The “Chop” Poll
Key Words to Posts:
Archive of Posts
-
Recent Comments
Diana Megginson on The “Dawn” of a Ne… Amanda Nicole on The “Dawn” of a Ne… Leah on Rising From the Rubble: Can Wi… Leah on About Parrot Nation Diana Megginson on The “Dawn” of a Ne… Categories
Pages
Share this Blog!
-
Networked Blogs
Blog Interviewer
Online Schools Blogger Award
<a-
World Visitor Map Click to See Visitor Locations
-
-
Authors
Meta
Patricia Sund
Hi Patricia,
I just started reading your column in Bird Talk and love it. Partly, of course, because I have a CAG. I have had him for one year (he is 14 years old) and got him from a fellow who was moving out of the country. I have a question for you. Louie is a marvelous bird: chatters, has about 15 words, showers with my husband, steps up nicely, and is easily “read” so we don’t often get a nip. I have to admit, I had wanted a Grey that talks more than this little guy. You guessed it. I would love to get another Grey, looking for one that “talks” more. I have lots of questions: is this a legitimate reason to want one? I saw a TAG needing rehoming who had a vocabulary of 6 words at 10 months. I probably would have gotten him but my husband (who didn’t want Louie in the first place) feels it would not be good for our family. We also have a large Aussie mix who loves eating pellets Louie tosses to the floor. I have had some folks say “Stop at one” and also am worried it might really mess up the good relationship we have with Louie. Do you have any advice? My husband is a dear and it would take some convincing but I am a bit undecided about the best thing to do myself. I look forward to your thoughts should you get a chance to respond! Keep writing about your delightful Greys!
Sandra
Just ask yourself: “Why do I want another Grey?” If it is because you want a bird that talks; well, there is no guarantee you’ll get that. If you didn’t train Louie to talk any more than he did, odds are, you aren’t going to get the next one to talk any better. And is that really a reason to adopt a parrot? If you find one and she doesn’t quite come up to speed, then what happens? Well, you keep her of course, but now you have two parrots that don’t talk much. then what?
If your answer to that question is, “Because I have the time, the space, the funds, the know-how and the love.”, then please- adopt a Grey that needs your attention.
If it is simply because you want a talking bird; well, you already know how I feel.
Believe it or not Parker isn’t a big talker. But he has a massive personality and can play basketball for cripes sake! That’s huge! But talk? Not much. He’d rather do tricks. But I wouldn’t give up Parker or Pepper for the world. They each have their own “Way”. You have to decide “Why” you want another bird. It’s not about the bird; it’s about you.
Let me know if this makes any sense. I’m a true believer in adoption and I think you would make a wonderful family for a Grey in need. Pepper was a rescue and she is so incredibly sweet to me, but when I first got her, she was hideous. But they adapt, change, learn and evolve. Please keep me posted on your thoughts. It’s a tough decision, and every one I made regarding adoption was hard. But I’m a better person for it.
Adopt a Grey. But do it because you want them for who they are; not what you want them to be.
With Respect,
Patricia
Hi Patricia,
Ran into you from the ticklish penguin video…I’ve had extensive experience with macaws, cockatoos and parrots both in the States and doing field research in Brazil (Lear’s) and rehabbing mocks and blue jays for release. I am a surrogate “parent” to a thirty four year old Green Wing and a free flying thirty two year old (and molding chewing) Hyacinthine {both imported}.
Since you are doing a book, but not being aware of the range of topics, I have a source you may not have encountered; Iowa Parrot Rescue in Letts Iowa, but there is a story about how they accommodated a bird that had a stroke [It was printed in "Parrot Chronicles"]
URL: http://mikeoso.homestead.com/handicap.html
Good luck on the book
KRS
Hi Patricia
Were you at the Golden Cockatoo yesterday? I was there and I’m pretty sure that was you. I think that store is the greatest and their 1st Annual Customer Appreciation Day was great as well. I hope they continue that.
Yes, I was there. I was wearing a green t-shirt and light colored cargo pants. I was with my friend Shari Mirojnick, a Vet Tech with Dr. Sam Backos, the Avian Vet. It was a great day and i think they’ll be doing more of those kinds of days again soon! Why didn’t you say hello? I would have loved chatting with you and picking your brain about stuff!
Well you looked busy and I was shy about walking up to you. Stupid I know. I saw Shari too, didn’t know her name but she was 1 of the vet techs that worked on my cockatiel 2 weeks ago.
