My rescue mustached parakket

[morevicky]

Hey everyone thanks for reading this.

Im totally new here and im so glad i found this page so far i found a quaker forum, but id feel more at home here since most people here either have parrakeets or parrots.


Ive had my lil devil for 8 days now, picked her up from a man who didnt like her and was alergic to her, and he got it of a lady who used to poke her with a stick ( poor baby ).
I dont think shes ever been handled before and shes so scared of everything ( bless her ) and she bites terribly.

Few days ago i cleaned out her cage she had newpapir and bits of chipped wood in the bottom the sort youd use in a guinny pig cage ( or how u spell that) the cage was really and i mean realllllly filthy lots of poohs and old stinky food on the bottom.
Anyway i took the top of the cage off and emptied the bottom bit in the bin and noticed there was old tape stuck to it and that most of the poohs was wet and gone though the newspaper in the bottom so i took the hole lot in the garden and hosed it down.
After a good clean i picked the tape off and to my HORROR it was alive !!
Maggets had taken residence underneath the tape and ewwwwwwww!!
Sure as hell felt like ringing the dude back i got marshall off to give him a piece of my mnd how desgusting is that??

Anyhow i desided it was simply to desgusting for words so i bought a brand new cage with new toys.
It should be here anyday now and i so cant wait.

Question is how will she respond to that? hopefully she wont get traumatized or stressed about it.

Also i have trouble with her food aswell she will only eat sunflower seeds and rarely eat the pellets and fresh food .. ive made a bowl full of all sorts like grapes,bits of apple and pare, she'll eat the grapes and make a point of take every single bit out she doesnt want and throw it on the floor ( how strange).
Im thinking shes never had fresh fruit before and it worries me.
Ive taken all sunflower seeds out of her bowl and only offer them as treats when she comes out so that she gets used to my hands without flying off wildly, and it seems to have worked somewhat.
She will now let me give her a few without biting but if i come too close shell run a mile.


She seems so hungry, when i offer the seeds to her 1 at a time she'll snatch it off me, show wild eyes and eat it super fast and then stick head out in my direction as if to say give me more.

What can i do to make her eat the fruits instead of the seeds shes a little overweight i think and, i recon giving in now and putting seeds in her diet is not an option.
I might be wrong i have no idea how to feed her so please advice me on this matter.

Vicky

[dlaura]

Oh I have heard stories before about dirty cages, but never quite that bad.

One of the things you can do to make the new cage easier on her is set it up next to the cage she is in now so she can take her time getting used to. She may even move over into it herself. However, sometimes with the change of a new home, new caretaker, - so many changes at once can upset the bird. So, try and take it slow and let her set the pace.

As far as food, even though sunflower seeds aren't good and shouldn't be her only diet, I think I would take my time with that also. While she is overweight - you don't want her getting sick from stressing and not having enough to eat, having moved and having yet another new person caring for her. It is amazing she is already coming out to you and trusting you with what you say she has been through!

As far as the fruits and veggies - try eating some in front of her and letting her how good they are. Birds like to imitate what we do and will probably try them once she sees you eating them.

I am so glad you rescued this poor baby and wish you luck with her.

[dlaura]

P.S. - Welcome to Petlovers. We'd love to see pictures of your new bird!

[morevicky]

Heyyy thanks for getting back to me!!

She doesnt trust me as such, she will let me give her the seeds but only like right quick shell run off and it eat then come back up and stretch her head in my direction which makes me giggle, unbelieable how long that neck can stretch lol.
I dont think that man who had her ever talked to her either, first few days i let her stay in the cage to get used to everything.
She doesnt like when i leave and shell say something i cant make out almost the same rining tone as in where are you going but im not sure.

Hubby said that she would prolly love to come out a bit which i tried and ohh lordy her flying skills are horrible.
I been trying to find a vet that would clip the wings so she cant fly but overhere its apprently a huge problem.
Vets wont do it unless shes under anastetic which is not gonna happen, also they want me inthere to hold her while they do it if not using anastetic, that to me is linking me to trauma and i dont want her to hate me.

Only other option i have is to drive her 30 mins from where i live to a speciel bird vet and he charges the sky for anything bird related and the stress from the car ride alone is enough to upset her beyond.

About the food matter:
ill put some seeds back into her food bowls and slowly add less and less to try and get her off them.
Shes seriously hooked on them and peanuts.
Hopefully she will eat fruits, as she needs some vitamins, her colours are really doll and the feathers on the tale is all dirty and scabby.

Im trying to take some pictures of her but ill have to find out how to upload them here 8) would be nice if someone could confirm its a she for sure.
I read only the males have oranges beaks and the females are black hers is deffo black but rest of her body is so doll that im not even sure what she is.

Vicky

[dlaura]

One of our mods used to have a moustached parakeet - I will PM her and link her to this thread. She may be able to help you learn how to clip the wings yourself.

Some don't like to clip their own bird's wings due to the bird starting to dislike them, but we've found it is less stressful for our birds to just do it at home. While they complain and the B&G screams - once it is over they seem less stressed then when we take them somewhere and seem to get over it very quickly.

Yes, adding back the sunflower seeds and gradually cutting them back is a much better way to go.

There are two threads (stickies) in the picture forum on this site telling how to post picturers.

Until she gets into eating fruits/veggies there are liquid bird vitamins you can get at any pet store that carries bird supplies - or you can even order on line. If you need some on line places let me know.

[morevicky]

Thanks again hun its all very usefull information, and the advice about eating infront of her worked wonders!! i cut out sum apple bits and put it on a colourfull plate.
As i was eating it i was sorta sitting sideways so she had to come to the front of the cage to see what i was doing, and she took quite a big piece and ate it im amazed i really am. Thank you so much for info 8)

I put some seeds back and mixed it in with some of the fruits and she went straight for them poor thing must have been starving.

I forgot to ask you about the smell she has.

She really smell bad sorta like stale pee/ dusty i tried misting her but she freaks out and squarks like mad while cage running shall i keep doing it anyway while talking to her? or should i try placing a bowl in the bottom of the cage ?

And the vitamins thingy .. yea i saw some on a page the other day but it said to put it in with the water and she doesnt drink alot and most of the time the water is super filthy so i change it quite often.

Vicky

[dlaura]

That is great she has already eaten the apple because she saw you eating it! Although, yes it does sound like she was very hungry. I would be very careful about cutting the sunflower seeds out completely until you are 100% positive she is eating other things.

As far as the vitamins - my advice would be to use them anyway. Even though you find yourself changing the water often, the fact that she is dirtying the water means she is at least sticking her beak in there to do something. Some birds will dunk their seeds as they eat them or make soup by dropping the seeds and whatever in their water. I know as our B&G is the biggest soup maker I ever saw! Just add the vitamins once a day in morning and change water as soon as it gets dirty. While she might not be getting all the vitamins at least she will be getting something that will help.

Yes, by all means, put a bowl of water in the bottom of the cage so she can splash around and have fun. If she will come out to you - you could put a bowl of water on your table or end table and use your hands/fingers to splash around in the bowl a bit yourself to entice her to get wet. Take your hands and dribble a bit of water over her and hopefully she will bathe. I wouldn't use the mister because she is showing fear and continuing to use it will destroy any trust you are building with her.

[morevicky]

hey hun 8)

Everything u say is making perfect sense im so glad i came here for advice !! ive taken a few pictures of her but i cant really see where or how to upload them its prolly just me being thick lol.( ill find out )

Yea i deffo need to get her bathed somehow, shes so curious and will fly down on the couch next to me if i call her long enough ( sometimes 20 mins before she comes but its all about being patient right )

Shes been playing with her toys for the first time today, bought her a wodden round thing with some different colourd rope hanging from it, she really went for it, it was so lovely to see.

Ill deffo try the bowl of water on the table see what she thinks of that, so far shes responding to my calls and will eventually come to me but she doesnt want me to touch her at all and will lounge at me but she doesnt really bite she just looks so scary when she tries.

