Budgies and Friends

Goodbye All

2010-04-17T20:21:00.002-04:00

We have had a great run of Budgies, Budgies and Hedgies, and Budgies and Friends. You have all been great (except for the recent spammers). It has been really hard to give up the budgies. I have only one more task; find Mia a new home since her adoptive family don't want her anymore. My terrible allergies have resolved since getting rid of the budgies; they were definitnely the cause of my severe itching, though I could never admit it. It is terrible to miss the budgies so much. This happens particularly when I see lovely greens in meadows or in the supermarket which I know they would love. I also miss them when I read about birds, see their pictures, or talk about them. I hope that they are all happy in their new homes. Someday when I have a different living situation, where I can have an outdoor aviary, I hope I can get some budgies again.

A quote From Victor Hugo (via M. my cousin)

2010-02-15T16:33:00.000-05:00

"Be like the bird, who halting in his flight...on limb too slight to bear his weight, feels it give way beneath him...yet sings, knowing he hath wings." Victor Hugo

Goodbye to the budgie family?

2010-02-12T14:06:00.000-05:00

K and J are returning to the DC area. We need to find friends to adopt our beloved Budgie family.

JULIET

'Tis almost morning; I would have thee gone:
And yet no further than a wanton's bird;
Who lets it hop a little from her hand,
Like a poor prisoner in his twisted gyves,
And with a silk thread plucks it back again,
So loving-jealous of his liberty.

ROMEO

I would I were thy bird.

JULIET

Sweet, so would I:
Yet I should kill thee with much cherishing.
Good night, good night! parting is such
sweet sorrow,
That I shall say good night till it be morrow.

Thanks Hannah (comment, last post)

2010-01-11T22:28:00.002-05:00

Hannah made some very good comments re: the last post. Not all pet stores are tarred with the same brush. Some (in my experience, like Petco and Petsmart) do not treat their birds kindly; others, like Hannah's, are very good to their birds.

Hannah also points out the hassles of adoption. This was addressed in an earlier post in this blog; it is just ridiculous how high the bar is set for adopting a budgie, or any animal. First, they made me visit the bird. Then, one of their animal adoption people come check out my house (who do they think they are to check out MY house? eh?) and then, I can finally come get the bird. For a $30 adoption fee. Talk about disincentive! A budgie can be bought from a budgie bin, such as at Petco, for about $20. No wonder adoption lists of available animals are long, and birds continue to to sold via budgie bins.

Maybe it would be good if I would promote pet stores which really cared about budgies and other parrots and animals generally, and maybe also it would be good if some common sense prevailed at these adoption shelthers. That way, people who bought birds would have well socialized birds, and ideally, really get some education about them, which would reduce the birds up for adoption.

Stop Selling Budgies in Pet Stores!

2010-01-04T19:17:00.005-05:00

Jan 1, 2009, Petco (and many other pet stores) stopped selling rabbits in pet stores. However, they continue to sell budgies and other parrots (and birds). They stated that it was "good for animals, good for business" and cited their relationships with animal rights groups as an important component in the decision.

Budgies and other parrots are highly intelligent, arguably sensitive, animals. There are also a significant number available for adoption. Mary Ann was adopted, for example, via the Montgomery County (Maryland) animal shelter. At the time she was adopted, there were eight other budgies waiting to be adopted (granted, six of them were in a "custody dispute").

There are many wonderful, healthy birds out there; a search today on Petfinder had 1624 hits for adoptable birds. Searching only for budgies, I found 88 available for adoption.

My impression is that birds in pet shops are often inbreed (ref Lola and Mia), raised in tiny miserable cages, get little interaction, and as such, become psycho. I think budgie interest groups could serve a great function if they would undertake a campaign to convince pet shops to stop selling birds, and push for adoption, first. One of the problems with rabbits was that people would get them and consider them "disposable", and just get rid of them when they got tired of them. This is the same situation budgies are in now in pet shops. It makes me sad; and it makes me, and should make you, gentle reader, mad as well.

I belong to a facebook budgie interest group--I will raise this issue with them and see what they have to say. If every one of the budgie fanciers on facebook contacted Petco at http://www.petco.com/content/contactsubtopic.aspx?PC=contactcompany&nav=17#top I bet it would make a difference.

(photo from lili.chin flicker collection, available to anyone photos--thanks lili.chin!)

Kitty N Budgies

2009-11-20T22:09:00.005-05:00

Surprisingly, the kitty is only moderately interested in the budgies, and has made no attempts to stalk them. She does watch them from time to time, intently. We keep the doors to the room they are in closed whenever we (humans) are not home, and at night to avoid leading the kitty into temptation. However, last night, she was delivered from evil, as a door to their room was left open, yet she didn't spend time in there; she slept sweetly the whole night and did not vary in her routine of sleeping through the night, and awakening K with a sweet lick on the chin about 10 minutes before the alarm goes off. So far, so good.

Another Great Parrot Video

2009-11-05T22:24:00.003-05:00

This parrot is just fabulous! I love the way he looks right into the camera at one point.

Easy Come, Easy Go

2009-11-05T22:17:00.002-05:00

Gypsy is gone: I gave him, and the cage, to the guys fixing our fence. They are Hispanic; it seems, at least in our neighborhood, that a lot of Hispanic families like budgies. Budgies are a more common pet in Hispanic families, it appears, to me on casual observation, then in Caucasian american families. However, I don't have substantiated data on this; it is merely anecdotal.

Anyway, regarding Gypsy, and comparisons to Magoo, as "Reston" recently commented: both male, both "wild type" green, and both prone to flying away rapidly and getting into less than ideal situations. Both, apparently, in need of a mate. They are not the same bird; Magoo was more pale,a nd I would know him anywhere. Gypsy had more blue on the belly and tail. And Gypsy was not as sweet. However, both are evidence that testosterone can be toxic, especially in the large doses of which teenage birds (and humans? other species?) are exposed.

It's True-Nature Abhors a Vacuum

2009-10-31T17:51:00.005-04:00

I have been sadly missing our sweet Magoo....but must admit the budgies are getting along better, cage maintenance is WORLDS easier...

However, as our gentle readers know, it has been said that Nature Abhors a Vacuum. And now we have further evidence that this is true.

Today, when enjoying the budgies outside on the front porch of our LBB (little blue bungalow), J noted that underneath the netting around the cage, there was a budgie. J said "how did one of budgies get out?" He looked more closely, and realized, none of the budgies were out: a NEW budgie had crawled in toward the cage, trying to get food! A lost budgie! An escapee budgie!

So we only just gave away our beloved baby Magoo-only to have this budgie arrive. J believes he is male; but I am not sure--I think it is very hard to tell sometimes, and this may be young budgie. S/he (we'll just say "he" in the future for convenience) is a wild-type (green) budgie, with darker markings than Boo or Magoo, and a bluish tone in the tail and underbelly. He is missling his tail fetahres...and looks a bit rumpled generally. There is evidence that he has been clipped but is growing back. I'll post an ad on Craig's list and also ask our neighbors, the Clampetsino's, to see if one of their budgies has escaped. I hope so; I really don't want to have to keep him...but, I have named him "Gypsy". Naming him is likely a mistake.

Budgie Care List (for adoption of Budgies, in this case, Magoo)

2009-10-17T15:32:00.003-04:00

Magoo is being adopted by a very nice person who works with K. She is excited to have him as a pet, and will take good care of him. It is a necessity as he and Sutcliffe are fighting badly, daily. Someone will eventually be hurt. They are knocking each other off perches and pinning each other down on the ground or side of the cage.

I wrote this list of Budgie Care Guidelines for the new owner. Readers are welcome to add! of course there are lots and lots of things to know about taking care of budgies. I wanted to go over the basics here. More re Magoo's adoption soon!

Budgie-General Care

Our vet is: Animal Avian Hospital of the Village, in Rice Village. They are really into birds. 2422 Robinhood, Houston, Texas, in the Rice University Village. 713-524-3800. He doesn’t really need any care, unless you want the vet to clip his wings for you.

Food-

It is good to give them food that has a mixture of seeds and pellets. We use “eggcite” but other types are also ok.

Regular feedings:

They need their bowls filled every day. Even if it looks full, the empty husks are left on top by the budgies and they can’t find food underneath the husks; therefore, some budgies starve because their owners think they have plenty but they really don’t know how to get at it.

However, if you want to leave the budgie(s) alone for several days, leave plenty of hanging “snack sticks”. About ½ stick per day per budgie seems to be the right amount. We have left the budgies up to a week with these and while the cage is a bit messy on return, the budgies do fine.

Special foods:

They shouldn’t get treats every day, as that will make it harder to train them. Use millet seed in your hand to tame the budgie. You will have to be patient but if you try every day, in a couple weeks or so the budgie will eat millet seed while sitting on your hand!

Vegetables and fruit:

They like cilantro or lettuce, and you can give that as often as you like. (Once it is wilted it has to be removed or they get runny stools). They also like strawberries, but even ½ strawberry is more than they can eat. I usually put ½ in the cage and then when they have had it for a day, take it out before it gets gross. Apparently they aren’t supposed to eat avocado. If you want to try a new fruit or vegetable, put it in every day for a couple of weeks. The budgie will ignore it for a while then get used to it and eat it with joy.

If the budgie can’t reach his beak to get at the food, then they won’t eat it. Ditto for water bottles. So the food has to be hung near a perch at “beak height” or so.

Water:

Fresh water is important. I use a hamster style bottle. Some people use water bowls/trays. I also give them “showers” with a spray bottle about once a week. They really like it! Of course the spray bottle should be used for water only.

Perches:

It is important to have wooden perches, as budgies like to chew to keep their beaks clean and trimmed. They like pecan or maple or any fruit tree branch. Don’t use cedar or magnolia. You can also buy wooden perches. Some plastic perches are ok too, but not all perches should be plastic as that can irritate their feet. It is important that perches are placed so that they can easily stand and access food and water.

Dangers:

Sprays that smell like cleaning sprays, fluids, are dangerous. Budgies are very sensitive to chemicals (remember the “canary in the coal mine”). Sometimes they can get a toenail caught in something in the cage, so any wires used should not have loose ends sticking into the cage. Doors on the cage should be closed with a “twisty tie” so the budgie doesn’t escape. Some human foods are dangerous; check on the internet before trying if you are unsure. If they are out of the cage, getting slammed in a door, stepped on, etc are all dangers of course.

Communication:

Budgies like to be talked too. They seem to know their names, maybe. leave the radio on for them during the day to prevent loneliness and give htem something to sing too. A quiet “jngle” means “danger” so the sound makes them feel reassured. They also like to be talked to.

Training:

With a lot of attention, a budgie can get very tame, especially if talked to. Also budgies get tamer if they are the “only bird” as they see you as their flock. But don’t be fooled by affection; if the budgie gets away outside, he will fly away (mainly due to getting disoriented). The most elemental training exercise is “finger sitting”. If a budgie is not paying attention, “finger ladder walking” is a good way to help him focus.

