Conference 7.286::pet_birds

    Congratulations, and welcome to the notes file.  I will give you
    my best opinion on what I do and you will also get many other replies
    I'm sure.
    
    1.  I use corn cob bedding.  It comes in different granule sizes.
        I use the smallest size available locally which is the 1/8th
        size.  This material is absorbent and if it is eaten will not
        cause any problems.  You can purchase it in most good per stores
        or at a grain company.  You should replace it at least once
        per week.  
    
    2.  Toe nails should be clipped and maintained regularly.  Long
        toenails are a major cause of injury when the birds play.  I
        can do him if you can't find anyone else or if you choose not
        to do it yourself.
    
    3.  Wing clipping?  If this bird was trained by its previous owner
        then you may want to wait until you determine how easy it is
        to handle.  Wing clipping will help when training and taming.
        I can also clip them for you.
    
    4.  Vitamins?  By all means!  I suggest Nekton S. I put it in the
        water but others also put it in the food.  I change the water
        daily.  
    
    I hope this helps and if you need assistance write me or call me
    at DTN 223-5089
    
    Jim Buccieri 
      

Well Gideon sat on my finger last night!!! A real breakthough for the both of
us. I have been putting my hand slowly in the cage and moving his honey stick
to a different location in the cage. I figured he would get used to the hand
that fed him and also get him to get his treat from the front of the cage. I
also took the mirror out of the cage. This seemed to help him be less nervous
when we come into the room. Before he would sit on his perch right next to the
mirror almost hugging it when ever we came into the room and if we talked to
him he would turn his face towards the mirror. Now he seems to like us in the
room and likes to chirp and start to sing when ever it gets noisy. (My two year
old hasn't learned volume control on her voice yet:-)

Next thing is cleaning the cage, perches and toys. I'd like to let him fly
and get some exercise in the house. Maybe I'll try the bathroom for his
exercise room and see how he does there while I clean the cage. 

It's great to know I have this conference if I need any help.

RE>-1

Thanks Jim, I'll keep you in mind if Gideon doesn't do to well out of the cage.

Tom

    
    Tom-
    
    I too use the corn cob bedding for my two canaries.  It can be
    expensive if you buy it in small bags, but Chelmford Pet Care Center
    sells it in large bags .. I think it's 25 pounds for about $10?   (I
    see you work in Lowell, so Chelmsford is close.) A 25 pound bag lasts
    me about 6 months. I just store the extra in a spare covered plastic
    storage tub. Anyway, Chelmsford Pet Care is in downtown Chelmsford, in
    a shopping plaza just adjacent to the library and the Purity/Marshall's
    shopping center.  
    
    I find the corn cob bedding absorbs odors far better than anything
    else.  I do change mine at least every 4 or 5 days, especially because
    the birds drop tid bits of peas and broccoli down into it.
    
    --Jennifer

    Dodge Grain, Salem,NH, sells 40 pound bags of corn cob bedding for
    under $10 (9-something).
    
    Diane