I was holding a baby timneh. Am kinda interested in one. I have 2 birds now a bh caique and the cockatiel. Don’t really want more than 2. The cockatiel isn’t in the best of health, Dr. Backos has her on a supplement for her liver so we’ll see how that goes. My kids found her in a tree last summer that’s how I acquired her and that’s how I became so interested in birds. Anyway I am interested in the timneh because they are smaller but I must say I am drawn to the look of the congo. Any thoughts?
Hi Kathy,
Don’t worry about me! I’m pretty use-friendly! Sorry to hear about your ‘Tiel, but you have no idea what kind of history she’s had and what food she was on. If she was on an all-seed diet, that accounts for the liver damage. When you get her back, get some milk thistle seed to give her. That will build up her liver.
Are you ready for a large bird like a Grey? They are wicked smart and need a load of attention and training. If you look at my list of resources, you will find all kinds of things to read about training. I have stuff in there about diet, and basic care as well.
I also would NOT buy a bird. Please don’t. I have my own reasons, but I think it is so special when you rescue or adopt one. Pepper is a rescue/relinquishment, and look at what happened to her! She’s a “Spokesbird” for Bird Talk…sort of, I guess!
Please talk to Shari about adopting one. We can help. But please search your soul about getting another bird. It’s not a lot of work to go from one to two; but when you go from two to three, man it gets rough. Shari has seven Greys and I don’t know how she does it.
Think about it and let us know. You can reach me here, and you can reach Shari at Sam’s office.
Best of luck Kathy and I hope it all goes well with your ‘Tiel.
Patricia
Just now saw your response, been on vacation. If I ever decide on getting a grey I will definately contact you or Shari.
Thanks again
take care
Kathy
hi patricia!
i wanted to start by telling you how much i love your “memos to parker & pepper,” in bird talk magazine! they’re always the first thing i read! it sounds like a riot at your house!!
i wanted to write to you about a recent memo, in february’s issue, about your greys in the shower. i wanted to advise to reconsider your aversion to using shower perches…
my husband and i have 10 cockatiels, 8 of which were rescued. every day, 2 of them get a turn in the shower. we have several perches mounted about shoulder-height, and have almost never had a bird go down. there are times when they are basically tail-up, enjoying the shower, and manage to hang on tight! on the one or two instances where someone has seen the bottom of the shower, they’re totally fine! in fact, about a month ago, i was in the shower with out most recent rescues. daisy, a feather-chewer who is wearing a collar which inhibits her flight, was doing her best attempt at a shower dance when she lost her balance and went down! i scooped her right up & placed her back on her perch. she was soaking wet, but none the worse for wear!
it does seem dangerous to have such delicate creatures perched in so seemingly precarious a position, but i’d almost bet that if you were to try perching parker & pepper in the shower with you, you’d probably get those shower dances that they’re so famous for! and being there with brings added comfort and enjoyment!!
good luck!
~ alyssa
Hi Alyssa,
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m sure Parker and Pepper would be fine, but I just don’t trust myself. I’m positive I’d screw it up and they would end up topsy-turvy. It’s really not about their ability to perch; it’s about my fear of them getting hurt. Sometimes I do things for me. And they seem to really love their showers. So they are happy, and I’m not a nervous wreck. Great stories! Thank you for writing; it was so great to hear from you!
P.
Hi Pat, I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your stories about Parker and Pepper in Bird Talk. I have an african grey timneh named Dickens and he reminds me of Parker because I never know what he will do or say. He is a blessing to have around as he keeps me company. I am a widow and I bought him at 4 months when I was living in Florida. Now I’m back in Wis. in a senior apt. and He takes a walk with me every day to get the mail & see the other residents. He lets me know when it is time to go for mail.
I started when he was a baby to tiolet train him so he never poops in his cage. He will hold it for 8 hrs. He has a large vocabulary and is always coming out with something new. There’s never a dull moment in my household. Keep on writing!! Regards, Mary
Thank you Mary!
Such kind words about the “Memos.” Curious about something; I named Parker after the writer and poet, Dorothy Parker. Did you name Dickens after the writer, Charles Dickens?
Dickens sounds wonderful! I hope he doesn’t have to “hold it” for that much time very often. I know that Parker doesn’t go all night, but during the day he’s quite the “prolific little pooper!”
I’ll try and keep up the writing! I now write the “Quizzes” on the Bird Channel. They call me “The Quiz Queen!”
