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I have just got a few min’s before I have to go,,,but as for toys’s when I started out with my guys we bought alot of expensive toys and as time went along we found that the things laying around or nuts and screws,a piece of shirt with buttons (for which Katie has learned to undue and rebutton)stuff like that, anyway it was the free iteams that our guys ended up liking the most ,I can give you some more hints of things later if you like,,,,,try a empty toilet paper roll,,I know they will probably tear that one up though but its fun to watch them with it see ya’ PS Iam was working on a writing but it got to complicated to put out last night
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Hello all. After reading about Elliot I got to thinking about our new >TAG. And I have a few questions, etc. First a little about the bird. >8 months ago she was unsteady on her feet, they took her to the vet. He >did fecal, crop and blood work, nothing. He assumed it was a brain >disorder. Anyway, this female was a wild caught, and was used for >breeding. Could her illness have been caused by over breeding? That’s >all she’s knowen for the last 5 years. I’m just wondering because I’ve >heard alot about egg laying taking alot out of a bird, and if she was >being bred as much as possible?? The breeder says she will allow him to >pet her and to handle her. She can walk, perch and eat on her own. >She’s not talking and I asked why, he said because "She’s been in with a >mate and has never had a chance too." Is this true? Will a non talking >bird not talk because they are in with a mate? From the sounds of it >she hasn’t really had much interaction with many people or many things, >besides her mate and a breeding cage. This is all the breeder does is >breed, he has no personal bird pets. I wasn’t going to get another bird >for a few months but…well this little girl just tugs at my heart >strings. He is giving us a cage, she’s never been in a cage besides a >breeder cage. I doubt she had any toys either. ANyone have any ideas >for toys? We are going to "shop" Friday for perches and toys. The food >I’m gonna have to get after I find out what kind she’s on now. I don’t >know if her and Zoe will get along..if not this house if big enough for >2 needy birds and so is my heart. Sorry this is sooo long. One last >thing. I was reading one of my parrot books and it shows how to make a >"homemade" stand. Using a large bucket, sand, grit and a bored out log >to put tree branches in. Anyone ever tried this? Thanks tons=)
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Hello all. After reading about Elliot I got to thinking about our new TAG. And I have a few questions, etc. First a little about the bird. 8 months ago she was unsteady on her feet, they took her to the vet. He did fecal, crop and blood work, nothing. He assumed it was a brain disorder. Anyway, this female was a wild caught, and was used for breeding. Could her illness have been caused by over breeding? That’s all she’s knowen for the last 5 years. I’m just wondering because I’ve heard alot about egg laying taking alot out of a bird, and if she was being bred as much as possible?? The breeder says she will allow him to pet her and to handle her. She can walk, perch and eat on her own. She’s not talking and I asked why, he said because "She’s been in with a mate and has never had a chance too." Is this true? Will a non talking bird not talk because they are in with a mate? From the sounds of it she hasn’t really had much interaction with many people or many things, besides her mate and a breeding cage. This is all the breeder does is breed, he has no personal bird pets. I wasn’t going to get another bird for a few months but…well this little girl just tugs at my heart strings. He is giving us a cage, she’s never been in a cage besides a breeder cage. I doubt she had any toys either. ANyone have any ideas for toys? We are going to "shop" Friday for perches and toys. The food I’m gonna have to get after I find out what kind she’s on now. I don’t know if her and Zoe will get along..if not this house if big enough for 2 needy birds and so is my heart. Sorry this is sooo long. One last thing. I was reading one of my parrot books and it shows how to make a "homemade" stand. Using a large bucket, sand, grit and a bored out log to put tree branches in. Anyone ever tried this? Thanks tons=)
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October 22, 1998
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> Have any of you had a bird more than 5 years? All the bird pets > I read about are either babies or rescues, I’m wondering where all > the 5- to 20-year old ones are. Doesn’t anyone have an older ‘too > or macaw or conure or something? > Liz Day > Indianapolis, Indiana, central USA, 40 N latitude. > http://www.iquest.net/~lday – NOW WITH PICTURES!!
We have had our Mealy Amazon for about 4 years now. When we got him, he may have been 9 or 10 years old, nobody knows for sure.
