#clipping african grey wings

[birds-galore]

Hi, I was wondering, what do birds do around your home and how do they interact with you? I feel like we know so much about other animals as pets but not birds.

This is a great question! I really wish more information about birds existed in the cultural ether, especially because so many birds are surrendered to rescues by people who didn't know what to expect. I am going to talk more generally about birds as pets, (long answer incoming), with specifics about my own birds at the end:

Birds are a very diverse group of pets. Unlike dogs and cats, pet birds comprise many different species (not breeds) that exhibit their own behaviors and personalities. This includes everything from pigeons to macaws to songbirds, originating from different regions all around the world. Alongside owning and fostering multiple bird species, I also write bios for my local rescue and create educational materials, so I know a lot about the daily challenges and joys of owning birds as companion animals. While it's true that no two dogs or cats are the same, it's even truer that no two birds are alike.

Based on my volunteer work and personal experience, here are the primary factors that influence daily life with a bird: species, tameness, flightedness, personality.

More info under the cut for those interested -- plus information about my life with personal and foster birds!

SPECIES: Some species, like finches, aren't super interactive or hands-on with humans. Other species are highly social and can become tightly bonded with owners. Cockatiels often bond with one person, for instance, and can be quite clingy. Some species, like Quakers, can be very territorial around their cage but are often friendly and goofy outside the cage. All species have their own unique vocalizations and body language. Birds like cockatoos and African Greys are talented talkers and can have a rich vocabulary. Other species (and female birds) are less likely to talk. Behavior, diet, and cage requirements vary drastically between species.

TAMENESS: This refers to how comfortable a bird is with human handling. Many birds we get at my rescue are not hand-tame, meaning they won't step up onto an outstretched hand and might even bite if threatened. We do rehabilitative fostering, which means we teach birds to trust human contact and companionship. Hand tame birds will step up and hang out with their owners. Some (but not all) will even request head scratches --though this also depends on personality. Trusting, trained, and hand-tamed birds can be taught tricks. Birds are very discerning animals, and they are picky about who they choose to trust. They are more likely to trust people who respect their boundaries and read their nonverbal cues.

FLIGHTEDNESS: This refers to whether a bird is a capable or active flyer. Not all birds are skilled at flying, or even want to fly. Some owners will clip feathers to prevent birds from flying, usually for safety reasons (though this is controversial practice among certain circles.) Flighted birds have more autonomy when outside the cage, exploring, stretching their wings, and perching in high up places. Even fully flighted birds in a bird-proofed home still need a cage to sleep in and feel secure.

PERSONALITY: Some birds are clowns, others are sassy. You get meek, brave, prissy, adventurous, gregarious, docile, reserved, etc... Bird personalities are every bit as complicated and diverse as human personalities. Some birds enjoy scratches and show affection by snuggling against their owner's neck, chin, or hands. Other birds don't want to be touched and will bite or hiss if provoked. Likewise, some will want to spend every waking moment with their owner, while others will be more independent. Birds are highly intelligent. They can learn to understand words, hand gestures, and environmental cues. As flock animals, they also have social and emotional intelligence.

Now that I've gotten the general facts out of the way, here are some details about my own feathered friends:

Pixel the cockatiel: She's the main bird on this blog, because she's also my most interactive companion. Pixel is a fully hand tame cockatiel, meaning she will step up onto my hand and hang out on my shoulder. She has a big flight cage full of colorful toys with confetti shredders and woodblocks for stimulation, plus rope boings, noisemakers, and popsicle sticks (she's spoiled). I buy her new toys often and cycle them so she won't get bored. I cover her cage at night to regulate her hormonal cycles and prevent egg laying (birds need about 10 hours of darkness every night.) I uncover her in the mornings and feed her breakfast (a mix of nutriberries and Zupreem pellets, supplemented with fresh veggies for lunch and dinner). Once she is finished, she will often fly to my head or shoulder and hang out with me while I work at my desk. She loves distracting me by chewing on my earrings, grabbing my pencils, and walking on my keyboard. Lately I've been letting her play with my grandmother's button collection. She will toss them around and make a mess! She also looooves head scratches and will gently peck my hand and bow her head to request more. She gets frustrated when I'm too preoccupied to give her attention. She takes naps in the late morning, sometimes on my lap or shoulder, and occasionally on the back of my desk chair.