Vicky

[krazy4birds]

Hello Vicky and welcome to Petlovers!!:)

Sounds to me you are doing everything you should be doing and you are having some positive reactions from her for sure!!!

On her food. Both birds I have had were previously owned although my last one, Lakia was treated very poorly in a breeders situation and was near death when I was asked to take her. She has much of the same issues your bird is having. I have never gotten her off seed. I bought the cockatiel blend that has safflower in it instead of sunflower. She ate it but not because she wanted too. I would still offer the sunflower for now though. Keep offering the fruit, every day. What she throws in the floor just clean it up and offer more the next day etc.... Although, do not pick it up right away because Moustaches like to forage. Lakia would go down and pick through her seeds or whatever she threw down and eat some more. That is common in Parrots, most of them do like to forage. These Parrots are most definatly a breed of their own. Just keep working with her on the food and be patient. What type Pellets are you offering? The birds I have that do eat Pellets love Zupreem (brand name) and it is the fruity smelling one.

You do have a female if the upper beak is black. No doubts there. Has she been a picker? Lakia was and she would cycle with it. In the winter she picked and left the down feathers and in the spring she started growing out and was just stunning looking. Their colors are awesome. Their odor is most definatly different than most others. It is a rich musky odor hard to describe. personaly I thought she smelled good but that is a choice as others may not like it. They can talk but not as common to do so as other species.

Her new cage...... dlaura has a very good method and probably the best way. Lakia had no choice because she came with no cage, but she adapted really well and fast to her new home just for the fact that she felt she was in a better place and although she was scared at first she had no issues to a new home. She loved to chew on wood. Lots of it. I would put toys in there that had wooden parts etc...and she would go to work and spends a lot of her day making toothpicks out of it! LOL

I am very very impressed that she eventually flew down to you when you talked to her and my opinion based on that is clipping her wings at this time may traumatize her somewhat and you do not want that. But remember I am basing my suggestion on the fact that she flies to you. Otherwise I normaly recomend a clip until they settle in but that is your option.

I hope I have helped you and will try to help as much as I can. Moustaches have a special place in my heart.

[morevicky]

Hey hun 8) thanks for getting back to me!!

Im given her the foods still left over from last owner, but i been doing some research on it and its gotta go.
She needs better quality for sure, so im gonna go buy some new stuff and mix it in with the other shes got now till shes slowly ready for the other stuff.
Shes only eating sunflower seeds and peanuts, managed with dlauras help to get her to try a piece of apple and some pear earlier which went down quite well.

Shes never picked her self thankfully but her bottom tale fethers are quite dirty and looks scabby.
Managed to bath her today again with dlauras help, placed a bowl in the bottm of her cage and my my my ... she really went for it i had water everywhere and she was wet though (it was soooo cute to see).
After her bath shes been cleaning her self for hours really good clean looks like she was looking forward to get clean, and she smells so much better now.

About her new cage:
just had a look at the place we orderd it from and it looks like they havent shifted it off yet, but as soon as it comes ill place it within sight of her and leave it open for when she comes out of her old one, she might just check it out herself who knows.
One of the pictures i think u can see the metal bar rapped around with tape and scabby old sandpapir WHATS THAT ABOUT !! you just wouldnt do that, i so cant wait for the new cage to come, the old one is so dirty on the bars ive given up trying to clean it it just gotta go.

Shes scared of everything still a tiny noice and shes in the back of her cage straight away (poor baby) makes me wonder what the hell those people did to her to make her so affraid of everything, all i know is that a lady used to poke her with a stick.

Shes only 3 ( or so he told me ) ive asked a vet and he told me the colour on her feet often gives it away.
He also told me if the feet were pink underneath and very light gray on the top shes still young, and thats just how they look but im still thinking hmm she could be much older.
Reason for me thinknig this is cuz she bites so visiously when she charges at me (found out today she doesnt bite but peeks which hurts alot less then if she actually dug into me) she just looks so scary with her eyes tiny and the fur all fluffed.
Im thinknig shes gotta be older to find out how to be so visious baby birds doesnt know all them bad habbits do they??

I was also extremly impressed when she flew over to me on the couch, i just kept calling her and made a tiny tapping sound on the couch as if i was calling a dog ( dont got a clue how u make a bird come to you but it seemed to have worked)
Sometimes i have to wait ages but i can tell shes looking for a good "set of place" I keep a few peanuts in hand when shes out so i know how to super treat her when she comes to me.
Still wont like any sort of touches and the step up is only so she can "take off" and fly back to safety of her cage.
Her flying skills are still terrible which makes me think shes not used to be out, and she bangs into things poor baby.

If u have a few tips on how to make her trust me more please do tell im open to anything.
A guy on another forum suggested i should catch her in a towl and hold her close to my chest for awhile everyday, im not sure id like to do that she would prolly freak out.
But yea any ideas are most welcome!!

Hubby helped me upload some pictures of her so u can see her, i think she looks huge compared to yours, maybe its just me but im glad to know shes deffo a she.
Oh and also check out her chest colours they look nothing like yours, a guy told me shes lagging vitamins, and that her feathers are in a bad state which wouldnt suprise me but take a look and let me know what you think.

Vicky


http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq194/morevicky/DSCF0001.jpg

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq194/morevicky/DSCF0002.jpg

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq194/morevicky/DSCF0005.jpg

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq194/morevicky/DSCF0009.jpg

[dlaura]

Awww, what a pretty bird! I am so glad you rescued the poor little thing. One thing I want to mention is you shouldn't use the wood shavings as a lining for the cage. Newspaper would be better - I can't remember exactly why, but it can be unhealthy. I hope that new cage gets shipped soon!

[Catslave]

What a gorgeous bird..sounds like you're doing everything right.. lucky she ended up with you..I think you have to have a lot of patience with birds and animals specially when they haven't been well looked after,well done.

[morevicky]

Aww thank you, how nice of you!!
I dont know about patience some say its a vertue lol, but this is deffo worth waiting for, simple thing as watching her play and take a bath is so rewarding it itself she was soooooooo cute.
Even the little noices she makes and when she cuddels up in her cage to sleep awww how could anyone ever be so cruel to something as cute as that i just dont understand it.
Shes still a bit fiesty but im sure shell come around when she realizes how much im spoiling her 8)

Oh and the woodchips in the cage .. i had no clue it was dangerous ill thow it all out and only use newpapier in the bottom thanks for telling me 8)

Vicky

[Macawpower58]

I just saw this thread, and want to thank you for rescuing this sad bird. So far you've been doing everything right.

Time and patience is what she needs most. As for you, move slowly around her. Quick movements bring out the feeling of being 'prey' in many birds, and they react with fear.

As her diet improves, so will her feathers. Bathing is necessary for good feather health also. You are lucky she enjoyed her first bath. Make them a regular thing.

While you may hate her old cage, to her it is safety and security. I like the above suggestion of setting up the new one, next to her old one. Put them close enough for her to climb back and forth. You may see she soon becomes quite familiar with the new one.

Many parrots love warm food. It is reminiscent of baby days. Try to offer her some scrambled eggs (no butter), or warm veggie pasta.

Keep working with her, her fear will slowly lessen, and hopefully someday disappear.

[krazy4birds]

She does not look very old to me. Notice the difference in the feather colors in the Photo I posted. I think you will be very happy with her and yes...I think she is a bit plump LOL

[krazy4birds]

Sorry I just read what you said about the feathers...I will check it out for you. Her colors should be very vibrant and the green should be like a sharp crisp green you see in the grass in the spring.

[morevicky]

Hey gurls 8)

Yea i thought she might be a bit overweight, but i recon its all them seeds shes been having which im trying slowly to get her off, also that shes prolly not been out as much and therefor havent been able to move around much. ( thats all about to change )

I tried to look up whats good foods for her fruit wise but theres so many pages so confusing.
If someone would make me a little list of good fruits to give her id really appreciate it, Im a lil unexperienced on this area.