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> Have any of you had a bird more than 5 years? All the bird pets > I read about are either babies or rescues, I’m wondering where all > the 5- to 20-year old ones are. Doesn’t anyone have an older ‘too > or macaw or conure or something? > Liz Day > Indianapolis, Indiana, central USA, 40 N latitude. > http://www.iquest.net/~lday – NOW WITH PICTURES!!
And this is a picture of him
klinger.jpg
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> Have any of you had a bird more than 5 years? All the bird pets > I read about are either babies or rescues, I’m wondering where all > the 5- to 20-year old ones are. Doesn’t anyone have an older ‘too > or macaw or conure or something?
My Moluccan is 12 and my Festive amazon is 28. Had the Moluccan forever and the Festive for 4 years. In doing rescue I came across many older birds and they all were wonderful birds just looking to bond and become someone’s companion. Oddly enough (contrary to reputation) the most malable were the amazons. Layne
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Have any of you had a bird more than 5 years? All the bird pets I read about are either babies or rescues, I’m wondering where all the 5- to 20-year old ones are. Doesn’t anyone have an older ‘too or macaw or conure or something? Liz Day Indianapolis, Indiana, central USA, 40 N latitude. http://www.iquest.net/~lday – NOW WITH PICTURES!!
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>Have any of you had a bird more than 5 years? All the bird pets >I read about are either babies or rescues, I’m wondering where all >the 5- to 20-year old ones are. Doesn’t anyone have an older ‘too >or macaw or conure or something? >Liz Day
CAG 6 1/2.. Senegal 6+, maybe 7. YCM 5 1/2. Friend who lives in same apartment building: Galah 10. Budgie 9. Lory 8. We’re all working on it. I know lots of people in bird club with birds they have had 10+ years. Terri Terri Leinneweber
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> > Have any of you had a bird more than 5 years? –snip > My Moluccan is 12 and my Festive amazon is 28. –snip
I have a 12 year old cockatiel. Yvonne — "Paper will accept any writing." –Russian proverb
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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Newsgroups: rec.pets.birds >Have any of you had a bird more than 5 years? All the bird pets >I read about are either babies or rescues, I’m wondering where all >the 5- to 20-year old ones are. Doesn’t anyone have an older ‘too >or macaw or conure or something? >Liz Day >Indianapolis, Indiana, central USA, 40 N latitude. >http://www.iquest.net/~lday – NOW WITH PICTURES!!
Hi Liz, a second here readers/ tis nice to chat with a fellow Hoosier, make me miss my sister and Indianapolis.. Yes, I have a wonderful bull headed and such a delight to me and his wife, SKipaRue. He is a 31 year old Hyacinthine or at least his records state his birth as 1965. His records are from the Smithsonian in DC and he was at Disney for almost ten years till he was brought to me. I have all his records from both places concerning his diet, habits and health along with his wife of which he had for years. She is still at Disney in Orlando. I have come to love Mikeee very much because of his mature ways of teaching me what he needs, wants and just his overall behavour. You at times, can call here and hear him over and over talk to me and yet sometimes, he’ll be yelling at me. (thank god, I dont have a yelling or demanding husband or children) When he does this, it is just as mature and I’ll get you if you dont’ mind me this minute scream. I give up! Gladly, for he deserves anything he wants for he is sooo good most of the time, to good to be a bird. He sings, dances and talks up a show and loves to do it. THis is the bird that I planted Queen Palm Trees for him and he climb one of them before I had a chance to turn my head… a policeman (in uniform) ordered him down and he came down. smile…what a joy Mikeee and SkipaRue are sitting on one single egg. This is her first time sitting tight so I’m not taking it. I also have Lobo , A Blue and Gold Macaw who is up there but I don’t know how old for their are no records. They are truely easier to do for all the training is done….they train you for the way it issuppose to be for them…smile Cherane "Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives."
