Blogging about Parrots

Lucky's Profile

2012-01-17T13:38:00.003-06:00

Lucky (White Fronted Amazon) sitting comfortable

Why I like making pictures for Lucky? Because he is sitting still and it's easy to make sharp picture of him. My Budgies and Cockatiels, there is different story...

The First Bird, who "dressed up" Ugly Sweater was....

2012-01-13T18:10:00.004-06:00


Lucky was first, who liked new toy. Now I see budgies there!

Thank you Crystal! That toy has wrong name. It's so cute!
What can I say: My birds love your toys!
"Ugly Sweater" was made by Crystal's Bird Toys

The same bird enjoying another toy from Crystal's bird Toys

I'm sexy and I know it!

2012-01-12T21:04:00.009-06:00

Girl look at that body, Girl look at that body, Girl look at that body

I work out

Girl look at that body, Girl look at that body, Girl look at that body

I work out - I'm sexy and I know it!

"Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle, wiggle, wiggle yeah.
I'm sexy and I know it!"

We're Cage Free!

2012-01-11T16:56:00.001-06:00

If you don't count inside aviary as a one big cage of course:)

We was thinking for a while, that our birds use their cages for food and water, eventually as a toilet. Most activities was taking place on higher level in aviary: wood sticks, swings and another toys or simple: outside that aviary. Birds didn't even slept in their cages.
We decided to give it a try and check, how our parrots will be without cages. So far, they have temporary shelf, which will be bigger if they accept cage-free situation.
I'm watching them closely, since it's first day after changes and except Lucky, no bird seems to complain.
Lucky was kinda cage territorial, so he feels, like he lost control. One positive from his behavior, Lucky is more open to interact with me! I hope, that he will adjust to a new situation, because cleaning now will be very easy!


That's how it looks now from our living room!

As you can see, they have no problems with finding food-;)

One bird is missing here. Which one?

Parrot Joke (2)

2012-01-10T04:24:00.001-06:00

A woman adopts two female Amazon Parrots but is disappointed when the only thing they say is: "Hi cutie, want to have some fun?"
One day while talking to her priest, she mentions the problem with her 2 female birds. Priest says: "Well great, I have 2 male Amazon Parrots, who only read the bible and pray all day. Bring your females over and we'll put them in with the males and I bet they'll quit saying that phase".
The next day lady shows up with 2 females and they puts them in the cage with the male birds, who are playing with rosary beads and praying.
When entering cage the 2 females call out: "Hi cutie, want to have some fun?". One male bird looks at the other and says: "Hey, you can put away the rosary beads now, our prayers have been finally answered!"

Customer Appreciation - Mother Pluckin' Bird Toys

2012-01-07T02:22:00.007-06:00

Today I picked up package from Mother Pluckin' Bird Toys. I ordered only couple things as a trial. What can I say, they will have me for sure as a returning customer! Everything came nice packed and each toy part look exactly like on the picture on their site.
When I was ordering, I felt kinda guilty, that it's such a small part and it was during Holidays, so I asked them to not rush and enjoy Holidays.
To my surprise, they didn't ignore me because of small order, sent my parts immediately and attached also free samples. I got also discount, if I continue shopping there.
That's exactly my kind of store. They win me as a customer and I attached 3 appreciation stars to link in the list of stores we're shopping(see on the sidebar)!

And let pictures speak for them:

Chico, traditionally had to be first inspector of package-:)

My small trial order

Samples attached - Thanks Michelle!

Birds have Fun!

2012-01-05T02:06:00.001-06:00

The indoor aviary was probably the best of my boyfriend's ideas, second after inviting me for a dinner years ago:)

So how are fids there?

Better, than in the bird room before. I have more contact with them, when I'm at home door to their aviary are all the time open, so they can make a mess also outside it.

Lucky(Amazon Parrot) became more territorial and more bossy in that place, but only to us, people. So flock dynamick changed only a bit. He also learned to drink water from little bottles, belonged to Budgies and Cockatiels, and his dish for water is for... every-bird shower.