Hi! I love your memos! I have a 26 year old African Grey named Willoughby who is the light of my life. We are going to Hawaii next week–leaving from Phoenix and I need a good bird sitter for a week. I have looked online and have a few numbers but since you write for the Phoenix Beakin’ I thought you might be able to give me a good contact name.
Keep writing your wonderful column. I read it to Willoughby each month and laugh because he does alot of the naughty things your guys do. They are so smart and know much more than even we realize. It’s impossible to explain to non-bird people!
Thanks, Camille
Hi Camille!
Thank you for reading the Memos!
The “Phoenix Beakin’” is the newsletter for “Phoenix Landing,” a non-profit Parrot Adoption and Education Foundation located in North Carolina. I’m unfamiliar with Phoenix and the bird scene there. But if you call around, you might be able to board Willoughby at a Vet’s office or perhaps a local Bird supply store has boarding services. Many pet stores might be able to point you in the right direction as well. Good Luck and thank you again!
Patricia
Thank you for all the useful dog info. I have 2 dogs and I always like reading all about dogs. Great Site!!
My blog is primarily about my parrots and bird-related subjects, but yes, I do occasionally write about my dog Mattie.
Hi Patricia, I must have had my head in the sand for the past 2 years. I’ve always enjoyed your articles in Bird Talk, but somehow missed out on this blog. Now that it’s been discovered – I’m hooked! Thanks for sharing your heartfelt, funny, thought provoking, engaging stories and advice. I heard you speak at our LI Parrot Society (LIPS) EXPO last fall. You were great & I got some great tips as well. Life is sooooo much easier thanks to a couple sheets of newspaper on the bottom of the cage. I change them every night, and avoid the daily scrubbing, chipping and/or cursing my way through cemented bird poop. I’ve yet to make “chop,” but hope to find the recipes on the blog. Thanks to your time saving tips, I can spend more quality time having fun with Cosmo & Noodles, my 2 green-cheeked conures.
Thanks! Pam
PS – What’s going on in the picture w/the 3 greys – walking on something white with what looks like rain or water above?!
Hi Pam!
Nice to see you here. Thank you so much for your encouraging words and ind thoughts. I’m so pleased you like the blog.
Isn’t the “newspaper thing” great? Love that trick! Once I began doing that I never looked back. It also saves a ton of wear and tear on your cages. Parker’s is almost 7 years old and it still looks brand new.
Regarding the photo you mention in your PS: The photo is of my Greys at the bottom of my tub with the water running. They’re taking a shower.
This is unrelated to your blog but thank you for sharing your story about Andre the Giant! Sorry couldn’t find a way to email you but that was great.
You’re welcome Alex and thank you! It was an incredible moment. He was really a very cool guy. I enjoyed meeting him.
Hi,
I’m a little new to all this but I wanted to let you know about something I’ve learned to use to protect my carpet. I have a Goffins Cockatoo named Stevie. Under his big cage, I’ve put one of those plastic mats that offices use under desk chairs. It’s the perfect size if he happens to hang out on the seed catcher and the little box that juts out one side is perfect under his door, which is one of his favorite places to hang out and poop. Under his play stands and perches, I’ve placed some of the rolled plastic runners that people use to protect their carpets. I just cut the runners to size and use a couple of them or whatever is necessary.
Thanks very much.
Lori Reedy
Thanks for the tip Lori. I know of a few people who do this. I guess it saves their carpeting. Ann Brooks, Founder of Phoenix Landing uses heavy duty shower pan lining material for her floors. She says they clean up great! So glad to have you drop by with the tip. Come back soon!
