FS-Grey cheek Parakeet(Tame)
Question:
I have a hand raised grey cheeked parakeet (similar in size to a lovebird) for sale with cage for $200. I live on Long Island, NY Steve voice 516 454 0367
Response:
> I have a hand raised grey cheeked parakeet (similar in size to > a lovebird) for sale with cage for $200. I live on Long Island, NY > Steve > voice 516 454 0367
Steve, do you know the sex??? cathy
Response:
Help with biting Meyer's Parrot
Question:
> Hi, > I have a Meyer’s Parrot who is a bit under 1 year old. He is normally a > very nice pet, but he does tend to bite under certain circumstances: > Help! What should I do?! I am afraid that I am raising a beast! > Thanks for any advice, > John
The "upset" followed by a stern NO seems to work just fine. If he’s on your hand, just quickly drop it a couple inches. On the shoulder, a hard shrug or brush with the bitten hand. The sudden "upset" causes their teeny little minds to think "I’m FALLING" and they react to that. If they think that every time they bite they’re going to get "upset", very quickly they learn not to bite. –Ken
Response:
Hi, I have a Meyer’s Parrot who is a bit under 1 year old. He is normally a very nice pet, but he does tend to bite under certain circumstances: a) he doesn’t like strangers b) if he’s intently playing with something, he will bite if you try to interfere. c) if he wants to go into his cage for a drink, he will bite to communicate this. d) if he’s perched on your hand (or shoulder) and wants his head rubbed, he will bite. e) if he doesn’t want to be picked up (as when he is shoulder-perched sometimes) he will bite. Sounds like he bites a lot, doesn’t it? It bothers me a little, but it has occasionally reduced my girlfriend to tears (not the pain, but the feeling that "he doesn’t like her"). I am afraid that I have rewarded some of this behavior (as in when he’s perched and wants a head-rub). I have read in Bird Talk about sternly saying "NO!" and giving him the "evil eye" when he bites, but this just makes him pause before biting again! At this point we usually stick him in his cage for "time out". However, I understand that this can be a reward as well. Help! What should I do?! I am afraid that I am raising a beast! Thanks for any advice, John
Response:
Need Help Finding a New Parrot
Question:
I live in South East Texas and am looking for a breeder here that has African Greys or Yellow Heads. I am experienced in handling birds, and have just moved to this area. If anyone knows of such a person or aviary in the area, I would be grateful for such info. Thanks. William A. Fulbright 2690 Gladys Beaumont, Texas 77702 (409)832-6036
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Newsgroups: rec.pets.birds >I live in South East Texas and am looking for a breeder here that has >African Greys or Yellow Heads. I am experienced in handling birds, and >have just moved to this area. >If anyone knows of such a person or aviary in the area, I would be >grateful for such info. >Thanks. >William A. Fulbright >Beaumont, Texas 77702 >(409)832-6036
Rick Jordon Friend to me! Author, Parrot Incubation 512-858-7029 Cherane
Response:
Eclectus vs. Conure
Question:
I am thinking about getting a second bird either an Eclectus or a Conure. Can anyone give me pros and cons of owning both even including price? Scott
Response:
>I am thinking about getting a second bird either an Eclectus or a Conure. >Can anyone give me pros and cons of owning both even including price?
