Rethinking Budgie Priorities

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.

The Baby Can Now Stand on Perch

Yesterday, when we handled the baby, he was able to hold onto a finger with one foot, or another, but not with both, and could not stand. We placed him in the bottom of the cage, and Stucliffe, herded him and showed him the way back up towards the nest box, but we gave him his final shove back into it. When we go to get him out, he scurries out the front of the box! Today, he was much more skillful, and stood well on a finger. He also has become a good flyer, literally, overnight. This baby is really a prodigy! He is not too tame, though, at least not yet. Today, we put all three cages (1. the nuclear family of Sutcliffe, Mary Ann, baby, 2. Boo 3. Mia) in the same room. There was much flock-related excitement from all. Our ultimate goal: one communal cage (For heaven's sake, this multi-cage cleaning and feeding is making us bonkers). The baby, who was OUTSIDE the box on his own volition this morning, spent the rest of the day in the box after the arrival of Boo and Mia in their respective cages. Mary ann is being quite snarky to Sutcliffe. Its not clear if she is just reverting back to her old self, now that the baby is older, or if having the flock around stressed her out. As experience with Lola showed, Sutcliffe does have a wandering eye (hence, his nickname, "Slutcliffe").

Thanks to all who have voted, DON'T FORGET TO VOTE!!!! It seems that the problem with voting twice has been solved, and votes will only be noted once. Or, at least once per computer.

Note: If you check results, it looks like "Lovey" is winning, but, that is only because I don't know how to resolve the minor glitch that, every time you click "check results", a vote goes to Lovey, even though, Lovey no longer appears as a choice. Free widget poll, what can I say?

We were pleased to see Legal Aid's comment, re: letting the Baby Bird pick its own name. However, it isn't clear to us how to organize that. thoughts?