| T.R | Title | User | Personal
Name | Date | Lines |
|---|
| 149.1 | Anything, if its right for you! | EUREKA::WHITE | the PARROT_TROOPER | Fri Mar 24 1989 13:42 | 64 |
| Let me give this a try.........
A Blue Fronted Amazon WOULD indeed make a truly wonderful first
time avian pet.
The answers to the questions...
1. ALL birds tend to be timid at first unless they are hand fed.
By the way, hand taming DOSENT mean a tamed pet from the store,
It is hand tame to the hand tamer. It will make personal taming
a little easier, but everyone must hve the bird get used to them
individually.
Most birds are one person birds ONLY if they are brought up that
way. If your new potential pet is allowed to interface on a regular
basis with other humans they tend to be outgoing to all after that.
2. I know of a beautiful baby bluefront at the AQUATARA tropical
petstore in Nashua with a pricetag of 800 on it. Im not sure of
the price being in line with other retailers of breeders for that
matter. I paid 900 for my yellow winged bluefront five years ago,
but it was supposedly a 'show' bird. And quite strikingly beautiful.
3. This should prove to be not a problem as they are pretty secure
by themselves if enough things are provided to occupy their attention
till you return. However, you should plan on two to three hours
of solid interfacing with the bird daily if you ever wish to get
a true loving/tame pet.
4. I would suggest a cage that hase at the minimum of a two foot
cube. The larger, the better. Wait till you price these babies!!!
I have a catalogue from Corners limited if you wish to build your
own for a substantially lower price.
5. Look for general feather condition and health first. Clean nostrils,
droppings in the cage should be green/white and not liquidy.
Next go for somethjing that dosent shy away from you when you
approach te cage. If eye contact can be established, thats great!
6. By all means a blue front makes an excellent pet, however, the
rest of the amazon species will do just as well, There ARE better
talkers to choose from including the Yellow head, yellow nape, Congo
greys etc etc. but make sure you make the right decision THE FIRST
TIME. This means spending lots of time wandering pet stores and
breeders looking and observing ALL species for a great amount of
time before making your decision. My personal philosophy is to buy
what you WANT, not what you can AFFORD. Shen you make up your mind
as to which bird is the 'one for you', if the price is prohibitive,
then wait and save. Again, this is only MY methodology, dont work
for everyone.
Good Luck, and if you ever want to see the 'perfect' blue fronted,
give Rob Chesler at FLUME::Rob a call. I'm sitting for it while
he is in Pnenix this week. WHAT A PEACH!!!!!!! THE CUTEST Bluefront
I've ever had the pleasure of working with.
Again, good luck. Let us know what happens.
chet
P.S. the bluefront at aquatara looks/acts just like robs little
guy.
|
| 149.2 | | GIAMEM::KALINOSKY | criminy | Thu Mar 30 1989 08:12 | 30 |
| Chet, thanks for the reply. I think that you're right - I need to visit
alot of shops and see alot of birds. Being an impulse buyer, I really need
to use restraint because I've alreay seen a number of great birds!
Yesterday I stopped by a local pet shop on my way home, and was shocked to
see a young african grey for $299. (The sign said, "easy to tame"!). As
you might imagine, the bird was very wild. I was tempted to buy it just to
get it out of this awful place, but is it possible to really tame a bird if
it is very wild, or has been traumatized. Ditto for a Red Lored they had
for $489.
Originally, I wanted a Macaw, but heard from a few sources that for a first
bird this might be "too much". Is a Macaw really that much more work than
an Amazon? (Probably depends on the bird, I suppose).
Also, I picked up some issues of Bird Talk, and have been reading all the
advertisements from breeders who will ship birds to you. Is this a wise
thing to look into, buying a bird "blind"?
This past weekend I was in a store that had a great yellow-nape and a nice
Blue-crowned amazon. They told me that the nape was 2 years old, the blue
crown about 1. Is this normal to see tame birds for sale that are that
old? I was told that they had not been in anyones home yet. Is younger
better, and if so, what's a good guideline for the age a bird should be
when you buy it?
Sorry for all the questions!
Ian
|
| 149.3 | Patience | GIAENG::PULSIFER | Doug Pulsifer 296-3332 | Thu Mar 30 1989 09:55 | 20 |
|
I have budgies and don't have large birds yet, but strongly reccomend
that you at least try to find a breeder instead of a Pet store.
I have budgies from both and the one that was hand fed at the breeder
is 100 times more enjoyable.
