Conference 7.286::pet_birds

    Hate to be a wet blanket, but unless you want pairs of birds, it
    appears you are not suited to keeping a pet bird. With both of you
    working ang going away on the weekends, it appears the only time you
    would have to spend with the bird would be the spare time you have
    during non-working hours on weekdays, that would be split with your
    physco Sheltie, your parrakeet and your husband.  With the addition of a
    larger bird you would be lucky to have enough time just to take care of
    the maintenance associated with preparing food and cleaning the cage,
    not to mention trimming wings and trips to the Vet.
    
    Pet birds need/require lots of companionship, unless they are paired
    and then they get it from their mate.
    
    If you still get a bird, the bird would probably spend as much time
    with your mother as you, so be sure to include her in the choice of
    bird.
    
    

    Wow, what a reply.  Perhaps I didn't clarify enough in my note.
    We go out of town for Thanksgiving and the 4th of July.  Occassionlly,
    we may take another weekend in the summer so my mother would not spend
    as much time with the bird as we would.  Also, this weekend, we found a
    wonderful bird store close by that boards birds for $5 a day.  If/when
    we get a bird, we'd bring it there.  
    
    Also, as far as time spending goes, yes our time would be limited to
    after work and on weekends....but isn't everyone's????  I think anyone
    who participates in this conference works for Digital and therefore
    works some combination of 40 hours a week and therefore would have
    approximately the same amount of time with their birds.  The parakeet
    is a non-issue.  I talk to him and handle him a bit each day--he's not
    a time-sucker.  The pooches basically like to hang out while watching
    tv and an occassional walk around the neighborhood, and a little rough
    house on the living room floor.  The husband....well, yes, he's pretty
    demanding!!! :):) But he wants a bird too.  All in all, I think I have
    to offer what any normal working person has to offer.  
    
    I also know how to clip wings and we have a vet 10 minuetes from the
    house.  How often does a healthy bird need to go the vet?  How long
    does it take to prepare food?  I would probably feed it a seed with
    some fresh fruit and veggies as side dishes.  I have spoken to two
    breeders so far that do that.  I was planning on chopping and so forth
    as our dinner was cooking.  Didn't seem like that much of a chore to
    me.
    
    Thanks,
    Renee

    Hi Renee,
    
    I'm not an expert but I do have 1 parrot, 1 tiel and pair of finches
    and a canary.  They occupy 3 cages and they are "lots" of work.  It's
    amazing how something so small and innocent can become such a large
    chore.  I'm not saying this to discourage you but just to make you
    aware that when you add a large bird to the household the work goes up
    considerably.  
    
    I have a small pionus parrot and a husband who is home during the day. 
    This combo has made for a wonderful life for the parrot.  I must admit,
    if this was not the case, I would probably have 2 parrots.  Not
    necessarily a pair but maybe similar birds that could keep each other
    company.  Maybe you could get 2 conures (2 different varieties) or 2
    varieties of the larger parrakeets.  
    
    I would stay away from Cockatoos as they are very demanding.  I would
    love an Arican Grey myself, but I feel it would be too demanding for me
    a this point in time.  I love my Pionus but must admit they are quite
    nervous and mine has bonded to only my husband and I will not go to
    anyone else.
    
    You may want to look into large parrakeets, senegals, meyers, conures 
    and maybe small amazons (lilac crowns), etc..
    
    Jeanne
    
    P.S.  I would not board my birds anywhere.  Great way to pick up
    diseases. Take it from me, sick birds costs LOTS of money to fix.
    
        

    
    Please take into consideration your dogs.  I learned the hard way
    that some animals cannot tolerate the noise of a large bird.  I have
    two dogs and one of them had no problem but the other was to the point
    of refusing to come back into the house in the morning.  It was a very
    difficult situation for me and one I never even thought to consider.
    
    Best of luck with whatever you decide.  Though it may not seem like
    taking care of one more bird is that time consuming....it is. 
    I couldn't be happier with my one little budgie!  How about a mini
    macaw?
    
    MaryAnne

    Yes, I like the mini-macaw.  I just saw one the other day.  What are
    your dogs doing now?
    
    Renee

    Depending on the race big parrots are quite different to the "normal"
    pet animals (dogs, cats):
    
    - They live very long, 30 years to 100 years, e.g, cockatoo's.
    - They could be quite intelligent.
    - They could behave like a three-year old child.
    - In free nature they are used to have a partner, often only one
      for their whole life. If they miss a natural partner they are
      looking at a human being as a partner.
    - They are inherited for mental derangements depending on former
      bad experiences .
    - A lot of them like very much to fly, it' the nature of a bird.
    - Not a lot veterinary surgeons can handle birds, you should look
      for a specialist.
    - These birds need a lot of love!
    
    I would suggest you not to look for a cockatoo or an african grey,
    maybe an Amazon. Good luck"
    
    Ilona
    

    Yes, another person recommended an Amazon.  I just saw some Blue Fronts
    and Yellow Napes yesterday.  I have read in this file they can get
    nippy when they are sexually mature. Is that something that will pass
    or is that the new way they will always be?  Does that happen to every
    bird or only a few?  That is one of the main reasons I wasn't sure
    about one.  
    
    Thanks for the suggestions and comments, I am trying to consider all
    options before making a commitment.
    
    Thanks,
    Renee

    All parrots go thru personality changes when sexually mature. 
    Fortunately, the real dramatic changes are generally seasonal.  During
    these times, you will need to learn how to "read" your birds moods.  If
    birdie is in a nippy mood, keep your hands away.  Maybe all it can take
    during those times is gentle conversation.  If birdie is in a loving
    mood, you can do more.  
    
    One thing to remember, birds are not domestic and will not be in a
    great, cuddly, affectionate mood every day of its life.  I find my
    birds have mood swings (on a minute by minute basis sometimes) and I
    must adjust my attitude towards them as the moods change.  
    
    I think birds are great because of the bit of wildness they all
    maintain, but you must always be patient with them and understanding
    about their moods.  
    
    Jeanne
    

    If you're worried about the bird getting nippy,
    and you do consider an African Grey, you might want
    to consider getting a female.  It has been my experience that males can
    be nippy and sometimes downright aggressive as they mature.  I know my
    male Grey has days when he can be quite moody and temperamental.  I've
    heard that female Greys are less prone to that sort of behavior.  
    
    Best of luck!
    