And yea deffo slow movements around her, she still run a mile when i try to come over to her which is still better then the bites she used to lounge at me.
1 question tho :

When shes on the cage and i call her, when she does fly down to me shall i just leave her sitting next to me while talking to her and offer her treats ?

(trying not to sound stupid here as its prolly commen sense to most people what to do with your parrot but i got no clue this is all new to me)

I try to stay sitting/laying down when she comes but theres something about always keep hight to their eye level, again i got no clue what im on about here, i just dont wanna scare her off when she comes to me.
Usually shell run a mile if i try and get over to her to practice the step up as shes not as visious anymore with the biting.
What im really saying here is that i wanna keep the coming to me a super positive thing.

About the age of her:

Im really glad u said she looks young, makes it so much more worth it as i know its harder to train a older bird.
So much better shes young i might get her to talk aswell then when she trusts me a bit more.
Does anyone know when its too late to teach them new words ?

The bathing is deffo gonna be an everyday thing from now on i didnt even know they had to get washed everyday or how to do it.
Dlaura been so helpfull with all the tips, and they all worked a treat im so thankfull.

Hubby doesnt like her cuz she lounges at him when shes in the cage, and comes with that clucking sound which i found out now means go away.
He comes home late and by that time shes asleep in her cage or trying, been trying to explain to him that hell prolly do the same if sumone kept trying to make contact while he was trying to sleep.
He seems to think that she should be loving the whole family by now, its still only day 9 with her today and im not rushing anything.
To be fair to hubby (who wanted a baby african gray) i must say i wouldnt have gone for a rescue as a first with absolute no experience of what so ever, all i know is theres no chance in hell i was gonna leave her with that man.
My heart just couldnt, and look how i been rewarded so far on that little time ive had her.
Perhaps we will get hubbys biggest wish of getting an african gray when she settelts i know now that birds are deffo me.
Its not written anywhere we cant have 2 parrots 8), but thats all in the future.

Vicky

[Macawpower58]

Many parrots remain one-person birds. There's no ryme or reason at times as to why they pick who they do to bond with. My amazon tolerates me, and yet dotes on my two daughter. Yet they do nothing but say hi to him. Some parrots will include the whole household in their affections, but I see most pick one person to love.

When your hubby is home and the bird is awake (my sleepy Cockatoo is downright grumpy) have him always have treats to bribe her with. Bribes do wonders with parrots.

[morevicky]

Will tell him that, but often shes like yours right grumpy, once she settelts thats it even i get a cluck if i walk pass the cage as if to say leave me be.

Our house is a small 3 bedroom house where the front door is parked in the lounge ( Old english style houses ) so lots of in and outs with 2 kids in the house (1 every weekended and other permenent lives here)
I keep the door locked curtains drawn, and the door to the kitchen closed when shes out so she gets used to the lounge first.

Today as its saturday theres lots of things going on, hubby been working on the 3rd bedroom that needs plastering so theres been lots of banging today which she didnt like at all.
Shes been cage running for hours now and wont settle even if im sat talking to her and she wont eat today, i hope she gets used to us all and oviously i do try to keep the noice down of all the kids but noice is this house overall is inevitable.

Kids desided to go to the park today so the house was quiet for about an hour so i let her out.
It werent good today she constantly tried to peck me and kept runnig away from me, managed to give her a few treats but she quickly flew back went back in the cage.
Feels like a bit of a set back but the house was quite loud ealier so i assume thats why she were so scared when she came out.
In the future i wont take out out in the weekends when kids are here, i think it would be best to wait till nobody is home so she wont panic as much.

About her feathers :

I thought they were supposed to be bright pink on the chest or a slamon colour and shes gray all the way down.
Thought perhaps its cuz shes young, or laggin in vitamins, ill deffo go buy some drops to put in her water.
She seems to be getting better with pieces of apple and she loves grapes. (hopefully itll all make a difference )

took some new pictures when she was out today just gotta get hubby to upload them for me when hes done doing whatever upstairs 8) ill make sure they in my next post.

Vicky

[dlaura]

Vicky you might have your husband try taking her to another room in the house to begin interacting with her. When in a different place the bird isn't so territorial (she is being cage territorial when she attacks from within her cage) and will tend to relate better to you or hubby because she is in a different/strange place and away from her cage which she wants to claim as hers.

Another very important thing - any type of chemical smell/cleaner can be harmful to your bird. They have very sensitive respitory systems. So, since your hubby is currently plastering the bedroom I have the feeling that painting that bedroom comes next. You would need to be sure and open windows for lots of fresh air and such if/when he paints that room. It would be best to get the bird out of the house and maybe to someone else's home while he paints the room. Or there is a new type of paint out that is supposed to be bird safe - although I don't know if it is available in England.

[morevicky]

I didnt know that at all, i knew about the cleaners yea but not the paint THANKS FOR THAT.
Itll be awhile yet before any painting will be done as were just preparing/tidying up in the bedroom getting ready for plastering soon and then itll be a week or so before its ready for painting.
I will deffo look for the bird paint, but i never heard about it before.
I cant think of anywhere to put her while paiting as the neighbor (which is the only person i speak to on the streets) got a huge staffy and itll be too scary for her inthere. how long is the air posioned after painting ?? tell me more about it please.

As promised i took some more pictures of her when she comes out, might give u a clue how big she really is compared to that cute lil thing i saw on krazyforbirds page.
Thats why i didnt think it was a she at first but now im deffo sure 8)
vicky


http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq194/morevicky/DSCF0005-1.jpg

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq194/morevicky/DSCF0001-1.jpg

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq194/morevicky/DSCF0001-2.jpg

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq194/morevicky/DSCF0003.jpg

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq194/morevicky/DSCF0004.jpg

[dlaura]

Vicky, I am wondering if she might have been kept in a dark room/closet or something. I know they need a certain amount of sunlight and light for their coloring to be good also. It also may be because she is young that her full coloring has not come in yet. Like I know with Ringneck Parakeets the ring around their neck doesn't come in until they reach a certain age.

As far as the paint, I know the fumes can kill them. Also fumes from using the self cleaning oven feature can kill them - as fumes from using non-stick cookware are also an issue. I will see if I can find the name of the paint that someone mentioned on another forum - it was something new. Will have to get back to you on that. Other things bad for them are: you wearing perfume - hairspray - hair mousse - it is amazing how your life has to adjust for these little guys.

BTW have you named her yet? I hate to keep referrng to her as "the bird". LOL

[morevicky]

She came with the name marshall but that was obviously cuz the dude who had him was clueless about the sex of the bird, only reason i havent changed it yet is cuz she can acutally say it if i call her enough shell say " marshall" then something i cant make out.
Dont know if i can change it, and if i can im totally clueless lol.
Normally when u buy a bird you do the research, get the cage, buy the food, the bits you need, and the name well before you get the bird home.
I been totally unprepared for any of this and my bird knowlege to this day is still minus 10but ill get there.

About the painting:

Hubby says the fumes are only posion if its oil based which it wont be for sure.
The room that needs paiting is upstairs 1 room on the left, theres a big window inthere and the door with be closed at any time while painting it, also got a door to the lounge i can shut, will that be ok or do i need to find another place she can stay for the night ?

Bout her colours:

Yea when i went to pick her up she was sat in a cage on the floor behind a couch, there was a big window in the room tho but the cirtains was shut as the window leads straight out on the sidewalk and people can look though it.
I think you might be right on the light situation, i was considering buying fake lights for her and attach it to the new cage. ( i dont know much about the fake lights )
Perhaps this guy kept the curtains drawn all day i got no clue, here with me the curtains are open all day (except when she comes out) and its a very light room.
Also her cage is raised, so she can see everything were doing at all times.