On slower days, we have training sessions. I've taught her how to spread her wings, spin around, and wave her foot/make a little fist. Since Pixel is fully flighted, we also do flight training to ensure she remains healthy and coordinated. She will fly to my shoulder or hand from across the room. This kind of training is important in case Pixel somehow escapes outside, so she will know to fly back to me. I also plan on microchipping her soon.

Because birds are prey animals, they can get spooked easily. When Pixel is scared she will take off and fly around my house (this probably happens once a day, or a few times a week minimum). While she's a skilled flyer, this can be dangerous around mirrors and windows. She has several spots throughout the house where she knows to land, but it's important not to make sudden threatening movements or loud noises around birds to prevent them from getting spooked or losing trust.

When I'm away, I put on music for Pixel so she won't feel lonely -- usually a mixture of piano and birdsong, but sometimes aviary videos. When I get back home, she contact calls (AKA “screams”) because she wants to be with me. Contact calls are vocalizations that cockatiels make to locate flock members (AKA me). I let her out of her cage and she will ride around on my shoulder while I do chores or prepare food. We eat dinner together. She has a little stand with food dishes that I keep next to the table. I put her to bed around 7:30-8:00. When I climb into bed a few hours later, I will say “good night!” and she will answer with the softest, sweetest little “bweeep?” It melts my heart every time. Weekly, I will clean her cage and give her a spray bath, and every 3 or 4 months I take her to the vet for a nail trim.

She's quiet compared to some bird species, but she does squawk if I leave the room when she wants to be near me. I've also been socializing her with other people. When I first got her as a foster, she was terrified of my dad, the maintenance man, friends. But now she will perform tricks for my friends and family, and even step up on their shoulders if coaxed with treats. I've also traveled with her multiple times, both to the vet and on longer road trips. She's pretty adaptable and becoming better every day. She will climb into a bird backpack, and I have a smaller travel cage for her.

I had a childhood cockatiel named Kiiro, and I've been a bird-sitter for tiels at the rescue. They all have their own personalities and opinions. Some are more social with other birds, and some prefer human company. Pixel was my first foster bird and now she's an amazing family member. I'm so grateful that fate brought us together.

Jitterbug the canary: Jitterbug is the love of my life, and the first pet bird I got as an adult. I've had him for about 4 years now. He's a tiny, happy boy -- not hand tame. I don't let him out to fly, since he gets spooked easily and he's a clumsy flyer, but he lives in a HUGE bird mansion (even bigger than Pixel's cage) which I position next to a window. Male canaries are great singers. I usually don't cover him at night, so I wake up when he starts singing around 7:30/8:00am. His songs sound like laser beams. In the mornings I get him fresh food and water. I also clip spinach to the side of his cage which he eats with gusto. He takes little birdbaths throughout the day, splashing in his water dish. He likes watching videos, especially live birdfeeder webcams (I call them his "soap operas"). I put him to bed at sunset. He's super low maintenance and enjoys compliments.

Mr. Kazoo the zebra finch: My foster Mr. Kazoo is an elderly zebra finch, now partially hand tame. My routine with him is similar to Jitterbug, except I also give him a vitamin supplement in his water. He will hop onto my hand for millet, and he's vocally responsive to humans. If it were up to him, we would beep back-and-forth all day. He also builds tiny nests in a coconut hanging toy, using little sprigs of confetti and paper. The cutest little dude.

Parakeets (Bob and Helen): Throughout the spring and early summer, I fostered a pair of parakeets who had been found outdoors in a birdhouse. Most likely they had been released or abandoned by previous owners. These two were not hand tame, (they would bite when I tried to interact), but they were fully flighted and would zip together around my apartment. I gave them time to exercise outside of their cage a few times a week. They were a cute, chatty little couple. Much messier than any of my other birds though.

General notes on living with birds: It's easy to romanticize life with birds (it's really great), but I also want to note some of the quirks and inconveniences.

Molting is crazy. Be prepared to have feathers everywhere once or twice a year (depending on the species).