It sounds like you intend to have one Bird only and not be a
collector,so you really should follow Chets advice and shop arround
until you are sure. I don't know of breeders other than my neighbor
bought her Macaw from a breeder out near Quabbin resevoir, I will
ask her for the name and address. I think if you search through
the notes you may find several breeders listed.
I like to visit Pet stores to look, and saw a Blue Front at
The Fish Bowl in Milford N.H. recently. If your stomach can take
it you may want to visit the Doctor Pet in Leominster as they have
amazons out where you can handle them, but leave your impulsiveness
and Visa at home.
Doug
|
| 149.4 | Wingsong Aviary 603/883-4745 | SSGBPM::HUTCHINS | Feathered Obsesions Aviary | Thu Mar 30 1989 13:42 | 18 |
| Hi!!! Look at me, I'm back and they gave me my *own* account! 8-)
Well Ian, since yu are so sincerely looking for a bird, I'd highly
recommend Wingsong Aviary in Merrimack NH 603/883-4745. They may
be a little more expensive but they have exceptional stock! All
birds are hand raised... from the eggs up! It has been with the
help from Paul and Brian, owners of Wingsong, that have enabled
me to be where I am today in Aviculture!
The prices you quoted are imported bird prices... handfeds are going
to be more like $800 - $1,000. And from my experience, wild grays
are about the hardest to train, but once they are won over, they
are wonderful! There are loads of folks here with grays! And,
if you get a gray, get a Congo, not the Timnah.
Happy hunting!!!
Jean
|
| 149.5 | get as young a bird as possible.... | MPGS::TAI | GoneTotallyBirdserk!! ^0^ | Thu Mar 30 1989 15:32 | 30 |
| RE: .2
Hi Ian,
I just recently bought a yellow nape (in January), and agree whole-
heartily about getting as young a bird as possible!!!
We bought an older bird through a dealer in NH, and it was a mistake
for us. I got too anxious, I couldn't wait an extra 6 weeks for a baby.
We ended up with a BEAUTIFUL older nape, age unknown, but I'm guessing
between 3-4 years because it's sexually mature and developing definite
eye-rings. Anyway, Piedy was suppose to be my pet but she (we think
it's a she) bonded to my fiance', and absolutely hates me. You may
have read about my experiences in previous notes. She has now decided
to fly and attack me. But last night, for some reason got on my arm
when I was touching her feet so maybe we're making some headway.
We plan on getting another nape next year, and THIS time we will go
about it in the right manner. When you make a substantial investment
like that you don't want to make a mistake you will regret.
If the nape yo saw in the store is 2 years old and never been owned it's
possible that it could be a tough bird if it hasn't been handled a lot
by the people in the store.
Good luck on whatever you decide, and remember you're investing a large
sum of money so don't let anyone talk you into anything that your not
absolutely sure about!
Juliette
|
| 149.6 | Occasionally Impulse can pay off, but as a rule..... | WARLRD::SIMPSON | | Thu Mar 30 1989 15:57 | 33 |
| Hello, Ian.
I wholeheartedly agree with previous replies to your notes. As
a rule, it's better not to buy on impulse but to wait till your
sure. I have had a couple experiences like that. But, on rare
occasions, impulse can pay off. I bought my Red Lored Amazon (Fergus)
from a pet shop near us that primarily deals with birds. They seem
to be one of the best in Atlanta. They take very good care of their
birds and leave a good number of the tamer ones out on perces for
people to handle and talk to. When I was looking for a bird, about
5 years ago, they had 2 hand-fed babies, the Red Lored and a cockatiel.
The cockatiel was hand-fed by one of the store employees who had
hatched him from a pair she had. Fergus, the Red Lored, was a
Quarantine bird that had been hand-fed. He was about 4 months old.
I looked at the cockatiel first, but was not really satisfied.
He seemed a bit too flighty for my taste. They brought the Red
Lored out to me. He immediately crqwled up on my shoulder, stretched
his wings and said "Squawk." It was love at first sight... I probably
could and should have looked a bit more before deciding on him,
but he was so cute and sweet, that I couldn't resist. I have never
regreted my choice. He is the sweetest bird I have ever seen.
He was bought to be my pet and fortunately, has remained so. He
loves to be cuddled and basically treated like a big baby.
I don't know how other Red Loreds are but if they are like Fergus
in temperament, they would be good to have around children, if you
have any. Fergus absolutely adores children. They can do anything
with him.
Good Luck.
