Misled

The ads for bird products at the top of this blog are not supported by J-Birds. I've checked out a couple of sites and the products were terrible. Be especially wary of the cages. Email us with any product you're interested in and we will be happy to offer our honest opinion.
- posted by J-Birds @ 8:17 PM |

 
Name That Tune

Eclectus roratus roratus
Eclectus roratus vosmaeri
Eclectus roratus westermani
Eclectus roratus cornelia
Eclectus roratus riedeli
Eclectus roratus polychloros
Eclectus roratus biaki
Eclectus roratus aruensis
Eclectus roratus macgillivrayi
Eclectus roratus solomonensis

1) The Eclectus brothers of ancient Rome?
2) Types of sushi in the Solomon Islands?
3) Information you will need to ship a certain type of parrot on Delta Airlines?
4) All of the above

- posted by J-Birds @ 7:50 PM |

 
The Eddgar Has Landed

Eddgar arrived in Grand Rapids at 9:15 pm after 11+ hours on airplanes and in airports. A tired and hungry little bird but not too stressed out. Brian and Dana are relieved and happy.
- posted by J-Birds @ 9:43 PM |

 
Dejavu

We waved goodbye to Eddgar today at 12:00 on his way to Atlanta. In Atlanta, his flight was cancelled to Grand Rapids due to "mechanical problems". When I called the Pets First desk they informed me that they could not help me locate or re-route the bird. This was the responsibility of the Tracking department. When I asked what a "Pets First" department did, they replied that they only took reservations. I told them that they may as well be called "Fruit and Vegetables First" and hung up.

The Tracking Department answered the phone and placed me on hold. Every five minutes the attendant would get back on the line and ask a question...Flight number?...Waybill number?...Weight of the bird?...Size of the cage?...Type of bird? After 20 minutes of this they told me the "system was down". (Perhaps it was another "mechanical failure")

He then told me that without the computer, I knew more than they did regarding the shipment. This is right about the time I hung up on him.

Dana and Brian are waiting patiently in Grand Rapids. I'm waiting for the stupid Delta computer system to return and I'm composing an article comparing and contrasting Delta with a real airline.
- posted by J-Birds @ 3:36 PM |

 
Shipping Anxiety

Tomorrow Eddgar goes to his home in Mancelona, Michigan. He decided to fly into Grand Rapids and have his new "parents" pick him up. A three hour drive for them. He's flying Delta which is not our favorite airline. But, the weather is moderate and he will do fine.

We often have more anxiety about shipping than the buyer. I guess it's the relationship we have with the bird. When we first started, every departure was an emotional crisis. This is only softened by the happy phone calls and wonderful photos from the new owners.

I like to be able to contact a buyer at anytime on the day of the flight. I call them when the bird is checked in to let them know when their baby is on its way. I often call them to inform them if there are any delays. I give them 30 minutes after landing to get the bird before calling to confirm that all is well and I tuck them in when they get home...then my job is finished and their's has begun.

We've only had one baby miss a connecting flight (on Delta) and within 5 minutes of realizing there was a problem I was talking to Mike in Delta Cargo in Cincinnatti who was eating a hamburger with our bird on his desk sharing the bun. He assured me that the baby would be on the next flight and he was having a great time. Nice guy...Mike, lousy cargo airline...Delta.
- posted by J-Birds @ 9:30 PM |

 
Thoughts On People

Ever notice what motivates a person to buy? I have become a student of the buying mentality. If a person has no knowledge of what it is they are buying or whom they are buying it from most of them will shop for the cheapest price.

If they develop even a passing relationship with the seller they will be willing to pay more because they are buying the product from a "friend". If they do their homework and learn how to differentiate quality they will pay a lot more, but they also get a lot more for their purchase.

One of my neighbors is putting an addition on his home. He most probably didn't research contractors and went for a "friend of a friend" who had the lowest price. As a result, his roof line doesn't match and his project has taken twice as long.

He replaced all of the windows in the home with double pane, low-E windows and is adding vinyl siding with additional foam board insulation to the entire home. He doesn't realize that this changes the air conditioning requirements of the home. So, when he's all finished, his home will be a terrific culture medium for mold and other insidious allergens.

And he thought loud Cockatoos were a problem...;-)
- posted by J-Birds @ 8:28 PM |

 
Jealous Cats?

Better put your cat outside when you shower with your parrot.
- posted by J-Birds @ 5:45 PM |

 
Then There's Waldo

Spreading the word of god to heathen birds in Texas.
- posted by J-Birds @ 5:35 PM |

 
Kakapo?