Chico(the first Cockatiel) is more happy, because she can go more in and out, I'm happy, because she eats more. Mickey(the second one) is hissing at everybody and everybirdy, but there is no real fighting. She doesn't want to go out of aviary.

Budgies: Mango is happy, because nobody bother him to go to his cage, when is a bed time. They sleep wherever they want inside, and Mango more often with Lucky! I know: Budgie and Amazon!
Blueberra and Plum are everywhere, like Budgies, it's hard to make pictures of them. They're too fast!

I feel better, cause I can spend more time with all of them: when I'm cooking, cleaning, watching TV or working with computer. Before I had to go to their room.
Now, I have my own bedroom back, which is another plus. The only one minus, so far, is cleaning, really hard, but not impossible.

I'm thinking to go cage free in the future, since they are using them to eat, drink and shower only. Cages take only space, we have to find some solution about that. Maybe we'll buy plastic pipes in plumber section and make eating/feeding and showering area for our parrots.

And here they are on video:

Happy New Year!

2012-01-02T01:28:00.005-06:00

How did you spend New Years Night?

Our birds was frighted twice. I had to pick up scared Cockatiels and Amazon from floor and spend a moment with them, assure them that everything is okay. They freaked out after 12, when they heard fireworks. Somehow my Budgies was less scared than others parrots. Poor birds!
We left quiet music and soft light for the rest of night and they were fine.

Happy and Healthy 2012 Year!

from my Parrots: Mango, Blueberra, Plum, Chico, Lucky, Mickey
and me- their volunteer slave;-)

Bird Lovers are Everywhere!

2011-12-25T21:48:00.010-06:00

The day before Christmas Eve I was running like crazy. I had million things to do, and only one day for it. Besides that, traffic was unbelievable.

I wanted so much to pick up delivery for my birds from US Post Office, which was opened only until 5.30 pm. I made to Post Office shortly before closing, hungry, exhausted, but I made it!

So, that's how I remember my conversation with person, who was working there:

me: Hi, I'd like to pick up my order.

sir: Yes Ma'am, can I see your ID? (giving ID, checking, going for my package)

sir(keeping my package): Hm, what's that Ma'am?

me(getting slowly inpatient): A, it's just gift for my pets for Christmas.

sir(looking at the name of sender, which was "Things for Wings"): If I may ask, what kind of pets Ma'am?

me(trying to avoid judgment of US Post Office worker): You know sir, some people order things for their dogs, another people order things for their cats for Christmas... and I ordered Christmas toys for my parrots!

sir(with the smile): What kind of parrots do you have Ma'am?

me(surprised by that question): Eeee, three budgies, two cockatiels and one amazon parrot...

sir: Amazon-challenging, Cockatiels-dust makers and Budgies-funny.

and then he told me about his Pois Parrots, he used to have living with his parents, which really made that absolutely crazy day better!

It's good to know, that there are crazy-parrot people everywhere!

Atom for my Birds

2011-12-20T21:32:00.005-06:00

I'm proud to share with you pictures of my birds and they new exercise toy: atom. More proud, because this atom didn't cost over $100, didn't cost even half of that price. It cost me about $18 including toy, that I clipped there from Crystal's Bird Toys.

It was just trip to a craft store during holiday sale and couple hours of "playing with rope" and here it is: Bird's Atom

First Inspectors: Cockatiels (from left Chico and Mickey)

Chico showed her approval!

Then Lucky jumped in, but he didn't know what to do.

But when he got rewarded with peanut for being brave boy...

Customer Appreciation - Crystal's Bird Toys

2011-12-14T03:49:00.015-06:00

My Parrots are happy playing with toys I ordered from Crystal's Bird Toys
Playing: Chico (Cockatiel), Blueberry (Budgie) and Lucky (Amazon Parrot).

For me, seeing them so happy, is priceless!