Other thoughts:

We put the birds out in the AM (weather permitting) and inside in the PM when the weather will not go below 60 degrees. Below 60, it is too cold for them. I also like it as then seeds don’t make any mess during the day. They do throw seeds around when they eat, because they “hull” (peel) the outside of the seed off and discard it (drop it). The hull is very fine so it floats down. I use a netting around the cage that you can get at the pet store to cover the cage and it helps quite a bit.

Budgies combine urine and feces into one type of elimination. Normal is white with blackish/green middle, more or less.

History of Magoo:

Magoo was hatched in 12/07. You can see a lot of documentation about him here. http://boobudgie.blogspot.com/2007_12_01_archive.html and other places on the blog (ie, this blog!!!).

....and FRIENDS?

2009-09-23T21:38:00.004-04:00

Dear Gentle Readers, I realize we have been absent for quite a while, but it's been hectic.

The budgies greatly enjoy the outdoors by (cage goes out to hang from the the front porch in the am, and goes in at dusk). That is not an uncommon practice in my neighborhood. Interestingly, most of the people who have budgies here are hispanic. Parrots seem quite popular as a pet in that demographic it seems.

Also, keeping the budgies on the porch during the day keeps them away from their new "friend", a kitty named Shania. As a dear friend said (and dear sister imitated by saying) "its risky...you can't reverse thousands of years of evolution". True, but we can make things work. Furthermore, this begs the question, "Is biology destiny?" The biggest problem, is that Shania doesn't realize that the budgies are PEOPLE just like her, and me.

Finally, note that Hedgies is gone from the title; it is now Budgies and Friends. I just can't think about getting another pet now, while I am working with two sets of creatures now. Perhaps a hedgehog will be in the future, but that could be far into the future.

Budgies Like Hanging out on the Porch

2009-09-01T17:52:00.006-04:00

Gentle readers, I am sure you have been missing the budgie updates and worrying, needlessly as it turns out, about the cat.

The cat has gone through three stages: 1) not noticing the budgies 2) noticing the budgies and acting like Sylvester 3) being indifferent to the budgies (very similar to 1).

When the cat first started noticing the budgies, she got sprayed with the water bottle. At this point, she doesn't even seem to look at them. They get put out on the porch every morning, around 7am, and come in around 8pm. They seem to love this routine. Although in the house they had a closed room to themselves, there was just too much risk for a door being left accidentally open and mischief. They clearly prefer the porch (as manifest by singing, jumping around, preening). This may be because it is more light (and smells good) outside. Also, there are neighbor budgies who make the loud "ChIIRRRP" noise to our budgies. The neighbor also has his budgies out in the AM, inside in the PM. The other day, a mockingbird was in the yard making budgie noises. My heart leapt up with joy.

In the evening, myself, the cat (Shania) and the budgies all tend to hang out in the same room together. It is very peaceful. The cat and I play, or the cat sleeps while I read or watch TV, and the budgies wind down from their day. The cat shows no interest in them; she is more interested in her toys now. I hope it stays this way.

I have had to switch from the lovely victorian style cage to the more ordinary cage; it isn't as beautiful, but it is much, much lighter, which is key since I have to lift the cage, with one arm, twice daily.

Hanging a Cage

2009-08-25T17:03:00.004-04:00

Despite warnings via our gentle readers, and others, we have acquired a cat. She is about five months old and she is very sweet (to us). Towards the goal of protecting budgies from the new kitten, we have a new cage which is large and has a curved top which will help it be hung more easily (I hope). (The new cage is pictured here on a table, but, it was not on a table when the cat arrived). J is an engineer, and has crafted a hook from the ceiling that is so secure, it will still be solid should the rest of the house fall down. The drawback to this set up is that it feels quite precarious to stand on a stepping stool every morning to feed them. Also, they are in a room which is shut all day against the cat. At night, I sit with them and the cat in that room (it is where the tv is). For the first several days, the cat didn't seem to notice the birds. Now, however, she has noticed them and watches them in that "Sylvester" way. She gets a squirt from the squirt bottle every time she pays them attention, and she hates it. Her Sylvester-like actions seem to be at a minimum. She has not made any attempts to figure out how to get near the cage, and her options are virtually nil in that regard as it is too far to jump from any furniture. The main risk are the venetian blinds--if she learned to climb those, she could get close enough to jump onto the cage. However, the cage has been covered with gauze, so hopefully if that happened, she would promptly fall off.

Tiny Genome, big Personality

2009-08-06T21:27:00.005-04:00

Hummingbirds have the smallest genomes of all birds, report T. Ryan Gregory and his colleagues in Proceedings of the Royal Society B. Apparently, genome size is related to metabolic activity...having to do with red blood cell function. I don't quite understand this, since, most red blood cells don't contain DNA at all. But perhaps in birds, they do? In any case, hummingbirds, which we all know beat the wings incredibly fast, 50-200 beats per second! That has got to take a lot of energy.

Budgies frantically flap their wings, while stationary, once in a while, but not at a particularly impressive speed. I reckon their genomes are pretty big, if that has even been determined. I couldn't find any scientific literature on the subject, though a number of viruses affecting budgies have been sequenced...

People have studied the genetics of budgie color to some degree in a mendelian fashion though not moleculary: there is a good discussion of this on wikipedia.

For a great picture of an Anna's hummingbird, check out Black Cormorant's recent post!

The new cage-suitable for hanging

2009-08-04T21:56:00.005-04:00

This is a picture of the new cage. As you can see, it is the perfect shape for hanging from the ceiling. I hope to hang it in a room that will be closed off to the kitty (yet to be adopted) by day, and then, opened when we all hang out as a family. I will train the kitty then to not antagonize the birds. We'll see if that is possible. Additionally, I'd like to hang the cage outside, on the front porch, on some weekend days when I am working in the yard. I suspect they will enjoy it. There is a squirrel around who seems pretty feisty, and also, the neighbors cat "Mr. Cajones" (this is what I have nicknamed him, because he isn't neutered...I don't know his real name).

The other day, I heard the distinctive "cheEEEP" "cheeEEEP" and "brawk, brawk brawk" of budgies emanating from next door. I can't see the back yard of my next door neighbors, but I was sure; they have budgies, and they were outside! I asked my neighbor (Frankie, the owner of Mr. Cajones) if he had budgies, and indeed, he does. He said they put them outside during the day, in at night. Every day, every night. I asked him how he kept Mr. Cajones away from them (Mr. Cajones is pretty wild from what I have seen). He said "oh I gave him a bonk and after that he stayed away". The basics of classic conditioning reduced to its elemental terms, I suppose.

Yum! Basil today!

2009-08-01T19:10:00.003-04:00

The new yard has basil, rosemary, and oregano growing in it. Almost every day, the budgies get some fresh treat! Yum! They get very animated whenever greens are introduced. I wish humans could get that excited about healthy greens! Even better, today the budgies got a wonderful shower! Boo in particular really got into it. Her feathers were totally matted down and she chased others out of the direct spray...she HAD to be right in the middle!

Bills and...Kitties?

2009-07-29T21:43:00.003-04:00

It has come to the point where we want to get a kitty. The reasons are various, the simplest being, K has always had a cat (more or less) and really wants one. J as usual indulges her. So the questions are:

1. How to train the cat to not antagonize (or harm) the birds? (sub-question-is a kitten best?)

2. What cage is best?

I have been researching Q#2 this evening and think an acrylic cage might be just the thing. Of course, Mary ann, and the offspring (Boo and Magoo) were essentially free, and Sutcliffe cost $20. But pets are the gifts that keep on giving. These cages aren't cheap! (aren't cheep, hahaha).

Here are two options:

http://www.acrylic-bird-cages.com/samples.htm . This isn't a very good website, but it might be a good habitat.

and

http://www.kingsolomoncages.com/specials.asp (scroll down to see the side klean version...simple design...).

The sub-issue/question for the acrylic cage is: now that the birds are so happy climbing around on the side of the cage, will they be bummed out by an acrylic sided cage? this could be dealt with by a ladder/climbing system along the sides (have C and B and their kitty Lily inspired this ladder thinking?...gee the puns are bad tonight!

Shredded

2009-07-28T21:34:00.005-04:00

I recently got the budgies a rather large "nest" made of grass, straw, and twine. I didn't expect them to nest in it...but I wasn't quite sure what they would do! Because of its size, I was worried it would be intimidating. They ignored it for a few days (as budgies do, with novel stimuli) but since then have been having what appears to be a blast tearing it up. The females are the most vigorous at chewing and tearing, but everyone has been having a go at it. There are really only two good tearing spots (spots where the budgies can pull it well) and that is on a wooden clothespin on the side of it, and from a perch adjacent to it. Sutcliffe has been quite creative in pulling it apart while sitting on top of it. I am glad they are enjoying it! It is good exercise for them and hopefully also good for keeping them from being bored! Oh, and by the way, Happy Boos-day, everyone!

We're back!

2009-07-10T09:46:00.006-04:00

The budgies arrived in the new house a few days ago. We don't have a radio set up and the house is largely quiet other than completely new strange noises (the clothes dryer, the air conditioner).They are currently staying in the mudroom. Naturally, the budgies seem a bit aprehensive, or at least, a bit more quiet then usual. I hope to let them sit on the front porch (pictured) a bit this weekend to see if they like the neighborhood! However, there are squirrels and I have heard the neighbors have cats so we'll have to be careful. Any advice re: budgie porch sitting in this setting? (Extra credit: Grammar: did we use "then and than" correctly in this post?Sitting and setting?)

Riot of Parrots

2009-06-30T23:10:00.004-04:00

Check out the artwork of Guus Kemp, a local Houston (Houston Heights!) Artist, whose painting, "riot of Parrots" is reminiscent of morning at our house. Out of respect for the artist and copyright, I won't try to put that picture here, but check it out at the link!

Missing the Budgies

2009-06-30T22:32:00.001-04:00

What is the reason that we bond so tightly to our pets? I really miss the budgies! People may say that this is the innate parenting tendency, which may well be part of it.

Budgies in a Kennel

2009-06-28T21:05:00.002-04:00

Our evil landlords won't let us go month to month while we are (currently) in the process of buying a house, and while J has to work two time zones away (as a "stimulus worker, thanks Obama!), and as a result, for the next several weeks K has had to move into a hotel, and the budgies have had to be kenneled. Naturally we miss them terribly. However, the place boarding them seems very loving and highly competent; Animal Avian Hospital (Rice Village). They seem to really like budgies as well as other animals. I hope to go by and visit the budgies even though they are being housed. I was very reassured that they took pictures of all 4 of the budgies and gave me little magnets with the pictures in them. Sure, its a smart marketing gimmick, but the person who took the pictures was really excited about how cute they were.

The Un-Fun for Budgie Owners-Is there an Art to It?