Laurie
|
| 149.7 | Decide Carefully | BOSHOG::WRONSKI | | Thu Mar 30 1989 16:34 | 60 |
| Hi Ian,
I am the proud owner of a Blue-Front Amazon (yellow-winged type)
and he/she is absolutely a "character"..... I bought him when he
was about 6 to 8 months old and he is about 2.5 years old now.
When I bought him he was a bit scruffy since he didn't have all
of his adult feathers, but the thing that sold me was the bird
took an immediate liking to me.... he was already hand tamed so
that was a plus. I will have to tell you that I looked for a
Blue-Front/or Yellow-Nape Amazon for over a year, it took me that
long to find the bird that was 'right' for me. I would have to
say that buying the youngest bird possible is the best thing to
do... this way the bird will grow up with you and be much more
of a friendly pet. Remember though, a baby blue-front or any
amazon is not going to look that pretty as it doesn't have all
of its adult feathers yet. But, one thing to look for is:
An alert bird, clean nostrils, good droppings and some sheen to
the feathers, also a bird that is playful (playing with toys in
the cage)......
A good size cage to start off with is about 20X20 by 36high (these
are inside dimensions)... buy a good quality cage upfront as you
will live to regret it later on. Cages can be very expensive, so
choose carefully. I have just ordered a cage from Animal Environments
out of Californina and an Amazon cage is $500.00 (but it is well
worth it)......
The price that you can expect to pay for a Good Blue-Front is
from $600-$1000, and I would recommend buying a parrot from a
breeder if you can, the extra money spent is well worth it.
Also, I find a Blue-Front to be an excellent talker .... and at
least I think my bird can talk as well (clarity) as any Yellow-
Nape which is suppose to be a better talker. Be patient and in
time your bird will develop its own vocabulary. Also, I have
noticed that a bird can pick up a womens voice my easier in the
beginning and then it can learn to mimmic the lower tones of
a mans voice.
Since you are not going to be home a good part of the day (like
me).... I would make sure the parrot has a couple of 'safe' toys
in the cage and I would also leave a radio on to keep him company.
Re: a Macaw, I think you should work with an Amazon first, a Macaw
is a big bird and if you have not had birds in the past this bird
can be quite a handful... a lot of people can be intimidated by
the imposing beak with all of its power.... the Macaw could end
up running your life if you do not know how to handle it
correctly......
I'd have to also say that I think I have one of the best looking
Blue-Fronts going.... he is as nice looking as any that I have
seen pictures of (in advertisements) in Bird-Talk magazine.
Good luck, and remember don't buy on implulse.... make your
decision carefully.
David........
|
| 149.8 | can you tolerate | SVCRUS::KROLL | | Thu Mar 30 1989 17:18 | 8 |
| Please also read about their behavors when they mature and check
out to see if you can tolerate that behavor. Your baby may never
do that you say, now! but just be aware that it can happen and be
prepaired for it.
My younger sister did not expect it and now I am the owner of a
double yellow head amazon that is very sexually mature. this is
even after haveing the bird for 7 years hand fed ect...
|
| 149.9 | DECISIONS, DECISIONS | SPGBAS::BOURGAULT | | Fri Mar 31 1989 13:52 | 45 |
| Ian,
I have a yellow-nape that I purchased a year ago from a breeder
in Florida (Blue Ribbon Pet Farm, Homestead FL). I did exactly
what you're doing right now. I shopped around a the different pet
stores, decided what bird I wanted, read as much as I could about
that bird and then proceeded to look in the back of Bird Talk for
Breeders. I called a number of them and received price lists.
I was looking for a baby but none were available at the time I wanted
to buy--and let me tell you, when I was ready to buy I did not want
to wait several months for the kids to hatch!
I called Blue Ribbon and the gentleman told me that he had a loveable
yellow nape about 8 months old that had been born on the farm and
hand raised and very gentle (In fact he had two at the time). He
offered a guarantee on the bird..I believe it was for 3 mos.
(even if I didn't like it!) and a health certificate. All for $675
(Plus $28 flight charge that I paid COD).
Well I took the chance and was so worried that I would get a scrawny,
sick, pitiful little thing. But to my surprise I got a beautiful
young, healty little guy with clear, eyes peering out of the shipping
crate when I picked him up! He was hand tame and got right on
my husband's hand when we extracted from his crate to his cage.
The next day he started to mumble a bit but by the following day
he was talking up a storm! He has been a joy ever since!