Thank you Crystal! (for ordered toys and freebies)

Our Lutino Pearl Cockatiel

2011-12-12T20:46:00.001-06:00

At the beginning I wasn't sure if I'll be able to keep that cutie! I found bird in Craigslist adds. According to previous caregivers, bird is not tame, supposedly is male and his age is about 4 months. They named him: Chiki, what a coincidence to our female Cockatiel Chico!
I have to rename him/her, each time when I was calling one of my 'Tiels, both of them was responding. As it came out Mickey (new name) isn't "no tame" bird. S/he is only afraid of touching him/her, but is stepping up with no problems. This bird needs only our patience and time. I prefer male this time, but I'd love that parrot equal if Mickey is female!

Meet Mickey: "not tamed" Cockatiel :)

Micki, as every young and healthy bird, is curious...

Two of our Cockatiels eating together: Chico and Mickey

Toucan Painting

2011-12-10T22:13:00.005-06:00

Something to do during free weekend... I always admire people with talent!

Credit: YouTube

Budgies and Amazon Parrot taking a nap together

2011-12-08T01:37:00.003-06:00

It was in the morning, after breakfast, when they all decided to take a nap. Only Chico (Cockatiel) stay on my shoulder. Title says all...

The Greatest Love At All...

Christmas Time and Parrots

2011-12-05T17:55:00.001-06:00

For humans it's the season of shopping, joy, presents, good food, family time and yeah... Christmas Tree! Christmas Tree may be potential danger for parrots if they're allowed to fly or worse left around it unsupervised. Parrots are curios by nature and love to play, chew, so Christmas tree may be perfect play-gym and unfortunately the last one in your parrot life...
All the pretty, shiny thinks like tree ornaments attract them, they are for birds like a perfect toys. I should mention also lights with electrical cord and tinsel as well. Tinsel is toxic for parrots, they can't digest it. For all this reasons parrots and Christmas trees are not a good match.

As for me too many things around Xmas tree are dangerous for those little, curios birds. Please, make sure that your birds are present around only under our supervision.

I also want to ask you for a common sense with Christmas gifts. Please don't buy real parrot or any other live animal present as a Christmas gift unless person really want that with all consequences (care, diet, vet visits, time). There are so many adoption places for unwanted pets (including birds), so many animals after Holidays finish in the first pet store. Do not make that number bigger.

Be careful how you and your bird/s spend a New Year's Night. Decibel-level on that night may be stressful for birds and another animals as well. I'm rather home person, and I see every year how my animals are scared, because of the loud celebration on the streets.

Holidays make us busy, but we should find time for our pets. Let's not forget that our parrots needs attention. I hope nobody forget to provide the same care during Holiday season.

The purpose of this article is not to scare parrots caregivers or potential future happy bird's slaves. It's just came to my mind that it's worth to write my reflections about Christmas and home pets. Like they say: Better safe than sorry...

Beware that your birds will really talk at midnight on Christmas;-)

Happy Holidays!

* The same article is on our web site: My Parrots

Budgie and Amazon Parrot

2011-12-01T02:17:00.004-06:00

Mango is a male budgie, who is not lucky to his budgie partners. First he lost female love (Lemonade), then his male partner matured and bonded with another female budgie. Mango was literally taken from home, where he wasn't taken care off. Came in a smallest of possible cages, with only two containers (for water and seeds), and only one toy. He is now a very happy bird, always first step up to troubles!

Lucky is another green parrot (white fronted amazon), who wasn't wanted in his previous home. I found add in a CL and brought him home. I have to give the credit for his past caregivers: he had a variety of food, a lot of toys and cage appropriate to his size.

Somehow budgie and amazon parrot follow each other, and it looks like they're gonna be best friends (Who knew?!). I'm happy for both of them and blessed that I have opportunity watching their growing friendship.

Mango (Budgie) and Lucky (Amazon Parrot) together.

Petition addressed to: Petco

2011-11-29T15:59:00.004-06:00

Please sign petition addressed to: Petco. I just did. Inform as many friends, as you can. Help to stop mistreating their animals. Inform your friends.