2009-06-23T21:36:00.004-04:00

Anyone who had never owned a pet and reading this blog (can't imagine those two categories cross-sectioning, but perhaps, an animal lover who is in jail or something)...anyway, as i was was saying...errr....(starting over). Anyone who HAS owned a pet, knows that there is the un-fun part, which is, usually, dealing with 1) things that come out of their butts 2) things that have to do with their food after being eaten (clean up, or a mess) and 3) shedding (be it fur or in this case, feathers). Budgies, by far, are much, much less un-fun in this way than any dog or cat. while it would be ideal to clean the cage every day (just like for a cat owner, cleaning the litter box daily would be good..yeah right!), I suspect that once a week is pretty standard, and also, pretty acceptable. This doesn't apply to seed dishes-if they have only hulls in them, and no new seeds, or it is hard for the budgie to reach the seeds under spent hulls, the budgie could starve. So, seed dishes should be emptied and have new seed replaced daily.

I like the current set up for the bottom of the cage, having tried lots of "litter". The corn cob litter is safe for budgies, and looks ok (not that I spend a lot of time looking at it...). And because budgies have their favorite perches, and, favorite spots on the favorite perches, they tend to, er, accumulate "waste" in particular spots. I put timothy hay under those spots, so I can easily and quickly clean those areas, and not have to do a total cage change as often. Additionally, timothy hay smells good. Also, it can be pushed up against the edge of the cage, which can be hard to clean, and keep that from getting soiled.

So, if you've read this far, you're either 1) totally bored 2) as obsessed with budgies as I am, to the point where you are interested, even in their poop 3) one of those animal lovers in prison mentioned at the beginning or 4) all of these.

Magoo Gains on Boo

2009-06-19T21:00:00.003-04:00

Boo has long been the favorite. I adore all the budgies (of course) and all have their very special features and personality traits. I can't imagine if I had to give any of them up. When we first brought Magoo back home, I admit I felt burdened. I had hoped friends would adopt him. Now, however, I would find it very hard to let him go. He is so cheeky and brave! For example, tonight I left the door of the cage open, while I went to get cilantro. He steps right out, looks around, explores. When new food is in the cage, he and Sutcliffe both very eagerly try it (Magoo must be a flock leader in training). Magoo sings a lot, and if one of the budgies were to learn to speak, I think it might be him as he is the most responsive to verbal cues. He is tame, and if not so involved with the flock, would probably become very affectionate. Ok, Boo is also playful, Sutcliffe sings beautifully, Mary Ann is tame, but Magoo may be the whole package. But I am almost afraid to even say this, as I love the others so much too and I don't want to bring any bad luck down on any member of the flock!

Unkind But True: There are "Schizo" Birds out there

2009-06-12T20:42:00.009-04:00

It makes me sad to say, but some budgies just haven't worked out. It is quite clear to our readers that both Lola and Mia are gone. I feel guilty and sad about that, but neither of them adjusted to the flock. Lola (pictured on the L, closest to the nestbox) was one of the first two budgies I have had, since she and Sutcliffe were purchased from the "Budgie bin" at a PetSmart at the same time, almost three years ago. She was very young, or at least, very small, and her wings had been severly clipped. Sutcliffe also had been severly clipped, but he was a bit larger, and a bit less crippled by it than Lola. Perhaps this was why she was always nervous and skittish. Sutcliffe gradually learned to eat millett seed while I was holding it, but Lola never learned to ever be comfortable with "the hand". She was pretty much untrainable. Mary ann was mean to her. Mia (pictured to the R) was also exceedingly skittish. She was so terrified of a hand in the cage that she would flap with crazy vigor to the point where she would fall off the perch. She was so terrified, she was at risk of hurting herself whenever a hand came near her.

Are some birds virtually unable to become comfortable around humans? If we were not around, would Lola and Mia found a good role in the flock? Or were they just too damn crazy to every be a happy or a part of things, due perhaps to inbreeding? I hope they are both very happy as "only birds" wherever they may now be. I know that Lola was adopted by a very loving family via Craig's list. I don't know what has happened to Mia--I'm afraid to ask the Ringo adopters, as they really didn't want to keep her but we couldn't take five budgies in our rental apartment. I really wish that both of them have happy lives. I wonder if this is the kind of thing that is not uncommon ("Schizo" budgies?). Since we have had two, it seems possible. Notably, both of them were from "Budgie bins".

Downsizing

2009-05-27T23:45:00.003-04:00

In this economy, most of us have had to cut back in some way or another, some of us, in significant ways. This is also true for the budgies. As you can see, their large palace is gone, and the smaller cage is back. Why? We have to move, our landlords won't extend our lease to month to month, (so evil!) while we shop for a house to buy, so, we have to prepare for K to move to corporate housing and J has a job in another state. Where does this leave the budgies? It's not clear; but K is going to try to bring them to corporate housing with her. If they won't allow four then, she'll bring two to work and try to have two stay at corporate housing. In the meantime, it is pretty clear we can't move the whole palace to corporate housing, so, its time to downsize and get rid of the larger birdcage in preparation for the next steps. The budgies seem perfectly happy, actually, in the smaller cage. They really mostly used the upper half of the large cage, anyway, so it was probably more space then they needed. They aren't fighting any more than before, and they seem able to maintain their 1 and 1/2 budgie length distance or greater from each other, which seems to be important. They are happily eating, including greens. The only major loss is that their favorite toy doesn't really fit in the cage anymore. Still, it seems a bit sad to me that they have had to downsize. Perhaps I am projecting my own sadness at the inconvenience of having to move and my concerns and fears regarding how it is all going to work out during this period for the budgies, and for us.

Budging a Budgerigar

2009-05-23T23:01:00.003-04:00

Budgies don't like new things, or at least, while they are still "new". In early days, I would often introduce greens, or strawberries, or a new toy, and the budgies would ignore, or more likely, avoid then new item. I would conclude they didn't like it and remove it. Now I realize that it can take days, weeks, or even months for budgies to warm up to something novel. Once they do, though, they can go wild with their enjoyment. Budgies are step functions, when it comes to acceptance of something. For example, I had to put strawberries in the cage for several days (after a day in the cage, they would be replaced with new ones) until the budgies would nibble on them. Now, they will often simply devour them (and make a bit of a mess flinging them, as well). Ditto with various types of greens, and treats. Magoo is by far the most adventurous, followed by Sutcliffe. This may be another "flock leader" behavior of males. If you have budgies, I recommend being patient in introducing new foods. Put the food in every day, and remove it when it wilts/gets old, and just do it regularly. It could take a week, or more, but the budgies will try it eventually and if it is greens or strawberries, probably like it. And if it is a toy, they will enjoy banging on it, when they don't get their way, after a few months. At least, this latter was true for Mary ann.

Magoo Update

2009-05-10T22:00:00.002-04:00

Magoo is a very wonderful bird. He is energetic, playful, and very brave, sometimes even foolhardy. He has always been like this--after all, his first flight ended in near disaster as many of our gentle readers well recall! He has no fear of wandering outside of the cage, he is perfectly happy flying back to the cage from a finger--even if he lands on the floor, he will climb right up the cage from any angle and get right back in. He has found his role in the flock, and he is no longer courting Mary ann nor challenging Sutcliffe, but he is by no means subdued. He is tame but "bratty", he likes being the "decider" about what he is going to do, and finger sitting isn't always on his agenda! He was the first to play with the bell toy, while the others observed the toy with distrust for several more days. How much of this is his being young? How much is just testosterone? How much is Magoo's special unique personality independent of these other factors (I am convinced that personality diversity is just one more genetic trait that promotes survival of the flock). While it was stressful and not easy to organize, it really is nice to have Magoo in the flock, as he is clearly very happy and integrated well.

Singers and Song Preferences

2009-05-03T22:29:00.002-04:00

A person I once knew said to me that bird songs are not actually expressions of joy, but expressions of stress (he was really sort of a negative person anyway, in retrospect). I told him that I didn't think that could be true, because the bird's glee is so clear in their songs. I now also realize that when stressed out (by having the cage cleaned, or when Nikko the cat was nearby during the budgies trip through KY), the budgies are very, very quiet. However, in addition to being complex beings when it comes to food or perch choices, as noted in the prior post, budgie vocalization choices are also more complex than simply expressing either "joy" (or stress). Budgies have at least the following repertoire of song types:

Singing for singing's sake ("Grooming song"): This consists of rather long, varied songs, usually executed by the males (Sutcliffe or Magoo) or less often, Boo, and least often, if ever, by Mary ann. When one of the birds is singing in this way, the three other birds tend to groom.
Chirping to mate/flock: This vocalization is a loud "chHHIIIRRRPPP! chhuuuirrPPPPP" which is executed when any gender of budgie is separated from the cage/flock. When Sutcliffe or Mary ann are the isolated budgie and one of them makes this sound, their mate replies in kind. However, this reply may or may not happen if one of the other budgies is in the isolated circumstance (brought away from the cage and into a different room). The non-mated budgies are also less likely to make this noise when in isolation.
Singing after trying new food: This is largely Sutcliffe's realm.
Singing along to the radio or when one of us is on the phone: All participate. the favorite songs are Toby Keith songs. They seem to like K's calls to Oma.
Greeting the day and the night: Budgies (all) sing with vigor, varied songs, all at once, first thing in the morning and when the sun goes down (or the lights in the house are dimmed as we all wind down). It is a joyous sound!

Rethinking Budgie Priorities

2009-04-28T17:35:00.002-04:00

As noted in the prior posting, as well as elsewhere, we had previously defined budgie priorities as: the flock, the highest perch, and millet seed. I think we need to reconsider these--discussion is open if any of our fine readers are willing to weigh in. A few issues:

The flock: It remains clear to us that the flock remains very important. Being close (but not too close) is the budgie goal regarding other budgies. However, it is clear that Sutcliffe really just wants to be near Mary ann. Therefore, the flock is not homogenous in it's appeal.

The highest perch: The budgies seem to use most of the perches in the cage, and the lowest perch does not equate with low on the social totem pole per se. Budgies do have a fear of what is overhead and strongly dislike having activities (such as human hands) over their heads, but, sometimes seem to like to hang out on the lower rungs. The perch preference does not seem s simple as once thought (on this blog).

Millet seed: it is true that treats, including millet seed, are highly motivating. As a metaphor for treats, millet seed remains. But I think that other treats, especially, very fresh grasses with new seeds, certain types of greens, and strawberries rank highly. And, budgies have preferences. Some prefer greens, others, strawberries.

Not mentioned as a true passion of budgies in this list of three is showers. Other posts have commented on budgie bathing, and perhaps it deserves to be listed along with these other budgie favorite things.

Prepare to Be Surrounded by a Large Flock of Budgies!

2009-04-26T14:26:00.007-04:00

I must say I am one suddenly of the biggest fans of the Atlanta Zoo, and certainly the biggest fan who has never been there.

MG sent me this news item, about a planned budgie aviary at the Atlanta Zoo, and I think that the concept is brilliant!

This links two of the listed three favorites things of budgies together in a zoo exhibit: those three favorites being: The Flock, Millet Seed, and the highest Perch. However, I am changing my mind re: the importance of the third item (more on that to follow in future posts).

This aviary will allow people to go in and hold out a seed stick. The budgies will be free to land on people and eat the seed sticks. The budgies will be free to fly around and do what they want generally, as the cage will be completely open.