I had 17 now down to 16 My Lilac Crowned Amazon Anna Belle passed away in March she would have been 11 she had sever problems with her Liver an Kidneys,along with some nasel and brething issues, i had her creamated, i wasn’t sure where her final resting spot she be so until then i have her ashes in a brass urn wierd, and extreme to some but not if you are a bird person you get attatched! Buster, Sweetie are my 2 girls both are Blue and Gold Macaws 15yrs, and 10 yrs old. Taz my yellow-collard mini Macaws he is 10. Chance ihave been apart of his life since he was 3 weeks old i finished hand rasiing him he is a hybrid Macaw (Ruby=Green wing and Scarlet Macaw+Scarlet= Kelidescope Macaw he will be 2 Feb 10 2010. Sydney my Blue Fronted Amazon she is a hand full in itself always into something, Gypsy 4, and Elliot 8 are my to girls both CAFG they are a hand full +!! Jesse 10 a Jenday Conure, Buddy 4 a Nanday Conure, Tikki aa 6 1/2 yr old Red faced love bird, (He hinks he is a big Macaw!!) 3 Quakers Niki 12, Bonnie 4, Clyde 4. Hutch 5 a Mustached Parakeet who love to shake handsand laugh, Zazu A 5 yr old Alexandrian Ring-Necked Parakeet who pretends to be having his own telephone conversation he is a riot. And my latest adoption Corky he is from Tampa and was brought to Arizona 2 yrs ago he was rescued from a elderly couple who could no longer care for there parrots due to their own health, he had t be treated for a severe case of ecoli, and yeast infection, he has been doing well, he is was a challenge to get off of people food spagetti and meat balls, pork chops ect. Now pellots, fruit and veggies and now your chop. My birds also enjoyed the blueberry banana smothie that was in an issue of bird talk magazin and i just added a generous spkinle of bee pollen granuals also a great source of hi potency antioxident,minerals that are naturally good for birds.
I also have 4 small dogs, the birds love to throw food to them and there is a story there! Well that is my mini zoo, and I am truely greatfull to be a stuart in the next chapters of there life. Bradley
Greetings Patricia,
I was reading your blog, enjoying what I read and I wondered if you would be interested in participating in my blog, http://www.parrotsnparadise.com/blog. I ask for contributions from you in the form of blog posts, pictures, videos, whatever! Posts can include:
· Information about different parrot species
· Illness prevention and cures
· Behavior tips
· Cute stories or videos
It would be great if we could exchange blog links.
I am not an avian vet or bird expert, I just want to share my experiences with my six parrots. One of my goals with this blog is to create an open communication network between parrot owners.
Best Regards,
Joanne
Hey Patricia!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! (Sorry if I’m mistaken, I remember hearing it on one of your videos from Best Friends)
If not that, then Happy Valentine’s Day from up here! I hope you had a great day.
Hi Patricia:
I’m making my way through many of the parrot blogs I found on the internet as I have a request:
There is an amazing parrot rescue facility on Vancouver Island, BC called the “World Parrot Refuge.” http://worldparrotrefuge.org/ They provide a home for life for unwanted, abused, neglected, and sick parrots and they turn none away! Presently there are over 800 parrots there from across Canada and the US but, as you can imagine, this is a very costly facility to run.
I’m writing because they are currently part of the “Pepsi Refresh – Canada” competition in the $25K category (called “Feed the Sanctuary Parrots”). http://www.refresheverything.ca/index/index
Even though the $25K is a drop in the bucket for them, it will help some and I feel that fellow parrot-lovers around the world would be willing to take a couple minutes every day to vote for them if they only knew! I was hoping you’d be willing to post this on your blog – it would help feed hundreds of parrots – thank you!!
Hi Amy,
Posted here as requested! I’m sorry it took a while but your post ended up in the spam file and I just found it, fished it out and here you are. Good luck with the contest!
Dear Patricia:
We are located in Belle Fourche, South Dakota home to the Center of the Nation. On June 17 & 18, 2011, the Black Hills Parrot Welfare & Education Center will host the 2nd Annual Parrot Festival. I have volunteered there since it opened in Nov. of 2009. They currently house 90 feathered friends.
I am inviting you to attend the Festival and perhaps speak to the visitors about your birds, your writings, etc.
Whether or not you are able to attend, I ask that you would encourage people to attend this great event. Everyone is welcome to bring their vet-checked birds and share experiences and bird wisdom. Greg & Cindy Poulain work tirelessly to keep the center going! check out their site @ http://www.bhparrotwelfare.org. They currently have Jasper, Dulce & Samantha, congo greys, and Smokey, the Timneh. Jasper considers me his girlfriend but I refuse to eat his “love offerings”!
Hi Patricia from another Patricia. I am a long time Bird Talk fan. I used to attend a great deal of bird expos/fairs and always found Bird Talk at a reduced price. I must have had a subscription for 15 year or so.
