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Post by easttex on Nov 23, 2017 9:00:17 GMT -5
I'm so glad you were able to open your heart wide enough to let in another kitten in need! Glad for both of you.
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Post by easttex on Nov 21, 2017 5:04:37 GMT -5
I used a little Parmesan cheese in Peppy's eggs. He liked it for quite a while.
I don't know if amazon.com is a big presence in Korea, but it's a good place to see what's available in pellets. Some of the better known brands here are Harrison's (as biteybird mentioned), Higgins, Zupreem, and Roudybush. There are many others, but that's a start. Perhaps you can do a search on them. Or maybe someone at your vet's office can help. Many of the avian vets here in the US keep Harrison's in stock.
It's not always the easiest thing to switch a parrot over from seeds to pellets, and given Muffin's situation, I'd talk with his vet before trying to. It's possible that he would like them, though, and if you can find them, you could try making them available to him to supplement what he is currently eating. Unfamiliar pellets might be a challenge to a sick bird, but you can try soaking them in a little unsweetened apple juice or filtered water.
A lot of parrots also like something called Nutri-Berries, made by Lafeber. They combine pellets, nuts, and seeds into balls. Some use them as treats and some as the main diet.
I hope Muffin is feeling better soon!
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Post by easttex on Nov 20, 2017 16:02:28 GMT -5
From your description, that is the standard green Quaker. My guess would be that you're seeing someone's escaped (or released) pet. I understand there are wild flocks in the Chicago area, but this one has probably not met up with them. I'm don't know how difficult it is to be accepted by a new flock. Have you tried approaching him? He may not be ready for an Illinois winter.
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Post by easttex on Nov 20, 2017 11:26:23 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum!
I hope if he has been eating metal that it isn't zinc, or anything toxic. If you're not sure, I would get a new cage as soon as possible.
What does Muffin normally weigh? Has he lost a lot? In the long run, you would actually be doing him a favor to get him off the seed diet, though now is probably not the right time. Have you tried giving him formulated pellets? They, along with fresh veggies and a little fruit, are the best way I know to give him a balanced diet. Sunflower seeds in particular are not a great diet. Besides the calories (which I understand you are trying to maximize right how) they will throw off the calcium balance, which leads to more problems.
When my quaker was ill, I got to the point where I'd give him anything he would eat. The things that were most reliable were baby parrot formula and scrambled eggs with a little cheese mixed in. You might also try some whole grain toast with or without a little peanut butter. How have you tried giving the formula?
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Post by easttex on Nov 20, 2017 11:09:16 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum! It sounds like you are doing great with Sammy.
As far as training goes, it can be anything. Of course every interaction with Sammy is a training session, but if you're looking for something specific, there are some useful things you can work on. Training him to accept being wrapped in a towel and to take liquid from a syringe may come in handy. Target training is good to start with, since you can use it as the foundation for other training. Some people train their birds to wave with one wing or do a 360 on a perch, and on and on. Whatever you can think of.
Some parrots are very interested in toys while some are not at all. You can try to stimulate his interest by playing with them yourself. Its hard to predict exactly what an individual will prefer. My Quaker liked plastic chains. Some of them are happy as clams with cardboard tubes.
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Post by easttex on Nov 20, 2017 10:53:44 GMT -5
I understand the concern about getting older. When I adopted my grey, Allie, I knew it was a real possibility that she would outlive me. I had to find someone who would take over her care, at least temporarily, if something should happen to me, because my husband is not at all good with birds. My sister would take her in, but ultimately Allie would probably go to a rescue/sanctuary. I figure she's had ten years so far in a very loving home that she might not have had otherwise; not to mention all the benefits I get from the relationship. You do the best you can to plan for the worst, but you should do that even if you are a young person.
On lifespans in general, keep in mind that only some small percentage of birds are going to reach the maximum. (Which isn't really a true maximum, as some few will exceed it.) But this consideration is one of the reasons I adopt, rather than going to breeders. People give up their birds for all kinds of reasons, and they are often ignorant of the bird's nature. They might decide it is aggressive when all it needs is someone with patience who understands a little about birds. Or maybe it doesn't "fit into their lifestyle" now, or they wanted a bird that talks, or whatever. I've taken other people's cast-offs, and I've never been sorry. My quaker, Peppy, was 21 and cage-bound when I got him, and he lived only a couple more years, but after the adjustment period they were two years of cuddling and sweetness that I wouldn't have traded for anything.
I don't think you need to let your age stop you from getting another parrot. If you do decide to, just make a good contingency plan.
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Post by easttex on Nov 13, 2017 4:43:41 GMT -5
I am sorry for your loss. I lost my Quaker, Peppy, earlier this year. He was not my only parrot, so I didn't feel compelled to adopt another right away, and I think it would have been hard to bring in another Quaker at first. I would have, though, if I'd known of one in my area needing a new home. I'm enamored with the Quaker personality and would adopt another, but won't go to a breeder or pet store. I'd be happy to help with your concerns if I can.
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Johnny
Nov 11, 2017 10:25:06 GMT -5
Post by easttex on Nov 11, 2017 10:25:06 GMT -5
You have my condolences, also, Siobhan. What a gift for him to have had so much bird company, especially Freddie. Special condolences to him.
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Post by easttex on Nov 10, 2017 4:23:07 GMT -5
I am sorry, Jan. No matter how many losses you endure, each one is a unique and awful blow. I know you had a special attachment to Mia. She certainly found her way to the right person.
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Post by easttex on Oct 30, 2017 9:36:46 GMT -5
I second biteybird. "Semi-tame" can cover a broad range. It will be harder for you to build a bond if he was parent raised, but not impossible. Personal opinion here, but, all other things being equal, your parrot should be less likely to develop neurosis than one who is hand raised, particularly by a non-expert.
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Post by easttex on Oct 30, 2017 9:26:10 GMT -5
Hi to you and Riley! I don't know if this list is too North America-centric for your purposes, but it's good information to start: www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=15+1912&aid=2236. There might be something more specific to Australia out there. I would be careful not to give Riley branches from any tree that might have been treated with pesticides. They can persist in the wood for years.
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Post by easttex on Oct 29, 2017 15:36:56 GMT -5
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Post by easttex on Oct 28, 2017 18:56:09 GMT -5
My Quaker was put on milk thistle, which the vet compounded herself. I preferred to get it from her because there seem to be so many issues with of over-the-counter supplements and getting what you pay for. As far as interactions, your best bet is to check with your vet.
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Post by easttex on Oct 28, 2017 18:49:30 GMT -5
That is so cute! The industriousness of birds is incredibly touching. I'll bet it's fun to watch.
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Post by easttex on Oct 28, 2017 18:47:38 GMT -5
Happy hatchday, Casey! I hope your Mom treated you extra special. I'm pretty sure every day is treated as special where you're concerned.
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