I really love this idea and think that whoever thought of this really understands budgies, and how to get some of the things that are truly wonderful about budgies included in the zoo exhibit! I just wish I could be a part of the planning, execution, and scientific observation teams doing this great project. I will have to settle for being a mere zoo visitor..which isn't a bad option at all either considering how fun this aviary will be!

(note: above image was downloaded from Parrots in the Land of Oz website, this site and PBS special are highly recommended!)

What if Oedipus Rex Had a Happy Ending?

2009-04-02T20:20:00.005-04:00

For the first several weeks of Magoo's arrival, he was getting quite aggressive with his dad Sutcliffe, and rather romantic with his mother. By romantic, I mean doing the head bobbing, stretching, feeding, and insisting on being next to Mary Ann all the time (and squeezing Sutcliffe out). Typically, Sutcliffe would just move to the other side of Mary Ann, find another perch, or generally ignore Magoo. If Sutcliffe was eating, or grooming, Magoo would hop over and try to disrupt him. Was Sutcliffe being replaced by his own son? Was Magoo to bring the shame of Oedipus upon our lovely budgie family?

Sutcliffe finally had enough. He was not overly aggressive, but he used well timed (and perhaps well placed?) pecks to limit Magoo's romantic overtures and also, twice, knocked Magoo right off the perch. Magoo had to humbly climb back up to the perches. There are low perches, but the budgies normally reside in the top 1/3 of the cage, so it was a rather long way up. It seems that Magoo had time to think his actions through during his climb, because after those two firm warnings from Sutcliffe, Magoo has simply become a regular member of the family. Everyonein the flock participates in the ordinary occasional challenge to a perch spot, or feeds one or another member of the flock, but the overt courting of the mother and aggression towards the father has stopped.

The "Beak Hang" Sleep Position

2009-03-29T22:10:00.004-04:00

Gentle readers: first, an apology for the long hiatus in posting. K has been studying for an exam, which has occupied much of her spare time. That is at last, over...at least for now, depending on results. It is said that regular postings are the key to maintaining readership, in which case, the Budgie Blog may have lost the few loyal fans it had...but we hope not!

Now on to the budgie discussion:

The budgies have a very interesting behavior at night, and one which we have only observed in the large cage. They climb up the sides of the cage at night, and hook their beaks onto one of the topmost rungs. They then grab other rungs with their feet, usually, one foot higher, the other the lower. Often it is the right foot that is higher, but I have not made a regular observation to see what might influence that aspect of the sleeping posture.

When I first saw this new sleeping posture in the large cage, back when the large cage was first being used, I thought it was a sign of psychological stress, as stressed out monkeys have been reported to sleep in awkward, uncomfortable positions (see the "Wire Mother" experiments).

However, it does not appear that this is stressful to the budgies; they all do it routinely every evening, and it seems to be normal and restful for them. It is interesting to me that this is only seen in the larger cage. In the smaller cages, the budgies always sleep on their perches.

More Budgies on Cute Overload!

2009-03-10T20:53:00.003-04:00

Budgies are so darned cute that it is hard to believe that they aren't featured just all the time! However, I am happy whenever budgies are appreciated for being as adorable as they are. They were still labeled "parakeets" but, I mustn't quibble.

see Today's cute overload (just ignore the kitten pictures).

Magoo Has Returned

2009-03-01T22:56:00.001-05:00

Magoo has been unadopted as a Ringo by the adoptive family. Our lease only allows for two birds, but we have now snuck in not only Boo (from the beginning) but now, Magoo. J. fetched Magoo in the ice and snow in Maryland and drove with him for two days from MD to TX. He did very well in his little carrier, other than when once he got a bit cold going from the car to the motel. Unfortunately J wasn't comfortable taking him right through the lobby, so he ended up staying in a less then pleasant, in fact, rather old holiday inn. They both survived. Upon arrival Magoo was placed in the very large cage with his dad. They did great! Magoo did everything that a budgie does in a very short time. He ate, he hopped and drank from the water bottle, he chewed on a stick, he rubbed his head on a stick...ahhh. He was a very happy budgie. When Mary ann was added, he did ok (a day later). Yet, the third day, Boo was added. Magoo got really stressed. He was shaking rapidly, with quivering wings, at high frequency, low amplitude. Poor Magoo! We removed Boo, and Magoo did well. After another day, we re-added Boo and all did well. At this point, the pecking order seems to be Mary ann at the top (as always), then Boo=Magoo, and at the bottom, it appears, is Sutcliffe. Though really, Boo is mean to everyone, but Mary ann trumps her. Magoo is only mean to Boo and Sutcliffe. And Mary Ann is generally mean, but she tolerates Sutcliffe the most. So it is a bit circular. So the cliche that applies may not be "pecking order" but "round robin".

Lettuce Spray

2009-02-22T13:17:00.005-05:00

The budgies really enjoy their showers. The get sprayed with a regular spray bottle filled with water (with the the words written on it in marker "Water Only" to prevent anything such as, heaven forbid, a cleaning solution being put into this bottle). For their showers, they are placed on top of the cage, and lately we have been giving them lettuce on top of the cage at that time. The budgies like hopping in and out of the spray, and when the lettuce is there, they like to do belly flops onto the wet lettuce, getting their tummies wet. They also like nibbling the wet lettuce. When they are totally damp, they'll walk out of the spray and we know shower time is over. Extensive grooming takes place thereafter, lasting as long as an hour as they seem to take each long feather (from wings and tail) into their beaks and pull and stroke it through their beak many times, leading to smooth, shiny, clean feathers. They also fluff the smaller feathers on the body up many times. It's very cute.

(thanks to M. for the title "Lettuce Spray").

A Bird's Gotta Chew what a Bird's Gotta Chew

2009-02-02T21:54:00.004-05:00

While out of focus, this photo should nonetheless display the result of gnawing by budgies. We put clothespins in the cage to hold treats and greens. The budgies like standing on them, and chewing them. They also like chewing cherry and maple sticks which we use as natural perches. While many budgies love chewing cuttle bones, ours never have done that with much enthusiasm. Perhaps that is because they eat "Egg-cite" (we are not making this up), as seed and pellet mix which has calcium in it.

It is clear that the female budgies do a lot more chewing and gnawing then the males, or a least with an F, N=2 and M, N=1. I wonder if this is related to their nesting instincts? They have whittled any number of perches down to, literally, nothing. It is clear that budgies would quickly destroy a wooden cage.

2009-01-26T21:18:00.001-05:00

The Ringos

2009-01-12T20:34:00.004-05:00

The Ringos new family have decided they don't want them anymore. You may recall how Magoo, and Mia, were adopted by a family. It seemed at first that the family was very happy and appreciated them both. Well, a recent phone call indicated, not so fast, Ringos. Apparently the new family wants to give them back! It is a logistical puzzle to figure out how to get them back here. I would also be happy to let one or both of them be adopted to a new "forever home". The current plan is to either give Magoo to a friend in Maryland, or, fly up there to bring him back on the airplane. We'll sell Mia on Craig's list or give her to the shelter. These latter two plans are not minor logistically, since we are in Texas and the budgies are in Maryland. I must admit it is stressful. Others have offered to take the birds temporarily, but, that will only temporize the situation. An adoption has to be a forever home, I can't go through having to find them yet another home in six months time, again.

Happy Boo-Year to All!

2008-12-31T20:53:00.002-05:00

Sutcliffe, the Wonderful Dinosaur Dad!

2008-12-30T10:31:00.005-05:00

More evidence that budgies are tiny dinosaurs. Furthermore, birds and dinosaurs are better dad's than most mammals.

From "Science" Magazine's 2008 Scientific Highlights:

Dutiful Dinosaur Dads

In more than 90% of living bird species, males play a role in the parental care of their offspring. By comparison, males contribute to parental care in fewer than 5% of mammalian species...Varicchio et al present compelling evidence that in three species of dinosouars...males were the individuals responsible for caring for eggs and young.

Finger Training

2008-11-08T22:02:00.003-05:00

Finger training it touted as an important part of budgie taming, and we agree. However, like any kind of training, the less we handle the budgies, the less "into" the finger sitting they become. Furthermore, the less we clip their feathers, the less patient they are with sitting on our fingers before flying off and back to the cage. Mary ann is by far the most tame and docile, followed by Boo, and then Sutcliffe. When Boo is not acting tame, we use our fingers as ladders and she likes to walk up them. I think that sitting on a finger and finger-ladder walking are simply tapping into budgie instincts.

I have been trying to find the internet link to a talking budgie whose favorite word was "no". I think that generally, budgies don't really like being handled, and "no" is what these budgies would say if they could. We definitely enjoy holding the budgies more than they seem to like being held. They seem to simply tolerate it in a "oh brother, if you MUST" kind of way.

Sutcliffe-Continued Discussion

2008-10-28T22:16:00.003-04:00

Dear all; while I know you can read the comments, I wanted to highlight this one posted today re: Sutcliffe's feeding behavior:

nacly dog said...

this is acting as the flock leader. He checks out possibly tainted food, takes the first risk then guards the rest from possible predators. this behavior is consistent with dimporhism and a social hierarchy. I've seen flocks of geese show the same behavior. Sutcliffe would be a good leader for a small feral flock".

This is fascinating. I don't know much about geese, but remember their social structure being discussed in the book about King Arthur, "The Sword and the Stone" which I read as a young person. King Arthur spent time with many animals and learned their social behavior. The geese were very important to teaching King Arthur how to lead compassionately.

I am so proud of Sutcliffe! He came from a budgie bin, where he really had no upbringing or opportunity at all, and he has become tame, socialized, the pater familias who saved the life of his beloved child (Magoo), and a true flock leader.

Thanks naclydog for these insights!

Brave and Selfless Leader or Hen-Pecked Wimp? OR???

2008-10-27T19:09:00.004-04:00

Here is a description of a typical behavior of Sutcliffe at feeding time. I am interested in your interpretation of this;

When a treat or the AM food is placed in the cage, the females do not approach it right away. Sutcliffe goes first and eats some of the treat. Soon thereafter, one of the females (Boo or Mary ann, but usually, Mary ann) will come over to where he is, and he'll leave and go to the next feeding spot. Then Boo will go to that spot, and Sutcliffe will leave. There is usually a third spot to eat, but Sutcliffe does not go there. Rather, he sits elsewhere and sings and chirps while the other two eat. Later, when they are finished, he will go and eat some of the treats at any of the three places.

Hypotheses:

Is he being a wimp, chased away from getting a treat by his wife and then his daughter, although he is brave and tame enough, or foolhardy enough, to go first?

Or is he checking the food for safety, then advertising "good food here" to the flock by singing, while the females feed, being brave, caring, and paternal towards his flock.

Or maybe, there is another idea which we haven't thought about yet?

And finally, what would be good experiments to test this hypotheses?

What do you think?

The Pineal Gland, Budgie Circadian Rhythms, and Other Thoughts

2008-10-20T22:16:00.003-04:00

On the post about the Budgies Professionalism, a comment was left:

From Nacly Dog...."Maybe they're taking a vacation. Can budgies change a circadian rhythm set point?"

This is a very interesting idea!