I cant seem to find any information on the net about what she should look like at her age, all the mustached parakeets i seen so far got that bright slamon colour on their chest ( except mine ) shes very doll to look at, ill take a few more pictures in a month or so and see if i can see any difference, surely her eating more fruits and the vitamin drops im gonna buy for her is gonna make a difference we will see 8)

vicky

[Macawpower58]

Not to be mean, but unless hubby is a parrot expert, don't take his word for it.

All fumes can be deadly to parrots. Candles, non-stick cookware (when overheated), wood burning stoves, laying and removing carpets, aerosals, dusting sprays, glue fumes, exhaust fumes, etc.......Some may not kill, but some will, especially if they build up in an enclosed room. I have seen it happen! Coated non-stick cookware is especially dangerous. Most parrot owners ditch there's to be on the safe side. It kills instantly if burnt.

Place your bird as far from the room he's painting as possible. Keep the 'painting' room's door shut, and all the windows open (even if it's snowing!). Do not relax until paint is completely dry. Keep windows in the parrots room open slightly also, so that the air can refresh.

As for her color, a good diet and regular bathing will improve her feather health and color in general. Here is an something that may help you with her color:

The Moustached/Mustached Parakeets have a gray-blue head, black “beard and mustache” and a salmon pink throat and breast. Their wings are light green with a yellowish patch. Their tails are blue down the center with a blue-green outer edge and yellow-green tips. They have coral red beaks and yellow eyes.

Female Mustached Parakeets generally have a duller pink color on their chests and their middle tail feathers are shorter than the male's feathers. Their shorter tails, light pink bills, and the incomplete cheek stripes easily distinguish immature individuals.

[morevicky]

Oh my word it sounds dangerous !!!

And no he's not an expert by any means and I will make sure she's not in the house till all the paint is dry for sure.

Thanks for telling me!!!

And yea it helped knowing what she should look like, something must have gone wrong as shes not got pink on her chest at all.

vicky

[Macawpower58]

I'd not worry too much about her lack of color. Most parrot species can be quite different in the shading, and there are also 8 subspecies with the Mustached Parakeet. I don't know enough about them to visually know if your's is a subspecies or not.

[morevicky]

whats your wiev of the famous "clicker" used to train birds ? do they even work ?

vicky

[Macawpower58]

Go read the thread (it's long) by Shanlung, 'Tinkerbell - Love of a flying grey parrot in Taiwan'. He is an expert on clicker training, and highly advises it. He writes in minute detail, and is an amazing source of knowledge.

You will have to do some searching of his posts/journals, he is a prolific writer.

The link: http://forums.petlovers.com/vb/showthread.php?t=11690

[YELLOW WING]

Hi i been reading about you new ward i have mango and he was never handled in 9 montha came out of a breedersa averi . Well i found standing sitting talking to him amd just walking up slowly to him when out of the cage worked wonders i have had him since apr 20th and the other night he layed on his back in my hand and let me stroke his tommy i never forced any thing on him took things at his pace wiggling my finger as to call him but first let it lay in his site didnt move it
right now hes on my shoulder first time nibbling on my hair while im typing you standing up..lol
yes its a no no letting a parrot on your sholder but i do trust him
hope what i have told you helps a little try any thing but go slow
good luck oh mango can flyyyyyyy but is content not to so far
doll mango

[morevicky]

Hey yellow wing 8)

Sounds amazing that your little fellow is on your shoulder, I know its a no no but id love to get my little devil to do the same.
I know she's dieing to come with me to see what I'm doing, as she will fly off her cage and land next to me, but she will not let me touch her or even get her to " step up" instead she will run a mile, and yet call me when I'm out of sight ( what's that about ? ).

I been doing the same as you, going over to the cage slowly when she's out, she's ok now with me giving her treats, where as before she would attack me and really lounge at me.
I feel that's a huge progress, as she's only been with me 12 days now.

I can sit on the couch and watch telly whilst calling her and she will eventually come down to me but still no touches, if i put my hand closer to her she will run away but at least she wont attack me any more.

She's so curious about everything, if I eat a bag of chips or have my dinner in front of the telly she will not stop squaking till I come over with something she can taste, usually I give her a peanut instead of my food as I know she shouldn't have chips.

Hubby still seem to think I should at least be able to hold her by now, and be able to teach her new things but I'm trying so hard to get her to stop biting when she's out let alone the trust issue we seem to have which I'm working so hard for at the moment.

I know this is a slow learning curve for us both but id love her to at least step up once in awhile without running a mile, so I bought a new "clicker" ( reading about all those rescue cases where it worked a treat) it comes with a cute little basket ball set a ball and a net I cant wait to try it out, the clicker that is.

I'm even considering buying one of them training cd's as I know so little about parrots and think it might be a good thing to get some experience just watching it.
I don't know if I I'm going too extreme here but I'm willing to try anything to get her to stop being so scared of me.

what do you think ?

Vicky

[morevicky]

Hey guys 8)

I did a little video of what she's like with me when she's out beginning to wonder if she will ever come around now.
She bites so terribly altho it doesnt hurt, and i know shes terrifed of me.
Hubby cant even get near her she will cluck at him straight away, where as i can get closer to her and offer her treats.
Cooked some potato and made a lil mash without adding anything into it ohh that went down well but have a look see what you think doubt very much she will do the step up willingly.


http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?ynmyjdj0dzy

http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?hkwyglkgzzo

vicky
Vicky

[YELLOW WING]

Truth is if i had the moneys id but the cds but thats me may i ask where you found the klicker i havent been able to find one
yes getting there trust takes time ask your hummy did he marrie you the firts weeks yous met it took time and trust same as this will
ok offer her all your food 1 chip wont kill her but never chocolate onion raw tomatoes
i cook with onion tomatoes and i feed mango my food any thing i eat he gets , i had an egg salad sandwich to day he had some not much but a tast i8f you have chicken leg give her the leg she will get the marrow out of it i give the meat to,,lol mango likes spicy food hot spices like chewing on hot peppers curryed rice
now if you dont mind cooking look up birdie bread from scratch do 1 with vegetables and another with fruit all calls for baby food i dont use it i use cooked fresh food veg and fruits it takes up lots of time but lasts for a month or 2 in freezer i also ground up pellets and add to it serve it warm makes for a great diet . Mango gets 1 in morning for bk a fruit 1 in after noon and befor going to be a vegetable one
i cover him good at night and leave a fan going near his cage to change air in room
if you have a second bathroom put her in there for the night i dont im in small apt so he is in front room kitchen combo but no lights on and hes covered 12 hrs
i hope what i have wrote helps you with diet but it takes time and you dirty lots of pans but in the end its worth it
yes you can buy mixes but im old fashion i cook from scratch for me so do same for him
let me know what you think bet yours would be off seeds faster thid way and its a great diet
doll mango

[morevicky]

Oh that sounds good ill try that just mix anything except the 3 above you mentioned ? keep veg and fruits separated of cause other then that its that simple ? I cant help but thinking shell die if i give her what i eat and i didnt know she could have egg, changes everything thank you so much.

Did you watch the vids ?

vicky

[YELLOW WING]

Yes i saw the videos
she is wanting to play with you leave a few fingers out so she can nibble while shes doing that say dont bite ,,lol mango plays with my fingers all the time takes them in his mouth so make sure no handlotion also watch for that shelf over h cage pull cage out away from there when shes out or she just might chew it up your videos are great. ADDING A PIC OF MANGO NOW 6 MONTHS AGO HE HAD NO TAIL OR MANY GREEN FEATHERS HE FLEW IN TO A HANGING FLYTRAP SO YOU SEE WHAT TIME CAN DO
ALSO I FOR GOT TO MENTION CELERY CHOP FINE DONT HAND HER A PIECE BIG AS THE STRING IN IT SHE COULD CHOKE
I ALSO CHOP LETTICE CUCUMBER PEPPERS ALL COLOURS GREAT CHEESE AND ADD EGG BOILED MAKE HIM SALAD WELL I EAT IT TO HE LOVES IT AND ITS GOOD FOR THEM ROMAIN LETTICE I HEARD IS BEST BUT THATS ALL I USE,,LOOL
FOR BIRDIE BREAD U CAN USE FROZEN VEGIES AND FRUIT APPLESAUCE I MAKE AND ADD IT JUST FIND IF FROM SCRATCH NEVER MINED I HAVE IT ILL SEND IT TO YOU MY EL IS dolldid@hotmail.com iou email ill send you the on use
make sure you wash the eggs well first befor grinding shells
doll mango

[Macawpower58]

You're doing exactly the right thing. Tell husband parrots are not like dogs, and do not give up thier fears easily. It takes much patience and often more time, than many people want to put in.