Very interesting bird, the Kakapo. Thanks for all of you who fret over this bird.
- posted by J-Birds @ 5:22 PM |

 
Lets See...

Good bird gone bad...No.
Neglectful owners, the rave...No
Birds are mirrors...No
Journey from juveniles to adults...Maybe
Taming a wild bird...Maybe
Grooming...Maybe
Diet...No
Shipping parrots...Maybe
Eclectus as pets...Maybe
The wonderful world of Congos...Maybe...not
Most common mistakes when owning a parrot...Maybe
Suggestions...Please

- posted by J-Birds @ 8:58 PM |

 
Everyman

I've been asked to write an article for publication in the Louisiana Aviculture Society's monthly newsletter. This newsletter usually contains an article about a particular species of parrot, or smaller bird, and a national article that we reprint with permission. I don't consider myself an expert on any particular bird. At least not when compared to the significant experts who are members of the club.

This club is dimorphic. The controlling members are all breeders or collectors with significant numbers of birds. On the other hand, 70% of the total membership are pet bird owners with a special affection for birds. These are known at the people who pay the bills.

So the problem I'm having is do I write an article of interest to the majority of members or do I "parrot" back an article about a bird species that I've researched and cater to the sensitivities of the senior members of the group.

If you've been reading the blog for long you most probably know the answer. I'm going to write an article for everyman. If you see a variety of lengthy blogs posted in coming weeks just know that I'm trying out different topics in abbreviated form. If you see something that hits home I'd appreciate your comments. (Especially if you have a lot of experience as a writer for small local newspapers ':-).

See ya soon. - Craig
- posted by J-Birds @ 6:34 PM |

 
Rhymes With Odi

Received this "typical" letter today. Since we are under attack in the neighborhood we can't be of assistance at this time. Maybe you could help.

I am looking for a new home for my (Timneh) Grey. "She" is 12 1/2 years old, in great health & perfect feather, an excellent talker, not a screamer and comes with a very nice large cage. "She" needs to go to someone with an abundance of bird experience. She is not very handleable. She will step up on your arm on occasion but is very timid. I rescued her about 2 years ago and have worked with her as much as possible but do not have the time needed to totally rehab her. I do not believe she was abused but I think she was greatly neglected. She did not know what toys were and was kept in a wire dog crate. She now has a nice cage and plenty of toys and is a much happier bird. If you know anyone who would be interested in her please e-mail me. Oh by the way they must like the Andy Griffith show as she whistles it on a regular basis. Thank you for your time.

Call us or send an email for the name, email address and phone number of this person. - Craig

- posted by J-Birds @ 8:10 PM |

 
To Wean Or Not To Wean

There is much discussion in the bird community regarding whether a baby bird should be sold before it is weaned. We have seen or heard both sides of the argument. It is clear to us that no baby should be sold to anyone besides an experienced handfeeder until it is on two-a-day handfeedings and is eating well on its own.

On the positive side we see new owners giving the juvenile bird much more attention than it would get in a breeding/handfeeding environment. This increase in socialization at an early age appears to be good for the baby.

It's not so much the bird bonding with the new owner as the owner bonding with the bird. Many first-time owners are fearful of parrot beaks. It's hard to be afraid of your new bird when you have fed it for 4-6 weeks until it is weaned.

On the negative side the new owner rarely maintains adequate body weight of the baby. This situation usually corrects itself during the first year. From a size standpoint, this seems to be determined during the first 10 weeks prior to two-a-day feedings.

We have also heard of inexcusable mistakes caused primarily by overconfident buyers. Instead of listening and learning from their breeder, they dismiss all instructions as trivial and have the attitude that it is simple to feed a baby. It is simple if everything goes right.

An experienced handfeeder knows what to do if something goes wrong. All of us have a feel for each baby in our care. We monitor their food intake and general health several times a day. We know what the baby's weight should be at any age and take steps to correct an underweight bird. We also know when to stop relying on our own experience and take an underperforming baby to an avian vet for testing and advice.

Sell or not? We use the same experience to read our buyers. We know when a new owner is mature and responsible, asks the right questions, expresses the proper concerns, prepares in advance for the baby to arrive and calls us with a million questions. Is a new owner willing to be trained over a few weeks to care for their new charge? Do they live close enough that we can visit to answer questions and see the baby?