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Don’t know if this counts, (not a hookbill) but I had a canary for 11 years and he died because a stray cat got into our house one night (I vas *very* upset!). I now have another canary going on five years and a baby amazon. –Christine. Both canaries I’ve had since they were chicks. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Have any of you had a bird more than 5 years? All the bird pets > I read about are either babies or rescues, I’m wondering where all > the 5- to 20-year old ones are. Doesn’t anyone have an older ‘too > or macaw or conure or something? > Liz Day > Indianapolis, Indiana, central USA, 40 N latitude. > http://www.iquest.net/~lday – NOW WITH PICTURES!!
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OLD Birds I have: In the cockatiel retirement cage: 1 Male=16 yrs. 1 female=20 yrs. 1 female=16 yrs. 1 male-12 yrs. Conures: 1 female Brown Throated over 16 years YC Macaws: Male: >16 yrs, Female > 15 yrs. Those are my oldest.
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: Have any of you had a bird more than 5 years? All the bird pets I have a 12 year old cockatiel and this is her 5th home, poor thing. allison
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I have a 30 year old Double Yellow Amazon. Glenn
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I’ve had most of my birds at least 4-5 years some up to seven. Since many are rescues, they are much older. My oldest, age verified, are two budgies aged 14. KT Lyons
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: Have any of you had a bird more than 5 years? All the bird pets : I read about are either babies or rescues, I’m wondering where all : the 5- to 20-year old ones are. Doesn’t anyone have an older ‘too : or macaw or conure or something? I’m sure many do. I have an Amazon that is at least 25 or 26.
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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Don’t know if this counts, (not a hookbill) but I had a canary for 11 > years and he died because a stray cat got into our house one night (I > vas *very* upset!). I now have another canary going on five years and a > baby amazon. > –Christine. > Both canaries I’ve had since they were chicks. > Have any of you had a bird more than 5 years? All the bird pets > I read about are either babies or rescues, I’m wondering where all > the 5- to 20-year old ones are. Doesn’t anyone have an older ‘too > or macaw or conure or something?
We met an amazing older couple at a bird fair and have been to their house on several occasions. They have 2 cockatoos over 35 years old, a hyacinth who’s 20, a half dozen macaws ranging from 25 years to 8 months, and Eclectus ranging from 5 to 15. Something to aspire to.
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I have an Eleanora Cockatoo that is 22 years old.. originally from the Feather Farm in Napa, Ca. I have had her for over 7 years. I rescued her from a BAD situation.. had I not, she definately wouldn’t be alive today. The things people do to animals.. Sarah
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I have a 19 year old male grey cockatiel, he’s in good health, but his colors seem to be dulling out.
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writes >Have any of you had a bird more than 5 years? All the bird pets >I read about are either babies or rescues, I’m wondering where all >the 5- to 20-year old ones are. Doesn’t anyone have an older ‘too >or macaw or conure or something? >Liz Day >Indianapolis, Indiana, central USA, 40 N latitude. >http://www.iquest.net/~lday – NOW WITH PICTURES!!
Hello Liz I have an old bird I have had her for thirty years I call her my wife. (sorry i just could`t resist) — Den Brennan
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I wonder if the better question to ask is how many people have kept their birds for more than five years? Ellen K – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I have a 30 year old Double Yellow Amazon. >Glenn
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>Doesn’t anyone have an older ‘too >or macaw or conure or something? >Liz Day
I have a double yellow head pet that’s 18 years old. She’s a perfect pet, talks alot, and is a bit mouthy twice a day : ) Andrew
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I have a 24 yr old male, normal, grey Cockatiel. I’ve had him since he was a baby. Sanberd
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>I have a 24 yr old male, normal, grey Cockatiel. I’ve had him since he >was a baby. >Sanberd
Gawd, I LOVE to read messages like this! Thank you for caring about your bird for over two decades! Ellen K
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Hi Liz , yes I have had my gray for 6 years now :> I also had a lutino Cockatiel for 14 years before his untimely demise . I , too , have wondered where all the older birds are . Everyone says to get a handfeeding baby , but where are all the birds from last year , and 5 years ago , and 10 years ago ? Older birds are wonderful too :> Zanny > Have any of you had a bird more than 5 years? All the bird pets > I read about are either babies or rescues, I’m wondering where all > the 5- to 20-year old ones are. Doesn’t anyone have an older ‘too > or macaw or conure or something? > Liz Day