You're doing great.

[dlaura]

I think you've come a long way with her in a very short time. As Becky said - Parrots are not dogs and they do not trust quickly and I think yours is showing a lot of trust in you already. Just the fact she will fly to you from her cage and wants to play with you, well it is amazing after only a matter of days.

[morevicky]

Ooooh its play ? hubby and i were sure it was attacks, like she were looking for a good place to bite me altho im not scared of her bites as they doesnt hurt as much anymore so i dont pull away my hand, Perhaps thats why shed rather run away then bite me ?
Like shes found out biting me wont make me go away.

Spoke to a man who works with rescue birds yesterday and he told me she might never get over being so scared, and that she might be better off live in an avery somewhere, i totally feel thats giving up everything i fought for so far.
Hes got alooot of information about this lil fella i got.
I invited him to come around on Saturday to have a look for him self perhaps give me a few tips on what i should do.
I feel so insecure, like i took that bigger bite i couldnt chew, yet i feel like marching on.
Keep telling my self its gonna take time be patient, but i swear to god this is the hardest thing i ever had to do.

Question and please answer this one i cant find anything about it on the net anywhere :

When shes out and on the top of the cage, i talk to her in the sweedest voice i can while giving her treats for letting me touch her feet which she just now is starting to accept.
If i get any closer to her chest she will run away back into the cage i back away and wait for her to come back out and repeat, but should i persist in trying to touch her, when she runs away ?
Last night she accedently fell of her perch in the cage and trapped her wing in the cage bars what i should have done was reach into the cage and and grab her instead i pushed the wing into the cage from the outside.
She was ok no damage and 2 secs later she came back out ( thank god she didnt hurt her self,but i would have loved her to see i came to her aid)

Oh forgot to tell you ... the clicker can be bought with a very cute basket ball set on ebay for 5 pounds no idea what that is in dollers tho but check it out.
Also you can buy the cd.s there too for next to nothing.

Vicky

[YELLOW WING]

Ok do not give that bird to anyone your doing great
keep trying to play with her it will as you know take time
for her to let you handle her so go slow i still cant get mango to step up getting there slowly but not ready yet and as i said i got him in apr 20th yes when hes on the floor i can pick him up with both hands no problem so you see they all work in difrent ways you will know when you winso far your winning we all have our ways the only right way is time dosent matter how you winas long as you dont force her the members that have been talking to you are old hands in this and there saying your doing great so beleave it . But please dont let this guy talk you in to giving him your bird its better off in your hands ok. If you never hear or see another thing i print make sure you hear this keeppppppp yourrrrr birddddddd , now i for got your question but will reply after you get this

[morevicky]

hey hun i do read everything u say have u got messenger by any chance so we can chat there ? pm me here with your addy if you do.

Vicky

[YELLOW WING]

Yes and know me id give it a rest for a few days but kep playing with the feet then try again if she still runs away shes not ready yet so give it a rest for another few days what im meaning is dont give up but dont pushh what you want her letting you touch her feet is a good sign every step you take has to be slow
one thing id do when this guys there see if he would clip her wings now some on here might disagree as she does fly to you but i think if she cant fly you just might get faster results macawpower becky will give you good advice on that and so will the other member im sorry i forgot her name but the 2 of them wont steer you wrong . I prefer not cutting wings but im thinking if she has to rely on you to get around she might let you handler her quicker . But find out what the other 2 ladys advise

[morevicky]

yea you might be right there and this guy will cut her wings for me but he says its the absolute last resort and he advice me not to do it as there is other ways to get around behaviour problems ... or so he said however im not too fond of clipping her wings either but if she will come to me more im willing to try it.
Do u have msn by any chance?

vicky

[YELLOW WING]

I sent it to you her wings will grow back they dont have to be cut short just enough to make it so she dosent have her fredom has to depend on you nut think this over real good it is a big decision also you have children comming and going this way you wont have the worry of her flying out of house

[dlaura]

Oh do listen to yellow wing and keep this bird! Believe me you have come a long way with her in a short time. The fact she flies to you shows she is trusting you and that she will come out of her cage and let you touch her feet. I would continue to handle her feet as long as she lets you and hold off for a week or so trying to touch her chest and such - take it slowly. All good things come in time.

[Macawpower58]

I agree also with the above posters. You and she are still new to each other. A couple of months is nothing in a birds life. You must give her more time. Take you time, and do baby steps.

If Shanlung could teach an aviery species that had never been handled to fly free and come to him, (clicker trained) then anybird is open to rehabilitation. I really suggest you read some of his writings.

[morevicky]

Hey gurls 8)

thank you so much all the kind words it all makes the difference to me knowing im not fighting a losing battle.
Its day 13 today and i know its waayyy early to decide anything, but id love to know what this rescue man got to say on saturday, hes got god knows how many many birds at home and does rehoming a lot ( not that i wanna rehome just saying thats what he do).
I wanna keep her too i dont like to quit, its hubby i gotta persuade he doesnt like her biting me all the time, but im sure that has got to do with the cage.
It makes total sense to me that shes gonna want to defend it as its all new suroundings and new people.
I bought her a new cage which hasnt come yet but with xmas coming up its hard to find money to buy perches etc.
Yellow wing told me how to make them my self so thats what im aiming for so i might be able to handle her off the cage.
Deffo think she will respond to me much better on a perch then on her cage.

I cant take her in another room yet as i want her to get used to the lounge only and that i can handle her before venturing forth.
Theres too many things she could fly up on in the kitchen and with the door open from the lounge shes got access to the rest of the house which is think is too much for her to handle right now, i dont know what you think ?

Vicky

[Macawpower58]

Sometimes a strange room can work miracles. In a strange room (say your bedroom) she is not feeling comfortable, and is in new surroundings. YOU, are all that she knows in this new stressful environment. YOU represent safety. You'd be surprised that many parrot trainers often use a less known room to train new, fearful birds in.

[morevicky]

Havent even thought about that, just asumed it would be better to leave her to get used to the lounge when shes out, but i totally see what you mean now.
Altho this room on the gorundfloor is a big space to get lost in huge dinner and and kitchen on one, so many things to fly up on.

Ill try anyway see what shell do love to get her away from the cage anyway and see if shell trust me a bit.

Thanks

vicky

[morevicky]

CRACK THE BOTTLE OPEN GIRLS !!!

WE DONE IT !!! I swear to god I'm so dame excited ... Macawpower you're a (f word) genies I so cant thank you enough for that advice ... I let her out of her cage took the cage out of the living room curtains drawn door locked telly off the lot.
I so cant believe it, we been doing STEP UP AND DOWN for 2 hours, and she's been on my shoulder while I cleaned her cage out what the hell is happening ???
NO MAD FLYING, NO BITING, AND NO RUNNING AWAY FROM ME !!!!


*does a little super dance go baby, go baby go*


I'm hoping I can show this to hubby when he comes home later I cant believe this !!!
Day 14, and whos your daddy now huh huh huh (lool)

Vicky

[YELLOW WING]

way to go girl im so happy for you

[morevicky]

Thank you Thank you !!

