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Post by siobhan on Dec 28, 2014 1:03:09 GMT -5
Today marks four years since Maggie joined the flock and the people who had her before had her for five years, so not knowing her real age, we're calling her 9 years old. She was, we guess, part of a "dove" release at a wedding or funeral and got lost and landed on their son's shoulder in the yard. I really, REALLY disapprove of "dove" releases. I've read that a kept pidgie can live as much as 20 years or more if well taken care of and she is certainly as spoiled as I can make her, and she is in full charge in the birds' room. Nobody but Johnny will even attempt to confront her and for some reason, Johnny has taken a real dislike to her and chases her off the treat cup and Clyde's cage at every opportunity. She could whip his behind if she wanted to, but she doesn't. Usually. On Christmas, she did chase HIM off his own cage, though. LOL She and Clyde argue over who gets to sit on my lap, but he prefers my hand, anyway, so it's mostly a matter of posturing and pecking in each other's direction (I won't let them actually get into a battle, and hold Clyde out of reach or put my hand between them). And Benjy buzzes her like an oversize blue mosquito, but she's not particularly bothered by that. If she pecks at him, he back down immediately. If she really wants a perch or the treat cup or anything else, she gets it. Even Johnny won't push her if she stands her ground.
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Post by biteybird on Dec 28, 2014 2:58:26 GMT -5
Go Maggie! Don't seduce anyone named Rod Stewart anytime soon...  |
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Post by Jan and Shah on Dec 28, 2014 3:07:35 GMT -5
Hearing about Maggie and what she gets up to has completely changed my opinion of pigeons. She is one special (and lucky) girl.
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Post by easttex on Dec 28, 2014 6:29:29 GMT -5
All birds are fascinating in their own way. I think you need to add a chicken to your crew, Siobhan.  |
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Post by siobhan on Dec 28, 2014 12:06:46 GMT -5
I love chickens. We've talked about getting some and you can have six in city limits around here. We had chickens when I was growing up. As pets, not for eating. We ate their eggs and the hens would even help me find them. I'd go looking and if I missed one, the hen who laid it would go stand by it and cluck at me."Hey, over here!"
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Post by easttex on Dec 28, 2014 17:42:23 GMT -5
I love chickens, too. I had them until fairly recently. Nothing like looking out in the backyard and seeing a bunch of chicken butts pointed to the sky as they root around for some delicacy or other. I love the sounds they make. Just great company. My last one went blind as she got older, so I set up a puppy playpen indoors for times when I couldn't be outside with her. She was quite the pet. Really enjoyed getting scritches, especially around her face. Loved that girl, and I haven't had the heart to get more since she died. One day I will. You have no idea what individuals they are until you get a chance to get to know them. |
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Post by siobhan on Dec 28, 2014 20:31:50 GMT -5
Our last one, when I was a kid, lived to a ripe old age and was as affectionate as a puppy. She followed me around and let me tuck her under my arm and carry her around the yard, while she snuggled up and said "buh gawk, gawk, gawk, gawk." She bossed our cats around and they stood back and let her eat first (she liked cat food) for fear of getting pecked. She had terrific aim and could whack them right between the eyes without getting their eyes. LOL She never, ever pecked me, though.
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Post by biteybird on Dec 28, 2014 21:13:48 GMT -5
I've never had chooks myself, but have always thought they would be great pets & intelligent, too.
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Post by cnyguy on Dec 28, 2014 21:37:53 GMT -5
Happy Gotcha Day to Maggie the Pigeon Queen. |
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megjp
Hatchling
Posts: 22 
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Post by megjp on Dec 28, 2014 23:05:32 GMT -5
Happy Gotcha Day to a certain cutie! |
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Post by siobhan on Dec 28, 2014 23:18:00 GMT -5
Maggie spent most of the day sitting on the back of my chair cooing into my hair.
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Post by pipasmama on Dec 28, 2014 23:47:40 GMT -5
Happy gotcha day Maggie!
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