Seeds will be all over your floor. (I hope you like vacuuming).

Keep tissues or toilet paper handy for the poop. Most species will poop about every 20-30 minutes.

Birds can be loud. I have auditory sensitivity, but I've gotten used to them.

Avian vets are sometimes hard to find and expensive. Birds also hide illness, so you have to be attentive to catch health issues early.

Birds can live a looong time. Some species can live as long as us. Make sure you are financially and emotionally ready for the commitment.

Not all birds enjoy human company, and they do things on their own terms.

Birds like getting into trouble, chewing on things, stealing shiny objects, breaking necklaces, etc. Pixel once threw 3 consecutive pieces of jewelry into the sink drain while I was preparing for a formal event. Due to their intelligence, they will misbehave if they aren't getting enough attention or stimulation.

I know this was a long response, but I hope it was entertaining and clarifying! I wish information about daily life with birds were more readily available. It's a joy coexisting with them :)

[wingedauthor]

I am 100% down for the Headcanon that Gavin is a cat person. But I might I also raise him being a bird person? 

Meet Dipshit. The foul mouth, bitey, rescued African Grey whom many have compared to his owner. Hates everyone except Gavin (though he still gets bit). Nines is a very rare exception to this fact. Partially inspired by parrot swearing videos like this one. 

Headcanon below. Feel free to add:

As stated Dipshit is a rescue parrot. Three years prior to the revolution, they found him during a Red Ice Ring Raid. He was trapped in a small cage no bigger than him in a very dark room. Due to stress, he had plucked out most of his feathers. It was Gavin who found him and let him out of the cage despite the bird’s angry hissing. 

The bird bit him of course but having dealt with feral cats, Gavin remained calm ignoring the pain. Dipshit ran up his shoulder then and refused to get off; biting anyone and everyone who got too close to Gavin

Gavin took him to a local exotic shelter to see if they could find him a good home. Dipshit seemed... heartbroken seeing Gavin leave. Gavin stayed in touch with the shelter to see if anyone tried adopting him. Meanwhile he started doing research. After a few weeks of no one being willing to take in the angry bird, he decided to bring him home. 

Dipshit was uncharacteristically happy seeing Gavin again. Especially when he took the bird away. 

Gavin spent a good chunk of his savings getting the biggest cage that would fit in his apartment and an assortment of bird toys, perches, treats, food etc. That first night together, Gavin learned Dipshit was afraid of the dark and hates being locked in his cage. He pretty much screamed until Gavin turned the lights back on and opened the cage. Though not the best for his health, Gavin decided to just leave the cage door open at all times and leave a nightlight on for bird. 

Gavin still has a cat named Asshole. She was curious about Dipshit at first but much to Gavin’s relief, she really has no desire to chase Dipshit. He’s pretty sure Dipshit could take her on in a fight though. Slowly his feathers started to grow back but there’s still a few missing patches. Unlike most birds, Dipshit was quite content going long hours without seeing Gavin. As long as Gavin spent most of his time with the bird when he was home, he was fine. He has free range of Gavin’s apartment though will mostly sit on top of his cage or on a free standing perch in the living room. His wings are clipped just for safety. 

Dipshit did not help Hank’s fear of birds. 

The bird has picked up Gavin’s dislike of the lieutenant and attacks every time he sees Hank. Connor came over to apartment once to collect some case files and was attacked by Dipshit as well. He completely understands Hank’s fear now of that bird.

Nines was an interesting case. Maybe part of it was Gavin didn’t really have a seething hatred of the newer android and Dipshit picked up on that. The first time he came over, Dipshit put on his threatening dance. 

Gavin: Careful he bites Nines: I cannot feel pain Detective but I appreciate your concern Gavin: I’m not worried about you dumb ass. Dipshit can easily bite through your plastic fingers and thirium is extremely poisonous to birds. Nines: Noted.

But Nines showed no fear. Dipshit obeyed a very stern command to not bite and step up. Gavin was completely shocked. Dipshit never listened to anyone. Not even the vets. 

To rub salt in the wound, Nines was the first person who was able to give Dipshit scritches. He explained that sometimes angry creatures just needed a kind but firm tone. (Not unlike a certain detective). Nines now visits regularly to help Gavin train Dipshit. 