Hi Scott, One of our vets has an Eclectus as a companion animal and he told us that they are pron to feather picking like Greys and for much the same reason. Therefore, the same solutions can apply. Because a type of bird feather picks is not a reason to exclude it from your flock I just thought you might want to be aware of it. Have fun making your decision. Dana
Response:
>I am thinking about getting a second bird either an Eclectus or a Conure. >Can anyone give me pros and cons of owning both even including price? >Scott
I just brought my red-sided eclectus male home yesterday. He is an awesome creature. I don’t own any conures, though. I could probably give you a good idea on prices if you tell me what you are interested in. On a totally different subject, I need some info on air filters. I REALLY need one. I don’t want to spend $500 on one of those deluxe bird ones in Bird Talk. What do most of you do? I am thinking about getting one of the large HEPA filters at the hardware store. The problem is that the replacement filter costs $27 (the whole machine only costs $119). I would be interested in anyone’s solution to this fairly common problem. NO, getting rid of the cockatoos is NOT an option 
~Steve
Response:
>>I am thinking about getting a second bird either an Eclectus or a Conure. >Can anyone give me pros and cons of owning both even including price? >Hi Scott, >One of our vets has an Eclectus as a companion animal and he told us >that they are pron to feather picking like Greys and for much the >same reason. Therefore, the same solutions can apply. Because a >type of bird feather picks is not a reason to exclude it from your >flock I just thought you might want to be aware of it. >Have fun making your decision. >Dana
I have a new baby male Eclectus (born Jan 11) I purchased from a breeder in Florida (we’re in Maryland). I love this little guy. He’s just beautiful and, at least, for the time being he’s crazy about me too. Seems that due to the flight and being taken away from his home, he reverted a bit and now I’ve been having to hand feed him twice a day at first, now it’s down to one. Believe he thinks I’m his mama; he keeps putting his beak in my mouth. I’m kissing but I’m pretty sure he’s foraging for food. He already responds to the "up" and "down" command, and I’m even getting him to poop on cue. Well, what I mean is I wait about 15 minutes, then put him on his T-stand and say "go pottie", and he goes. Then I take him off. I’ve been praising the heck out of him when he does this, so now he’s started letting out a victory scream after he does it for me. Love him, he’s my baby.
Response:
J. Gregory McDaniel, PhD Opinions are my own Research Scientist "The readiness is all" (Shakespeare) Bolt Beranek and Newman Ph: 617-873-3013 #! rnews 1307 Path: pagesat.net!decwrl!pacbell.com!ihnp4.ucsd.edu!swrinde!gatech!paladin.americ an.edu!auvm!UN.ORG!barak.uneca Newsgroups: comp.protocols.tcp-ip.ibmpc Lines: 25 Wednesday, 29 June 1994, 16:51 Hello to all the tcp/ip Gurus, Could you help with the follow
Response:
> On a totally different subject, I need some info on air filters. I >REALLY need one. I don’t want to spend $500 on one of those deluxe bird >ones in Bird Talk. What do most of you do? I am thinking about getting >I would be interested in anyone’s solution to this fairly common problem. >NO, getting rid of the cockatoos is NOT an option
Vacuum cleaner. Maybe not the answer you were looking for. :) It works, but is labour intensive. We vacuum a lot, almost daily (we have a severe macaw and a Timneh grey). Hope this helps, Kevin —
Response:
>I am thinking about getting a second bird either an Eclectus or a Conure.
^^^^^^ A green-cheek conure (Emma) is our first and only bird. She is one sweet, quiet and lovable little thing with a big personality. Beautiful coloration and excellent with the kids. Highly recommended. (don’t know a thing about Eclectus, tho…) — Bruce Ellestad
Response:
>> On a totally different subject, I need some info on air filters. I >REALLY need one. I don’t want to spend $500 on one of those deluxe bird >ones in Bird Talk. What do most of you do? I am thinking about getting
I have a WaterPic Air Filter – it works really well, but, i have only 4 birds and two humans to worry about! (I have a ‘teil, so it does get a decent work-out.) I am very pleased with it, and i think that its price tag was well under $500 (i received it as a gift). The only problem is that the air filters were supposed to last approximately 6 months, but with the birds, they last about half that. They are $25 each, so maintaining the air filter is not cheap!…:) …jones — "It’s just like driving a big Pinto!" [from _Speed_]
Response:
do female budgies ever talk?
Question:
It is common knowledge that males are chosen for their taming and talking qualities and females are said not to talk. I have a female at the moment (I swear I bought a male and am starting to doubt my abilities) but I haven’t taken the time to try and teach her to talk. Eight months is probably too old for any bird to start talking but keep trying and let us know what happens. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> All this talk about tiels has made me wonder if my budgie will talk. I > found out she was a girl a couple of months ago. She’s about 8 months. > She’s a mean scold, but she doesn’t say anything. > Pat > BTW, tonight she was hollering so fiercely that I thought she needed > rescue. But she was fine. I think she was just irritated no one was > around. I picked her up and she laid on her back in my hand, nibbling > on my fingers, for a couple of minutes before flying away. I am amazed > that she didn’t mind at all being on her back — I knew conures did > that, but I didn’t think budgies did.
