Mantazilla

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

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

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!

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.