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.

Prepare to Be Surrounded by a Large Flock of Budgies!

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?

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.