My first parrot was a hand fed Spectacled Amazon/White Front. She fell in love with a Blue Front and eventually went to live with that family much to my sorrow but her joy. But owning a parrot is a lot like like eating peanuts, you can’t have just one. I went on to rescuing two more. My boys. Radar and Frumple. Radar was a Yellow Nape and Frumple was a Timneh. Radar was the clown and the gigolo and Frumpy was the lover. Both birds were wild caught but relatively young when they came to live with me. Radar was owned with 5 others by a man that gave him to me for keeping the flock for 3 months while he traveled. Frumpy was owned by a dentist friend that never bonded with him and I bought him for a small amount. Frumpy was not tame at all when he came to live with me and on a horrible seed diet. One day he was sitting on top of his cage and I saw something hanging from under his tail. Frumpy had tapeworms. He went to the U of MO vets and came back a different bird. He now ate everything offered. But more than that he had watched me with Radar and one day when I walked by he put up his foot. I had been bitten pretty severely by him but there was something about his look and I put up my hand. He stepped up as if he had always been doing it. He became the sweetest thing ever. I could scoop him up in both hands and he would “nest” there and we would sit for hours with me scritching him. I could hug him (something Radar would allow but then like a little boy he would start to squirm and wiggle) and trim his beak and nails with no problems at all. Radar loved red heads and blonds (I am a brunette) Any time a woman with light hair would come over he would flash strut and call as if he had found the love of his life. My niece who lived next door is a red head and he truly loved her. She was to have inherited him when I passed on and my daughter was to have had Frumple so all was settled. I expected them to outlive me.
But on Nov 29 2005 my world was shattered. I left for about 4 hours to run an errand and when I came home my birds were gone. As it turned out two teenagers had broken in and taken my birds— only the birds. Long story here but my birds were never recovered and one boy said Radar had died within two weeks. Stressed!!! He was terrified of men. Frumple has never been recovered but I will never stop looking. My physical health took a huge nose-dive and mentally I was a wreck. I vowed never to have another parrot. I spent 23 years with those two and felt I could not start over again.
Then in August of 2010 I was locked out of my office (lol) and went to the house next door to see if I could use the phone. I made my call and was waiting and visiting with the owner who turned out to be an old acquaintance. She was showing me her parrots and asked me if I wanted one. She had tried to sell it with no success. She was offering a Great Alexandrine parakeet. He was a lovely bird and very tame. I told her I would take him and find a home for him. Alex was a joy but not the bird for me. After a couple of weeks I called my niece and she came over just to see what I had. She fell in love. This was the niece who was to have had Radar so Alex went to his forever home. Now that I had been around a bird again I started watching Craigslist and rescues in the area. I made many inquiries but one day I found a Blue and Gold with cage for sale. I spoke to the man who had the bird and I agreed to come and see him. I ask (just in case) if the cage would fit in my car. He laughed and said better bring a truck. I called another niece and asked if she would take me in her truck to see the bird. Promising that if I didn’t feel the “call” or tug on my heart I would not buy the bird. We drove 100 miles arriving at a Animal Sanctuary and toured the outside first. I met Elmer the black bear (I had brought a stash of fruits to tempt the animals) and he liked apples. Petted him and moved onto Samantha the black leopard (she didn’t want an apple and I had no meat). No petting her but she rubbed against the side of the cage purring so deep I could feel it in my toes. Next was the wolves. Wow I didn’t realize from pictures that they were so tall. And friendly!!! Knock you down happy to see you friendly. Then were the foxes. Romeo and Juliet. Romeo was adorable he would come up on his shelf and rub his back against the side of his enclosure until you scratched him. Then he would twist and wiggle with joy. Juliet was shy. OK, now, inside to meet the birds. There were two a sweet Umbrella cockatoo named Calypso and a B&G in a huge cage named Jesse. As we spoke Jesse was lunging and biting at us through the bars. The gentleman shared that Jess had several lookers but no takers. He acted too aggressive. We spent a long time observing and talking. Jesse was 10 years young in perfect feather and I was told that he had been handled a lot when he first came to the sanctuary but the man was in ill health and the bird had not been out of his cage for over a year. I decided to take him, I was not intimidated just wary. Did I mention that bird and cage were only 300 dollars and the cage was a California cage. Worth the price in cage alone. If Jesse wanted to be just a beautiful bird that was OK with me. My niece ask if I felt the call and I had to admit I hadn’t but I was taking him anyway. We loaded the cage and I found to my relief that Jesse would step up for a stick. At least I could move him from point to point safely. So we get home Monday afternoon and I call the vet. She will be in on Tue. (what luck) and I make an appointment for beak and nails. If he is gonna be mad at someone it isn’t gonna be at me.
