Breakthrough with Angel

[dlaura]

Angel, our goffins cockatoo has always been a nervous bird who began plucking at about 3 years old. We've researched and tried a lot of things to help alleviate the plucking and help build her confidence. (that is once the vet ruled out any health related issues) It seems some feel that clipping wings can contribute to plucking - so we allowed Angel's wings to grow in fully and she has been flying for a few months now, mostly when she gets startled or scared. Now she has realized she can fly whenever she wants and I've been working on her coming to me when called and she has been doing well for the last two weeks now. I am so very excited over this breakthrough and how good her over all feather condition is looking. Just had to share my happiness!

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a275/dlaura1954/DSC00319.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a275/dlaura1954/DSC00327.jpg

[Ltlpistol]

How beautiful! Congrats on her.

[vix506]

And she certainly looks like an Angel!

[Macawpower58]

Diane, I'm thrilled for you and Angel. Keeping my Goffin's wings untrimmed also has made a huge difference. I hope Angel continues to do so well.

I love your flight photos.

Oh, by the way.......those little bare legs look so familiar!

[krazy4birds]

Oh Diane... that is so beautiful I almost cried!!!!!! Angel has come so far with your faith in her all the time knowing she could and never giving up on her.....and that my friend is what a TRUE PET LOVER is all about!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[dlaura]

Diane, I'm thrilled for you and Angel. Keeping my Goffin's wings untrimmed also has made a huge difference. I hope Angel continues to do so well.

I love your flight photos.

Oh, by the way.......those little bare legs look so familiar!


Thanks Becky, I have to laugh when I look at the flight pictures and see those bare little legs. All I can think is she is making a fashion statement.

Thank you all for your replies - she is becoming more of an Angel day by day.

[dlaura]

Oh Diane... that is so beautiful I almost cried!!!!!! Angel has come so far with your faith in her all the time knowing she could and never giving up on her.....and that my friend is what a TRUE PET LOVER is all about!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well I am glad you didn't cry! LOL I have to admit that I have seriously considered re-homing her from time to time because I get at my wits end. The past several weeks I am glad that I opted to put in tons more effort. :) Thanks for the wonderful compliment!

[LadyLynn]

Angel most certainly looks like an angel up there in full flight. You got some excellent pictures. I'm also glad you didn't rehome her. I'm sure that would have made her just pluck even more. She's so lucky she has you.
I too would almost like to cry......

How bout a prayer for our "Serious feather plucking birds though?

[Macawpower58]

I have to admit that I have seriously considered re-homing her from time to time because I get at my wits end.

Bite your tongue! 50 lashes with a wet noodle!

[dlaura]

Angel most certainly looks like an angel up there in full flight. You got some excellent pictures. I'm also glad you didn't rehome her. I'm sure that would have made her just pluck even more. She's so lucky she has you.
I too would almost like to cry......

Well I guess I have to admit I felt a bit near tears when I saw how happy and confident she has become. She is really demonstrating to us how well she understands what we say - so we need to try harder to understand what she is trying to say.

How bout a prayer for our "Serious feather plucking birds though?

I am game for that - I have tried just about anything and everything (almost) that could help her.

[dlaura]

Bite your tongue! 50 lashes with a wet noodle!


Ouch, ouch, ouch (47 more times ouch!)

All joking aside, she was really driving me to doubt myself and her. Thank goodness I think we are working thru it all! :)

['too crazy]

OMG Diane she's beautiful!! What a long way she's come. I remember when you were talking about rehoming her and I'm glad you didn't. How in heck did you get those awesome shots? Gotta admit Angel has some sexy legs.;)

[dlaura]

Thanks Sherry. Actually I was surprised I was able to get those shots as I couldn't have the camera aimed or she wouldn't do anything. So I had to hide it in my lap with it on and as she jumped into the air I had to quick bring it to my eye, look thru to search the air for her and click. Mostly as soon as I saw a white blur I just clicked and held camera steady.

Yes, Angel loves making a fashion statement with her smooth, bare legs.

[Mom2Lucas]

What a beautiful Angel! I'm so glad she is doing better, she looks really happy:) She is beautiful!

[ringletchk]

What a beautiful cockatoo. I used to have one years ago and it finally died of cancer.

That's as nice picture also with the wings out