I know that doesn't mean she's trusting me completely, but surely this is an awesome step in the right direction right 8)

Vicky

[dlaura]

Well I am so happy you finally listened to one of us and took her into another room! Thanks Becky for making sure Vicki took the bird into the other room. I am so glad to hear that you had a breakthrough with her. See, you could have set an even earlier record if only you had listened to us sooner! LOL What did hubby have to say when you told him?

[morevicky]

Hey

Im all grins here ... lol yea i know i should have listened i just couldn't get around how I was going do that without moving the cage and get bitten.
That message just went straight though took her out took cage out of the room she came straight to me I'M LOVING IT !!!
Was so excited when hubby came home from work that i had to show him, but ofcause cuz he was in the room she was playing hard to get but eventually stepped up without biting... the world is no longer ... i cant believe it still.
Still wont let me touch her not even with my chin when she's on my shoulder but hey Rome wasn't built on 1 day.

We did the dishes together today, it was quite nice having someone to talk to while being in the kitchen.
Then we chopped up a salad and well well well ... little bogger lol, she slowly crawled down my arm and skanked a piece of yellow pepper and flew off with it right on top of my stereo it was so funny to see.
When she munched most of it she flew back on my shoulder, how about that ?? whats going on with her ? why is she so nice all of a sudden ?

Hopefully in a few weeks I can begin training her, id so love to get her to stop pooping on me or the couch anything else is fine.
And just to hear a new word would be awsome.
Does anyone know how old they have to be before its too late to train them? or are they trainable though out their life ?

vicky

[YELLOW WING]

there like us we learn new all the time so will they just continue counting your blessings alls going to happen your doing great
what s=does hubby say now
doll mango

[morevicky]

He's so amazed he says he cant believe it either, And that she's 100% staying with us now which is the best news iv'e had for awhile, where as before cuz she was biting so viciously he said we couldn't keep her.
She's all mine !! My little baby.
He said it didnt matter if she didn't like him, as long as she wont bite or be horrible to me im so happy, she decided to come around!!

Vicky

[YELLOW WING]

wow thats great but tell him next time lol when his comes it might take him much longer to get it to do anything miracles dont realy happen every day,,lol im so happy your tentions gone that you can relax now and realy get going on training knowing shes staying
doll mango

[morevicky]

yea im so happy it turned out well.
Managed to get ill worrying, i got the flu + a nasty cold, i wont pass that on to her will i? super silly question but i honestly dont know the answer.
Shes been sneezing all night but nothing comes out, like no fluid snot or anything.

Vicky

[YELLOW WING]

Hun i checked the internet and id have to say know
were you snezing if so shes copping you .i have asma mango coppies my coughing same thing he barks like a dog as i baby sat one for a nabour they copy a phone ringing yes there good at copying things so i realy wouldnt wory un less you see signs of sickn ess
but if you can aford it and you have a bird vet in your areia id have her checked out its best concidering how and what condision you got her and this way all worries will be quilled
but im thinking she a coppiecat bird,,lol
doll mango

[Macawpower58]

Vicky, I'm very glad my and dlaura's advice helped. Don't start singing our praises yet though! You still need to build a firm bond of absolute trust. The 'other room' method is a bandaid on the problem. Her fear and mistrust has not miracalously vanished. Please don't be shocked or take it personnel if she resorts back to her old behavior. Keep working, keep calm, and show her you will never harm, or frighten her. It only takes one action you make out of frustration or anger to set you back to ground zero.......believe me, I've made every mistake possible!

I'm very glad you saw a breakthrough with her. Tell hubby it won't always be smooth sailing though. Other problems may crop up, and you'll need to tackle them as they happen.

[krazy4birds]

[B]Glad things are looking so good for you and your bird and even happier you get to keep her. Just be aware that being a bird care taker is not predictable work lol......you may have relapses and they can be anticipated, that is with any pet. Just bear in mind that it will pass and your baby will be back to their normal nature again. Just knowing that there will be days like that and you get through them will bond you together more than ever![/B

[morevicky]

Hey girls 8)

Yes i know some days is better then others but surely its better she wants to step up now without biting me, hubby cant even get near her, she really wants to have a go at him.

Now then we got to find her a new name I cant be doing with Marshall for a girl altho she can actually say it, I call her baby but that's still a bit lame.
Any ideas ??

Good god I don't feel very well at all, been up half the night blowing my nose and sneezing i hate being ill.

Yellow wing you might be right about her copying me its always just after i did it she does it, shes also coughing this morning lol, like cough cough just after i just did it never thought about the copying how cute.

Question:

Every morning she's so excited, cage running like mad doing flips and what not.
I assume its cuz she wants to come out ?? I usually wait till she comes down before i let her out.
This morning she will not stop squarking and calling me, i give her a whistle to let her know im still in the house, if im out of sight like now when im using the computer.
Should i just let her out when i wake up and take her to the kitchen with me or is that giving into what she wants?

Vicky

[YELLOW WING]

good morning each bird is difrent she might do more in mornings than later on in day with you i find mango does more at night its up to you to find the best time to work with her again this all takes time and watching for the right moments so do as you feel and if you have time to work with her
doll

[Macawpower58]

I see nothing wrong with you're allowing her to get out when you get up. Remember though, if you start a habit now, such as an instant out, she'll expect it. Be sure allowing her instant freedom is something you'll be able to keep doing (at least most of the time). To teach her she will have instant attention now, and then later on down the road, you decide you really don't have time early in the morning, would be unfair to a bird that has come to expect it.

Most people see a slight wane of their enthusiam with a new bird after several months. Be careful you don't start something you may not want to continue.

[YELLOW WING]

your so right becky i feed mango as soon as covers come off but theres times its not ready boy he lets me know it loud and clear
in letting him out i have no ruteen so he accepts it but food has to be there as soon as covers off also he hates waiting when i cook think he smells it ,,lol but if taking to long hes screaming ,,lol
doll mango

[morevicky]

Hey 8)

Yea I figured that might become a habit, that's pretty okay really since I always work night shifts, and im always home at 8 in the morning.
its funny how she wont do the cage run ( super excitement ) when she sees my son taking the cover off to good morning her at 7.
I asked him what she's doing when he takes cover off, and he told me she's playing around with her toys.
As soon as she sees me she's really at it making back flips in the cage and what not (how strange).

I don't do a lot of "cooking" for her in the morning, but I do cut up some fruits (which she throws on the floor )
Bought a speciel fruit spear so she cant do it, and it keeps the fruit clean too vs going to the bottom of her cage to pick up a piece she threw earlier.
Bought some new toys, some fruit pellets to mix in her nut mix and some vitamin drops for her water, and I keep offering her different kinds of fruit and veg.

I got the clicker in the post today, fun fun that was.
Not sure if she really understand it yet, been giving her sunflower seeds (her fav ) as treats then clicking while saying good girl.
She didn't seem scared of it at first but she refused to step up if was holding it, and she was constantly checking out what I had in my hands.
But I'm not too worried she'll get it soon im sure. 8)

Yea people buy these parrots but the excitement soon wears off, and they tend to leave them to do their own thing which is prolly why most parrots gets behaviour problems.
But this is never going to wear off I truly love this little fellow.


This video on youtube made me cry so hard, how horrible poor little thing.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=TH4OdOdSWjo

Vicky

[YELLOW WING]

yes thats why as soon as you ger a parrot you make sure it has a place to go if anything should happen to you.i have given super housing and my son letter and contact phones if anything happens to me i did it day after i got mango
now on a happier note i was walking mango out in halls and took him down in elavator to ground floor went walking then back up same way he love it
doll mango

[krazy4birds]

That is a pretty sad video and David Blunt is one of my favorite singers. Poor Pinky....I bet she is better now though!

Glad things are going so well with your new fur baby Vicky! Sounds to me like you are very lucky that this bird is so ready to accept you and her new home. Most birds take months just to get to where you are now!
GREAT WORK

[Macawpower58]

That video also had me choked up.