[afarcryfromgotham]

A Far Cry From Gotham

Jason’s story if he didn't go back to Gotham after leaving the League

He gulps down air, sitting on his knees, face staring up to the sky. White and auburn hair plastered to his forehead. Birds circle overhead occasionally blotting out the unforgiving sun. Eyes open as a shadow falls over him. He meets the steeled grey eyes of the older woman, biting his tongue as he learned to do a lifetime ago.

“Well done Jason.” the skin wrinkles around her eyes as she shows her gratitude, “Not only did you survive the trials, but you survived the cleansing. I have nothing else I can teach you.” 

Jason raises an eyebrow, huffing a laugh as she hits him on the head before poking him in the chest, “Control your Rage, little one.”. She cups his face with a calloused hand, “One day your heart will shine brighter than that dark fury inside you, when that day comes it will be glorious.” she smiles at him “tonight you rest; tomorrow you will continue on your quest for knowledge.” she turns walking away, her robes drag over the stone floor as she hobbles away

Jason rises to his feet, stumbling on limbs that feel like jelly “I thought you said-”

“I know what I said, man child.” she glares back at him “you have learned all the all caste can teach you. I know you will not stay here, you are not one who enjoys clipped wings. You will leave tomorrow to find your father for a study in Tranquility.”

Jason scoffs as he follows after her into the mountain face 

The next day sees Jason on a jet funded by the League of Assassins, flying halfway around the world, and air dropping into the wilderness of California.

The next month is spent tracking trails that barely exist, of searching abandoned safe houses and truckstops, all signs are directing him to Hope County, Montana. A name, Richard Dragon, and a reputation, as one of the best Martial Artists in the world, is all he has as he hitchhikes into the southwest corner of Montana.

Jason squints against the sun as the truck rumbles to a stop. He swings down off the bed waving his thanks to the driver. 

He looks up at the Water Tower looming above the town, Falls End, it reads across the side. He raises a hand to block out the sun as he looks around, a pristine white church is to his right, a broken-down bus blocks half the road ahead of him, the town lays beyond it. Light glints off the broken windows of the bus.

“You look lost.” a calm voice comes from the direction of the church. An older African American man is leaning on the fence work around the church, in one hand he loosely holds a bible, the golden cross glinting light back at him “It's okay to be lost, the Lord leads us places all the time, often without us knowing where we’re going.”

“I'm looking for someone,” Jason says, shifting his backpack up onto his shoulders, more than ready to book it up the rock face to his back.

The pastor, signaled by the white-collar, and white leather-bound bible, hums in response, his eyes roaming over Jason. His body language is curious but relaxed, unafraid of him. He's open and patient and Jason doesn't trust it. “Perhaps I can help, do you have a name?”

“Mine or who I'm looking for?” Jason responds shifting in the shadow of the bus so he can see the man across the road better.

“Either. I'm Pastor Jerom Jefferies, this is my church.” he waves to the building behind him as an introduction. 

Ok well now he has to introduce himself, Jason Grumbles “I'm Jason, looking for Richard Dragon.” he sees the man stand up a little more at that, a little more guarded, a little more cautious. So he knows Richard Dragon, or at least the reputation of the man.

“You a student of his?” Jerome asks he friendly tone still his voice

“I'm his son.” Jason finds joy in how startled the other man seems by the declaration “come on in, I’ll give him a call to come down.”

Jason follows under the arch and into the church. The pews are simple and wooden, a few knitted blankets sit on them. The sunlight filters through stained glass windows painting the floor and pews a rainbow of colors. He drops into a pew where he can see the front door and the door in the back and takes a deep breath practicing the meditation Ducra had been into him. He listens to the pastors' voice in the office space not actually paying attention to what's being said. 

“His shift at the lumber yard ends in a few hours,�� Jerome says and sits on the opposite side of the pew, “would you like something to eat?”

Jason looks around studying every crack in the wall, and the building in general before shrugging 

Jerome stands to motion for Jason to follow. He shoulders his bag and follows him. 

Jerome asks him questions that Jason barely answers saying he's from Gotham and well-traveled.