QZanny HTTP://www.teleport.com/~qzanny/index.html Includes Members Pages QZ INC. AFFILIATES "Because We Can" ****** I am Tangent , hear me bore ! ******
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> > Have any of you had a bird more than 5 years? All the bird pets > I read about are either babies or rescues, I’m wondering where all > the 5- to 20-year old ones are. Doesn’t anyone have an older ‘too > or macaw or conure or something? > Liz Day
My baby (BFA Kodiak) will be 7 this summer. Out of my six birds, he is the youngest. His mother is over 30 and my star performer (BFA Pepper) is over 20 years.The performing Napes are 8-10 years old. Like good wine, they improve with age! Joanie Doss The Amazing Amazons http://www.louisville.edu/~rajohnz1/amazons.html
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February 23, 1997
Question:
It is for just this reason – that everyone seems to have and want babies – that I commend you for considering an *older* (!!) bird. (1-1/2 is *not* old.) I don’t plan to ever buy a baby because aside from the reality that a young bird with a potential lifespan of 50-80 years might outlive me by 40+ years and so I could not be sure of its future, I hear about too many birds who are neglected or abused and who are in need of good homes. Often it is just these "used" birds who respond so readily to a little TLC and attention. There is an excellent article in the June issue of Bird Talk: "Rehabilitation of Exotic Pet Birds" that points out the joys of previously-owned and special-needs birds. I recommend reading it. Also, there are plenty of nice birds out there who have outlived their owners and still have many years ahead of them. -Kathy
u!ihnp4.ucsd.edu!ames!purdue!lerc.nasa.gov!magnus.acs.ohio-st ate.edu!freenet.columbus.oh.us!pacific.mps.ohio-state.edu!mat h.ohio-state.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!newsfeed.internetmci.com!news.kei.c om!n ews.texas.net!nntp.primenet.com!new>s.primenet.com!ip135.flg.primenet.com!u ser> Services for the Internet>Lines: 17
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->X-Posted-By: ip152.flg.primenet.com >X-Newsreader: Value-Added NewsWatcher 2.0b27.1+ > > A 1.5 year old macaw is kind of old, why don’t you get a baby? > If you get an older bird, it will be somewhat set > in its ways. This can be either good or bad, depending > on whether or not the previous owner was more talented > at training the bird than you are. > Ian Kerfoot >Is two years old really an older bird, Ian? What do all the fifty year >old parrots have to say about that? %>) And where ARE all the older >parrots? Everyone on this newsgroup seems to have and want babies. >Lee
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Another point on adopting older birds (older meaning over 2 or 3 years- still very young!): these birds are often available for adoption by a suitable owner. I work with 2 parrot rescue/rehabilitation groups here in San Diego. They carefully screen applicants and require your attendance at several bird care education seminars. Most organizations either charge a minimal adoption fee or simply charge the veterinary expenses that have been incurred. Kathy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Newsgroups: rec.pets.birds >Organization: The Amazing Amazons >pets. (snip) >Don’t back off from a bird because he is older. Do expect him to have >some behaviors that you may not like. Also remember that it takes time >for an older bird to adjust to a new family. >We can’t afford to "throw away" a bird because he no longer is a baby. >We need every bird to be healthy and productive (either as a pet or >breeder). >Joanie Doss >The Amazing Amazons > >> If you get an older bird, it will be somewhat set > >> in its ways. This can be either good or bad, depending > >> on whether or not the previous owner was more talented > >> at training the bird than you are. > >> Ian Kerfoot
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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->It is for just this reason – that everyone seems to have and want >babies – that I commend you for considering an *older* (!!) >bird. (1-1/2 is *not* old.) I don’t plan to ever buy a baby because >aside from the reality that a young bird with a potential lifespan of >50-80 years might outlive me by 40+ years and so I >could not be sure of its future, I hear about too many >birds who are neglected or abused and who are in need of good homes. >Often it is just these "used" birds who respond so readily to a >little TLC and attention. There is an excellent article in the >June issue of Bird Talk: "Rehabilitation of Exotic Pet Birds" that >points out the joys of previously-owned and special-needs birds. >I recommend reading it. Also, there are plenty of nice birds out there >who have outlived their owners and still have many years ahead of them. > -Kathy