Response:
>All this talk about tiels has made me wonder if my budgie will talk. I >found out she was a girl a couple of months ago. She’s about 8 months. >She’s a mean scold, but she doesn’t say anything. >Pat >BTW, tonight she was hollering so fiercely that I thought she needed >rescue. But she was fine. I think she was just irritated no one was >around. I picked her up and she laid on her back in my hand, nibbling >on my fingers, for a couple of minutes before flying away. I am amazed >that she didn’t mind at all being on her back — I knew conures did >that, but I didn’t think budgies did.
Yes female budgies can learn to talk
Response:
Eight months is >probably too old for any bird to start talking but keep trying and let us >know what happens.
I’d be curious to know where you got this misinformation. Birds can learn to talk at any age. My 11-year old cockatiel bears witness to that. Ellen
Response:
>All this talk about tiels has made me wonder if my budgie will talk. I >found out she was a girl a couple of months ago. She’s about 8 months. >She’s a mean scold, but she doesn’t say anything. >Pat >BTW, tonight she was hollering so fiercely that I thought she needed >rescue. But she was fine. I think she was just irritated no one was >around. I picked her up and she laid on her back in my hand, nibbling >on my fingers, for a couple of minutes before flying away. I am amazed >that she didn’t mind at all being on her back — I knew conures did >that, but I didn’t think budgies did.
Hi, In my experience, the females talk but not as much. My two female lutinos have said about half a dozen words in four years. My male talks like crazy. So you can’t say females don’t but they are not as talkative. See ya, Ron * Ron Richards * * AVAILABLE THROUGH ME * * 27 Madison Ave. * * George Dillman Videos & Books * * Reading, PA 19605 * * Ron Richards Pressure Point Workbook * * (610) 929-2074 * * & IBM 3.5 disk (same as the workbook) *
Response:
All this talk about tiels has made me wonder if my budgie will talk. I found out she was a girl a couple of months ago. She’s about 8 months. She’s a mean scold, but she doesn’t say anything. Pat BTW, tonight she was hollering so fiercely that I thought she needed rescue. But she was fine. I think she was just irritated no one was around. I picked her up and she laid on her back in my hand, nibbling on my fingers, for a couple of minutes before flying away. I am amazed that she didn’t mind at all being on her back — I knew conures did that, but I didn’t think budgies did.
Response:
Budgie Band…what does it mean?
Question:
Hi all: We recently lost our 13 year old budgie to cancer. As we were sorting her prized possesions, we got to examining her leg band (which the vet removed for us after the little critter’s demise). Is there a standard code for this? Could we locate the breeder? The band is blue aluminum with the following on it: The number "598" parallel to the band’s edge The digraph "S2" at 90 degrees to the above A little picture of some kind of four footed animal with a "2" in it. (This picture could be a bear or maybe a pig. Looks like an possum, actually, but I guess that’s unlikely . We purchased her at (no kidding) a Doctor Pets store in CA, by way of back- ground. Thanks, Bob — "Everybody’s got a story…" Mike Hammer
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->prized possesions, we got to examining her leg band (which the vet removed > Is there a standard code for this? Could we locate the breeder? >The band is blue aluminum with the following on it: > The number "598" parallel to the band’s edge > The digraph "S2" at 90 degrees to the above > A little picture of some kind of four footed animal with a "2" in it. > (This picture could be a bear or maybe a pig. Looks like an > possum, actually, but I guess that’s unlikely . >We purchased her at (no kidding) a Doctor Pets store in CA, by way of back- >ground. >Thanks, >Bob
When I ordered bands – the following was on them: a 90 degree section with "S3" immediately followed by an "89D" I believe that is my individual breeder code (I believe if I order bands again they should have this code on them); next is a space followed by a 90 degree section giving the year; next is another space followed by a parallel (sequential) number. I believe the band color also is coded for the year. I have bands from birds I bought from another breeder and his were similar with his code being "ABS" (90 degrees) "68D". I can’t remember how I got the band manufacturers name and address, (maybe from the other breeder I mentioned) you might check with pet stores or a breeder who bands (if you know one). There are probably many band manufacturers and I am not sure if they ‘decode’ the breeders for you (although I don’t see why they wouldn’t). — : Pete Mullaney : Always do right. This will gratify : : : some and astonish the rest. : : : Samuel Langhorne Clemens : : : aka Mark Twain :