On Wednesday September 8, 2011 in Johnson City, NY our area had gotten hit by a flood and the manager wouldn't allow the associates to take the animals home to save them from what could potentically kill them. On Thursday when people came in boats and tried to save these animals and were turn away by the local police. More than 100 animals are dead because of the flood and Petco's neglect.This is not the first time that the animals of Petco has mistreated. In some of the stores to save money if the animal is sick or dying they either put them in the fridge or in the freezer to die. Let's try to make this the last though. Animals should not be considered inventory.

by Lauren Rasa, Binghamton, NY

Petition to Petco
Boycott Petco discussion on Facebook

Indoor Aviary

2011-11-27T18:58:00.005-06:00

As I mentioned in a previous post, we wanted to spend more time with our birds. Before they had they own "bird room", but most of activities take place in the living room. The indoor aviary was my boyfriend's idea and we build it together.

Aviary size is a little over 5x7 foots, I can see my birds from any place in a living room and kitchen, they have a material curtain to make them sleep better at night. Inside there are 2 cages: Lucky's on the left and Chico's on right. Cages are only for food, water, shower and to keep them get used to cages in case if we'll have to move from this apartment.
As you can see on video, they have plenty of toys and more is on the way ordered today.

At the moment of recording it was really ugly weather outside, and that's the reason our fids was kinda crappy. This is also the very first movie, so forgive me the quality. I'll be improving that!

Places, where she shouldn't be...

2011-11-18T07:07:00.004-06:00

Here is Chico female Cockatiel. I love her, but she brakes all the rules of being good parrot. We are currently teaching her good behaviors. It's not easy, but it's working. Sometimes I want to let her do whatever she wants, but I know I can't. Only discipline and consequence will help her. And below are examples of Queen Chico "trips" around the apartment...


...around my purse...

...I don't know even how to comment that...

...shredding parrot's decoration...

There is more examples, but I don't want to be boring here. Bottom line: we are building "inside aviary" for our parrots. They have their own room, but it's not working for us: birds are free, but can't be always in one room with us unsupervised. I hope this idea will work for everybody. Photos and relation soon!

Bath Time Parrots!

2011-11-14T01:00:00.005-06:00

Each of my birds is different.
My male budgies are going nuts, when they see container with water. They can jump there back and forward, having a good time and really enjoying themselves. When they hear water from kitchen/bathroom, they start singing. Those both little monsters are proof that they origin is dry Australia! Female budgie is watching them and she is completely not interested...

Budgies: Mango and Plum going nuts in the water!

Lucky is afraid of shower, but he keep his feathers clean by taking a bath in his...water dish. We gave him lately special dish for shower, but what do we know. Little budgie Mango and the much bigger Amazon parrot Lucky, both love to shower there! Trying to spray them doesn't work, they act like it's punishment for both. But dish is a perfect place!
Chico (cockatiel), on the other hand, doesn't like to jump in the water, but when I wash dishes, she can't refuse. I had to put stand specially for her, since she was opening her wings to be sprinkled. She also join us in the bathroom, by staying in the shower rode and whistling with open wings until we sprinkle her with water. When she thinks, that's enough water for her, she fly away to get dry.

Chico when I wash dishes.

Every bird is different, has his own personality.

How came fascination about Amazon Parrots...

2011-11-07T04:19:00.006-06:00

The short video below started my fascination about Amazon Parrots. I remember playing it and each time fall in love in JakiePoo more and more.
Watch it and see how much Jakie is jealous about "Yellow Bird"... Unconditional love!

Credit: YouTube

Jakie is one of the kind Yellow Nape Amazon Parrot. Thanks for sharing Capt!

Craigslist and Pets

2011-11-02T04:51:00.005-05:00

Do I search local CraigsList? I think sometimes, that I'm addicted to that site, especially to the pet section. That's the place, where I found out cage for our Amazon Parrot and finally, by going and searching there every day, I found out Lucky: our Amazon!

I know, that there is a huge difference between "I really can't keep my pet" and "I don't want to keep my pet anymore". The most reasons used as excuse by people, who want to re-home their pet:

I'm allergic/My child is allergic. It happens, but that often?
We're moving and can't take our pet there. To Mars?
My dog/cat/bird doesn't go along with my other pet. Proper introduction!
Pet was a gift for my birthday and I don't have a time for it. No comments here.
My family doesn't go along with my dog/cat/bird. Grow up and move out!