Another thing about babies that I have heard is that owners often have a large shock when their sweet baby grows up and starts acting differently — more independent, more assertive/agressive, whatever. I’ve read too many stories where owners want their sweet baby back — but that baby stage doesn’t last forever. Starting with an adult, you don’t have any misconceptions about what his behavior is going to be like. Mostly (for a rescue) it can only improve. I know, when I do get a baby someday, I’ll love that baby stage, but I’ll know what to expect. Pat
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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->It is for just this reason – that everyone seems to have and want >babies – that I commend you for considering an *older* (!!) >bird. (1-1/2 is *not* old.) I don’t plan to ever buy a baby because >aside from the reality that a young bird with a potential lifespan of >50-80 years might outlive me by 40+ years and so I >could not be sure of its future, I hear about too many >birds who are neglected or abused and who are in need of good homes. >Often it is just these "used" birds who respond so readily to a >little TLC and attention. There is an excellent article in the >June issue of Bird Talk: "Rehabilitation of Exotic Pet Birds" that >points out the joys of previously-owned and special-needs birds. >I recommend reading it. Also, there are plenty of nice birds out there >who have outlived their owners and still have many years ahead of them. > -Kathy
I agree with this 100%. My most rewarding experience has been the rehabilitation of an abused the neglected conure. Because she was hand raised she had no fear of humans. Because she was abused, she had no trust in humans. Because she was later neglected, she had a tremendous need for attention and no idea of appropriate ways to get it. She bit more than my two wild-caught conures together. She was constantly in motion and screaming. Three years later, she comes with me everywhere, is beginning to relate to other people, talks up a storm and teaches the others to talk, comes to me when called – even when climbing the crab apple tree, and is basically an amazing pet bird. If you have the time and patience, these previously owned problem birds have the potential to be extremely loyal devoted well behaved pets. KT Lyons
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s out the joys of previously-owned and special-needs birds. > I recommend reading it. Also, there are plenty of nice birds out there > who have outlived their owners and still have many years ahead of them.
I agree that there are plenty of special needs birds out there if you are up for the task. We let it be known that we would take in unwanted / abused / stray birds and within 6 weeks we had filled our house with10 or 11 birds (I’m not sure). The only problem I have is deciding which one I am going to spend time with first at night. BTW: our biids range from U2 to Canary in size. — / Troy Bull ^ o Simpson College / Information Systems | /// Indianola, IA * * Bird Bird | Jake | Ross & Rachel | Ernie | Joe | Moon Pie | Toby | Emmit
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pets. Babies are generally advised for novice bird people as they have not acquired too many bad habits. Older birds take a lot of patience and work. You may get bit many times before your relationship gels. My BFA Pepper was purchased when he was at least 5 years old. He bit me daily for 18 months. (He was sold to me for $1,000 as a dangerous bird…an understatement.) He bit through my lip, tried to take out an eye, left scars on my arms from my wrists to my elbows and would literally force me to the ground where he would pull chunks of flesh from my scalp. Today he is the star of my performing group, The Amazing Amazons. He knows well over 50 tricks. He speaks and performs on command no matter what the time or place. He has allowed as many as 250 people to hold him after a performance. At the preschools where he perform, he sits calmly on the arm’s of two year olds and greets them with "Hi, hello, or how are you?" I still get bit about once every two years from him during the breeding season and it is always because I am not paying attention to what I am doing. I have a Yellow Nape Sidney, that was known for his biting ability from six months of age. I got him as a two year old and he has bit me once in the four years that I have owned him. He is an excellent talker (speaks on command) and knows about a dozen tricks. He is very high strung, but not mean. YNA Old Polly had a new family after he was over 100 years old. The new family adored him and when he died at 106 years of age, the husband became physically ill for several days. The wife stayed with Old Polly and would doze next to him the last two weeks of his life. She wanted to be next to Polly so that whenever he woke, he would have someone with him. They left the state for over a month trying to deal with their grief. Obviously this very old bird captured the hearts of his new family. I have known several people that