I hate videos like that, though I'm very glad Pinky got a second chance for a new beginning.

[YELLOW WING]

vicky hope your feelikg better you were not on yesterday and i know your sick keep well

[morevicky]

Hey girls

Yea thanks im much better today, good god that was a horrible cold its almost left me skinless on my nose 8).

Quick update:

Cage has arrived BUT of cause due to my luck they sended me the wrong dame cage!
Furious i phoned the company and demanded a full refund and went shopping elsewhere.
I found an awesome cage this is really a MONSTER, hubby decided to give me early xmas present and im thrilled.
its 93 cm wide, 157 high and 62 cm deep its beautiful and thats going to come in 14 days for sure. NO MESSING ABOUT.

My good bird friend that i got a message from on another bird page i been on before i found out about this place has been to visit me today.
He brought his african grey with him and what a blast we had, we talked about everything i been so unsure of and he was so helpful, i cant thank him enough for coming around.
Its almost science to have a parrot im all system overload here but its great, he gave me such an ego boost and i really needed it.
He told me that she looks much healthier then on the pictures which was taken shortly after i got her, so if he can see an improvement from that ...well praise the lord.
We were also talking about the food i give her and that i got totally wrong.
I told you guys about the sunflower seeds she wouldnt give up, well i think i did, I just gave it her cuz i felt sorry she wouldnt eat.
He told me that was a big no no and that i have to get her off them due to future health problems. ( I kinda knew that anyway, but its easier said then done )
His bird was so well behaved, so amazingly well spoken and not scared of strangers at all she even went on hubbys shoulder and that was a sight i must say (oh he fell in love straight away).
After the guy left hubby was so excited about having our parrot, and i think he realized that its not easy to raise these birds and that patience deffo is a vertue in this case.

I still need to find another name for her marshall doesnt fit her at all but nothing comes to mind, i call her baby but that itself is a bit lame i guess im not birdname creative 8)

Shes been out alot recently and coming with me all over the house, but she doesnt want to have anything to do with hubby or my son and will groul if they come to near when shes on my shoulder.
Thats ok right, i mean atleast shes with me and we can later work on getting to know hubby and oliver ?

I need some ideas on what to do out side of the cage other then doing the cleaning/dishes.
Dont know if shes ready yet but id love to turn freedom outside of the cage to play any ideas ?

And yea that video totally killed me i cant watch it as soon as i hear the tune im in tears, used to listen to the song loads of times but now i just cant stop thinking about pinky altho its got a happy ending its still quite horrible.

Vicky

[Macawpower58]

Why don't you start a thread asking for name suggestions?

Others have done so, and got lots of names to choose from.

Have a good photo of her at the top of the thread (to remind us of her looks) and state alittle about her personality.

Wait for suggestions!

[Macawpower58]

Shes been out alot recently and coming with me all over the house, but she doesnt want to have anything to do with hubby or my son and will groul if they come to near when shes on my shoulder.
Thats ok right, i mean atleast shes with me and we can later work on getting to know hubby and oliver ?

This is not ok. When she growls, and you have her on your shoulder (and are petting her) you're actually encouraging this behavior. It's like 'you and her' against 'them'. Tell her no, or hush, and remove her from your shoulder. This is when you need a play stand. The shoulder is a honered place to be. It must be earned, when she is not being nice, remove her.

I need some ideas on what to do out side of the cage other then doing the cleaning/dishes.
Dont know if shes ready yet but id love to turn freedom outside of the cage to play any ideas ?

A play stand is almost a necessity with parrots. I have 5! You only need one, but it should be either light enought to pick up and move, or else have rollers so that it can be moved from room to room. Especially like when she growls, a removal to the playstand still has her with you, but not up close and personnal. It's conveniant for training, and gives her a safe place to play.

Here are two kinds, I have both of these types.

The smaller one is easy to move from room to room.

6939

The larger one can sit in the living room for relaxed 'out' time.

6940

[YELLOW WING]

hi glad your feeling better vicky your hubby can make one to using a good branch im going to make me on for the comp room as her t stands not on wheels i gust meed a small one for comp room
glad you were told loud and clear about seeds . make her something spicy like chicken curry,,lol hot spices i mean
i had mango on the elivator the other night and hes fine with it didnt seem to mind it at all and when company comes hes wanting them close to him but wont let them touch him but im sure that will come
im just glad your feeling better
doll mango

[YELLOW WING]

hmmmm becky that bottem one id love but its out of my reachand a little large for the room im needing it in ..lol now if..lol i say if i win the lottery well id have it in every room,,lol
its very hard to do so many things i know should be done in such a small space to keep them entertained but have ideas id the dang snow will disapear as mango needs a change oh i got new toys but its not enough im wanting to get chain and run it across room a ways with things on it to swing and climb down on you know what i mean oh the reason in writting it here is so vicky will be sure to see it it might help her
were sure giving her plenty to think about and act on,,lol
doll mango

[Macawpower58]

Doll, redpeppers has (she's krafty) made some incredible hanging playareas. Have you seen hers?

[YELLOW WING]

Doll, redpeppers has (she's krafty) made some incredible hanging playareas. Have you seen hers?

dang no ill look for it dont know where to start but ill look

[morevicky]

Hey girls 8)

Youre so right macawpower i didnt think about it that way at all thank you.

Its been very expensive so far getting this parrot sorted, buying her the new cage toys finding food she likes etc, i been on the case trying to find perches but they are soooooo expensive especially with xmas coming up soon and 2 kids i just cant afford one at the moment.
Im working on trying to make one my self out of apple tree branches and bits of wood for now that will have to do.
Theres a huge play stand on top of the new cage which will hopefully be here in 14 days i just need to get one i can have in the lounge i can move around.

Vicky

[YELLOW WING]

vicky im going to try to make one from a branch drill a hole in a nice size piece of wood and add wheels . lol i do own a drill and a circular saw since i had birds till then i dreamed in having a work shop to make things,,lol i now i have a neice that loves comming to my place because i dream of silly things and one time i took them scaverging for wood to make a platform to put a cage on i wasnt going to pay what the lumber yard wanted,,lol oh we found it took an old book case apart cut it to size it worked great she never did things like she does when she comes here . she would never dream of going through back allies looking for things,,lol ' oh its great to be old
lol becky i found what i was looking for on reds photoes i sent her a message just waiting for answer
vicky im looking for plastic chain to hang near play area and add a swing on it and things for mango to do its cheap and will give him more play
doll mango

[Macawpower58]

If her cage playstand is removable (some aren't), then have hubby whip up a rolling base that you set her playstand onto.

One of mine was made that way. I got a small table top stand, and built a rolling base that the table stand fit snuggly over.

[YELLOW WING]

vicky heres a few pic of mango playing with me id this what yours dose when bitting hes not bittig just playing but he does get carried away some times but when he starts i say dont bite now he backs away then comes right back playing again even when he does bite it dosent break skin its not hard bite

[morevicky]

Hey girls 8)

Thank you for the pics yellow they were cute 8) Mango looks so beautiful, and so full of life you done so well getting him so tame.

I made a perch out of an old cd rack, and it seems to have done the trick she loves being in the kitchen/dining room with us.
She's still growling at everyone while being sat on the perch if they come too close but i recon shell get used to us all better this way.

Her flying skills has improved loads, she no longer fly into things and shes quite good at aiming for things to land on, im so happy shes getting it now.

Shes also an exellent theif, its so funny when were having dinner shell come flying down on the table, jump on my shoulder and nibble my ear as if to say "hey u gonna share that" if i take too long shell snatch something of the table and fly off lol.
Im loving every moment of her being here im so amazed how clever she really is.