Used the stick to get him in the travel cage, and stupidly left it at home. Soooo the vet tech and I are looking at each other wondering who was going to get him out. I asked for a broom and she looked horrified.. No no I assured her I am just going to use the handle. Whew I thought she was gonna call the parrot police or something. Jesse stepped up like a gentleman and I sat him on the exam counter. The tech and I watched for Jess to try to escape but he was very calm. No eye flashing wing beating or beak snapping. Humm I thought I will just reach out and stroke his back. Yep he sat quite still. We were impressed!!! The Dr came in then and dropped a towel over him and off they went. I heard him squawk every nail she clipped. ;o) When she came back she praised Jess saying he was one of the best Macaws she had worked with. Jess seemed pretty calm for all the ordeals he had just been through and he stepped right up on my hand.
We stopped at McDonalds and got my lunch came home and Jesse sat on my tummy in the recliner eating grapes while I ate my fries. OK, yes, he had a couple of fries after I wiped off most of the salt. Jessie now travels with me in his flight suit and seems to enjoy going with me. The flight suit is only good for about an hour or so then we need a diaper change. First I spread the suit out on the bed then I pick Jess up by the body and set his feet in the holes of the flight suit. He doesn’t like it when I pull his wings through but he doesn’t bite he just fusses about it. Velcro it up the back and we are ready to go. I believe we were meant for each other. I love to travel and now I have a constant companion.
Hi Patricia,
Love the blog and look forward to it. You do such great PR for rescue organizations and sanctuaries and I wanted to make sure you were aware of one here in our home state.
Run by Pat Norton, Fla Exotic Bird Sanctuary in Wesley Chapel is a true sanctuary for birds whose owners want to give their birds as natural of a life as possible and end the cycle of a new home every few years. http://www.FlaBirdSanctuary.com
Several years ago, I needed a solution for a wild caught
Moluccan too I had adopted. After being in her former home for over 20 years and 2 years in mine, I did not want an uncertain future for her. I wanted things for her that I was not capable of providing and started looking for a solution. After looking at a number of facilities, many of whom had no room until they realized that I was willing to support my bird, I found Pat Norton.
Pat doesn’t turn away birds if she can accomodate them or if the situation is dire. She has instituted a sanctuary membership program where for a set fee (depending on bird size) you can receive updates on your bird and photos.
It is also a tax deductible expense being that she is a 501C3 organization.
I recently visited Aussie and Pat and if you would like to see them, I took a good number of photos. Please let your readers know about FEBS as Pat deserves our support.
http://www.FlaBirdSanctuary.com
In the August issue of Bird Talk you mention a toy you bought called “brainy baby”. I think my parrot would love this, can you tell me the official name of the toy, my internet search didn’t locate anything like you described. Thank you, and have a beautiful day!
Hi Shawnee,
I have been asked this before and it seems that the Einstein Baby people have discontinued manufacturing this toy. You might be able to find one on Ebay. If I see it around anywhere, I’ll be sure to post the source. Good luck with locating it and let me know if you find a source for it as well.
You bubble with passion when you get along with parrots , I can see that in this blog and your photographs .
Keep that going,
Lilly,
http://www.kidsuki.com
Hi Patricia from another Patricia. I am a long time Bird Talk fan. I used to attend a great deal of bird expos/fairs and always found Bird Talk at a reduced price. I must have had a subscription for 15 year or so.
My first parrot was a hand fed Spectacled Amazon/White Front. She fell in love with a Blue Front and eventually went to live with that family much to my sorrow but her joy. But owning a parrot is a lot like like eating peanuts, you can’t have just one. I went on to rescuing two more. My boys. Radar and Frumple. Radar was a Yellow Nape and Frumple was a Timneh. Radar was the clown and the gigolo and Frumpy was the lover. Both birds were wild caught but relatively young when they came to live with me. Radar was owned with 5 others by a man that gave him to me for keeping the flock for 3 months while he traveled. Frumpy was owned by a dentist friend that never bonded with him and I bought him for a small amount. Frumpy was not tame at all when he came to live with me and on a horrible seed diet. One day he was sitting on top of his cage and I saw something hanging from under his tail. Frumpy had tapeworms. He went to the U of MO vets and came back a different bird. He now ate everything offered. But more than that he had watched me with Radar and one day when I walked by he put up his foot. I had been bitten pretty severely by him but there was something about his look and I put up my hand. He stepped up as if he had always been doing it. He became the sweetest thing ever. I could scoop him up in both hands and he would “nest” there and we would sit for hours with me scritching him. I could hug him (something Radar would allow but then like a little boy he would start to squirm and wiggle) and trim his beak and nails with no problems at all. Radar loved red heads and blonds (I am a brunette) Any time a woman with light hair would come over he would flash strut and call as if he had found the love of his life. My niece who lived next door is a red head and he truly loved her. She was to have inherited him when I passed on and my daughter was to have had Frumple so all was settled. I expected them to outlive me.