It definitely was a bit dark on the day when the budgies were quiet (due to thunderstorms). I wonder if the budgies are particularly sensitive to light and dark? Birds have a particular connection to the pineal gland.

The pineal gland affects circadian rhythms in almost all animals. In birds, it not only affects sleep (it makes melatonin) but also is thought to help with magnetic determination of flying directions. Because of its role in detecting dark and light in some animals, it is sometimes called the "third eye". Perhaps the pineal gland is important in budgie professionalism, and budgie vacations. Apparently bird sleep-wake cycles can be set not only with light, but also with the sounds of bird songs. There clearly is an interaction to explore between dark/light/sleep/wake in birds. And perhaps we are more dependent on these cycles then our modern societal pressures may allow us to admit. And denying them may not be good for us. Next time is is rainy, I may just give in and sleep late.

Budgie Professionalism (or Lack Thereof)

2008-10-16T18:27:00.003-04:00

All animals have a job to do, and do it with pride. For example, the parental cat (Nikko) patrols his turf daily. He also must bring back any creatures caught, to share with his human pride.

Budgies have a very important job; greeting the day. Every morning, it is their job to sing and chirp and greet the morning. Also it is their job to be active and prepare for nightfall.

This morning, we had to awaken without the budgies. No songs, nothing. It was quite rainy, and the budgies just didn't bother getting up to greet the day. We had to walk downstairs and talk to them to even get any chirps.

Professionalism? These budgies are slipping!

2008-10-01T22:16:00.006-04:00

In an earlier posted comment, C stated:

"The budgies may enjoy "Manzanilla" which is what Spanish-speakers around here call chamomile". He went on to state "Mantazilla" sounds like a giant manta ray that emerges from the deep to ally with Godzilla against Mothra."

A picture of the budgies vs. the monster "Manzanilla" is shown here (courtesy of C). Because budgies are really dinosaurs, it will be an impressive, B movie-worthy battle.

K wondered if she had misread the label on the herb bought at the Walmart in Sealy. The best way to check on this is to Google it (not check the label). A quick google search revealed:

from a site about the history of chamomile "In spain it has been known for centuries at Mantazillla or "little apple". It goes on to state that "this is also the name of a type of sherry which has a similar flavor."

But what about Manzanilla?

Wikipedia states that: Manzanilla is a variety of fino sherry...In Spanish, chamomile tea is called "manzanilla"...

So what is the answer to this confusing quandary? Are there two ways of talking about chamomile in Spanish? Is one a mutation of the other? Is one more "correct"? and who will win in the battle of the Mantazilla monster and the ancient feathered dinosaur budgies?

See the Sequel, "son of budgies" to find out!

Mantazilla

2008-09-21T16:06:00.003-04:00

While shopping in a Walmart near Sealy TX, following Hurricane Ike (where we had to drive in order to find an open store), I came across a bundle of dried plant called Mantazilla. It smelled nice, and was in the food section, so I thought I would give it a try for the budgies. I put a few sprigs in the budgies cage, and they went wild for it, especially Mary ann!

Only after this did I google Mantazilla, and learn that it is also called Chamomille. Apparently it is used to help budgies who are ill overcome infection. I don't think Mary Ann is ill, though. I think she just liked it a lot.

Favorite Weed Seeds

2008-09-18T20:36:00.003-04:00

The season for these particular plants has passed, but they flourished in August. (Of course, now, after Hurricane Ike, all the flora are a bit of a mess). This picuture shows Sutcliffe about to enjoy this beloved budgie snack! I couldn't find out what kind of plant this is on any site. Any readers have any ideas?

The budgies now have new fresh Eucalyptus (Thanks C!). Sutcliffe was grooming himself by rubbing on the leaves this morning. It was pretty cute! Although I can't find information about budgies sense of smell, I am convinced they are able to smell, as they seem to enjoy aromatic foods such as eucalyptus, cilantro, and basil.

Texas is Such a Big, Empty Place

2008-09-05T19:33:00.003-04:00

The budgie-prius arrived well before any furniture did. The budgies had some fun running around the house without furniture. Mary Ann was particularly cute; rather than flying to the birdhouse, she ran over and hopped up on my finger. It was very sweet.

We have quite a bit more furniture now, but the budgies remain in the same place (on a tall table now). I hope they are safe during the coming Hurricane (Ike)! We will move them away from the window.

Kids These Days!

2008-09-05T19:21:00.004-04:00

As our faithful readers know (both of you), Boo is a teenager and acting like one. She is quite mean to her dad, and cranky with her mom (though she knows better than to cross the latter). I found this article sent by MG today very amusing: See "Parrots Wreak Havoc in New Zealand Bird Sanctuary". Apparenlty the teenage "Kaka" parrots are destroying the breeding cages as if they are a game or rubics cube. Furthermore, older teenage parrots seem to be teaching the younger ones how fun this is. Before you know it, they'll be singing songs that sounds only like irritating noise to older parrots.

Move to Texas-Budgie Pics!

2008-08-18T19:47:00.006-04:00

Finally-the card reader and internet are set up and we can share some of the pictures of the budgies moving to Texas in a prius. K had worried a great deal in advance; she even feared they might suffer health problems on the trip (or even die?!). (Yes, K is a worry wart.) To the contrary, the budgies loved the the trip as far as we could tell! They particularly liked singing along to the radio (with a preference for Toby Keith songs, and also weird Celtic music, apparently. This preference is based on the fact that when this music played, they all sang and chirped). They also quite liked the grasses we cut from roadside weed fields. The one time they involuted, was in KY (the state, not the jelly) where the scary "Nikko" the cat was living!

Why Pets? Why Cute?

2008-08-12T21:59:00.004-04:00

In yesterdays coments, carl said...
I think that the more interesting question is why humans have pets at all. Other species don't in the wild -- I've heard of captive chimps having dolls or pets, but that must be an awfully artificial environment for them.

Maybe we started out by joining packs of dogs to help us hunt, and then transferred our loyalty to wider circles of species.

I think this is an interesting question, and answer. It is clear that people have used animals to help them hunt (dogs helped hunt, hence bonded with men, who were traditionally hunters) or protect what is gathered (cats protected grains from rodents, hence bonded with women). i am sure the feminists in the group (of which I consider myself one) may find these generalizations offensive, but, they are interesting and worthy of discussion, I hope. Other animals have been useful as foods themselves (rabbits, goats) or to produce food (once again goats, or cows who produce milk). That said, I think that we have a natural affinity and affection for animals which extends beyond their usefulness. Could it be the amazement that our instinct of fear is overcome with trust and affection trans-species?

While cute overload is horribly anthropomorphic, as I have said before, it still is an excellent collection of animal pictures of all types. One category of pictures, called "interspecies snorgling", (yes, saccharine, I realize) has a lot of pictures of animals "bonding" in unexpected ways. And an earlier blog here reported a monkey and pigeon who had formed a special bond. We don't understand these traits in ourselves, but I am not convinced that other animals don't also have them to a degree.

MIddle Aged Childless Women and Pets

2008-08-11T22:55:00.002-04:00

I realize that I (K) am nuts about the budgies. Even I have perspective that this is a little weird; weirder than being obsessed with a dog or cat, even. However, I also get great pleasure from the budgies. It is a cliche to say that this is biological; childless woman, middle aged, blah blah blah. Why fight it? I can't WAIT till we move (in about a year) to a house we own, so I can get a hedgehog.

Singing

2008-08-08T23:12:00.002-04:00

the fact that parrots are noisy, and can learn to talk, is well known. Since moving to Texas, the budgies are singing a lot more. Sutcliffe has always been a singer, and I attributed this to his male sex. However, all three budgies are singing, very much. I wonder what this signifies?

Budgies FINALLY featured in Cuteoverload.com!

2008-07-31T21:49:00.002-04:00

I was so happy to see a budgie photo on cute overload. Yes, cute overload is anthropomorphic, often to the point of being irritating, there are all kinds of made up words which strike me as a mixture of baby talk and psuedo french-like phrases, and worst of all, it rarely has bird pictures. I do not recall it ever having a budgie shown (and I visit it almost everyday). "What?" The gentle reader may well ask. You bash it and then say you visit it daily?". Well, yes. I can intellectually distance myself from it, but I must admit, those adorable, sweet, lovable, and amazingly cute pictures really brighten my day. Even if I can't relate to all the captions and comments. I can't paste the picture on blogger for you to admire, but it is worth visiting at the above link.

My biggest regret is that, because I am at a new job and don't dare go to "blogger" while at work, I wasn't able to add comments on the day that this budgie post was posted; which could have brought more budgie fans to this blogsite!

In Budgie Heaven, it's all about the fresh Grass Seed

2008-07-20T21:49:00.005-04:00

The texas flock has been greatly enjoying the grasses that I have found growing in the green patches in this urban area near our townhouse (near Medical Center). A very good resource for identifying grasses is: TEXNAT, Texas Natural Resource Center Plant Identification site (geared largely towards which ones are good for grazing cattle, not budgies). My impression is that Houston has swamplands, Louisiana style, to the east, Prairies to the north, marshes to the south, and a bit of desert starting to the west. Rhodes Grass, Hooded Windmill Grass, Bermuda Grass, are among the grasses I have found and fed the budgies. In fact, if I come home from work where I pass through a grassy area named (by me “snake alley”, though none of these eponymous creatures have been sighted there, as it is probably, simply just too damn hot for them too), anyway, if I come home and don’t bring grasses with seeds, they act petulant (squawk, peck at each other, and hop about staring at me with expectation). I would love to find some Barnyard grass, Canada wildrye, or Plains lovegrass, and especially, RAT TAIL SMUT GRASS for them. Those look as if budgies would find them very delicious. There is even some Texas bluegrass; but as a native Kentuckian, I think this is where I would draw the line.

While we were on vacation, we asked a neighbor to feed the budgies. She let her preschoolers feed the budgies ALL the food for the week in about a day and a half; they had so much fun pouring seed out into the bowls (and then the floor of the cage). But, she reassured me, they gave the budgies grasses. Well, she must not know much about birds, or pets, because they just threw grass LEAVES in the cage. Boo went into a serious molt, and we really thought Mary ann was going to make a “celestial final flight”. Her usual voluptuousness was gone, and she was very thin, and had a lot of missing feathers, especially on her head. I am happy to report that with regular seeds/pellets (Eggcite brand) and grasses (WITH SEEDS) from the urban prarie, Mary ann has all her feathers again, is looking back to her usual zaftig self, and Boo has gosy and complete feathers.

When choosing grasses, (note neighbor, this means WITH seeds!), its best to choose them from a non-maintained, non -manicured lawn, as that is less likely to have chemicals such as "chem lawn" treatments, which can poison budgies (or other animals including children, btw). Avoid creosote (telephone poles), also toxic. And wash them, especially if from near a roadway.