This is a very difficult and emotionally charged topic. Even experienced handfeeders started as novices with their first bird. I suggest that, as a prospective owner, you ask yourself if it's worth the risk. We know that the rewards are great.

- posted by J-Birds @ 7:50 PM |

 
Sorry

A man took his bird to the avian vet because it had been sick. The vet said, "I have good news and I have bad news. The bad news is, your bird has chirpees. The good news is, it's tweetable."

- posted by J-Birds @ 8:15 PM |

 
A Thousand Whatcha Doin's

Went out to visit T.J. and Star, who are in exile, yesterday. They were both camped out in their new nest box. When Jay heard me he almost hurt himself scrambling up and out of the box. He got face to face with me and greeted me with a "whatcha doin". He didn't stop talking for the twenty minutes I spent with him. He loves to be petted and I stayed until he seemed satisfied. My hands were white with feather dust.

Star came out a little while later. She was very shy around me but she looked wonderful. It will be a happy homecoming when we welcome them back. Hopefully very soon...Craig
- posted by J-Birds @ 8:58 AM |

 
Lady Olivia And The Prophet

I was sitting in the living room tonight when I heard Olivia in her sternest voice saying, "No Prophet, No! Bad bird, bad bird." I went into the breakfast room to find Prophet sitting on the main perch inside Olivia's cage and Olivia on the bottom grate with a really annoyed look on her face. Ya just never know...but you often wonder.
- posted by J-Birds @ 8:10 PM |

 
Chateau Plumage

Once upon a time in the world of parrots the servants (owners) realized that peace in the kingdom depended upon keeping the serfs (neighbors) content with their mundane existence. This existence consisted of painting and re-painting thier castles, trimming and re-trimming thier lawns, building and tearing down ungainly lawn ornaments, and gossiping about other serfs.

A days journey by foot lay a wonderful land populated by a fiercely independent folk with trees and horses and cattle and even a few parrots. In this land the people didn't gossip or worry about how many goals little uncordinated Johnny scored at the last soccer match. Their goal in life was independence-- not caring if the other serfs were like them or not--celebrating the freedom of not having to look alike.

At the center of this land lay 24 acres of land called Chateau Plumage. A haven of sorts... fully of trees, lakes, gardens and fountains. Having found this wondrous place, the servants decided to make an offer to buy it from the local Lord. This tale remains unfinished, pending the Lord's response. Return ye again to know its conclusion.
- posted by J-Birds @ 8:18 PM |

 
Parrots And The Law

A man goes into a pet shop to buy a parrot. The shop owner points to three identical-looking parrots on a perch and says, "The parrot on the left costs $500." "Why does the parrot cost so much?" asks the customer. The owner says "Well, the parrot knows how to do legal research."

The customer then asks about the next parrot, to be told that this one costs $1,000 because it can do everything the other parrot can do plus it knows how to write a brief that will win any case.

Naturally, the increasingly startled customer asks about the third parrot, to be told that it costs $4,000. Needless to say, this begs the question, "What can it do?"

To which the owner replies, "To be honest, I've never seen him do a darn thing, but the other two call him Senior Partner."

- posted by J-Birds @ 9:28 PM |

 
Are You A Goose Or A Duck?

Sorry we haven't posted in a few days. Last weekend we got a letter from the city we live in that told us we were in violation of the city zoning ordinances and were conducting a "business" in a residential zone. Amazing that they can take a kitchen hobby and construe it as a business. I guess we didn't help by having a website that makes us look like a parrot megastore.

The problem in a nutshell is T.J. TJ is an Umbrella Cockatoo that was given to us 18 months ago. He sits in a cage in our back yard with his girlfriend Star. TJ is still a pet. Unfortunately, he is still an Umbrella also. Every night he (and every other Umbrella in the world) screams for about 20 minutes. It's his celebration of life in a way. When TJ screams you can hear him a quarter of a mile away.

Our neighbors, who shall remain nameless for a while, complained to the city several times. The city building inspector who enforces zoning got involved and has decided to use the only recourse he has by citing us in violation of city zoning ordinances. The sticky point is that the problem is not that our hobby is violating zoning goals and objectives. TJ's noise is annoying the neighbors.

This would fall under police jurisdiction for disturbing the peace. Since the city building inspector is not a policeman he decided to use his only authority to try and solve the problem. We are making a good faith effort by relocating TJ to the countryside with friends. We are trying to resolve the dispute with the city in a friendly and civil manner.

If you have any suggestions, email us at the address below...later, Craig
- posted by J-Birds @ 8:34 PM |