But on Nov 29 2005 my world was shattered. I left for about 4 hours to run an errand and when I came home my birds were gone. As it turned out two teenagers had broken in and taken my birds— only the birds. Long story here but my birds were never recovered and one boy said Radar had died within two weeks. Stressed!!! He was terrified of men. Frumple has never been recovered but I will never stop looking. My physical health took a huge nose-dive and mentally I was a wreck. I vowed never to have another parrot. I spent 23 years with those two and felt I could not start over again.
Then in August of 2010 I was locked out of my office (lol) and went to the house next door to see if I could use the phone. I made my call and was waiting and visiting with the owner who turned out to be an old acquaintance. She was showing me her parrots and asked me if I wanted one. She had tried to sell it with no success. She was offering a Great Alexandrine parakeet. He was a lovely bird and very tame. I told her I would take him and find a home for him. Alex was a joy but not the bird for me. After a couple of weeks I called my niece and she came over just to see what I had. She fell in love. This was the niece who was to have had Radar so Alex went to his forever home. Now that I had been around a bird again I started watching Craigslist and rescues in the area. I made many inquiries but one day I found a Blue and Gold with cage for sale. I spoke to the man who had the bird and I agreed to come and see him. I ask (just in case) if the cage would fit in my car. He laughed and said better bring a truck. I called another niece and asked if she would take me in her truck to see the bird. Promising that if I didn’t feel the “call” or tug on my heart I would not buy the bird. We drove 100 miles arriving at a Animal Sanctuary and toured the outside first. I met Elmer the black bear (I had brought a stash of fruits to tempt the animals) and he liked apples. Petted him and moved onto Samantha the black leopard (she didn’t want an apple and I had no meat). No petting her but she rubbed against the side of the cage purring so deep I could feel it in my toes. Next was the wolves. Wow I didn’t realize from pictures that they were so tall. And friendly!!! Knock you down happy to see you friendly. Then were the foxes. Romeo and Juliet. Romeo was adorable he would come up on his shelf and rub his back against the side of his enclosure until you scratched him. Then he would twist and wiggle with joy. Juliet was shy. OK, now, inside to meet the birds. There were two a sweet Umbrella cockatoo named Calypso and a B&G in a huge cage named Jesse. As we spoke Jesse was lunging and biting at us through the bars. The gentleman shared that Jess had several lookers but no takers. He acted too aggressive. We spent a long time observing and talking. Jesse was 10 years young in perfect feather and I was told that he had been handled a lot when he first came to the sanctuary but the man was in ill health and the bird had not been out of his cage for over a year. I decided to take him, I was not intimidated just wary. Did I mention that bird and cage were only 300 dollars and the cage was a California cage. Worth the price in cage alone. If Jesse wanted to be just a beautiful bird that was OK with me. My niece ask if I felt the call and I had to admit I hadn’t but I was taking him anyway. We loaded the cage and I found to my relief that Jesse would step up for a stick. At least I could move him from point to point safely. So we get home Monday afternoon and I call the vet. She will be in on Tue. (what luck) and I make an appointment for beak and nails. If he is gonna be mad at someone it isn’t gonna be at me.
Used the stick to get him in the travel cage, and stupidly left it at home. Soooo the vet tech and I are looking at each other wondering who was going to get him out. I asked for a broom and she looked horrified.. No no I assured her I am just going to use the handle. Whew I thought she was gonna call the parrot police or something. Jesse stepped up like a gentleman and I sat him on the exam counter. The tech and I watched for Jess to try to escape but he was very calm. No eye flashing wing beating or beak snapping. Humm I thought I will just reach out and stroke his back. Yep he sat quite still. We were impressed!!! The Dr came in then and dropped a towel over him and off they went. I heard him squawk every nail she clipped. ;o) When she came back she praised Jess saying he was one of the best Macaws she had worked with. Jess seemed pretty calm for all the ordeals he had just been through and he stepped right up on my hand.