Response:
Neurotic Alexandrian Parakeet
Question:
I think my bird is crazy. He paces back and forth, chews at his wings and toes, and goes a little crazy sometimes. We used to have another bird in a different cage but she died ( old age ). Would this have something to do with the behaviour? If anyone has any experience with this problem or any suggestions I would really like to hear them. I want to do whatever i can to make my bird more at ease and happier. Thanks in advance. Pete
Response:
Your bird sounds lonely and bored……does he have anything to chew on except himself?? Plenty of fresh fruits and veggies….a companion bird?? My Moluccan is the "keeper" and friend of my last Zebra finch…we have had one or a pair, etc over a period of 17 years – and PEaches feels she is their keeper – and lets me know if something is wrong with them…she was very upset when the first female dies of old age, as she was the oldest one. I had to let her look at the little body before we took it out for burial, and she has insisted on looking at each one over the years that has passed away. We are now down to a spunky young male, and I don’t plan to get any more…. Sharon – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I think my bird is crazy. He paces back and forth, chews at his wings > and toes, and goes a little crazy sometimes. We used to have another > bird in a different cage but she died ( old age ). Would this have > something to do with the behaviour? > If anyone has any experience with this problem or any suggestions I > would really like to hear them. I want to do whatever i can to make my > bird more at ease and happier. > Thanks in advance. > Pete
Response:
I do have lots of chewing toys in his cage. He really does not seem to pay too much attention to them. I think the answer will be to get another birdy friend for him. Do you think any other type of bird will do or does it need to be the same breed for best results? He did seem to really like my cockateil before she died. Thanks again, Pete
Response:
teaching parakeets to talk?
Question:
I recently acquired two parakeets. Any suggestions on how to teach them to talk? Is it harder to teach two keets than one? Thanks. — Dr. Joel Krumerman
Response:
I have two baby parakeets. I would like to teach them to talk. Any suggestions? Is it harder with two than with one?
Response:
>I have two baby parakeets. I would like to teach them to >talk. Any suggestions? Is it harder with two than with one?
Joel, I am a 1st time bird owner who decided to start with a parakeet. I bought an 8 week old baby at my local birdfarm & brought him home. It has now been 4 months and after alot of time spent bonding and talking to him, he whistles, and says 3 or 4 phrases. I think the key here is alot of attention and also repeating the same phrases over and over and over. Since he has a couple of phrases under his belt, I bought a tape which I play when I’m gone. (I’m not sure how this will work but I’ll let you know) Also, I have heard that if you have more than 1 parakeet, they will pay attention to each other, and will not focus on you for their socialization. Therefore it would probably be alot harder to train them to talk. Hope this helps. — Jean
Response:
Mites (was Re: Stick Training)
Question:
Billy tells us – At no time have I ever professed to be an expert Billy, we have all read your posts. We can tell that you are by no means an expert without you having to tell us. Your babble tells it all. There are no stupid questions just a lot of stupid people. MJ
Response:
Bill you might want to try shampooing your hair before letting the birds sit on your shoulder. <LOL> Andrew
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->That would be really funny on a third grade playground. >That describes you perfectly >You’re a real trip. Why did you ask "How do you deal with a mite problem" >in the first place, after *endorsing a bird protector*? Nevermind. >Maintaining a clean cage goes a long way limiting mites, but what about the >mites on the bird? >why didn’t you answer the question? >WHL (Bill) >With Buddy (PF lovebird), and Scampy (Lutino Cockatiel) >"There are only two opinions that matter to me. Neither of them is yours." (WHL >9-97)
Response:
>That would be really funny on a third grade playground.
That describes you perfectly >You’re a real trip. Why did you ask "How do you deal with a mite problem" >in the first place, after *endorsing a bird protector*? Nevermind.