The only unfortunate thing is that although I got the bird of my
dreams...he loves my husband! He is quite frisky with me and
loves to nip me, especially when my husband is around. But His
exceptional vocabulary and actions are a scream! He learns his
words from me, and although his heart belongs to my husband,
I wouldn't trade him for the world!
At the time that I contacted Blue Ribbon, they had just had a clutch
of Blue Fronts and were selling the hand fed babies for about $375.
Of course that was over a year ago. It may be worth giving them
A call. I know that I got a better bird at a better price than
any local breeder or pet shop!
Good luck in whatever you decide!
Denise .
|
| 149.10 | the journey continues | GIAMEM::KALINOSKY | criminy | Sun Apr 02 1989 23:11 | 40 |
| First of all, many thanks to all of you for the advice and input you've
provided here. It is really helpful, and it is also nice to know that
there are so many folks out there who are interested!
Friday night, we stopped by another local pet store. Surprisingly, they
had a blue and gold macaw for $1100, and a green-wing for $1200. But I
don't know if that's really any great deal for 1+ year-old birds whose past
is questionable. At the same place, there were 2 amazons in a cage, which
I mistakenly thought were blue-fronts. I asked for the price of the
"blue-fronts" and he quoted me $399. A few minutes later, another employee
came by and told me they were orange wings and were being sold for $99.
One was very tame, but his feathers looked terrible. The employee said he
was a "constant moulter", blamed this on the stress of being in the shop.
My question is, does this make sense? Any idea if this would go away in
time? (It didn't look like the pictures I've seen of birds that pluck
their feathers.) I felt bad for this little guy.
Saturday we went to a shop in New Hampshire that sells only birds. Lots of
blue-fronts, but the ones that stood out we already sold. Some great greys
though.
Today (Sunday) we went to Saratoga Springs, NY to look at a lilac-crowned
amazon. The bird was pretty, but kind of high-strung. Starting to talk
though. Anyone know anything about these birds (lilac-crowned)?
Anyway, what I'm leading up to is that we're looking all over the place but
are probably less sure of the type of bird we want. I guess it will
probably be an amazon, but which type is the question. Also, when we
started out we intended for this to be our only bird, but more and more
we've been talking about getting 2 our more (eventually). (We have the
room, that's for sure.)
Also, I was thinking that I should go ahead and buy a cage (amazon-size).
Anyone know of a source in the Mass/NH area that has s good selection in
stock? Or is it better to mail order them?
Thanks,
Ian
|
| 149.11 | If you are only getting one bird... | DUNCE::KIRSCHBAUM | And so it Goes... | Mon Apr 03 1989 11:22 | 30 |
| These birds will live a long time, with that said:
Do all the research you can, but BUY the bird you want to keep for
a long long time! If you determine you want a Macaw, then get a
Macaw, or an Amazon etc...
I honestly do not know if a Macaw is a lot more work than other
birds, because a Macaw is the only bird I have. They are definately
time sinks, but from what I read, ALL hand-fed birds put a great
demand on your time.
There are certainly problems with a large bird, every Sunday he
gets a shower and we blow dry him...this takes at least a half hour
to 45 minutes, feathers dry slowly.
As far as a Macaw being able to intimidate you, so can any large
dog, or a cat. You can get bit by an Amazon just as easily as a
Macaw.
However, which ever breed of bird you get, Jean has the right idea,
go to a GOOD aviary and get one that is hand fed if you can put
together the money.
Since you live in New England, if you want to come by and see a
hand-fed Macaw, send me a mail message.
(In case you had not guessed, I am somewhat prejudiced towards Blue
and Gold Macaws...)
-dick
|
| 149.12 | Bird Buying | MANILA::WALZ | | Mon Apr 03 1989 11:39 | 21 |
| Dick is right, be prepared to live with your decision for a
very long time (a lifetime)! Don't feel the urge to impulse
buy, or buy a bird because it looks pathetic. Buy a healthy
baby and buy the type of bird that you want.
I suggest you do more research by visiting people with birds
as Dick suggested. Decided on the type of bird that you WANT,
then research the people who breed those birds.
You are taking a shotgun approach to a major decision. Nothing
is more sad than a bird who wasn't the "right type for me" who
ulitmately will spend his life being passed from household to
household. He will learn to hate people and as a result this
cycle gets shorter and shorter.
Please consider spending the extra money for a hand raised baby.