I understand, that life not always goes the way we expect, and those sentences above may be true in some situations, but... why I have never saw an add on CL, where person puted it that way:

I didn't know, that I would loose interest in my pet. I don't care anymore. You can give him a better home.
I'm not a dog/cat/bird person. I didn't know before.
My child is spoiled and doesn't care, your child will be more responsible!
I'm a person, who brought unwanted pet for sb's birthday as a gift. You'll be more responsible, than me...

I could spend whole night by finding an examples, and I bet I would still miss something. Instead that, here is my statement:

I don't have kids, so no excuses here. But I remember my childhood, and my parents teach me to be responsible for my pets: walking, cleaning, feeding and generally paying attention.
My allergies are for dust and some strong cleaning supplies as bleach. Feathers make me sneezing once in a while, but it's not that bad.
I don't let my family interfere in my life: comments and suggestions yes, but listening, what I have to do: No, since I earn my own money for a living.
I don't invite idiots to my birthday party and if situation like that will ever happen, I would send "give" together with the person back to the pet store.
I was moving couple of times, and yes, I admit, sometimes it was hard to find a place, where they accept pets, but not impossible!
As a grown up person and animal lover, I take full responsibility for my pets and I will do everything what possible (and impossible) to keep my pets with me.

Dream Bird

2011-10-28T18:20:00.016-05:00

Once in a while question: "What is your dream bird" shows up on different parrots forums.

In ideal word, when time, money, space don't count I would like to have at least one of almost every specie of parrot. Because, I have to face reality, my list will be much shorter...

I would like to add Panama Amazon one day, and this is a dream I'm gonna follow. Seeing how smart those birds are and how "flexible" in relationships with another birds Panamas are, I guess I will be owned by one in the future.

Picture of Panama Amazon
thanks to TJ Lin from Flickr and Ookaboo!

Lineolated parrot (popular name: Linnie) is another bird to dream about. They are about of size of budgies, but more quiet and less cranky. They can mimic human speech and sleep upside down. From what I've heard, they go along with people and another birds as well.

Linnie (Lineolated Parakeet) Picture Credit

Bourke's parakeet seems to be my choice too: small size, very pleasant and quiet voice and friendly like one mentioned above.

Bourke's Parakeet in Wild Nature. Picture source: Ian Montgomery

Another small parrot is Scarlet-Chested. After watching documentary movie about Australian Parrots I simply fallen in love with those little beautiful, colorful creatures. Just watching one, seems like enjoyment!

An immature male Scarlet-Chested
License: cc-by/2.0
Picture of Scarlet-Chested Parrot thanks to kookr and Ookaboo!

African Grey somehow seems tempting for me. Some Cockatoos I can't resist, when I see them in pet stores (mostly Sulfur Crested or Goffin's), but I doubt I will have one of those. Sun/Gold Conoure are cute, one of the Pois species (Senegal?) but all of those birds are with the question mark right now.

Well, life is life. You can't have everything. But when you follow your dreams, you can be very close... Good luck to everybody with their dream pet!

My Birds came to join me!

2011-10-25T17:48:00.025-05:00

Birds at little play area above my computer.

Here is a good example, that multiply birds can exist in one household and don't kill each other. More, my birds have their cages, but are never forced to go there. Well, only when one of them do something bad, as a punishment. Other than that, they have their own room, where they spend most of their time.

The picture above, is a good example of multiply birds together. Lucky (the Amazon Parrot on the left) is almost sleeping, two of my three budgies (Plum and Mango) are searching to get in trouble, and Chico (Cockatiel) is about to fly. They fly out from their room to join me on the small play-area above my computer!

Of course, it took me time and effort and I guess I was lucky to make it possible. Just one thought to mention: there is never a guarantee that all birds will get along. Please consider that, if you want to keep different species of birds in your place.