M and M (Magoo and Mia)

2008-07-19T18:05:00.003-04:00

Good news from the adoptive family. They are enjoying Mia and Magoo (M and M). Magoo has been doing very well with finger sitting. Mia has stopped acting neurotic, and when Magoo is finger sitting, he calls her with a little "chiRRRPP". That, I think, is pretty cute. They didn't rename Magoo "Ringo" so I will call this famiy "the Ringo's" to honor them with a good bird name. Anyway, the Ringo's have been very patient with M and M and working regularly with them. I certainly hope Mia will make progress and not discourage the wondeful Ringos.

The Budgieman

2008-07-13T22:44:00.005-04:00

Apparently he is a beloved Busker around London (often seen near the Tate Gallery). His budgies are awfully cute. It makes me wish I had more time to spend working with mine.

Update Mia and Magoo Thrive

2008-07-12T16:50:00.003-04:00

We have heard an update from the Adoptive Family (AF) regarding Mia and Magoo (M and M). Apparently Magoo is doing very well with finger sitting. Also, amazingly, Mia will sometimes sit on a finger, and perhaps is more likely to do so when Magoo beckons her with a chhiirrrPPP. That is amazing for timid little Mia! I am not sure if Magoo is now Ringo, or not-will check on that. The AF is clearly working regularly with M and M, and it seems to be paying off. There is an adorable dachshund in the family, who seems a bit excited about the new additions. But being intelligent, as dachshunds are, he has learned to not bark at them (which in turn got them rather flustered). This is all very good news. Whether or not the budgies stay part of the new family may depend a bit on the dachshunds adaption to them. I was under the impression that dogs and budgies tended to get along well, but of course every dog, and every budgie is different.

Budgies in Texas-Update

2008-07-10T21:55:00.002-04:00

The budgies seem to have calmed completely since the move. They are a bit less active, but that is probably because they are in a darker place than before (the summer palace was quite bright, being basically outdoors). I have not heard yet from Magoo (Ringo?) and Mia but will let everyone know if I hear anything from the wonderful family who adopted them.

While walking to work (an urban walk) I (K) pass through a grassy area which I have called "snake alley" although none of the eponymous creatures have yet been seen there. I have been picking grass seed stalks from there on the way home, and the budgies are clearly thrilled with these. Sutcliffe is not as aggressive about getting these as the females are, even though I make an effort to distribute these evenly so all can enjoy.

All three seem to have fully recovered from the bad episode of negligent babysitting that occurred while we were out of town (the family caring for the budgies poured all of the food for the week into the food bowls in a single day, and then just threw pieces of grass into the cage after that. The budgies lost a lot of feathers, especially Mary ann on the top of her head and Sutcliffe around the eyes. Boo went into a serious molt. Fortunately Magoo and Mia were spared, possibly because they are the youngest).

Moving Highlights

2008-07-07T18:06:00.002-04:00

Sorry to all our gentle blog readers (yes, both of you) for this long hiatus. However, the move caused some delays in getting online to blog!

The budgies did well during the packing up phase, mainly because of their location in the "summer palace". However, a bittersweet moment (for the human flock) occurred when Mia and Magoo were adopted. The good news is, that we now have a new family which has joined the human flock, especially, several girls who seem very well suited to budgie ownership. I haven't heard yet if they are enjoying the budgies, but I certainly hope so. If they don't like the budgies, we offered to take them back. It was a no risk adoption. I was rather sad at first to see them go, especially Magoo, who hatched in our house only just this last winter, but I know he will be happy. He may even be renamed Ringo!

The drive and the stay near Nikko the cat (the latter of whom resides in Louisville) went well, but deserves longer posts in the future. Pictures will also soon be posted from the trip. The budgies were very quiet around Nikko, probably instinctually. In the Prius, while driving, however, they seemed joyous and sang and chirped the entire way, especially if country music was playing, or classical.

Good News

2008-06-23T14:22:00.005-04:00

As you can see here, this blog entry celebrates Mia and Magoo. They are definitely a "pair" and an adoptive family has been found, at least temoporarily, here in the greater suburban Washington DC area. It is a family I know, as I work with the mom and the dad in the family. They have several daughters, who are interested in having their own pets. I hope they really have fun with Mia and Magoo! I set up their cage today, and will set up another cage for the remaining three as well. The aviary will be moved, empty, with the moving van to Texas. I have purchased food, litter, and a book and magazine to help the girls learn about budgies. I am so excited that these wonderful birds will have a good home and be a part of the lives of young people.

Weathering, Feathering, and Grassicles

2008-06-05T13:31:00.004-04:00

We had a huge storm yesterday, with severe thunderstorms, and winds up to 70mph! Several tornadoes were spotted in the area. I was too afraid to go outside (and I am NOT agoraphobic by any means!) I don't know how high the wind was on the screened in porch where the budgie summer palace is, but, there were many branches and even a few trees down, and, the budgies were soaking wet as was the entire screened porch. They seemed a bit freaked out, but fine.

This morning as a special treat I put some very special large "feed grasses" in their case, in very large bunches to reward them for budgie bravery. The caveat; these were still frozen kernels, as I have been storing them in the freezer for special occasions. Boo and Sutcliffe ate them with joy, but the others took a few bites and then stood to the side, with the usual aversive budgie behavior which is typical when they encounter something new. I'll serve them new, frozen Grassicles tomorrow, and see if they come around to liking them, as they often do for other newly introduced foods.

The Summer Palace is Wintery

2008-05-22T21:17:00.003-04:00

The budgies seem to be greatly enjoying the summer palace, but last night it was down to about 50 degrees Farhenheit and tonight, even down to 45. I hope they do ok! They have been covered with blankets. Interestingly, they have not climbed up to their usual sleeping postures (as high as possible, hanging by their beaks and holding on with their toes on the vertical cage bars below). Tonight, they are sitting in a "traditional" posture, on perches, in the middle portion of the cage, and with heads tucked under wings. Could this be a much warmer way to sleep? I feel rather anxious letting them sleep outdoors in this weather, but am going to allow it. I certainly hope this is the right decision.

Budgies Move to Summer Palace

2008-05-19T21:02:00.004-04:00

Spring has sprung, and according to the Farmer's Almanac and NOAA, the last risk of frost passed May 16th and so the budgies have moved to their summer residence. Their winter palace is the basement, in front of the window, which is nice, indeed. However, the budgie summer palace is truly grand. Sorry there isn't a picture, but I can't find the point and shoot and Mary ann chewed through the webcam cable as many of our gentle readers know.

The summer palace is actually still in the same aviary cage, but, it is moved up to the screened in porch. They get plenty of indirect sunlight and a corner of direct sunlight. They get fresh air on three sides, and have one side facing the wall. So, they get the UV that they love (because they can see in the UV range). I note that Mia is particularly lovely in the sunlight, with a pale, delicate yellow undertone and very lovely blue markings (once again, no pic). They interact with the other birds by chirping loudly and of course generally, hopping and flying around. The budgies really like the eucalyptus, and it seems to be where they sit when it is a bit cooler (it was only 64 today). They still sleep by crawling up the side of the cage and hanging from their bills at night (more on their sleeping positions to follow).

What do you Get if you Cross a Budgie with a Hedgehog?

2008-05-15T15:28:00.002-04:00

A platypus!

Eucalyptus Has Come!

2008-05-14T12:27:00.004-04:00

Eucalyptus has arrived! C found a tree down at his place of work (sunny California) and very kindly and generously harvested a lot of leaves and twigs for the budgies. Thanks C! That is very kind.

It arrived in a box, some of which was packed in plastic, some not. The Plastic wrapping seems to have been very effective in keeping it quite fresh. the non-plastic wrapped is also good, but a bit drier.

The budgies are ecstatic! I put some in their cage the other night, while they were sleeping. Upon awakening, there it was!

The have been enjoying taking tiny triangular bites out of the leaves, and chewing the stems. Boo in particular likes rubbing against the leaves. Mary ann is quite the stem chewer! And Mia and Sutcliffe are heavy leaf eaters. Of course Magoo is an active particpant as well, mainly by hopping about between the leaves and twigs. I look forward to giving them a shower to see if they enjoy it with the eucalyptus vapors!

Aside: re Budgie sense of Smell: While it is not known (at least in my reading) whether or not budgies have a sense of smell, there is no doubt in my mind that they do. While they may recognize eucalyptus by sight, I am betting that the smell is quite important to them. And, they can also differentiate well between cilantro and parsley, which look alike.

Because of the ways the budgies are reacting to eucalyptus, I am guessing that it has both a nutritional benefit (since they eat it) and a medicinal/grooming benefit (because they like to rub it). Perhaps this is a way to prevent vermin in the wild? Or maybe they just like to perfume their bodies. If I were a budgie perfume vendor, eucalyptus and cilantro would certainly be two fragrances I would sell.

NB:Because of the process of cleaning the house for trying to sell it (prior to the move to Texas), I can't seem to find the camera. Mary ann has chewed through the webcam. Therefore, posts may be sans images until the camera is located.

Oh Where Oh Where Has the Budgie Blog Gone?

2008-05-06T11:04:00.003-04:00

Its been a while since the last post-sorry about that!
Its been very busy for the human flock members due to the plan for a move to Texas! Budgies seem unaware of the fact that a long, cross country trip (longitudinally speaking) is ahead of them. A stop in KY (the state, not the jelly) will be a good reprieve, although that stop will have the added complication of a resident CAT. (this will occur around the end of June and will be blogged).

the biggest news: Hedgehog is on HOLD due to the impending move. There is a hedgehog vendor/breeder in the area where we will go, so hopefully at some point we will add the quills to our bills.

In the meantime, we will keep you up to date on the activities of our beloved budgies! All are well and enjoying the longer, sunnier days.

More Shower Action!

2008-04-25T09:02:00.002-04:00

Budgies Eating Grass

2008-04-23T20:04:00.003-04:00

While this may not be the most thrilling video to our gentle readers, the budgies are very happy, herein. That is because spring has sprung! And along with spring, have come some early seeding grasses. It is a welcome treat and a change from the cilantro they have had all winter (although admittedly, cilantro is beloved when it comes to budgies and greens and the all time favorite, EUCALYPTUS from C and B, RULES). Pulling the seeds out of their grassy envelopes is good exercise, too, I think.

It is important when getting grasses from suburban yards to:
-avoid yards that look great. They probably use chemicals. Safer to go for grasses from a yard that is unkempt.
-wash the grasses in case any chemicals, or car related schmutz might be on them (dog pee, also a potential contaminant, is probably just gross, but not dangerous).

Chicago is Like Lasagna is Like Our Aviary

2008-04-14T11:42:00.006-04:00

K is visiting Chicago. She realized that Chicago has a river, streets, bridges, more streets, then buildings, layered on top of each other, before the buildings start shooting up into the sky, is something like our aviary. That is, there are perches at many different levels, food at several different levels, and lots of criss-crossing. It reminds me of how you make lasagna.

Twins

2008-04-10T21:45:00.001-04:00

It is really adorable (to us) how much Boo and Magoo look alike. Of course from the genetics standpoint, it is not surprising, since, Mary ann is PERFECT Lutino (technically, hypomelanic) and Sutcliffe is of the blue variety. So the two babies demonstrate the phenomenon of regression towards the mean of any phenotype over several generations.

