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I decided it was a good idea to start a journal of the little things my birds do as they happen, rather than waiting and trying to remember later. So “Tidbits” was created. Then I thought, why not also add answers to questions that I am asked so other people can try out the information too if they like. So when you read “Tidbits” you will see it is a potpourri of information that I hope you can use and enjoy.
Blood Feather
If a blood feather breaks you will need to get it pulled out immediately. If you can’t pull it out you need to get the bird to a vet a.s.a.p. It doesn’t take long for a bird to loose too much blood. I keep a small pair of pliers for this purpose. Of course you will need regular pliers to use on the big birds. It is a good idea to have styptic powder (read instructions) on hand too for small bleeding problems. If it is severe bleeding, get to a Vet. immediately.
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The Wave
Brandy’s aviary is just outside the kitchen window in the Bird Room so she can sit, see in and watch us as we work in the kitchen. At night we close the blinds so the light doesn’t keep her awake. In the morning when she hears that someone is up, she comes to her perch closest to the window and says, “Good morning.” We answer with a good morning and open the blinds. About three or four months ago when I would open the blinds, I would give her a little wave. Then I started to notice when I would wave she would raise one foot off the perch and move it up and down. I knew if she would wave she would do other things too, so I started blowing her a kiss. Sure enough, it wasn’t long before she would raise one foot and put it to her beak and then move her head back and forth. Then I tried to get funny with her. I would wave with both hands. This puzzled her for a while. She would raise one foot then the other, but she knew this wasn’t right. I could tell she was trying to figure out how to do the wave with both feet. After a few times with me waving with both hands she spread her wings and gave them a little flap! I could hardly believe what I was seeing, but sure enough, every time I did the two hand wave, she raised her wings and gave a little flap! It amazed me that she had it all figured out. Oh, yes, and if I do the wave and wiggle my fingers she raises one foot and wiggles her toes. She is Sooo smart.
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Talking and Reasoning
As a general rule my two Greys, Brandy and Higgins never say, “It’s raining out” unless they hear the rain pounding on the roof of the Bird Room (this is how I taught them it was raining). Although once in a while Brandy will say It’s raining out” even on a sunny day. At those times, if I hear her, I say, “It’s not raining out.” Yesterday while I was out cleaning in the nursery and listening to everyone talk I over heard, I think it was Higgins say, “It’s not raining out.”
My point is it is so very easy to teach these smart and talented wonders not only to talk, but to reason.
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Biting
I have been asked many times how to stop a pet that has started biting. First you must handle and play with your bird on a regular basic to keep it happy and friendly but sooner or later you will get a nip and when you do, don’t yell, hit or throw the bird. Instead, in a low but firm voice say, “No” or “No Bite” then redirect. Just like a child that has to be taught that biting hurts, so does the bird and they do learn. Never hit, hitting only breaks the trust the bird has in you.
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Bad Behavior
While on the subject of “No’s” NEVER squirt your bird with water for bad behavior. It is best to figure out what is causing the bad behavior and eliminate that and keep the spraying as a very enjoyable time. Of course spraying has to be started when the bird is young and then it can be used as a bath time or like so many times when it is needed to spray other things other than water.
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Traveling
I was asked about traveling with birds. I can only tell you about the experiences that I have had with my babies. I have gone for hundreds of miles to pick up babies and I have never had any problems with them getting sick. All my own pet birds travel very well. I would, if you have time, take them in the car for short drives before you leave to see if they do OK. If it was me I think I would take them. If you are going to be gone for a long period of time I think they would fare far better with you than being left behind.
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Repetition and Talking
Yesterday when I went into the nursery, the Green Wing baby said, “ALL RIGHT!!!” It was fairly clear too. At least clear enough that I recognized what he was saying. Then I remembered that is what I say to him when he does things correctly, like step-up or is able to make his climb up the side of the cage to his perch. Who said it was difficult to teach a bird to talk. Just repetition is all that is needed. Good morning! the first thing in the morning. Good night! the last thing at night. Don’t forget I love you! any time of the day.
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