I could never have the same total trust in a wild caught, plus
I believe that captive breeding---rather than importing---should
be encouraged.
|
| 149.13 | ORANGE WING AMAZONS | GIAENG::PULSIFER | Doug Pulsifer 296-3332 | Wed Apr 05 1989 10:32 | 13 |
| I have also decided that my first big bird will be an Amazon, but
will never be able to justify the $900 for a hand raised Baby against
my family committments. I have recently seen Orange Wing Amazons
for sale @$150-$250 and am told you can get them wholesale from
Quarantine for $75. This would open up new possibilities to me such
as buying 4 @$75 and breeding them for my own babies and Profit.
Does anyone have any experience with Orange Wings, as far as training
talking and pet quality ?
I am not rushing into this as I am devoted to training Buddie at
present and don't have the proper space for more. I hope to have
the room in 6-12 months.
|
| 149.14 | | FSTTOO::WIMMER | | Wed Apr 05 1989 11:13 | 4 |
| I was told by my vet to stay away from orange wings and blue fronts
if you have other birds as they tend to carry a lot of viruses.
Obviously, I don't have the experience to substantiate this, but
you might want to check into it. Anyone else have on info?
|
| 149.15 | | CSC32::K_WORKMAN | Hand picked by Juan Valdez | Wed Apr 05 1989 12:38 | 15 |
| Possibly I can accept the statement that some birds are more prone
than others to viruses, diseases etc.. But the fact is that
generalization is not fair to the bird. Any bird can be free
of any health problems if he is well cared for. I've personally
not heard this about blue fronts. I used to have a wild caught
blue front who had a pretty rough life before I got him and he
never had any health problems.
My belief in buying a bird is that if you find one you like, see
it SEVERAL times before you decide. All of my birds are blood
tested upon purchase. You can't see everything in a blood test,
but you can see ALOT. The blood test as well as a fecal and
general physical are important for the new bird. It gives
you a point of reference for judging his health conditions
in the future.
|
| 149.16 | babies | SBLANC::MOEHLENPAH | | Wed Apr 05 1989 14:15 | 9 |
| There are some aviaries which do bring in hand-fed babies through
quarantine. For example, blue fronts domestic might go for 750, and
hand-fed babies imported for 275. That certainly is a substantial
difference in price. I almost am tempted to get a couple.
My problem is that what I really want is a SCARLET baby! Or at least I
think I do. Anyone want to loan me theirs for a few days/months so I
can find out? :-)
Ed
|
| 149.17 | | FSTTOO::WIMMER | | Wed Apr 05 1989 17:34 | 6 |
| Karen,
The information I was given pertaining to orange wings and blue
fronts was not indicating that the birds themselves were not healthy,
but that they had a much higher propensity to be carriers of certain
viruses. Again, I personally don't know, but was warned about this.
|
| 149.18 | let's talk | BOSHOG::WRONSKI | | Thu Apr 06 1989 12:10 | 6 |
|
Orange Wings in general are not known to be good-talkers.... I have
been told that if you are able to get them to say a few words then
you should be satisfied.... They are still a great parrot, but if
you want a talker than a Blue-Front is a much better talker......
|
| 149.19 | amazon adolescence? | GIAMEM::KALINOSKY | criminy | Thu Apr 06 1989 17:12 | 13 |
| One of the earlier replies alluded to the drastic change in an amazon's
behavior upon reaching sexual maturity. From the accounts of this
that I've seen, it is something that really concerns me. Anyone
out there have any experiences with this (or not seen it in a mature
bird)? Is it inevitable that this happens? Inquiring minds want
to know.
Also, I spoke to a breeder today who suggested that a ring-neck
parakeet is a good pet. Any experiance with them out there?
Thanks,
Ian
|
| 149.20 | too loud for me | SVCRUS::KROLL | | Thu Apr 06 1989 21:09 | 10 |
| My sister's double yellow headed amazon is now sexually mature after
being a wonderful baby for 7 years. he mounts anything that is
available weather it moves or not. bites me but not my husband.
and coo's a LOT witch is extremely annoying. I am sure this is
a phase he goes through once a year, BUT BOY IS THIS A MESS. we
are normally a very QUIET house hold and just his normal talking
voice is too much for us.
he is getting sent back or sold in the next two week if I have any
say so.
|
| 149.21 | | CSC32::K_WORKMAN | Hand picked by Juan Valdez | Fri Apr 07 1989 09:35 | 32 |
| A few bird club friends of mine have some Amazons... They breed
mostly, Double Yellow Heads, Napes and Blue Fronts. They seem
to feel that alot of how the sexual maturity will affect your
bird depends on his upbringing. If the bird isn't bonded to
you (ie you bought an older bird or possibly wild caught) there
MAY be more problems with the nipping etc... One of the ladies
has a Yellow Nape that she hand raised and is now 6 years old.