    Laurie
    

    
    re .5
    
    My dogs are fine now as I only have just the one budgie.  My older dog
    had no problems with any of the birds that have come through the house,
    and at one point it was quite a few.  My other dog, however just
    couldn't handle my Blue Fronts morning greetings.  The bird was not an
    obnoxious screamer, just a typical Amazon who would yell for joy in the
    morning.  The dog just couldn't deal with it as the design of our house
    didn't allow for any quiet space for him.  I would find him hiding in
    the basement and when I'd let them out for their "last call" before I
    left for work he would go as far away from the house as he could and
    just stand there.  I'd have to go and get him by the collar and bring
    him back into the house.  I hated to see him so miserable.   The bird
    had been rescued from a not great situation and was an older, untame
    bird.  I sold him to someone that was looking for breedable birds and I
    have to say I've never been happy about it (but that's another story)
    
    Anyway the dog is now fine but it seems as though he has a one budgie
    sound tolerance.  FWIW this dog is not bothered by any other noises
    that I know of.  Thunder, gunshot, fireworks, big trucks don't get any
    reactions.  The one dog who didn't mind the birds is terrified of
    thunder, gunshot and fireworks.  Go figure.
    
    When I bought the Amazon I knew there would be noise.  I just never
    thought to take into consideration that it might bother the dogs.  
    
    MaryAnne

<    If you're worried about the bird getting nippy,
<    and you do consider an African Grey, you might want
<    to consider getting a female.  It has been my experience that males can
<    be nippy and sometimes downright aggressive as they mature.  I know my
<    male Grey has days when he can be quite moody and temperamental.  I've
<    heard that female Greys are less prone to that sort of behavior.  
    
   We have 5 African Greys and a couple Amazons. In my limited experience they
all bite to one degree or another (maybe I ought to be paying more for my
birds:-):-)). The steadiest (and quietest) of the group is an Orange Wing
female. She bites, but it's been awhile since she has drawn blood. When I'm
doing something with her she doesn't like she'll nip and let go, if I persist
she'll nip and pinch hard. If I still persist, she gives in. The greys on the
other hand, when they are in the mood, bite and bite hard right from the
git-go. Either they'll come along peacefully or they'll strike fast and hard
(like a boxer's jab.) We have 2 that will put their head down asking to have
their neck scratched and when you reach to do it, they snap at whatever they
can grab onto. They're sort of baiting us. For what it's worth, my wife seems
to have less problem with them than I do so I don't mess with the greys very
often.

Al

   Anyone who says African Greys are Quiet hasn't been in my living room trying
to hear the 6 o'clock news...

    It has been awhile since .0  - - Did you make a decision and/or get a
    bird yet?  Either way, always keep in mind that the advice you get is
    best if taken as various viewpoints and generalizations.  Everyone
    bases their own opinion on their own experiences.  I have had an
    umbrella cockatoo who was virtually silent and never bit anyone.  He
    loved to "free the finches" whenever the opportunity came.  He would
    bend or break bars of the finches' cage and stand back and watch them
    fly around.  Max could sey hello andj that is all.
    
    My blue front' amazon was a medium-good talker and was fun to play
    with.  He helped me build a deck one summer.  But he was never
    dependable with his beak.  You had to watch him carefully to "read" his
    mood to see if he might bite.  The ex-wife got him in the divorce and
    gave him away.
    
    Now my new (of 8 years) wife for life and I have a double yellow headed
    amazon we call Ollie.  Ollie has only ever bitten once.  He does not
    make a LOT of noise, he is friendly in his own way, and all in all a
    great little friend.  
    
    I guess the point is, every species has some sort of general
    characteristics, but each bird is an individual.  All the birds I have
    had were different from what people say they would be like.  Pay close
    attention to .12 and remember that birds do have feelings.  They
    display happiness, anger, jealousy, and affection.  They live a long
    time and their welfare should not be taken lightly.  It is a
    significant decision.
    
    By the way, did anyone catch the little segment on Discovery last
    night?  It was probably on before, but they had an african grey that
    could count the green balls on a tray of many objects of different
    shapes and colors.  He could also pick out the yellow object with two
    corners (shaped like an american football) and tell the trainer that it
    was made of wool.  They said that he was definitely thinking and not
    displaying "knee-jerk reaction".  I would like to see more.
    
    grins,
    bob

    Hi Bob!!
    
    Well, no we haven't gotten a bird yet.  My husband and I have been out
    looking, talking and observing.  We both seem to prefer the Cockatoos
    even though we made a concentrated effort to check out the Amazons as
    suggested here.  We have currently found two that we are going back and
    forth on (however, by the time we figure it out either or both could be
    sold!!).
    
    The first one we have found is through a private breeder.  We went to
    her just to check out the premises and get some prices.  She had a ton 
    of birds (I think she said 170) of mostly Macaws and a few Cockatoos. 
    As we were checking out the Macaws a Muluccan was in a cage over my
    shoulder and making some noise at me.  She said that she is looking for
    a good home for her because she has a tendon problem with her feet.  We
    watched her for a bit and sure enough, her feet are kind of crooked. 
    We took her out and she has the sweetest personality of any bird we
    have seen so far.  Very cuddly and happy.  The lady wants to give us a
    terrific price including a used cage.  She has already taken the bird
    to the vet and they did some type of operation with pins in her
    tendons.  According to the vet (who I called for myself)  her feet are
    as good as they most likely will get.  She needs to be worked with, the
    vet said she was a good bird too.
    
    The other is an Unbrella.  We found her in a pet store.  She was hand
    feed there and sold to people who owned a dog grooming store.  Because
    they were gone from 8am to 9pm they had no time for her.  She is fairly
    sweet too, however more she grabbed with the beak more and she flat out
    nipped my husband. <--note: Most every bird we have looked at with the
    exception of the Moluccan, nips him, so this was no big surprise.  She
    is a year and 3 months old.  The bird likes dogs which is a plus for
    us, she has no health problems, she is a bit smaller, she has a
    beatuful wrought-iron cage--but she is much more money.
    
    So we are between the two.  Each has qualities we found very appealing
    and each had somethings we didn't like.  We are trying to figure out
    which will be better in the long run.  I'm a bit nervous about the
    Muluccan's feet, and a bit nervous about the Umbrella's grabbing beak.
    However, after we work with either bird, either of the problems may
    solve themselves. 
    
    While we are trying to figure out which we can best afford to buy,
    either may get sold and we'll still be looking....!
    
    I have also read a really great book called "How to have a Well Behaved
    Parrot."  It gave me some excellent advice. 
    