Maintaining a clean cage goes a long way limiting mites, but what about the mites on the bird? why didn’t you answer the question? WHL (Bill) With Buddy (PF lovebird), and Scampy (Lutino Cockatiel) "There are only two opinions that matter to me. Neither of them is yours." (WHL 9-97)
Response:
Bill, If you have a mite problem so severe that you have mites "on the bird", it’s time to consult an expert. You say the birds are checked regularly, you clean and disinfect, yet you still have mites "on the bird." Call an exterminator and review your options. Controlling mites only in the vicinity of the cage with a bird protector is not a solution. BTW, how do you keep the mites off of the humans in your household? Paul – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->That would be really funny on a third grade playground. > That describes you perfectly >You’re a real trip. Why did you ask "How do you deal with a mite problem" >in the first place, after *endorsing a bird protector*? Nevermind. > Maintaining a clean cage goes a long way limiting mites, but what about the > mites on the bird? > why didn’t you answer the question? > WHL (Bill) > With Buddy (PF lovebird), and Scampy (Lutino Cockatiel) > "There are only two opinions that matter to me. Neither of them is yours." (WHL > 9-97)
Response:
splinters
Question:
Hi I had something disturbing happen today with Chico. Late last night, I had him out of his cage, sitting on my lap, and while he was nibbling on my fingers, I noticed he had a short, (1/4 inch?) very thin splinter of wood caught — not in his tongue, but sort of in the folds. It didn’t seem to be distressing him, but still I couldn’t get it out myself. I would have needed a couple of hands, and a tweezer. Since it was very late (after midnight) and he was not distressed, I decided to take him to the vet this morning to have it removed. But when I got him out this morning (not without a bite, Chico is more receptive to handling in the evening) I couldn’t see the splinter. I looked and looked, but it just wasn’t there. I am going to check again this evening (when he’ll be easier to handle) but it seems to be gone. If I have any doubt, I’ll take him in tomorrow. Is this common? Frankly, I’ve been giving my bird’s soft pine for months and never worried about it. And Chico has not always been so easy to handle that I can get him to sit in my hands and play with my fingers. Do you all do a ‘daily bird inspection?’ It is a little daunting to think he could have something less easy to dislodge and I wouldn’t notice. How risky is it to give the larger parrots wood to chew? Pat
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hi > I had something disturbing happen today with Chico. Late last night, I > had him out of his cage, sitting on my lap, and while he was nibbling > on my fingers, I noticed he had a short, (1/4 inch?) very thin splinter > of wood caught — not in his tongue, but sort of in the folds. It > didn’t seem to be distressing him, but still I couldn’t get it out > myself. I would have needed a couple of hands, and a tweezer. Since > it was very late (after midnight) and he was not distressed, I decided > to take him to the vet this morning to have it removed. > But when I got him out this morning (not without a bite, Chico is more > receptive to handling in the evening) I couldn’t see the splinter. > I looked and looked, but it just wasn’t there. I am going to check > again this evening (when he’ll be easier to handle) but it seems to be > gone. If I have any doubt, I’ll take him in tomorrow. > Is this common? Frankly, I’ve been giving my bird’s soft pine for > months and never worried about it. And Chico has not always been so > easy to handle that I can get him to sit in my hands and play with my > fingers. > Do you all do a ‘daily bird inspection?’ It is a little daunting to > think he could have something less easy to dislodge and I wouldn’t > notice. How risky is it to give the larger parrots wood to chew? > Pat
I would think you’d figure out what we’all do about keeping our birds safe before displaying your ignorance here. Don’t ya’all think?
Response:
Ginger, Whats your problem?
Response:
>> Hi <snip> > Do you all do a ‘daily bird inspection?’ It is a little daunting to > think he could have something less easy to dislodge and I wouldn’t > notice. How risky is it to give the larger parrots wood to chew? > Pat >I would think you’d figure out what we’all do about keeping our birds >safe before displaying your ignorance here. Don’t ya’all think?
Ignore that, Pat. I don’t have a bird big enough to give anything like soft pine to (Elvis is just a Memphis parakeet living in Kentucky , but I would like to learn about these types of things in case I ever got a large bird. I would have no idea if I should give them something like this or not. Keep asking. What may seem obvious to SOME people, may not be obvious to ALL people, even ones NICE enough to say "Hi". Thanks! Mike Hays, Jr. Bellarmine College http://members.iglou.com/miket611 Theology and English