..I haven't said hello yet. So hi!
I have been lurking, taking in the vast amount of knowledge on the forum- feeling a little overwhelmed.
I have one cockatiel, Alfie. He is about six years old, we have had him since he was a baby. He is flighted, but only flys when he is spooked. His cage is open for most of the day, while I am home, but he rarely comes out by himself. He doesn't like to be touched, so I am currently working on a system of branches that would make it easier for him to climb out so he can do his own thing.
Recently, on the advice of so many internet articles and books, have switched him to pellets - thought I was doing something good, but when I started reading this site, I discovered it's maybe not so good, so I went and bought a bag of organic mixed grains to try and improve that situation.
He hates veggies, won't go near them, with the exception of sugar snap peas, celery, chopped really small and sprouted seed.
I have also been learning (from here) about solar schedules, which is something I hadn't heard of before. I am working on something for that, because Alfie's cage is in out living room it is a bit tricky, but my plan is to get some black out curtains for around his corner, blocking him from the lights and he is already next to a window so he will be able to see the skies darken and lighten. Does this sound like it might work?
I am also working toward getting an aviary so that he can get some real sunshine when it is warm out.
I am also thinking of getting another bird. I would like one that is more interested in me - though I know this comes down to individual personalities as well, but I think Alfie would like the company. I have space for another cage, I have a spare room i can use if it turns out they truely hate each other and I have time to dedicate, I am home for most of the day.
I have been researching I I think something like a moustache parrakeet would suit me - I like the larger birds, particularly Eclectus but I am not experienced enough to have one of those. Anyway, this was long, sorry.
Thank you all for such an amazing forum!!