    Thanks,
    Renee

    Word to the wise.....I have 5 birds....1 jenday conure, 1 mitrid
    conure, 1 cherry headed conure, and two tiels.....they consume more
    time than people realize....my jenday is my baby and because he was
    never paired up, he chose me as his partner and makes it quite
    clear....the cherry and mitrid are in one big cage together so they are
    pretty content with each other and prefer to be that way....but it is 
    either that you want to have a very hand tamed bird or just
    so-so...once you apir them up they usually prefer the other bird
    instead of humans......mary

    Renee,
    
    With all things being equal, (here in Maryland) a Moluccan will be more
    expensive than an Umbrella.  Within my exposure to the two breeds,
    Umbrellas seem to be quieter.  Unless the prices for those two are very
    good, I wouldn't worry too much about rushing a decision.  My
    experience also would make me prefer to get as young a baby as I am
    sure I could care for.  Birds seem to have an indelible memory for
    being mistreated.  Knowing that you will be living with any problems
    you might create by being impatient and such will cause you to be more
    careful with developing your relationship with the little feathered
    friend.  A pet store or even a breeder often lacks in the finer points
    of the relationship because it is not as important to them.  Also, even
    a baby bird can tell the difference between individual humans.  I would
    like to develop the friendship myself - - early, not continue one
    started by some other human.  But, BUT, it is a huge commitment to care
    for a baby up to about 8 weeks old.  I have raised a two different
    parrots from about 4 or 5 weeks old.  They were both great friends.
    
    Anyway, I got off the point.  I don't know what the availability is in
    your area, but I would think you could find the right bird for the
    right price eventually.  This bird should be with you for decades and
    another short time to make sure of which one it is should not be put
    aside.  It sounds like the Moluccan is a good deal.  It would be nice
    if you could be assured it would not have severe problems with the
    tendons.  Either way, I hope you feel good about whatever decision you
    make and have a good friendship.
    
    bob

    Re .14
    
    Sounds like the Mullucan is the sweeter bird.  You may want to find out
    more about it's tendon problem.  How long has this lady/breeder had the
    bird?  Where did she get the bird?  What caused this tendon problem? 
    How old is the bird?  Will this problem get worse with age?  
    
    If this is simply a cosmetic problem, you may want to consider this
    bird as it seems to fit the picture in your mind in terms of a sweet
    and loving bird.  In the long run, it's personality that will count. 
    You will forget all about her(his) foot problems.
    
    
    I would also want to know why this women feels she must find the bird a
    good home due to this problem.  Does it need special rehab?  A special
    Cage?  Is this problem hereditary?  Can she NOT use it for breeding?
    Whatever it is she tells you, pass it by another vet, not her vet.  I
    hate to sound distrusting, but you are considering a major investment
    in terms of money and emotion.  You need to protect yourself.
    
    Jeanne
    

    Friends,
    
    I'm sorry I forgot to mention the Muluccan is 6 months old.  She raised
    him from an egg.  I believe the little one was born with this tendon
    problem.  When we took her out of the cage she was very cuddly and
    sweet and cooing.  I got the impression that the breeder is afraid no
    one will want her because her feet look a bit deformed and she saw how
    good we were with her so I figured it was giving her peace of mind
    knowing she'd be going to a "good" home.  I assume she could use the
    bird as a breeder but she was more into Macaws and with the bird being
    born with the feet--maybe she doesn't want to risk passing it on (I'm
    guessing here, she never actually said that). 
    
    As far as price there is a big difference upfront.  The Muluccan is
    only $550 including a used cage.  We'd have to eventually get a nice
    one because this one is the proper size, but its rather.....tired
    looking if  you know what I mean.  However, I was concerned about
    further vet bills and surgury (although the orginal surgury was only
    $150.00--not that horrible.)  
    
    The Umbrella is $1500 w/ a really beautiful cage that would not have to
    be replaced.
    
    As far as the vet goes, apparantly this one is the best one.  We have
    been scouting different stores as I mentioned earlier and when I have
    enquired about a purchase the standard answer has been that thier
    health is guaranteed however we must bring it to a vet within 48hrs. 
    And, if we need help with a Avian Vet, we recommend this one....and it
    has ALWAYS been the same guy.  He is very popular here.  Also a fellow
    DECie that has some birds as pets uses him.  When I called to enquire
    about the Muluccan, he was busy.  He called me at 8:00pm on a Friday
    night and he remember the bird even though I didn't know the breeders
    last name.  I know what you mean about getting a second opinion, but I
    do feel comfortable that this Vet was pretty honest and knowledgable.
    
    The Muluccan is a gift at $550 but I have been carefully reading and
    talking and looking around so that I make the right choice.  It was
    hard to not jump and buy her right out, but I want to make sure it will
    be OK for all of us.
    
    Thanks,
    Renee

    When a cockatoo get ill he will be expeled from the cockatoo society.
    Even his partner will do this. This means that a cockatoo who has a
    "defect" has not a great chance to live with other cockatoos. For the
    Muluccan thsi means that maybe the lady could not use her as a breeder.
    This could be the reason for the relatively low price.
    
    But if the feet are ok to live with this should not prevent it to have
    normal cockatoo, but maybe without partner. And she needs a "good home"
    because muluccans are very attached.
    
    Good luck!
    Ilona
     

    As I cleaned my bird room last night, I commented to my 1 little
    cockatiel, "boy, you sure make a lot of dust"!  
    
    You may want to keep this in mind before you purchase a cockatoo. 
    These birds make LOTS of dust.  All birds produce some dust, but
    cockatoos are at the top of this list.  Just something to think about!
    
    Jeanne
    

    You are absolutely right, Jeanne. After a while when I got my white
    cockatoo I replaced all my other-colored furniture with white one...
    
    Ilona
    

    Well, we picked up the Muluccan Friday night.  Everything has been very
    smooth so far.  When I got home, I put the box on the floor and opened
    it with both my dogs.  The Muluccan played peek-a-boo in the box with
    the dogs!  The dogs were very good with her--I was expecting barking
    and general pantamonium, however, everybody was quiet.  The dogs
    actually got up close enough to be nose-to-beak with her.  I took her
    out of the box and held her and, of course, the dogs had an
    uncontrolable urge to be sitting in my lap at the same time.  So there
    we were, me, bird and two dogs all snuggling up.  I think I would have
    incited jealousy with the dogs had I pushed them away.  This way, the
    bird has become one of "dogs".  I made sure the pups knew they were
    still my babies too and now the novelty has worn off.  I can hold the
    bird without the dogs wanting to be in my lap too.
    