Parrot Joke (1)

2011-10-22T00:58:00.003-05:00

A burglar has just made it into the house he's intending to ransack, and he's looking around for stuff to steal.
All of a sudden, a little voice pipes up "I can see you, and so can Jesus!" Startled, the burglar looks around the room. No-one there at all, so he goes back to his business. "I can see you, and so can Jesus!" The burglar jumps again, and takes a longer look around the room. Over in the corner by the window, almost obscured by curtains, is a cage in which sits a budgie, who pipes up again "I can see you, and so can Jesus!"
"So what", says the burglar, "You're only a budgie!"
And budgie replies: "Maybe, but Jesus is a Pitbull!"

Parrots Calendars 2012

2011-10-20T15:35:00.019-05:00

Last year I ordered 3 calendars from Pet Prints: American Eskimo, Pugs and Budgerigars. First two were perfect gifts, and budgies calendar well, I left to myself.
Yesterday I received brochure from the same company, about calendars for 2012.
Since I had already budgies last year, I'm thinking about Cockatiel or Amazon Parrots calendar for next year.

Amazon Calendar


Cockatiels Calendar

Parrots Calendars available: African Greys, Amazons, Budgerigars, Cockatiels, Cockatoos, Conures, Love Birds, Macaws. There are also calendars with photos of another wild animals, domestic pets and completely different subjects. For me, it's a perfect idea for small gift for Christmas.

Or...

If you want multiply parrots, it's not to late, to check what it has to offer Parrot Paradise Forum , and here is direct link to topic about Forum Parrots Calendar.

Your parrot picture can be chosen too!

The Flock Leader

2011-10-16T21:40:00.025-05:00

Guess who is in charge here?

Picture Credit:
http://putiya-en.com/

Every flock has it's leader. Having budgies, cockatiel and amazon parrot I found out, that cockatiel is bossing everybody around trying very hard to include us: humans!
Chico came to as at age 7 weeks as I remember, and I was afraid, that my budgies would bully her. Blueberra (female budgie) tried at the beginning, but soon she learned, that Chico won't let her for a long run.

When we took Lucky, WF Amazon Parrot (about 3 years old), I was very concern, that he gonna hurt her. Just imagine beak size... And somehow, that little flea (as we call her sometimes), do whatever she wants to do with him. She is often visitor in his cage, well she inspects everybody's cage, she try his food (maybe I gave him something better), drink from everybody's dish including lately...us: humans.
When she did realized, that she can be a bird-boss over another parrots, I guess she looked at us, and decided, we're the big birds and she gonna dominate us soon:) Who knew, that sweet hand fed, cute baby will grow to be a boss...

Amazon Parrots serious discussion:)

2011-10-14T19:43:00.011-05:00

Credit: YouTube

I love 'Zons. How could I not to!

Lucky - Amazon Parrot - started talking human language!

2011-10-13T13:08:00.040-05:00

Lucky: WF Amazon

Lucky (our re-homed white fronted Amazon) came to us, when he was about three years old and he is still getting adapted to us. Fortunately every day more! To my huge surprise, Lucky, started talking human language!

I was petting Chico(female Cockatiel) the other day and we all watched TV, when out of nowhere Lucky started saying: "what's the matter, what's the matter..." I was so happy, that I literally froze for a moment. Those of you, who have human speaking parrot know how exiting it is hearing it for the first time.

The next day situation repeated, but that time I couldn't understand, what he was talking about. From his little chit-chats I got so far: Chico, Chico, pretty bird, pretty bird. The thing is, that we call Chico often, but we don't use phrase: "pretty bird", so he must have been learn that in his previous place.

Speaking about Chico, Lucky "made" perfect Cockatiel whistle too. I can't wait for what else he is capable of:)

Amazing Amazon!

Welcome to Blogging about Parrots!

2011-10-12T01:46:00.015-05:00

I finally opened blog about parrots: at that moment I'm owned by three budgies, one cockatiel and one amazon parrot. You can read more about them also on their website: http://www.my-budgies.com
This place is continuation of our Parrot Site, so I hope you enjoy your time here too!