The bird is a female and does the wiggle bit occasionally on
her arm, but is still sweet and enjoyable. The bird started
this behavior about 2 years ago.
One thing they told me that I thought was interesting, is that
it seems to depend on the sex of the bird. They seem to feel that
the females aren't near as bad as the males are when they
reach their sexual maturity. I believe that my Blue Front
was a female (don't know for sure) but he/she was around
10+ years old when I got her. She was VERY trainable, but
nothing compared to a hand-fed. She did shows signs of
her sexual maturity but didn't seem to be any more hostile
during those periods than at any other time.
We got started on this subject because I was (as you) worried
about my Grey during sexual maturity, but since then I have
talked to several people who all seem to confirm that hand-feds
don't really have this extreme of a problem. For one, yes
nature is calling, but some of them don't really know whats
going on since they really aren't in a social environment with
others of their species. You are the love of their life, not
another bird that they have never seen.
Karen
|
| 149.22 | baby nape | GIAMEM::KALINOSKY | criminy | Fri Apr 14 1989 10:42 | 21 |
| Well, yesterday I brought home a 15-week old yellow nape. I got
the bird directly from a breeder in Florida (Blue Ribbon Pet Farm,
as mentioned in an earlier note). I know that there are pros and
cons to buying a bird this way, but so far the little guy seems
to be great, pretty active and alert. I will bringing it to a vet
tomorrow for a full check up.
This is a hand-fed domestic baby that is not yet weaned, so my wife
and I are getting the crash course in hand feeding. So far, it
has been a clumsy thing - I had envisioned that once the bird figures
out that it's feeding time, he would cooperate. That doesn't seem
to be the case - he/she (we haven't named it yet, nor taken a guess
at the sex) won't sit still throughout. Any ideas out there?
Ian
P.S. For a cage, we bought a Newco cage (advertised in Bird Talk - "Polly
Wants a Palace" ). It's really neat - contact me if you want some
info.
|
| 149.23 | | SBLANC::MOEHLENPAH | | Fri Apr 14 1989 22:08 | 19 |
| Maybe it's trying to wean. When the baby gets old enough, it doesn't
want to get fed. Try giving it some soaked monkey chow, and cheerios
and soft veggies and things. She/He will start picking at it, to play
with it at first. After a while, they recognize that it is food. Just
make sure that it maintains weight during this period. You should talk
to a vet to see what the critical weight is. For example, my bird is a
Hahn's mini, and the critical weight is 110 grams. While weaning, my
vet told me not to be concerned unless she got below that weight. This
means that the bird is not eating enough on their own, and must be
force fed. I would keep trying, if the bird won't fill its own crop.
Eventually, they get hungry enough to eat from your syringe, or eat for
themselves. Good luck.
If you have any problems, don't hesitate to contact me. There are
others in this notesfile who have hand fed, maybe they can give you
some advice as well.
Here's my home phone number 408-946-3045
Ed
|
| 149.24 | ...update... | GIAMEM::KALINOSKY | criminy | Wed May 03 1989 16:56 | 27 |
| Re: -.1 Thanks for the info. Ollie (yes, we've named 'em) is still
on the bottle, but is also eating cheerios, apple bits, grapes,
seeds, and general parrot mix. But he still wants to be fed in
the early morning and in the evening. I've heard that some birds
will let you feed them forever, so I'm wondering how to get him
independent. I am assuming here that a nape that's 4 months and
a week should be weaning, but am I wrong? I have yet to see him
actually drink water, and I'm also wondering how/when he should
figure that out.
I've had him to the vet and checked out and he seems to be in good
health. However, should anyone out there be considering getting
a bird from a breeder and air shipping, my advice is that you should
insist on the use of a direct flight, especially for a bird still
on hand feeding. Ollie flew from Miami to Boston via Charlotte,
but didn't make the connecting flight. This caused his arrival
here to be delayed by 12 hours, and make him go without feed for
a terribly long time. Ollie has recovered from this ordeal , but it
wouldn't have happened had I known better.
Anyway, I'm delighted with Ollie and we've been having alot of fun
with him. Hand feeding is really alot of fun. He's not speaking
yet (too soon, I suppose). Still kind of uncoordinated too.
Ian
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