Jason looks up at the bar, the neon sign is out but it still shows a woman on the sign with the words SPREAD EAGLE.

The door opens and a girl a few years older then Jason is working the register, two older men are cooking and running food.

Two other patrons, one is carrying a flame thrower the other has a taser. Jason looks around, a set of stairs to his left windows along the back, he can hear a door in the back, it smells pretty good though.

“Jerome” one of the guys greets “whos your new friend.”

“Apparently, he's Dragons son.” Jerome greets

Everyone is looking at him now in surprise, Jason shifts his weight slightly “Jason, sir” he nods hello keeping his hands hooked into the backpack straps

“I can see it, Mary why don't you go help your mother upstairs.”

“But,” the girl pouts 

“Go.” he says his eyes never leaving Jason

Jason stares back, he can see the man is worried and curious. He wants to protect his family. He's got a pistol on his hip tucked under the apron, and a knife on his belt, that Jason doubts he's good enough to use.

“Gary Fairgrave, nice to meet you son.” he cleans the glass he has in hand looking to Jerome

“A table for three, Richard’ll join us when he gets off.” Jerome says

They're seated at a four-person table away from the other patrons. Jason doesn't trust any of it, but he appreciates being sat by a window

“So where’d you serve?” Gary asks as he hands them menus

Jason blinks “I don't understand.”

“Son, you picked out my peacemaker almost as soon as you walked in the door, where’d you serve?” he asks

“I didn't, I grew up on the streets in Gotham,” he responds glancing the room over again

Gary whistles “been there once, back when the Waynes were alive, it was a shit hole then, can't imagine what it's like now.” 

“Hell would be kinder,” Jason responds before looking at the menu

Two glasses of water are set down before Jason decide to just order what the Pastor orders

Jason meets Jerome's eyes and the Pastor is studying him, in return, he sees the Pastor is curious but not concerned by Jasons appearance. He's relaxed even, confident that Jason won't do anything. He's right but he doesn't know that. He bleeds a patience that so sickeningly familiar to his past life it makes Jason want to punch him, the face of an older English butler flashes across his memories. Jason breaks eye contact to look around again, counting anything that could be a weapon “so what's it like here?”

“Falls End is fairly quiet, we’re the only constructed town here, good people, reliable people. What about you?”

“Not much a good people, but I'm reliable,” Jason says with a shrug taking a sip of water before crunching down on an ice cube.

“What makes you say that?” Jerome asks

“Everyone from Gotham is a sinner of some sort, pastor,” he shrugs looking anywhere but at the man in front of him mostly out the window at the slow traffic “you do what you have to to survive.”

‘You've killed.” Jerome concludes Jason nods not supplying that he was an assassin or killed other assassins.

Burgers and fries are set in front of them, they pick at the food, Jason answering his questions.

Jason's eyes go to the door, as the man who walked past the window walks in. The older man is dressed in sawdust-covered jeans, and a sweat-stained shirt, his hair is red with streaks of grey through it, similar to Jason's dark auburn with the white stripe. He smiles talking lowly to Gary at the register before turning and walking towards them. He doesn't carry a weapon, but he doesn't need one. He reminds Jason of a tiger, all lean muscle, coiled and ready to pounce.

Jason meets his eyes, the crystal blue, like what he had before, widen slightly. He wonders what the man sees as Jason stands.

“You look so much like your mother.” is what the man says silencing the bar beside the radio. Everyone's attention is on them again

“I think I look like you.” he responds offering his hand “Jason”

“Richard, but you knew that.” he sits beside Jerome, a beer and an order of fries appear on the table soon after

Jason meets his eyes and is surprised when he can't get a read on the man, beyond the surface level. His hands are scarred from fighting and work, he's content because he has nothing to fear.

“If I’d known about you, you would have been living with me and not him.” the venom in the Russians' voice is surprising. His hand clenches around the bottle. A silent agreement of the two to not speak of the other life before till in private

Jason hums “who was she?”