    I had a bit of jealousy kick in with the dogs when I was suringe
    feeding the bird.  The dogs were barking because she was eating and my
    dogs always get excited around food.  After the bird was finished I
    tood a bit of the baby food on my finger and let the dogs have it. 
    Neither one liked it, so now they don't bother me when I'm feeding her.
    
    We have named her Sheila.  So far so good.  She has a great
    personality.  I'm a bit concerned with her feet.  She can sit on the
    perch ok, however, I think it will be very hard to teach her the "Up"
    command.  I've started with it and she loses her balance on the perch
    when she puts her foot up.  I have learned that when I'm putting her
    back in the cage I need to put her to the side so that she can grab the
    bar with her beak, then she will step off my hand.
    
    Also, we tried giving her some fruit and she doesn't seem to know how
    to eat.  Once she licked the apple she got all excited but she only
    picked up the very small pieces (like crumb size) and then she pressed
    the piece up into her top beak and mushed it with her tongue.  She also
    licked the hand of all the juice.  She didn't care for cantaloupe or
    banana.  Is this normal weaning behaviour?  I have some pellets the
    breeder gave me in her cage, but now I don't think she'll bother with
    them since she didn't look like she knew how to chew.
    
    Thanks,
    Renee

    Congratulations!  Sheila sounds very sweet.  All young birds are clumsy
    in getting around their cages so I wouldn't worry too much about it at
    this time.  With her foot problems, you may need to make some cage
    modifications to help her along.  Small price to pay for a loving
    companion, wouldn't you say?
    
    A small word of caution, I read in Bird Talk that more birds are hurt
    and killed by family dogs than cats.  I suppose we trust them more than
    we should and that's where the problems start.  Don't be too quick to
    trust the birds and dogs together.
    
    jeanne
    

    -1,
    
    You're right.  I would never let them together unless I was there.
    
    Renee

<    You're right.  I would never let them together unless I was there.
<    
   I think one thing that happens, at least around my house, is the birds are
out on their perches in the living room while we're back and forth to the 
kitchen doing whatever. The dog has the run of the house. The birds
occasionally decide to take a walk, which brings them to dog level, our's is so
old now that he's hardly a threat. The worst one of the bunch is the baby
blue-front, 12 weeks. She's always jumping off her perch only to find her glide
path approximates that of a flat rock. Therefore, the baby is seldom out on her
perch if we aren't in the same room. I don't think the dog would do anything as
I said, but we can't run that risk. 

Al

    Does anyone have any suggestions on weaning?  I learned one of her
    important cries right away...her "feed me NOW" cry.  She sounds like
    one of the Aliens from the movie Aliens!!! :):)  Last night she let me
    have good.  I was holding her and all she bust out with her cry right
    in my face!!  Scared me to death!!!!  I tried some apple sauce but more
    wound up on me than in her tummy.  I then went back to a thin slice of
    apple.  She broke pieces off and mushed it her mouth but it came out
    the sides or from under her beak so I know she didn't get very much
    down.  I finally broke down and got the syringe and put about a half
    inch of Gerber mixed veggies in it.  She knew it wasn't her baby
    food....she made some pretty funny sounds.  She was happy to have the
    syringe and that little bit pacified her so she could sleep through the
    night.  Is this normal?  I feel if I leave fruit or veggies in her cage
    she won't touch it.  Also, I don't think she is drinking her water. 
    Do you have any suggestions?  I'm getting a bit worried about her
    water.
    
    Thanks,
    Renee

    Weaning.  When I weaned my bird, I made sure lots of fresh veggies,
    fruits and pellets were available at all times.  May seem a bit
    wasteful at first but Sheila will become curious and try different
    foods in time.  Parrots are sloppy eaters.  What Sheila was doing with
    her apple slice is normal.  She probably got more down than you think. 
    Considering she is 6 months, I would not encourage her to hand feed. 
    Try offering tasty tid-bits and see if she will eat on her own.  Only
    tube feed when she insists.  As she eats more on her own, she will
    demand less hand feeding.  NEVER force her to tube feed (not that you
    did); this is just a reminder.
    
    If her water is within reach, she's probably OK.  Birds don't drink all
    that much so you won't notice that her water bowl is empty like you
    would with a dog.  
    
    
    Jeanne
    

    Jeanne,
    
    Thanks!!  The breeder told me that she should already be weaned 
    however she had surgury on her tendons at 4 months and the lady 
    couldn't bring herself to make Sheila start eating when she was all
     drugged and bandaged up.  What kind of pellets are you using?  I bought
    a bag from the lady of Pretty Bird Pellets.  They seem big for her and
    they smell like Fruit Loops.  Does that sound OK?  Should I try another
    brand?  I will try some veggies tonight too.
    
    Thanks again,
    Renee  

Hi Renee,

  My avian vet recommended Pretty Bird to me (the small size in my case, for 
a cockatiel), so apparently it is a good choice.  I remember that they came 
with instructions that said to moisten the pellets with fruit juice if the
bird needed a little encouragement - maybe that will help?

You are right, though.  Pretty Bird does smell exactly like Fruit Loops :-).


Roseanne 

    My cockatiel eats Tropican (by HARI) and my Pionus eats Kaytee pellets.
    I'm trying to switch him (the Pionus) to Tropican as well but he is being a
    real bugger about this entire process.  I find the Kaytee pellets make
    their stools somewhat "voluminous and watery".  This problem seems to
    go away with the consumption of the Tropican pellets.  Also, Tropican
    has no Ethoxiquin (preservative) in it.  
    
    I've heard Pretty Bird is also a good pellet.  
    re: .29 Does Pretty Bird have ethoxiquin in it? How's the stool
    situation with it?  
    
    Renee, keep up with lots of veggies and fruits.  Sheila will probably
    wean quickly if she has these foods available to her at all times.
    
    Jeanne
      

    I thought pretty bird was more of a treat kind of pellet...My birds get
    Lefebre"s or something like that and they have it mixed in with Fiesta
    for large hookbills......mary

    I'm not sure if there are any preservatives in Pretty Bird, I'll
    check on the bag tonight.  The stool situation seems to be ok.  It
    doesn't appear to be too runny and my house doesn't smell (thank
    God!!).  
    