While it would have been fun to have a more rare mutation rather than wild type, I suppose, I love our wild type twins. They remind me so much of the wonderful wild budgies flocking in a large group in the Parrots of Oz.

Sometimes it is hard to tell these twins apart. But Boo has darker markings in the black tips of his feathers and other dark markings, and Magoo is more greyish in these areas.

I'd like to breed them some more and even do some breeding, er, experiments, but human daddy (J) says "No". Always practical. Sigh.

Mia the Lovely and Untame

2008-04-10T21:32:00.002-04:00

Mia is a lovely bird. She is from a budgie bin, and was in a tiny cage full of "rare budgies". There is really no such thing as a rare budgie, she is simply a budgie that is unusual looking. We don't know yet if Mia is female or male. She seems rather young and it may be too soon to tell. She is not terribly picked on, other than a bit by Boo, who is a bit stroppy because she is 1.so adored 2. so fearless and 3. a teenager. The others tolerate, and sometimes (especially, Magoo and Sutcliffe) even like her. Because the male, and possible male like her, we are guessing she is a She.

Perhaps it is inbreeding, or perhaps, life in a budgie bin, but, Mia, like Lola, is a very skittish bird. She is virtually untame-able, at least so far. By this time, Sutcliffe was eating out of our hands. Not Mia! Any human presence near the cage results in frantic flying, and even falling off a perch. If she is caught, she screams bloody murder, really alarming to the other budgies. But, she is indeed a great beauty.

Mary Ann Exerts Her Will

2008-04-09T19:02:00.006-04:00

These pictures are about Mary ann exerting her will. She has always liked picking up the silver food bowl and dropping it back into the holding ring which makes a "clink" sound. Lately, she has taken to tossing it completely out of the ring. We are no longer putting food in that bowl. I wonder if she is trying to find a nesting site? Once we removed that silver bowl, she began emptying another bowl (made from coconut shell and strongly adhered to its post). She does this latter action almost daily now that the silver bowl is gone. Curious behavior, Mary ann. I suggested we put a nest box back in, but practical as always, J said no, five budgies is more than enough.
I have read a number of budgie internet sights that malign female budgies. We have observed at least two (Mary ann and Boo) and probably more (Lola was probably female but so young, ditto for Mia, and re: Magoo, it is hard to say, s/he could go either way at this point). I must say in their defense that female budgies are delightful and each has her own personality. Both our females are more tame then the male(s), although Sutcliffe does pretty well, especially considering he came from the Pet Store "Budgie Bin". Females definitely chew on a lot more sticks. Mary ann can make short work of a clothespin in about a day or so! Perhaps this is part of the nest building instinct. Both Boo and Mary ann are more aggressive towards the other birds from time to time, but as long as they get their space, they do alright (although Boo can be a bit unreasonable about sharing cilantro and sometimes bites her dad's tail for no apparent reason).

Hedgehog Meets Cat (Igel und Katze)

2008-04-08T14:34:00.003-04:00

Check out this video from Google!

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5224133467918685712&q=igel&hl=en

I can't embed this video, so you'll have to click the link or paste it into your browser...but it is worth the extra step! Anyone who doesn't like this Igel, is just a cranky kitty!

Check this Out (Turn Speakers ON!) by Waverly Films

2008-04-07T17:34:00.001-04:00

Shower Time

2008-04-05T17:26:00.005-04:00

The budgies really love their showers, which they get a couple times a week, ideally. It is hilarious to see how they try to press themselves against the cage sides to maximize water exposure. They let themselves get totally bedraggled! Boo, Mia, and Magoo are the most enthusiastic about it. Perhaps this is because they are younger? I tried bowls with water in them (and sticks to allow easy climbing in and out) but these were not used at all. I once held Boo near running water in the sink (apparently some budgies really like this) but she was not interested.

Thanks to our readers, especially those who are leaving comments! It really keeps me motivated to post!

Budgies are Getting Long Wing Feathers: To Clip or Not to Clip?

2008-04-02T20:12:00.008-04:00

To clip or not to clip? That was the subject, in part, of an earlier blog, in part, where I discussed that wing clipping was not cruel, since, for domesticated budgies, it could save their lives as there are many hazards that not flying well could help them avoid (such as, for example, flying into a tray of goo). This was written right after witnessing Magoo's terrible accident.

However, now that I have some distance from the accident, I realize I remain on the fence about this subject. On the internet, there are very strong opinions. Some feel that wing clipping is an essential part of bird ownership and not clipping is as absurd as never getting your kid potty trained. Others find that sentiment enormously offensive, and feel that clipping wings is just plain wrong. Whoah! It just isn't clear what should be done. And, if wing clipping is chosen, the vet says that only the vet should do it (quelle surprise).

On the one hand, clipping wings leads to better safety. On the other hand, birds are evolved to fly. Flying is what birds to, and to clip their wings is to lessen that joy. I'd like to know your views on this subject, so leave comments even if incendiary, on the topic!

Budgies Love Cilantro

2008-03-26T17:20:00.003-04:00

Happy Boo's Day to You!!!

2008-03-25T13:14:00.000-04:00

Some of you have been industrious, others of you, perhaps, slothful lie-a-beds. Some, to our sorrow, have not been feeling well. Others, and most, we hope, have been doing great! No matter how you have been the last seven days, another week has rolled around and it is once again time to observe
BOOS DAY!
While we don't have a picture handy for Boo's Day this week, we can report that Boo is doing great, but has been rather naughty. This morning she was singing joyfully. However, a few days ago, when a clump of cilantro was served, Boo bit her dear old dad (Sutcliffe) very hard on his wing and pulled it while he was trying to eat! I have never seen another budgie do this, other than Mary ann to Lola. I think Sutcliffe is fine and he can take care of himself, but this was very very bratty. Boo also was nibbling K's nose with affection, but then bit VERY hard! Clearly, she is feeling a bit aggressive, and perhaps, towards those who love her the most. Go ahead, you parents out there, say it (with a sigh):
"TEENAGERS".

Adorable Hedgehog Video (Igel Beim Essen)

2008-03-24T13:14:00.000-04:00

We just got an email from Heavenly Hedgehogs (see http://www.heavenlyhedgehogs.com/) who has our hedgehog on reserve: all is in order for an April 20th adoption!

I hope you can all view this adorable video. It has become quite popular in the US as well as Japan and Germany (where it is entitled "Igel Beim Essen").

Bill and Quills?

2008-03-22T14:50:00.000-04:00

The big news for next month is that a hedgehog is going to join our household (fingers crossed). We had to reserve one as only a few breeders exist in the area. We are schedule to get the hedgehog on April 20th. So, the blog may soon be both about Budgies and Hedgehogs. We would like to ask our gentle readers for thoughts on the name of the blog. Perhaps Bills and Quills? Budgies and Hedgies? Perches and Burrows? Let us know if you have any good ideas!

I Need You and I Need My Space

2008-03-11T20:34:00.001-04:00

Budgie social behavior clearly has defined distances that are acceptable. About one and one half a budgie length is a comfortable distance. Getting closer than less than one budgie length to another bird signifies a "one of us is gonna hafta move" action. This seems to be true horizontally, vertically, and diagonally. Who makes whom move helps sort out the pecking order. In the aviary, very little true pecking goes on, as happened in a smaller cage. There is plenty of perch space, food bowls, at several different levels. Sutcliffe and Mary ann stay much closer to each other than this, as a breeding pair. He is always feeding her and hopping to be near her. It is also important not to be directly under anyone else. I suspect that this is for two reasons; 1. if you are right under someone else, you might get crapped on, literally. 2. having something on top means you can be swooped down upon and pinned, not a good thing for a tiny budgie who could serve as food for a larger bird of prey. Hiding in a thicket, though, with loose twigs above seems to be copacetic, once again for fairly obvious reasons--it would be very hard to swoop down and trap a budgie who was in a thicket. Also, climbing into a collection of twigs and pulling at them to tear them apart brings great joy to the budgies. It may help them keep their beaks groomed. Also, it probably is instinctually a good way to forage.

Adopted and Beloved

2008-03-11T20:33:00.001-04:00

Mary ann is a wonderful budgie. She is the only one who has been adopted from a shelter; the process for budgie adoption is ridiculous. In order to adopt a budgie from the pound, you need to visit twice, fill out forms, and even have a home inspection. They have set the bar absurdly high. We were about to adopt a budgie instead of getting Mia, but the hassle factor was so great that we gave in and went and bought her from the budgie bin. Couldn't they make the process a bit less of a disincentive for a pet that costs $15-25 at any local pet shop? It would be better for budgies I think, because adoption is better than purchase for most pets.

I suspect that Mary Ann was a beloved pet prior to what must have been an escape from somewhere. We don't know anything about her background so this is speculation. However, she is very tame, accustomed to finger sitting, and is quite beautiful. I can't imagine anyone ever giving her up voluntarily (but you just never know). She came from the Montgomery County animal shelter where there were several other options. I am glad we chose her.

She has been an excellent mother to her two offspring. She became very thin during her two incubations, but it plumping up again. For a while, before Magoo was conceived, she was getting so plump that she could not fly at all, even with full wings, and often fell off the perch. Hopefully the new aviary will afford her enough exercise to stay more fit. She was very unkind to Lola, but, doesn't seem to mind Mia that much, and doesn't seem to mind Boo at all despite Boo's puberty.

While she is not particularly attentive to Sutcliffe, she clearly considers him her "man". He may be overly attentive, feeding her pretty much regularly. She almost never even has to feed herself. We really love Mary ann a lot.

Happy Boo's Day Tuesday March 11th, 2008

2008-03-11T20:23:00.000-04:00

Happy Boo's Day! I realize that Boo-blogging and other Budgie-blogging activities have hit a lull...but all is well in budgie-land! In fact, the budgies are very happy living in a flock, and having N+1 feedbowls, N+3 perches, and multiple perch levels. While perch preference seems to convey status (that is, the bird with status seems to get to eat and stand where she wants), it is not always the highest perch. Mary ann remains top bird, but, due to her girth which is maintained by an ever attentive Sutcliffe, Boo is the more active second in command, chasing other birds away from where she wants to be. She is into puberty at full tilt, with a brown crinkly cere. Boo remains adorable and affectionate. Yes, she is the favorite. Is it so wrong to have a favorite?

Sutcliffe Enjoys Fatherhood

2008-03-03T19:53:00.000-05:00

Sutcliffe is truly the pater familias. He seems to enjoy time with Magoo, Boo, and of course his beloved, Mary Ann. He occasionally shoos Mia, but not in a hostile way. Boo can get cranky with him, from time to time, but what teenage daughter doesn't get cranky with dear old dad? Mary ann remains his main interest. He spends most of the time feeding her, or himself. I think that if it weren't for Sutcliffe's care in the "hospital cage" after the accident, Magoo would not have lived. I'm very proud of him.

We're BACK!

2008-03-01T20:04:00.000-05:00

After a long hiatus (we even skipped Boo's day this week!) we are back posting on the budgie blog. We thought no one was reading it as no comments have been forthcoming. However, an ecouraging email came (thanks C!) motivating us to resume.

