Cape Fever

[moderndaydinosaurs]

So, in my introduction I mentioned that I just bought a Cape parrot who will be old enough to join our ranks sometime in August. I've read up on Capes and we visit her all the time so I feel like we are generally prepared. She is a doll who will happily eat her hand-feeding portion and beg for whatever her sister refuses. She's snuggly and calm. But I also know she won't fully grow into her personality for at least a couple of years. So mucquestion to other Cape owners is pretty general...what is your Cape like? I'd love to hear any personality descriptions, quirks, favorite foods or activities, challenges, funny stories, cautions, etc. Bring 'em on!

Thanks!

[moderndaydinosaurs]

Update: We broke down this morning and bought her sister too. Two Capes joining us in August! Woo hoo!

[Wolf]

Good for you! That is so cool that you will have two of them as it gives them someone like them to talk to and I think that it always makes things better.

[Pajarita]

Do you keep them in an aviary setting? Because, otherwise, I hope you have a maid as you must spend your entire day with one bird or another -LOL- I only have three 'pet' birds and, even though two of them live in the birdroom (cage-free and surrounded by other birds), I always end up spreading myself too thin trying to spend hours with each (I also have dogs and cats that need my attention, too).

[Wolf]

Do you keep them in an aviary setting? Because, otherwise, I hope you have a maid as you must spend your entire day with one bird or another -LOL- I only have three 'pet' birds and, even though two of them live in the birdroom (cage-free and surrounded by other birds), I always end up spreading myself too thin trying to spend hours with each (I also have dogs and cats that need my attention, too).

Do I ever know how that is, I have four and they all want my attention all the time, each one all for themselves. I do make special effort for Paquita as she is so small that I don't just open her cage like the others. Kookooloo, the Grey, and Kiki, the Senegal will both share me for short times and trade the rest of the time, and Mimi, the Amazon is just starting to come out of her cage on her own, but is still not comfortable with being handled much at all. Paquita, the parrotlet and Kiki are starting to share me a little, unless Paquita gets a bug in her feathers and wants me all to herself.

[moderndaydinosaurs]

Actually we have a cage set-up. All the cages are arranged in a circle in the area off our kitchen so they are all included in everything that goes on. They are out in one combo or another when we're home. We have to sweep every five seconds, but things stay pretty tidy. Having some birds in pairs helps with the demands for attention. My lovebirds are tame enough, but they don't need our attention. They see us as a convenient place to land at times, and the bringers of food.

[cmaygar]

I have my male Cape, Amadeus, who just over one-year-old now. He is a wonderful, extremely smart, very affectionate parrot. He's a great talker and whistler. He picks up on words and phrases very quickly and truly enjoys interaction with the family. He spends most of his time with two of my other parrots (in separate quarters), my WBC and my Mexican Red-Headed Amazon. He enjoys imitating them and they enjoy imitating him.

My Cape enjoys toys to chew very much. He loves toys with wood, pinata type toys that he can chew apart. He also enjoys apples, peppers, brussel sprouts, green beans, peas in the pod and his favorite snack is palm nuts (we live in Florida and our palm trees produce them quite a bit).

Best of luck with your Cape. Mine is very special and he's really a ton of fun.

[moderndaydinosaurs]

Thanks for sharing. Amadeus is a great name! I'm really interested in how my girls will interact with my grey once I bring them home. I'm curious if they'll all teach eachother things like yours do. Can't wait to find out! I wonder if/how I can find palm nuts in Seattle, too!

[cmaygar]

Thanks for sharing. Amadeus is a great name! I'm really interested in how my girls will interact with my grey once I bring them home. I'm curious if they'll all teach eachother things like yours do. Can't wait to find out! I wonder if/how I can find palm nuts in Seattle, too!

I think that you can have them shipped. Google palm nuts and you might find a source. They can be frozen to preserve them.

[GMV]

don't have one, but since they are Poicephalus, they bite hard i assume.