but that's ok. He swings on his toys and laughs, and when he does something he knows is not good (like chewing on my table!), he looks at me laughts and runs away! I also grew up with all kinds of birds, canaries, parakeets, chickens, ducks, mynahs, parrots, so bird behavior was not so foreign to me. It's wonderful to see how happy my wonderful bird is now.

People who are not "animal" or "bird people" think you're crazy if you talk about your feathered kid, but I don't care, I know that there are lots of us out there who love, respect and take care of our feathered friends, who in turn give us love and laughter in appreciation of their care. They don't know what they're missing! His name should be Ralph Kramden because he knows he is king of his castle!!

I hope you enjoyed hearing about my feathered kid.
Laura
Birddoll1

Hi again, Besides the African Grey (who was a rescue), we are getting an Umbrella Cockatoo with some behavior problems (screaming and his diet has only been seeds) in a week.
Nala also had some issues (she is helping me type lol!). I prefer a gentle way to break bad habits, positive reinforcement - and with Nala is was instinct and reading everything under the sun. Any suggestions anyone has to offer would be great. Thanks, Jan

Thanks, Jan

hi -- i love all kinds of birds and had quite a few growing up...but right now, all i have are my backyard birds which i feed and give treats to everyday. i recently hung up nesting boxes, and was hoping to see someone moving into it. but so far, no one seems interesting. is it too early? is there something i can do to make it more inviting? thanks for any help -- i hope there are more backyard birders in the NH...i look forward to meeting all of you!

Please come and join if you would like, Cagedbirdclub@yahoogroups.com

Hey everyone! :) I'm new to the neighborhood, just wanted to say hello to you all! :) From reading through some posts, it sounds like you all have some lovely feathery family members! hehe Do any of you have finches? My parents had them when I was little but I just decided to get my own. I'm a little concerned about keeping different types together and how many pairs should be together in a cage. Do any of you have any advice? :) Well I hope you all have a great day! :)

Brook