Vicky

[YELLOW WING]

Yes isnt it great to have them as a family member , i had t once for 3 1/2 yrs her cage door was never closed even at night in fact she slept with me many a night ate with me .people thought i was crazy but she was my baby in fact thatshat i called her lol
mango went for isit to the other building last night took him on my wheelchair didnt realy have to hold him even when opening doors he was so good . Oh our 2 buildings are like one i just have to go through the common room to get there not out side , so if he had decided to fly he was safe,,,lol couldnt get any place but he sat while i chatted with a frie in her apt and was gone about an hr and he didnt poo till i got home at least i did see any..lol
i want to socalise him but he does his stuff so late at night its hard..lol
doll mango

[CaptainQuark]

Hihi Vicky,

I know you feel nervous with little Marshall, but trust me, you're doing a great job! You know where I am if ever you need help. :)

[YELLOW WING]

vicky i saw and have a walker no wheels folds when not in use use cording for pillows to wrap crome so she wont slip makes an exelant stand so a nother problem solved just what i9 can use in comp room for mango
see if anyone you know has one thats not using it
doll mango

[morevicky]

Hey girls

The new cage has decided to come it took me and hubby a good hour to put it together its awesome.
Sadly by the time we finished my little baby had fallen asleep, so i couldnt introduce her to her new home.

Today is much better after a good night sleep, i went to fetch her from her cage.
We no longer have problems with stepping up from the cage its really good, she used to lounge at me if i tried but none of that any more 8).
We went to cut up her breakfast, honey melon and mango yummy.
I ate my breakfast and had my coffee with her it was lovely she's trying so hard to say "what u doing" its sooo cute.

We been playing "touch the stick" fun fun, she loves it, i can use any object now and she will touch it where as before she used to get scared of just about anything she even moves around to touch the stick everything is going great here.
Just bought another 100 dollars worth of toys for the new cage since its so big, it looks empty so im gonna try some of those foraging toys see if she likes those.
But that's deffo it no more parrot spending lol gotta be sense able now with xmas just around the corner.


Heres a few pictures 8)


http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq194/morevicky/DSCF0011.jpg


http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq194/morevicky/DSCF0012.jpg


http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq194/morevicky/DSCF0017-1.jpg


http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq194/morevicky/DSCF0023.jpg


Vicky

[YELLOW WING]

wooooooowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww what a great cage shes qeen now wish i had that one but think its to big for me
hun your dooing great keep it up pics her eating bk sweet but show more pic of cage i want to see all of it,,,,lollol

[morevicky]

Hey yellow

sorry bout that heres a FULL picture of the cage - the play stand on the top.
I cant even reach her when she's sat there.

http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq194/morevicky/DSCF0010.jpg


Vicky

[YELLOW WING]

Ha ha thats the same as befor ,,lol get in frontof it to take pic,,lol is it a corner cage i love the one showing the top play area does it come off

[Macawpower58]

That's one big cage for such a small bird! She's going to love having all that room to play. You are doing so well with her. She (and you) are very lucky to have found each other.

[morevicky]

Hey girls

yea its a good size for her, she loves it.

Havent posted for a few days but i been so busy playing with her i really enjoyed the passed few days we had together.
Shes really coming around now, trying to talk and shes been on my sons shoulder still got hubby yet to win over but all in time.
Shes no longer super cage protective she will willingly step up from the cage which has never happend before.
She doesnt have sunflower seeds in her foodbowl any more and peanuts are only for treats, its a totally different bird i got now, shes so sweet.
Her body laungue its like an open book now i know what she wants, shes so easy to read.
Only thing we really have to work on is how to get soaked as in get a super shower, she hates the mister and will only take showers in her drinking bowl inside the cage and thats not enough.
Tired taking her with me when i go in the shower she will tolerate some water on her but will let me know shes not terribly happy about it.
Going to buy one of them shower perches to see if thats gonna make a difference, im not enthusiastic about it but ill give it a go.

Oh and the screaming ... oh lovely noise lol my neighbour has kindly asked me if i could keep it down as shes sending the dog next door crazy by whistling and screaming but i havent found the "off" button on her yet as much as id like to so sorry neighbour cant help it!

But yea overall im so happy i got this little fella shes so beautiful and what a funny little creature she is.

Vicky

[YELLOW WING]

Well glad alls well was worried have lots to tell to but put up big cage to night and im bushed mango got in right away didnt hesatate at all ill chat another time i need sleep getting old ..lol

[teri]

Hi Vicky,

Thank you so much for coming to this site and sharing your rescue story and the progress. You are very intuitive in animals and what they need to feel secure and loved! You are doing a great job in caretaking for "Marshall" (: You know I hear people say alot that they know a bird who is so mean. I don't believe there is one parrot out there that is mean. It is some of us pathetic humans that don't try and see what it is that the parrot needs, if only the time is taken like people like you, they could delight in seeing the change from a "mean parrot" to a loving parrot..........trust is such a beautiful thing to watch and the time as it unfolds, each small step. I worked at the Oasis Sanctuary in Arizona, there is a blue and gold macaw that I just fell in love with (out of the 550 unwanted parrots there). everyday as I replaced his day old food with new food, I would crouch down and hold a walnut for him, he would slowly come over and take it and then retreat back to the back corner of his cage, all the while I kept telling him how beautiful he was and how much I loved loved loved him. After 3 months of doing this, one day he comes over to get his daily walnut and instead of taking the walnut..........he turns his head to the side and stretched it to my lips and made a kissing sound and I kissed his big fat head!!! I got tears in my eyes and told him he doesn't know what he just did for me! I love rescuing parrots and rehoming them and seeing the change when they get to be in a loving permanent home and not passed around from home to home.

Keep it up, you are doing wonderful and thank you again for sharing, you have warmed all of our hearts (:

[teri]

Also, wanted to mention that self cleaning ovens can be very toxic to parrots, I know a couple who lost 5 of their 7 parrots on Thanksgiving last year because of the oven.

[morevicky]

Hey teri 8)

what a lovely story, i bet it was hard for you not being able to take him home with you i know i would have snatched him right there.

Yea i been trying to find someone who's got a mustached parakeet for a bit of into and im so glad i came here, first time i ever posted i got flooded with messages from all the girls here.
Its so rewarding just watching her get more and more confident everyday and boy has she come out of her tiny little shy shell, what a bogger she can be lol.

Next thing im going to buy for her will be a transpoter one of them really cool looking ones you can wear on your back or belly, i want to be able to take her out with me since she refuses to be touched so i cant harness train her yet.
Wouldnt it be fun to go out for a walk together i know id love that.
Shes with me everywhere whatever i need to do in the house, shes even on my shoulder when i wash the floor or do the dishes im loving every min with her.
Its amazing shes not talking yet as i never shut up, when shes with me i tell her what im doing or what we going to do.
Best bit tho is that i love singing but i havent got a tone in life lol bit like a cats tale being pulled, but shes not complaning its great.

Even considering getting another rescue bird an african grey if possible but not for another few months shes still settling, and i dont wanna freak her out with another bird just yet but looking around cant hurt right?

Vicky

[dfuller84]

I am happy to see other Moustached Parakeet owners. I have a tow year old Moustached cock named Charlie. Feeding was never difficult for him, since he'll eat the widest variety of seeds, fruits, nuts and vegies out of all of the birds I had or cared for (other than a pudgie amazon I baby sat for once). What Charlie really gravitates too though are fruit, vegies and popcorn (w/o butter or salt of course). There are some popcorn balls with little seeds on them you might be able to find at a local pet store, they are a little softer than seeds.

Your moustached parakeet looks pretty young, and I remember Charlie looking plump for the first year of his life, before he grew into more adult shape and feathering. She doesn't look obese though, though from the abuse she had from the previous owner, she might not have been eating well in addition to the physical abuse.

Thank you for rescuing this special little bird. Moustached Parakeets are great birds and whimsical characters.

[dfuller84]

Here are some pictures of my moustached parakeet, Charlie. They are in the attachments below.

[morevicky]

Thanks for the pictures he's beautiful !!


Vicky