    Sheila had some Gerber's mixed veggies and Gerber's Sweet Potatos
    along with her baby food this morning.  After I put it into her mouth
    she just sat there with her tougue hanging out, then she slowly started
    to eat it.  I think if she had hands she would have wiped the stuff
    from her mouth!!!  
    
    She seems to be more hungry at night because we had another screaming
    session last night for about 20 min.  This was about 3 hours after her
    dinner and I was taking her out to cuddle and watch some tv with us.
    I think she is associating me with food because she seems to give me
    the food scream all the time.  I didn't give her any and she finally
    settled down.  I want to hold her other than when I have to feed her
    so she knows I'm more than a meal ticket!!
    
    She was pretty mellow this morning.  I think morning would be a good
    time to start her with real fruits and veggies because she doesn't seem
    so crazy for the tube, however, the fruits and veggies would then have
    to be left in all day while I'm at work.  Is that what you folks do?
    The bird won't eat them if they spoil, right?
    
    Thanks,
    Renee
    

    I checked the bag of Pretty Bird last night.  I can't tell if there are
    preservatives in there or not.  There is a pretty long list of some
    very big words.  I didn't notice the perservative mention earlier.
    
    Hope it helps,
    Renee

    Does anyone have any comments on getting an acrylic cage or a wrought
    iron one?  I like the idea of acrylic.  It sounds cleaner and with her
    feet, it might be better than the bars.  
    
    Thanks,
    Renee

    Bad feet or not, being a bird she will probably want to climb around,
    hense bars would be best (IMHO).  I've seen acrylic cages after a few
    years of use and they looked awful.  Seems they scratch easily and
    therefor don't stay clear.    
    
    You will need to evaluate just how much her feet do or don't work to
    determine what size bar spacing you will need.  They come in sizes
    ranging from 1/4 inch spacing to over 1 inch spacing. Be sure to get a
    cage that has at least two sides of horizontal bars.  This makes for a
    variety of perch placements and makes climbing much easier for the
    bird.   Be sure to put a variety of different sized/shaped perches in
    the cage also.  
    
    Regards,
    
    Jeanne
    
    P.S.  Look through Bird Talk.  There are many nice cages advertised
          in there.  

    How's Sheila doing?
    
    Jeanne
    

    Sheila is doing just fine!!  We are working on getting her weaned.
    She likes all kinds of foods but she still wants her baby food too.
    We took her to the vet for her "new bird" checkup and also follow up
    on her tendons.  He said to keep feeding her for now since she is new
    to the house but continue to give her new things too.  Her feet are
    doing good although they will never be normal.  
    
    Her cage is all beefed up now with toys.  We got her one rope perch and 
    one flat wooden perch, a swing and some hanging chew toys.  That's all
    that will fit.  She likes it.  This cage is definitely too small for
    her though because her wings hit the sides when she streches.  We are
    saving up for something bigger.
    
    We are still getting used to all her noises and what they mean.  She
    can really belt it out when she is happy!!!  
    
    I don't have a t-stand yet for her so I am putting towels on the sofa
    and letting her walk around the sofa with me sitting next to her.  The
    dogs usually jump up on the other side of her and she plays between us.
    
    There is one thing she does that really makes us laugh.  She will start
    out on the far side of the towel, puff all her feathers, put up her
    crest, put her wings out slightly from her body and run as fast has her
    little crippled feet will carry her into my lap!!!!  It's a riot to
    see!!  Then I will pick her up an cuddle with her and she practically
    falls asleep in my arms.  I always thought birds slept standing up on
    one foot, but this one will put her head under my chin and crash in my
    arms.
    
    She will also let me hold her with her belly up such as holding a baby. 
    I tickle her toes and she cackles away.
    
    We are still getting used to each other, but so far, she is a lot of
    fun.
    
    Thanks for asking,
    Renee

    Hi everyone!!!  Well, I finally found you!!!!!  I thought I'd pop in
    and give you an update on Sheila!
    
    She is doing very well.  Her eating habits are different now.  She is
    eating regular food (fruits, bread, rice, pasta....) in the morning but
    she *still* wants her baby food at dinner.  But, on the bright side,
    we don't hand feed her anymore.  I mix her baby food in a bowl and she
    helps herself.  Sometimes I take the spoon I've stirred it with and
    give her a bit off the spoon.  She thinks that's cool--she first does
    her baby whine like I'm going to actually feed her like I did before, 
    then it clicks that she has to take it herself and she does.  I am
    considering her weaned since she isn't getting the syringe anymore.  I 
    figure if she likes her baby food that much what the heck.  I've
    noticed she is cutting back on that herself because I only make her one
    scoop now when before it was a little over two scoops.  
    
    We found her toy that she *loves*.  Its just a big waterfall of wood
    pieces tied together with leather strips.  Its as big as she is.  Her
    little eyes bugged when I showed her the toy and she hasn't touched
    anything else since.  She is smart enough to take a bit of wood and
    dunk it in her water so its softer than she pulverizes it.
    
    I'm trying to teach her to talk but she has the annoying habit of
    talking when I talk so I have to yell over her.  I don't know how
    much of my "hello"s she is actually hearing.  Or she'll be quiet for
    a bit then respond with a beautiful wolf whistle.  I think she likes
    doing something that we do--she does the wolf whistle and then we
    do it back or vice versa.
    
    She is in her first big molt right now.  She looks terrible.  She has
    some bare patches and she is all prickly looking with her new feathers
    coming in.  I think molting is making her crabby because she is a
    little harder to pacify this week.  HOlding doesn't seem very
    comfortable for her.
    
    Her feet are no problem at all.  She perches fine and uses toys, bars
    and her swing to negotiate her cage.  Doing the "step-up" command is
    hard to impossible depending on where she is.  If she is in her cage
    and wants to come out its no problem because she will hold on to a bar
    and then "step-up".  However, if she is out of the cage she can't
    balance and therefore doesn't do it.  That is my only concern because
    I know the "step-up" is a good disiplining tool and I don't think she
    can do it.  Any ideas???
    
    Renee

    She said Hello for the first time yesterday!!!  This is very exciting!!
    
    RS

    Well she is saying Hello better and better.  She seems to know she is
    doing something right because she gets excited with herself.  She is 
    eating more things now.  I gave her a bit of veggie soup thickened with
    rice and she loved it.  I also made her a strawberry jam sandwich for
    breakfast with some apples and she loved it.  (she **loves*
    strawberries!)  She still is hanging on to the baby food although
    I am able to skip a day altogether before she startes in on whining
    for it.  She is still molting and she looks pretty bad, but I've
    noticed her new feathers are thicker and will be very pretty when she
    is all done.
    