“Her name is Sandra WOo-San, one of my biggest rivals in the Martial Arts scenes, she had you, then not too long after she slept with that Cain fella, and had your half-sister. I don't know what her name is or where she is, just that Cain raised her to be a fighter.” he polished off his beer and fries as he talked. The man looks at Jason 

“Come on i'll take you back to the house, and we can talk more there.” Richard hums standing tossing down a couple of bills “thanks, Jerome.”

“Of course Richard, call if you need anything. That goes for both of you.” he nods to Jason.

Jason climbs into the passenger seat of an old ford escalade that has seen better days. 

Dragon just sits there for a second “I am really sorry, I wish I knew about you before your passing. Sandra, you’d know her better as Shiva, only told me about you after you were dead in the ground.“ he shifts the truck into reverse and backs out onto the road, before pulling onto the road 

Jason looks out the window as he rides, unable to look at the older man whose regret is nearly palatable. “I was only dead for five months. no one knows what brought me back. I only got my mind back after Talia dropped me in the pit.”

He hears the shocked inhale “where. Where have you been this whole time?”

“Talia found me wandering Gotham as a Zombie. She took me back to Nana Parbat. We guessed at first at how long I'd been back. I was mindless for over a year, she said. Left her son with me. Damian is his name. He brought me out of pit madness after I was put under. I spent a year and a half on her Leviathan guard before Ras started to take notice of me. She sent me around the world to various teachers before I spent the last year training with the All Caste.” 

Jason looks over when the man doesn't say anything, there's pride radiating off him, “sounds like you've learned a lot. Why did you come here, Jerome said you asked for me by name.”

“Ducra sent me here said I need to learn tranquility” he responded 

“And Talia?” Dragon asks slowing to turn 

“She knows I'm looking for you, I haven't told her anything,” he responds 

Dragon nods “good, it'll stay that way, I have no need for the Demons to come for me.”

“Does anyone?” Jason asks and Dragon huffs a laugh

“Absolutely not. “ a small ranch house comes into view surrounded by cars and trucks in various states of disrepair. Jason climbs out looking around his eyes going to the muscle cars 

He hears Dragon grunt, turning to face the man, he's pulling metal and scrap work out of the bed of the truck. Jason moves to help but is waved off. 

“Go inside, the guest room is straight back past the kitchen across from the backdoor” Jason nods and after a moment heads inside. It's a standard hunters cabin on the interior, several sets of various deer and Moose antlers line the wall up the stairs. The kitchen counters are covered in fresh produce and cleaned dishes. He continues past into the narrow hall, the guest room as a bed, a dresser, and a safe in the closet.

Jason sits on the bed listening to the springs squeak and the birds outside. He fishes the burner phone out of his backpack looking at Talias number

“Help yourself to the kitchen kid, I'll be out in the barn if you need anything.” Dragons say after knocking on the door frame

Jason turns the phone off and stands “anything I can help with?”

Dragon smiles and waves for him to follow. Jason tosses the phone on to the bed without a second look. NEXT

[bayoubluebirb]

Read This Before Buying A Bird!

There are some things to be considered before going to a pet store and buying that cute little conure or cockatiel in a cage, adopting a bird from a shelter, or homing a bird from a small independent breeder. Addressed questions: How much money are you willing to spend? Are you okay with the possibility of having a furniture-destructive animal in the house? How much space do you have? What is the climate and your neighborhood like? How long are you away from home per day? How much time can you commit?

How much money are you willing to spend on your pet per month?

- I probably spend about $50-$100 on my bird a month on average. On big trips to pick up perches, trees, or cages, it’s more along $200-$800.

- Birds are not cheap. They can range in price, but typically a healthy hand-reared budgie will cost anything from $50 to $100. My Peach Faced Lovebird was $140. I have a male Solomon Eclectus that was almost $2000. African Greys, Congo and Timneh, range $2500-$3500. Macaws range $2500-$23,000, etc.

- Cages are expensive! A good quality cage that is not full of harmful metals or paints, will cost between $200 and $5000. My SL Eclectus’ cage is pure acrylic and was almost $800. He will be getting a larger cage and that is $1500.

- Birds do need annual vet check ups, and they require exotic veterinarians specialized specifically in Birds. Because they need a special doctor, it also costs more. Co-pays are usually around $150-$400, and procedures and medications can be off the roof expensive.