The new cage has perches at many levels. It seems that the budgies like to space themselves relatively evenly throughout the cage most of the time. Harmony largely prevails. A great joy was brought to all when a ball that was labeled as "toy", made of wicker, was purchased, filled with cilantro, and put in the cage. In a day and a half, the entire top of the ball was destroyed. Even after the cilantro was all eaten, shredding the toy seemed to be a lot of fun for all. I think I will make some toys out of straw from the craft store, wrapped around seeds. The budgies seem to take great pleasure in shredding things that have some food associated with them.

Female Bonding-Happy Boo's Day! Tuesday February 19, 2008

2008-02-19T19:45:00.000-05:00

Happy Boo's Day to You! Happy Boo's Day to Yoooooooo!

Yes, it's Boo's Day again. Here are Boo and Mary Ann, who are getting along well. In fact everyone seems to be getting along these days in the new, big cage. Its not easy to see in this photo, but Boo has a crinkley cere, which is brownish pink. He is decidedly a she, as discussed before. Why is it so hard for me to get my mind around this? Boo is still happy and having a blast being Boo. Yesterday, she had a good time nibbling my nose; I sniffed her back in return. It was a bonding experience.

Life in a Cage?

2008-02-16T10:19:00.000-05:00

Does a caged budgie feel sad? Or yearn for "Freedom"? Of course, we have no way of knowing. These budgies were born and raised in captivity, so perhaps they don't, or perhaps, not as much as a wild budgie would. However, I often wonder if their instinct to fly, when frustrated, feels a bit badly. We can't let them be free; its too dangerous. Perhaps, metaphorically speaking, some of our own limitations exist to help us and even protect us, although we cannot see it in that way ourselves?

Birds Sleeping

2008-02-13T21:30:00.000-05:00

As you can see, the budgies like to sleep in this posture at night. Its kind of cute, and also, at the same time, a bit odd!

Happy Boo's Day-Tuesday February 11, 2008

2008-02-12T18:39:00.000-05:00

Can it be? Another perfectly good week has gone by, much of it squandered on activities other than blogging, and now its Boo's day again?

All five budgies are doing well in the new cage. The perch order is variable. Sometimes, Boo just needs a bit of space and climbs to the top of the rungs (as seen here). Could this be because she is now going through puberty, and needs more time alone? Is she a broody teenager? Or testing her limits? Climbing up to the very top of the rungs, and hanging with tail down, wings folded, head straight, is how all five sleep at night these days. However, the rest of the time, they all seem to enjoy many different perches and food bowls (perches are many, and food bowls are "n+1"). On lower rungs, the inhabitants vary; sometimes Sutcliffe and Mia, Mia and Magoo, or Sutcliffe and Mary ann. There are almost always two birds on the bottom perches, but never Boo. We have seen almost no fighting all week. So, the cage seems to be copacetic. All the eucalyptus (the last of which was used in this cage set up) has been eaten, shredded, or trampled with joy except for a few twigs which still give much pleasure to the budgies, who like to hop on them, and let them bounce up and down a bit.

We note that some of our regular readers are also missing, some for known reasons: R due to extensive travel and hard work, and C, due to flu. Good wishes for happy flying and rapid fleeing of flu!!

Happy Boo's Day-Tuesday February 5th!

2008-02-05T14:10:00.000-05:00

Whether you were enormously productive, or, completely irresponsible over the last seven days, another week has rolled by, and once again, it is BOOS-DAY!

To conitinue in the spirit of MGs remark about the budgies looking as if they are snorkling (see Parrots in the Land of Oz Jan 30th entry) (Thanksf or comment, MG!) we thought we would address budgies and water, including, Boo-ish approaches to this subject.

As MG has noted, budgies do love water. I haven't yet observed our budgies bathing in water, even though pools have been made available to them in the past. However, when a spray bottle is used to spray into the cage, the budgies get very excited. Some, especially Boo, press their little under-bellies up against the edge of the cage in order to get their lower bodies completely drenched. Most of the budgies sit and jump in the spray bottle mist for a while, then retire to a less wet part of the cage. They also like licking water off of the wire of the cage and off of any greens that are there. Boo does not limit herself when it comes to water, however! Boo sits in the water until her feathers are completely damp, even to the point where she can't move very gracefully. Often, she will let herself get so wet, she'll fall off the perch. Now THAT is a love of water!

Parrots in the Land of Oz! (Thanks M!)

2008-01-30T19:56:00.000-05:00

You have GOT to check out this website, http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/parrotsinoz/ about a PBS show, "Parrots in the Land of Oz". It has great video clips from the show. For example, it explains that the lovely violet "Elizabeth Taylor spots" which I so admire are seen by a special photoreceptor. Apparently, budgies are able to see ultraviolet. If you check it out, you will also learn more about wild budgies and other parrot behavior. You can even buy the show, which sadly we missed Sun PM when it was on television. (So of course, we just ordered it as a DVD-its backordered).
Thanks M for this wonderful link! I know the flock will enjoy seeing the video once it arrives.

Magoo Chin Feathers Grow Back

2008-01-28T21:40:00.001-05:00

As you can see from this picture, the fuzzy white down that grew back in a couple of days after the accident has fallen out from Magoo's chin. Now, s/he has new growth of body feathers-short and hard, rounded on the end, and green. It's rather cute, and also, a bit hideous at the same time. Magoo still has the remnant of goo on his/her forehead, as you can see. Trying to remove this didn't seem necessary, and we expect it to just fall off during molting. S/he also still has the white downy "temporary" feathers on the chest. Magoo seems respectful of Boo, and deferential, but is willing to fight Sutcliffe for perches and greens. Boo gladly will push Sutcliffe away from any desired perch or treat. Those two babies are not respectful enough of their dear old dad who has treated them so well!

Happy Boo's-Day! Tuesday, Jan 29th, 2008-Boo and her Nemesis

2008-01-28T21:31:00.000-05:00

Have spent the last seven days productively? Or completely squandered them?
Either way, another week has passed and it is once again Boo's-Day! (trumpet flourish!)
Boo is pictured here with her nemesis, Mia. Yes, HER. Boo is decidedly a female. It was clear yesterday, when we noted HER cere turning a bit brown and krinkled. That is a classic hallmark of a female budgie. Other feminine traits include gnawing on sticks (although all budgies enjoy this).
And, another interesting Boo-note: When in a cage with Magoo, and Sutcliffe, Boo is the top-perch bird. Perhaps this is just her femininity coming into play? Are females the top perch sitters as a general rule?

Magoo Doing Great!

2008-01-25T18:41:00.001-05:00

Magoo is doing great! His neck is still missing a few feathers, and his forehead still has some residual goo on it, but otherwise he seems happy and sassy! Sutcliffe remains the dedicated father.

Feathers

2008-01-22T19:45:00.000-05:00

A bona fide avian biologist would scoff at this amateurish blog today which is about different types of feathers we have observed.

Baby white down: this is apparently fast growing, and must require less complexity to develop. It is the fluffy white down that first appears on a baby budgie, and also, the first to grow after an injury (Magoo sprouted this type in his denuded chest area first, but now is getting regular feathers, as pictured above, from her/his best angle!).
Chest/head/body medium feathers: these are softer than the wing/tail feathers, shorter, and more round. They are the ones that seem to fall out when budgies fight.
Wing and tail feathers: long, and in our birds, have stripes in a contrasting color. In the white birds Sutcliffe and Mia, the contrasting stripes are a subtle blue-ish, yellow, or gray. On the greenish birds, these are black. On the Lutino (Mary ann) no stripes are seen. These feathers are stiff, narrow, and could make some very nice quill pens. The tail feathers in particular are especially long and come to a lovely point. Several of the flight feathers also come to a long point in the back, and fold across the back of an unclipped budgie.

Since budgies are considered a member of the tribe of broad-tailed parrots (Platycercini), biologists clearly found the tail feathers impressive.

More about color variations and patterns in future blogs!

Happy Boos Day! January 22, 2008-Pecking Orders

2008-01-22T10:21:00.000-05:00

Yes, another week has gone by, and once again is is BOOS-day!

To celebrate Boo's day, we'll talk about Boo's status in the pecking order, how it isn't predictable, and how it might be informative regarding budgie politics generally (warning: they are quite complex). I will list pecking orders from top bird to bottom bird and annote when and how Boo filled these various roles.

1st. Boo was top bird when s/he and Lola were alone together in a cage. In fact, Boo was so aggressive towards Lola, that I was afraid that the latter would never get to feed properly nor sleep comfortably.

2nd. Boo is currently second on the totem pole, with Mia in third place. However, when it was only her/him and Mia in the cage, Boo was decidedly "Bottom Bird". He even rolled on his back in a pathetic way when Mia pecked her/him! This led the vet himself to say "what a submissive little bird!" The order is: Mary ann 1st, Boo second, Mia third. Boo and Mia bicker a lot.

3rd. With both Sutcliffe and Mary ann in the mix, along with Boo, as well as Lola, it was: Mary ann 1st, Sutcliffe second, Boo third (although seemed close: and sometimes Boo seemed tied with Sutcliffe for second), and Lola decidedly coming in last (as always).

Where will Magoo fit into this pecking order? And what might be a good way to research the pecking order with more combinations? I am thinking: try the following combinations:

-Boo with Magoo

-Boo, Magoo, and Sutcliffe

-Boo, Magoo, and Mia

-Mia and Magoo only

-Magoo and Mary ann only

-Magoo, Sutcliffe, and Mary ann

Magoo and Mia only

-Boo, Magoo, Sutcliffe, and Mary ann

-all five (this is the long range goal for the new big cage, in any case!)

All you math and engineering wizards can probably think of a very good way to organize and research this! A matrix for this is welcome.

New Habitats

2008-01-20T13:09:00.001-05:00

The three cage still-life we previously had, has been migrated to a one cage, two tier habitat. The new cage was purchased via "Ebay". It arrived a bit banged up, but not worth contacting the seller about. In any case, the new cage is much more harmonious, working towards restoring feng shui to the budgie world. K for one is very pleased that 1) the netting used to keep seed and feathers from flying out of the cages fit the new cage (Thanks for the netting O and O!) and 2) there will be a lot less clean up overall with things consolidated in this manner. Everyone seems perfectly happy with their new home! The bottom tier contains Boo, Mary ann, and Mia. The top tier, Magoo and his dad, Sutcliffe. As soon as Magoo seems completely healed, we will merge the two into one (a handy feature of this new cage-we can remove the middle divider and make one big cage). Boo and Mia are hardly fighting at all, and Boo seems happy, and unharrassed, as he munches on the millet seed that O and O recently sent (Thanks!). Everyone else is also enjoying the millet seed. The homes are also decorated nicely with the new Christmas toys that M and family sent (Thanks also!). Of course, the one with the baby building blocks on it went into Magoo and Sutcliffe's cage.
Magoo continues to heal. However, he is exceedingly wild. Today while K was adjusting a perch in his cage, he flew out, and flew right into the window pane. Sigh. I hope his James Dean personality doesn't lead to a similiar "live fast, die young" fate.