    RS

    I don't know if anyone is reading this anymore, but what the heck!
    It's like keeping a mini journal on her so I'll keep going!
    
    She has Hello down pat.  She even says it when she sees us for the
    first time.  I don't know how much time to give her between learning
    words, but I've started her on "Love you".  She hasn't even attempted 
    that yet, but I know it will take time.  She is so funny!  Every
    time I try to teach her something she falls back on what she already
    knows.  Like I'll be saying "love you" and she'll be doing the wolf
    whistle as if to tell me "hey, I can do this--what more do you
    want??!!"
    
    We have had beautiful weather so I have been taking her out.  I
    actually found a bird harness at the Bird's Nest.  It only cost
    me a mere $16.00 for this little nylon harness!!!  I have to be
    careful not to let her chew it.  She is a little scared out side--
    she is very quiet and she likes to be very close to me.  If I put her
    in the grass she comes by me and sits on my foot.  I think she likes
    when the wind blows on her feathers.
    
    I put her in our little tree for about a minute.  This is the first
    time she actually sat in a real tree.  She is so domesticated, I don't
    think she really even liked it!!  She did rip a leaf off....always
    have to test out the surroundings with the beak!!
    
    Well, that's where we are at so far.  I have had her 8 months.  
    I can't believe its been only 8 months.  She is such a part of the
    family, I don't remember not having her.  We are very happy with her
    and I think we definetely made the right choice of bird.  Our friends
    and family like her too because she is so lovable anyone can hold her.
    
    We are going to be setting up a bird room for her so I can get her out
    of the living room.  Her cage is too big for the living room.  I want
    to get her one of those acrylic play pens so then I can move her around
    depending on where we are going to be.  I don't think a T-stand will be
    a good idea because with her feet, I don't think it will be very
    comfortable and because if she has the chance she jumps on the floor
    to play with the dogs.
    
    Lator,
    RS

    
    Renee,
    
    If Sheila is anything like *my* cockatoos, she WILL learn to say "Love
    You".  However, she will only say it after she has just destroyed a
    pair of $400 drapes (in mere moments) and has observed that you are
    nervously eyeing the cornish hens in the freezer :-)
    
    
    						/Rita
    
    

         Where is the Bird's Nest?  Can I mail-order from there?
    
    					- Andrea

    The Bird's Nest is located at 105 W. State St. in Geneva IL. 60134
    phone 708.232.6040.
    
    It's a small-but-very-good bird store.  The owner is Michelle.
    I don't know about mail orders, but I don't see why they wouldn't.
    If you are interested in the harness please don't mention I got it
    for $16.00, the lady who sold it to me cut me a break.  I don't
    want to get her into trouble.  It should be something like $22.00.
    
    Renee

<    I put her in our little tree for about a minute.  This is the first
                      ^^^^^^
<    time she actually sat in a real tree.  She is so domesticated, I don't

   I'm always afraid if I put one of my birds in a real tree, that they'll
scamper out of reach before I can grab them.  Perhaps "little" is the operative
word in your story...  Sounds like Sheila is doing just fine. You seem to be
real happy with your choice. And yes there are at least a few of us who read
this conference from time to time.

   Going to pick up a Citroen cockatoo this afternoon. The bird, supposedly,
puts peanuts, large seeds and crackers behind it's head and then will flip the
food up over the crest and try to catch it on the fly. The neck feathers are
a wreck. 

   They were asking $900, but have accepted our offer of $500. It's amazing
how much a little patience is worth.

    Hi1!!
    
    Yes, our tree is little!!  Just planted.  I'm happy to see some
    reponses!  Ya' get to feeling like your the only in here after a while!
    
    The new Citron sounds really cute.  Is that thing he's doing with his
    food a trick?  Or is he just doing it on his own?  It sounds fun to
    watch...too bad its ruining his feathers. 
    
    Let me know how you are doing!!
    
    Renee

<    The new Citron sounds really cute.  Is that thing he's doing with his
<    food a trick?  Or is he just doing it on his own?  It sounds fun to
<    watch...too bad its ruining his feathers. 
    
   I think it started out as a trick, but now it's a habit. Every piece of food
that's large enough (size of sunflower seed or larger) gets handled this way,
no audience is necessary. We're going to try feeding him with small pellets
(Pretty Bird) to discourage this behaviour. The poor thing has been bounced
around alot in the last year or so. I tried putting him on a "tree" perch in
the livingroom this morning and he was terrified of the thing; like he'd never
seen one. 

   The bird is smart, has a huge vocabulary, this morning he pipes up and says
"That's a good bird, now shut up." He's not particularly shy and I'm sure he'll
come around in short order. He just needs the right mix of attention from us
and the other birds and a few more toys to entertain himself. He's also plucked
his legs a little bit. Again I think the poor thing was just bored.

    He definetely sounds bored and lacking of attention.  Especially
    if he is saying "now shut up".  That tells you what kind of attention
    he was getting at home.  He probably kept up his food trick because
    his old owners watched him and he got some attention.  Poor thing.
    I know he will have a much nicer home with you!  Let me know how
    you are doing--I love to hear about other birds, especially cockatoos!!
    
    Renee

<    he was getting at home.  He probably kept up his food trick because
<    his old owners watched him and he got some attention.  Poor thing.

    As we are learning more about him, it appears he's a chewer. In the couple
days we've had him he's all but destroyed perches we've had for months. Every
piece of wood he separates from the perch goes behind his neck and he flips
it and tries to catch it. I also found out he bites; hard. I'll have to be more
attentive in the future. 

<    I love to hear about other birds, especially cockatoos!!
    
    Nahhh.  I've got to get SOME work done today;-);-);-)

    Teaser:  Besides the Citron, we've got a lessor sulpher, 2 mollucans and
	     2 umbrellas; and a collection of amazons and greys for a total
	     of 35 birds at the moment including 8 baby greys (3 different 
	     clutches) if you know anyone who's looking for one, or 2?

Al

    Hi!!  
    
    Check out note 900, there is a person who is checking into getting
    a bird and he was looking into cockatoos.  I don't think he has
    made a decision yet.  You may be of great help to him considering
    all your experience and maybe you will find a good place for one
    of your birds.
    
    Of all your cockatoos, which do you think makes the best pet?
    Which is your favorite bird?
    
    Renee

    
<    Of all your cockatoos, which do you think makes the best pet?

