I found out that Max hatched the first part of March. The breeder couldn't remember the exact date, as he was one of a clutch. She gave me a guess of March 5th. Again, we adopted Gus when he was about 5 months old in the fall of 2014. The young family had just had their first baby, and Gus was the handful they needed to do without-Lucky for me!!
They eat gloop (a mix of cooked pastas, legumes, various cereal grains, and dried fruits and veggies - non-sulfite of course), chopped fresh veggies and fruits that are safe and in season, and some baked yam. That's breakfast. In the evening, we switch to a mix of seeds, dried fruits and veggies, and some pellets from Roudybush. They finally seem to be getting along, or at least tolerating each other. I sat by Max's cage, after you guys recommended it, and let him come to me. He's now stepping up and stepping down...although, he will protest, if he doesn't want to. He complains, bites, and steps down most of the time
I've been working on my responses to both Gus and Max biting and/or screaming. I am trying to apply patience, although sometimes the nips are a painful surprise....I am a work in progress and my babies are teaching me
Last week, I took them both to the vet for a "pedicure". The vet who was on staff is an actual bird person and avian vet. He LOVES these two little stinkers. He had Max sitting on his finger and couldn't get over how sweet natured Gus is (sometimes I wonder if we are dealing with the same birds....) There was a young lady at the reception desk with a sick hamster. She commented on how much trouble she was having with her ring neck parrot. I suggested she check out this forum. I hope she does!
The semester will be starting up next week, and I am having separation anxiety. I've gotten so used to snuggles and training with them, that I am not sure I want to give it up. I would love to take them to the university, but the students aren't always self aware enough about their health that I would fear my birds would be exposed to flu or something.
This brings me to another topic: I want to ask about vaccines. I am looking at getting the flu shot for the first time in a couple of years (long story...for another post, if someone REALLY wants to know). The vaccine is live, but attenuated, if I remember correctly. Should I quarantine myself from my birds after getting the shot?
Thanks to all at the Parrot Forum for the good cheer and helpful information so far! You guys rock!!
I had cancer some years back and, ever since then, they all turned into mother hens!