We stopped at McDonalds and got my lunch came home and Jesse sat on my tummy in the recliner eating grapes while I ate my fries. OK, yes, he had a couple of fries after I wiped off most of the salt. Jessie now travels with me in his flight suit and seems to enjoy going with me. The flight suit is only good for about an hour or so then we need a diaper change. First I spread the suit out on the bed then I pick Jess up by the body and set his feet in the holes of the flight suit. He doesn’t like it when I pull his wings through but he doesn’t bite he just fusses about it. Velcro it up the back and we are ready to go. I believe we were meant for each other. I love to travel and now I have a constant companion.
+1
I’m all ready to make CHOP – and I don’t even have a parrot! I love your blog.
Thanks Heather! I see you’re one of us that’s “living the dream” in polyester blend. If you’re thinking abut getting a parrot, please contact me first. I’ll give you the skinny on how to go about it.
Very awesome blog Patricia, very awesome indeed! I will definitely be returning from time to time.
Hello Patricia. I think I’ve found the first blog on African Grey parrots that actually meets my standards. I’m no pro by any means, but I have an 11-year-old CAG that I’ve had since he was about 12 weeks old. I’m almost ashamed to say that now after all these years of educating myself and realizing rescuing a parrot would have been the better option. I’m impressed with your knowledge and how you’ve gone about educating yourself. I had a breeder that I later learned (again through my ongoing education) was top-notch. She did it for the love of parrots more than the money. Oh the things I had to do before I could bring my fid home. It is because of her that I have such a well-behaved, social, confident, and wonderful parrot. This woman required I visit my baby parrot at least once a week and spend at least a couple of hours there each visit bonding with him. She offered me complete access to her breeding facility on these visits (something I’ve learned is rare but didn’t realize at the time). She was hiding nothing. She gave me references and printouts and during the time I spent with her she educated me on so many things. I watched her care for all kinds of parrots and saw the bond she had with my baby as well. She cried when I took him home. If only ALL breeders could be like her. She gets updates from me a couple times a year and always on Zoey Bird’s hatch date. I often contact her to thank her for insisting I read everything I could get my hands on about greys when I hear about somebody doing something with their parrot that is unbelievable. I can’t believe how many people bring one of these intelligent, sensitive creatures into their lives without educating themselves beforehand. I often deal with internal conflict as well for taking part in my bird’s captivity, but it does make me even more determined to provide him with the best life possible out of the rain forest. I have just found your blog and will be poking around here for hours I’m sure. I want to check out the courses you talk about as well. I’m always looking for something new to learn about how I can make life more enjoyable for my parrot. Are you on Facebook? There are a few really good parrot pages there that offer lots of good information. I read everything and research things in greater detail just to make sure. I’m going to share your blog link with my parrot friends on Facebook. Thank you for loving parrots and sharing your knowledge.
Hi Kelly,
I’m so very glad you enjoy my “stuff” as I call it. After a late night setting up for a presentation on “Chop” in The Washington DC area, I have to get moving here and get ready to meet and greet people from the Phoenix Landing Adoption Foundation and do a Presentation and seminar. Go ahead and friend me on Facebook and take a look at my little corner of FB insanity! Looking forward to seeing you sometime at a workshop and I’m so glad to know that you too, are still learning. Because I’ve never stopped. And I probably never will. Sounds like you’re doing everything right!
All the best,
P.
Patricia,
Do you ever do talks to small bird clubs? We have one here in Gainesville, FL , maybe we could connect? I’m loving the blog.
Thanks so much, Andrea! I’m glad you enjoy it.
Yes, I do talks for anyone. Usually people want me to talk about Chop. I have some nice videos and a cool talk to present. I also can do a “Chop Demo,” if you’re so inclined. How many people?
We’re usually lucky to get 20 people, but you ARE a big time bird celebrity
Your FIDS are welcome, some of us bring FIDS, and they are also famous.
We meet on Sunday afternoons 1x a month. We’ll feed you lunch, do you have a fee? You can check us out on Facebook (closest thing we have to a website) at Gainesville Bird Fanciers. If you are interested, we can talk dates and details.
[...] to take a look at what Patricia Sund calls the “Chop” diet. Patricia is a fantastic blogger with lots to offer the avian community (she’s also the writer of BIRD TALK magazine’s [...]
[...] better for it. However, (I have not seen them) I would appreciate the step by step videos that Pat put together, and all of the hard work she has done to get the idea of birds having a better diet, [...]
Maybe you would like to talk to the people at Wings and ask the questions.
Hello Patricia, We met at the NPRPF Festival 2008 … I’ve some exciting news to share with you please contact me.