	So far I'd say the umbrellas, but I think it's more of an individual
	personality traits than it is breed.

<    Which is your favorite bird?
    
	Turkey, roasted. Doesn't bite (the Citron nailed me good last night),
	no noise, stays where you put it, doesn't make a mess, no dust.;-);-)

Seriously I like different aspects of the different types. The Amazons are
very colofull, the African Greys are the smartest, the cockatoos the most
lovable/affectionate, the lovebirds the least trouble.

   Check out 900 again. I was the guy giving Doug grief in that exchange. I know
Henry from a long time ago in a far away place.

AL

    Oops!!!!!  Oh well, my intentions were good!!!! :):)
    
    RS

    Hi everyone!!  How are you doing with year end???  Its crazy
    over here!!
    
    I was reading in Bird Talk about lighting.  I think I have been
    doing something wrong.  I don't have Sheila in direct sun.  I have
    heard that lighting is important in the context of breeding, but
    since she isn't a breeder I didn't give it much attention.  Apparantly,
    they need sun anyway.
    
    I have her in bright rooms, but the sun is not directly on her.
    In fact that sounded mean to put her in the sun.  Won't she overheat?
    Or get sunburn?  We don't have central air, so I have been purposely
    keeping her in shade or in our bedroom (what an interesting
    experience!) with the window unit.
    
    I'm considering one of those light bulbs.  Does anyone have any
    input?  What is a good bulb?  How long to keep it on her?  How
    close to her cage?
    
    Thanks,
    Renee

    Note 832 has some advice. 
    
    I have a 4 foot vita light about 3 feet above the cage.
    
    Doug

    Well, I took Sheila in for her regular check up and guess what???
    She has a yeast infection!!  I have some drops to give her.  The last
    time I brought her in she has a "sore throat".  What's it gonna be
    next time???  An ear ache????!!!! :):)  This is like having a baby!!!!
    
    Oh yeah, and you know all my questions on her molt??  Well, she is 
    a "closet picker".  She is picking her own feathers!!!  I have never
    seen her do it.  So I got her a toy that she is suppose to pluck 
    instead of her self.  She look so ratty.  At least she isn't making
    herself bleed or have any bald spots.   
    
    I went to my first bird show.  It was really fun!!  I found the baby
    food really cheap and lots on cool toys.  They had a dancing cockatoo
    so I'm trying to teach her to dance and she is picking up on it....
    after I make a complete fool out of myself first!!!!
    
    Renee

    
    Renee...
    
    I struggle with feather plucking in my umbrella cockatoo all the time. 
    Sometimes it can be brought on by a physical problem - yeast infection
    or other illness, inadequate nutrition, stress, etc. - that needs to be
    treated...watch out, though, because sometimes it just becomes a
    *habit*....
    
    One thing that seems to distract Layla *somewhat* (meaning that she
    will only pluck her breast *half* bare) is to hang a clean, %100 cotton
    mop in her cage.  I'd guess that the white cotton seems enough like
    white feathers to distract her part of the time...
    
    
    						/Rita
    

    Rita,
    
    Thanks, I'll try it!!  "Layla" is a pretty name.  Is it from the
    song?
    
    Renee

    
    Yup...Derrick and the Dominos...I guess there must be a "Yardbird" pun
    in there somewhere, too :-)
    
     Good luck!  And please let me know if you find anything else that
    works with your bird - I'm always looking for things to try.
    
    					/Rita
    

    Well, I stopped off at the store yesterday to pick up one of those
    rope toys and some vitamins (Nekton S) and they didn't have the toy.
    Instead they had this Peacock Feather toy which according to the
    package said, "great for feather pickers, will be your bird's best
    friend...." so I bought it.
    
    I ran home and showed it to Sheila and she reacted as if Ihad
    just showed her the Birdy Boogyman!!  Her tails flared up and she
    she was hissing so hard she gave herself the sneezes.  I hung
    it outside her cage first and let her crawl around on the outside
    of her cage and at first she stayed far away.  Then she snuck up
    on it and proceeded to kill it.
    
    So, another waste of 6 bucks!!!! 
    
    She doesn't like the vitamins either.  She knew right away I put
    something in her water.  I only put a little in for her to get used
    to it.  She hardly drank anything yesterday so last night I just
    gave her plain water.
    
    I noticed at the store that there were three different kinds of
    of sprays to spray on birds for feather picking problems.  They have
    a bad taste so the bird won't want to pick.  Does anyone have any
    experience with these?  The one that looked the best to me was by
    Bitter Apple.  They make products that stop dogs from chewing and 
    they have a good quality product.  If she continues to pick after her
    yeast infection is cleared up, I may try the spray.
    
    Renee

    
    Don't even *bother* with putting the vitimins in the water.  The bird
    won't drink it, if she does drink it, the amount of vitamins she gets
    will be minimal, and vitamins in water invite bacterial contamination
    rather quickly, especially in the summer months.
    
    Neckton makes a good product, though.  Find a favorite food (bananas,
    apples, pizza, corn, whatever...) and try sprinkling a *little* bit on
    each of several pieces.  Fools my kids every time :-)
    
    If you want to give her *feathers* to pick at, try collecting her *own*
    feathers (the bigger ones) that she's dropped and perhaps hanging them
    on a rawhide rope? 
    
                       				/Rita
    

    Rita,
    
    You're right about the water.  It was gross...made her dish all
    slimy.  I wouldn't want it either!!  I put a little scoop in
    her baby food at dinner and she was suspicious,but she ate it.
    I'll have to read the instructions again on how much if its in
    her food....don't want to give her too much of a good thing!
    
    Thanks,
    Renee

    Hi,  thought I'd pop in while I had some free time.  We are doing good.
    No more yeast infection!  I'm putting the vitamins in her baby food
    and she is eating them up.  
    
    I stopped blowing her dry after her showers.  We (the vet and I) think
    it will help her feather picking because it will give her a chance to
    preen herself while she is wet.  She loves the blow dryer though!!
    She wonders why I'm not doing it anymore.
    
    I fixed her up a little play pen for our living room.  Its my dog's old
    dog cage.  Its not very big, but I just through a towel on top of it
    and set her on top with something to play with and she is very content.
    If I have to leave the room, then I put her inside the cage which has
    a little carpet and more toys, until I get back.  That way, I don't
    have to worry about her jumping down and chewing on the furniture when
    I'm not in the room.  
    
    Hope you all are doing good!!
    Renee

    Hi folks!!  How is everyone doing??
    
