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Post by siobhan on Apr 24, 2015 0:16:03 GMT -5
I'm trying to learn as much about having a cockatoo as possible in a hurry, and I'm reading a discussion elsewhere. They're talking about "free flight" and I do not mean letting the bird fly around the house. They take their birds outdoors and just let them fly. Up into trees. And one of them said her bird was growing out a wing clip and kept falling to the ground. That may not be the place where I want to get information. Oy. Maybe I'm better off letting Rocky train me himself.
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Post by easttex on Apr 24, 2015 6:32:32 GMT -5
I echo your oy. There's a gentleman on the African grey site who comes close to free flight with his bird, but with much less risk. It is a beautiful thing.  |
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Post by aaron on Apr 24, 2015 9:55:23 GMT -5
It would be so nice if something like that was safe... and maybe with a bird as large as a Cockatoo it might be possible with the right training. There aren't nearly as many predators for a bird that large. I wish I could free flight Cupcake. Obviously never going to happen.
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Post by siobhan on Apr 24, 2015 15:35:56 GMT -5
I only know one 'too, and he slicks down and trembles if I step even a foot or two from his cage. He would not be a candidate for flight of any sort. I know Clyde would freak at the very idea of going outside -- he still associates outdoors with when he was out on his own before he found us.
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Post by aaron on Apr 24, 2015 17:00:39 GMT -5
Aw poor Clyde... Glad he found you. I get the sense that Cupcake knows she is supposed to stay inside and doesn't have an aching desire to see what's out there... but she's not scared.
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Post by cnyguy on Apr 24, 2015 20:32:08 GMT -5
There are several advocates of free flight on the other parrot forums I belong to. I don't depend on them for advice on anything, and disapprove of their allowing their parrots to fly free outdoors. Remarkably, some of these people have continued free flight after losing one or more parrots.  |
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Post by siobhan on Apr 24, 2015 21:55:24 GMT -5
Johnny and Ringo both like to sit in the window and look out, but they wouldn't have the least idea what to do if they were outside. The rest don't even show any interest in looking out. Rocky does, but he's on the enclosed porch for now which is practically all windows and he can't help but look out, though he spends just as much time looking at us.
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Post by aaron on Apr 24, 2015 23:36:21 GMT -5
There are several advocates of free flight on the other parrot forums I belong to. I don't depend on them for advice on anything, and disapprove of their allowing their parrots to fly free outdoors. Remarkably, some of these people have continued free flight after losing one or more parrots. Yeah, I have read some of the major threads on other parrot forums on free flight and I definitely agree. It isn't good. Certainly a nice thought to have a daydream about, but that's where it stops. It just isn't safe for our beloved feathered friends. |
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Post by Jan and Shah on Apr 24, 2015 23:46:55 GMT -5
Our zoo does free flight shows for the public. Sometimes the birds just keep going .......
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Post by biteybird on Apr 25, 2015 1:56:04 GMT -5
Oh yeah, Jan, now I remember going to the Healesville Sanctuary (Melbourne) and they had many birds, including some Eagles, flying free (except that on the day I was there, these ones returned to their handlers!). The show was amazing, though, and the training seemed to be very thorough. Also, the birds seemed to like/respond well to their handlers. Is the zoo you are referring to the Taronga Zoo in Sydney? We have 3 main zoos here in Melbourne - the Melbourne Zoo, the Werribee Zoo (free-range African animals/birds) and the Healesville Sanctuary. They are all amazing and I would recommend them to anyone visiting Australia. We purchase a 'Friends of the Zoo' membership each year, which is roughly the price of 2 zoo visits, but includes unlimited access to all 3 zoos for 12 months.
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Post by Jan and Shah on Apr 25, 2015 4:59:27 GMT -5
Yep, it is Taronga. The show is pretty amazing. I used to do volunteer work for the zoo many years ago. The best part of it is that you got to go on animal watch so you observed various animals if they were being monitored. Saw a baby seal being born and loved doing the watch with the chimps when they introduced new ones. You got to go into the night house and view them there as well. Great fun and you learned so much about each species.
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Post by biteybird on Apr 28, 2015 3:30:19 GMT -5
I have often thought about doing volunteer work for a zoo, but it's quite daunting these days - the application process is absolutely exhaustive and competitive (just like applying for a Graduate government position or an exec job). So I keep chickening out.
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Post by Jan and Shah on Apr 28, 2015 4:51:50 GMT -5
If you want to do it fill out those forms. You never know. How about volunteering for an animal rescue group? I belong to 2. You don't have to foster animals - they always want someone to help with administration, transport, etc. I belong to DCH Animal Adoptions (for dogs, cats and horses) and Horse Rescue Australia. Needless to say, my dog Emma came from DCH and Izzie came from HRA. I do lots of things for HRA (am on the committee) like organising BBQs, helping with gear sales, organising their yearly open day, organising speakers, doing grant applications, etc. Have started working with another pony at HRA called Maggie - she is in her late 20's and has chronic founder but it is lovely working with such a quiet, responsive pony. As you know, I have no horse knowledge - Izzie has taught me everything I know If there is something you have always wanted to do - go and do it - you have nothing to lose and so much to gain. |
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Post by biteybird on Apr 28, 2015 5:15:20 GMT -5
Thanks, Jan, your posts (along with Dani's and others) have been a real eye-opener for me. You're right, I should get the forms and fill them out. I used to ride horses when I was a teenager and learnt a few things, but I would not call myself horse-knowledgeable, exactly. But hey, gotta start somewhere! We have a donkey rescue not too far away that interests me...I hope it is still there. Thank you for your encouragement. |
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Post by Jan and Shah on Apr 28, 2015 16:33:02 GMT -5
Hi Biteybird, well I can honestly say it was Dani (and Cami) who made me stop and think about things. I approached HRA and they welcomed me (and my skills). It is one of the best things I have done in my life. Look up the donkey rescue group today and make contact. But be warned, it could take over your life |
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