purchased birds that were in their 30’s and 40’s and the bird quickly became their favorite pet. Don’t back off from a bird because he is older. Do expect him to have some behaviors that you may not like. Also remember that it takes time for an older bird to adjust to a new family. We can’t afford to "throw away" a bird because he no longer is a baby. We need every bird to be healthy and productive (either as a pet or breeder). Let us guard against what has happened to dogs and cats. Everyone wants puppies and kittens and when they mature, they are disposed of by turning them loose or having them put down. Joanie Doss The Amazing Amazons – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->> > A 1.5 year old macaw is kind of old, why don’t you get a baby? >> If you get an older bird, it will be somewhat set >> in its ways. This can be either good or bad, depending >> on whether or not the previous owner was more talented >> at training the bird than you are. >> Ian Kerfoot
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Hello, I did enjoy your writing of your aged feather kids. My little old man, Mikeee (name was Polly at Discovery Island) is the best little devil here. He has taught me a thing or two about Hyacinthines. He is the one who detects what and how I am to behave around my other Hyacinthines. He is just tooooo cute, when I’m angry for one reason or another, he knows it without a utter, he’ll run to the top of his box or inside the box and says "I’mmmmm sssoooorrryyyyryryry" in a song type. I stop dead in my tracks withwhat ever I’m doing to wonder where in the world he came up with this little sadness that stings my heart and grabs me by my feet. He has some other traits which are cutter as he sings and has taught all my babies, other kids along with him to sing. He does sound like frankenstein but …nontheless, he sings. He’ll never fly again as he was pinioned by one of the places he lived through his entertaining life he spent before me. GRRRR!!! The greatest feeling I have is knowing he is free in my room here next to the computer, look down for I hear little feet going and here he is with his head going from side to side , telling me to "come in here" and then he steps down ( I have a step for him to get to me) and goes over to the macadania nut station and points like a dog. to much, toooo cute. He has been my delight, happiness and never would this kid leave me unless my ability was a helpless state. I would encourage anyone to always have the old, real old feather kids as today I have a feeling they would have it better thenever, and are a real treat. Of course, this kid was taught "Polly wants a cracker" so his wife calls him Crackers. Cherane Pefley, Certified Avian Specialist
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I got a "older" amazon 2yrs old. I don’t think that this is old and I am not sorry I didn’t get a baby. Burt took to me from the first and I got a feel for his temperment. A VERY important thing to know about an amazon. It’s true he hasn’t gone through his season yet but I think his personality will carry us both through. I wouldn’t have gotten such a good feel for this if I had gotten him as a baby and waited out that stage to see what he would be like. Pat is right when she says a lot of people buy babies and then when they get out of that stage can’t handle them. Many of them show up for sale. Who is going to take of these birds, through no fault of their own, if every one only wants babies. Carrie
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> Another point on adopting older birds (older meaning over 2 or 3 years- > still very young!): these birds are often available for adoption > by a suitable owner. I work with 2 parrot rescue/rehabilitation > groups here in San Diego. They carefully screen applicants and > require your attendance at several bird care education seminars. > Most organizations either charge a minimal adoption fee > or simply charge the veterinary expenses that have been incurred. > Kathy
Ditto. Two excellent facilities in San Diego. I’ll be speaking at one of their seminars in November. I ran an adoption facility for 3 years and placed countless "older" birds, including a wonderful 24 year old amazon that I placed with myself. Older birds are no less desirous of bonding and socializing than younger birds. Some psychological rehab may be necessary and there are some things that you will do differently, but the rewards are geometrically higher than the efforts. Strangely enough, this seems especially true with amazons, who are excellent adoption/rescue birds. I have consistently found that they adapt to new situations faster and more thoroughly than most others. We bought our Moluccan when he was 4 years old and he is wonderful. He is a lower key bird and we knew that going in. As someone accurately mentioned a couple of posts ago, with older birds you don’t have as drastic a change in behavior over time. People won’t wake up one morning and wonder what the hell happened to their baby bird! Layne
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May 29, 1996