    Sheila is doing good except we seem to have graduated a full blown
    feather picker :(  
    
    I can't figure out what is making her do it.  Yes, we have moved her
    cage twice.  Once into our bedroom because we have a window air
    conditioner and her old spot was way too hot.  And once into the spare
    bedroom because we painted our room.  She was moved about 2 weeks ago,
    but was really picking bad this weekend.  Is there somekind of delayed
    reaction to being moved???  Nothing else is different.
    
    The other thing that is wierd is that she picked with me holding
    her....right in front of me!!  I couldn't believe she did it with me
    holding her.  I can't figure out what she is trying to tell me.
    
    I gave her a light misting with some water and Listerine which I read
    was suppose to sooth the skin.  She wasn't too impressed.
    
    What do you folks do?
    
    Renee

    Renee,
    
     > The other thing that is wierd is that she picked with me holding
   > her....right in front of me!!  I couldn't believe she did it with me
   > holding her.  I can't figure out what she is trying to tell me.
    
    
    This may actually be to your advantage if the cause is habit or
    psychological as opposed to physical (ie, a skin infection, etc.)...
    Can you get some sort of toy she can preen, hold her, and when she
    begins to pick, distract her and get her to pick at the toy instead?
    
    
    					/Rita
    
    

    Rita,
    
    That's a good idea!!  I bought her that Cotton Candy toy so I can
    grab that.  She really loves to rip up magazines too (what a mess!)
    and we have been very lenient by letting her rip up our old magazines
    to try to get her mind off of her feathers.  Monday and Tuesday there
    were less feathers than over the weekend.
    
    I broke down and got that Bitter Apple spray too.  I can't tell if its
    helping yet.  I also got her the Necton-Bio.  
    
    She cost an arm and a leg this weekend!!!  If she doesn't stop soon,
    I'll rip all her feathers our for her and be done with it!!! :):) 
    (just kidding!!)
    
    Thanks for the response!
    Renee

    Hi Renee!
    
    I have a friend whose lovebird tends to pick himself bald.  After
    spending months and months (not to mention $$$$$) on all sorts of
    tests at the vet, she tried some sort of spray that seems to be
    working.  If it is just a habit, then getting Shiela to stop for a
    while by spraying may break her of the habit.  I'll find out which
    spray she used.
    
    Good luck!
    	Laura

    Sorry it took me so long to get back to you. . .
    
    The spray my friend used is the store brand sold by PetLand (do you have 
    any in your area?) and is called "Anti-feather Picking Spray with Aloe
    vera."  It seems they put the hyphen in the wrong spot, but the product
    works.  :-)
    
    Good luck!
    	Laura  

    We don't have Petland here.  I think I may have seen that spray...
    I know I saw one that had Aloe Vera in it.  I will check the brand,
    hopefully it is by Petland.  Thanks for getting back to me!
    
    Renee
    

    Well, it is has been a while since I have put in a note so I thought
    I'd give all of my bird friends a little update.  Sheila stopped
    feather picking.  Then we boarded her for Thanksgiving and of course
    she started up again.  This time it was bad--she got her big feathers
    like her tail.  She seems to have stopped again though.  The wierd
    thing is, she doesn't do it right away.  It seems to take her about
    two weeks from when ever the stressor was before she starts to pick.
    
    I had her on a make shift playpen in our living room--my old dog's
    cage with a towel thrown over it and some toys on top.  That was
    working out fairly well, but she knows she can get off and she started
    jumping down and walking around the house--pecking on the furniture
    as she went!!!  She didn't ruin anything, but I didn't feel comfortably
    with her making the choice of getting off the play pen.  We tried to
    train her to stay on it, but she is such a defiant one, she didn't
    listen to us!!!
    
    Now we have an acrylic cage for downstairs.  She still has her barred
    cage for upstairs.  We just received it about two weeks ago and its
    pretty nice.  She stays in there and there is no mess at all.  She was
    very afraid at first.  We had to do get her used to it slowly.  She
    didn't get the concept of "there aren't any bars, but I can't get out"
    at first.  We put her in it for only 10-15 min. at a time, I tapped
    lightly on all the sides so she could see there was something there and
    I sat on a chair right outside the cage with my hand in the cage and I
    talked to her.  Noises sound very wierd in there (I kind of stuck my 
    own head in there to see what it was like!!!).  So I talked and
    whistled alot so she could get used to hearing the echos.
    
    We did have one bad incident.  She tried using one of the air holes
    to climb and got her beak stuck.  She scared the living daylights out
    of herself!  She cracked her beak a little and broke a blood feather.
    She is ok now, it actually didn't bleed as bad as I thought-we were
    lucky because we were able to get to her immediately.  She is a
    trooper and she has been back in the cage since then and she is ok.
    I also ordered her the wire side accessory to the cage so that she
    will have more/easier climbing.
    
    I hope you are all doing good!!!  Happy Holidays!!
    Renee

    Well, here I go...
    
    I have a blue crown Conure that will be a year old in July.  I'm going
    on a trip to the "vet" this saturday for the old annual physical.  Can
    anyone tell me what to expect.  My "Chuyie" is VERY healthy, eats well,
    socializes well, hand fed, all that; and quite frankly, I don't even
    know what to ask the vet.  This is the only vet within a 100 mile
    radius and it's 55 miles from my house so I want to be sure to cover
    everything.
    
    Any input or advise would be greatly appreciated.
    
    Toodles.....JPs
    

    When I bring my bird to the vet they do a standard checkup.
    They  check her eyes and inside her mouth.  They check her fecal
    droppings and they take a vary small bit of blood from her nail
    and they do something in the back to it that measures various
    elements and can tell them if she has anything.  Some things
    she has would up having that I couldn't tell she had were -
    a "sore" throat, and a yeast infection.  She was acting perfectly
    fine so it is good thing I brough her in.  Oh yes, they also
    check her feathers.
    
    Renee

    Hi everyone!!
    
    I have some news!!  I will be leaving Digital on Sept 6th.
    I am going to Comdisco.
    
    Sheila is doing fine!  She still picks her feathers and she
    is still loud and a basically a pain in the butt!!  But
    we love her and are happy with our decision to get her.
    
    Her new thing is to perch on my hand and flap her wings really
    hard and shriek at the top of her lungs.  She does this for about
    a minute, then she lets her body fall upside down and she flaps
    upside down too.  
    
    She says "love you" now too!!
    
    Wish you all the best of luck! I will miss reading your
    bird stories!!
    
    Renee