- If you cannot afford to feed yourself, provide yourself with necessities and a couple wants, and are living comfortably, a bird is not the pet for you.

Are you okay with them possibly destroying a few beloved things in your home?

- Birds are often described as animals that take and don’t give back. They are natural foragers, and need stimulation to keep them entertained. Your parrot may chew at your door frames, your door itself, couch cushions, Leather materials, kitchen supplies, etc.

- Birds have extremely sensitive respiratory tracts, so if you aren’t willing to give up that lovely PFAS chemical we Environmentalists like to call The Devil We Know, AKA Teflon, then a bird is not for you.

- If you aren’t willing to trade in bleach, vinegar, non-stick, cleaning sprays and window cleaners, for something organic, trusted and approved by your avian vet, then a bird is not for you. It is much more expensive, but it would not only keep your bird safe, but also you safe!

How much space do you have in your home?

-Even if your bird’s wings are clipped, you need enough space for your bird to spread its wings and maneuver about.

-Birds talk a lot, so if you appreciate your quiet time, don’t get a bird if you live in close-quarters.

-Talk to your neighbors first before you buy a parrot if you live in an apartment or townhome. Yes. The birds will scream. Yes, your neighbors will hear it.

-If you want more than one bird, even if they’re the same specie, never house them in the same cage, even if it’s giant! Birds are NON DOMESTICATED animals, and it’s important we mimic their habits in the wild as to not frustrate them. Birds are animals that while in flocks, are incredibly spread out unless they’re mates or conversing. Birds are always alert, and are watching and listening. They need their space.

What is the climate like yearly?

-Where do you live and what is the temperature in each season?

-Do you get snow in the winter? Many people up north have birds, but it’s also more pricey to own a bird up north due to the extra expenses needed to keep the bird warm.

-How warm/cold do you keep the air on in your house?

-What species of bird are you considering? They come from all different habitats. The Peach Faced Lovebird, for example, is native to sub-desert regions like Namibia and Angola. Probably not a good idea to get a Peach Faced Lovebird if you keep your home below 19°C/66°F.

-Birds NEED vitamins (D3) they get from the sun, just like people! If your weather is consistently unable to provide these vitamins to your birds, you either need to purchase a UVB/UVA lamp, or you just should not get a bird.

What is your neighborhood like?

- Down in Florida, Texas, and many other states with high-demand parrot breeding and shops, there’s a lot of thievery. Make sure you live in a safe environment.

- If you live near chemical/manufacturing plants, or has an immediate family member that does, a bird is not for you.

- Birds are very sensitive to pollution. Please make sure your neighborhood is clean, because not only is it bad for the pets, but also the people!

- How noisy is the neighborhood? Do you live in New Orleans and pop big celebrations for Mardi Gras? Do you live in areas with lots of fireworks or loud noises? This can startle your bird. It can bring them stress!

- If you plan on flight training and/or bringing them outside on a harness, is your town/city very busy? Is there a lot of traffic? Are there birds of prey that live nearby? Hawks WILL and HAVE swooped down to snatch a parrot off of someone’s shoulder for a snack, and have even snatched them out of the sky while free-flying. Please be careful!

How long per day are you away at work/school?

- If you work a full time job and are a college student, you will not have time to take care of a bird and be able to grant your bird’s needs.

- How many hours a day do you work/are away from home? Parrots on average need AT LEAST six to seven hours a day out of their cage!

- Birds need attention, but not in the sense where you need to throw them a ball or cuddle with them. Being in the room with them out of the cage is even plenty to make them happy. They want you to be with them, but not on them!

How much time can you devote to your bird? How patient are you?

- Birds are a lifetime commitment. Depending on the species, your bird can live between 15 and 100 years. Do not adopt a bird unless you have accepted that this bird will be with you through everything. If you move, if you get married or divorced, if you have children, if you get other pets, etc.

- If you don’t think you’ll want the same bird for twenty+ years, do not get a bird. There are countless in avian shelters and sanctuaries right now, and it’s heartbreaking to see. If you wouldn’t sell your child because you got bored of them or were struggling to care for them, don’t sell your parrot.

- Parrots grow extremely attached to the people they’re used to being around, and in that case have many emotions similar to humans. They put trust in you, and rely on you, and love you. Rehoming them after multiple years of building that relationship can cause self-mutilating behaviors, depression, aggression, and even death from loneliness and feeling abandoned. If you cannot handle strong emotions and a deep attachment, a bird is not for you.

- Many parrots love to learn, and many are stubborn. They are extremely smart animals and among the most intelligent in the world, so keeping them stimulated with daily training is essential.

- Birds bite, and when they bite, it hurts... A LOT. I have been bitten until bleeding by an African Grey, I have been bitten by a previously abused Yellow-headed Amazon, I am constantly bitten by my Lovebird that I am trying to train to be less aggressive. Birds bite, and no, if you don’t understand why you aren’t allowed to scream “Ow!” when it happens, a bird is not the pet for you.

- Birds are not dogs, nor cats, nor horses. Negative reinforcement will only enable Negative behavior in your parrot! You must have the patience to, even when they bite you, praise them for it. You want them to know that biting doesn’t get a reaction out of you and that it won’t make you give them more or less attention. They will eventually learn this and try to find other ways of communicating with you.

- Birds do not bite to communicate by nature. You must take time to learn your bird’s body language. They will always give you at least FOUR warnings before they bite you hard. Please, learn to speak to your bird. They cannot learn English fluently like everyone else.

Please, let me know if I should do some more of these helpful pointers! By no means am I insinuating you should not get a bird, because I love hearing about people’s emotions and excitement toward them. They’re wonderful companions. I merely aim to inform people before they make a big lifetime decision like adding a feathered friend into their family!

[softlovelypetal]

Hi, I don’t know what to do anymore or when to look or where to begin again. My Maxximus baby and I had a happy-loving and learning relationship. He was 12 years old and I adopted him when he was 7 in 2014 where previously he had been neglected for years. But after awhile (4 months after getting to know me) I would sing for him in the mornings while I gave him fresh water and food. Maxximus loves fruits especially bananas, grapes and oranges. He loves music and to dance. His favorite artist is The Weeknd. Maxximus is shy around strangers and doesn’t make much sound around people because he’s very observant to know if he can trust you. He’s curious and playful and incredibly smart. He isn’t just a bird. He’s so much more than that. I will never give up hope to see him again. Please, if anyone has seen my baby Maxximus (AFRICAN GREY) please please call me (650)798-4047. He escaped on 05/28/19 near Georgia Ave and Madison St in Paramount, California and there will be a **$300 REWARD**. His wings are not clipped, but isn’t the best flyer. He doesn’t have any rings on his feet either. He’s grey, with bright RED tail feathers. He will approach you if you have food but he can and will bite if he is scared or nervous. Please, if anyone has him, please turn him in. He is my everything, my family, my baby. I am so shattered and in utter heartbreak. Please share/repost as many times anywhere and everywhere. He is probably so scared right now 😞 (at Paramount, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/B2o-dSKAJ_n/?igshid=1cmcjdscullvp

[hellospunkiebrewster]

A New Arrival - Sinclaire x MC

A/N: I wrote a tiny little blurb about this guy for a previous OTP ask about Ernest and Emmeline. I received a drabble request that perfectly allows me to flesh him out a bit more. I’m not even sure how many of you remember him! Thanks sweet Nonny!

Tagging: @darley1101

--

There had been quite a bit more commotion around Ledford the past week and a half since Mr. Sinclaire had left for London. Emmeline had anxiously awaited his return, but she found a particular way to keep herself busy in between walks, reading, visitors, and her music. Miss Parsons had returned from London, not long after her husband had left, with a precious package tucked safely in her carriage when she visited Emmeline Sinclaire.

The African Grey Parrot sat perched on Emmeline’s shoulder, munching at bits of biscuit that she offered him. She named him Arthur and he was already proving to be quite clever as he’d learned how to escape from his aviary and where the kitchen was to harass the cook for bits of fruit and other foods he enjoyed. Emmeline found his cleverness enthralling and had set about teaching the bird to talk as she had heard they were quite smart and capable of human like vocalizations.

Ernest’s return made Emmeline a bit nervous as she had given him no indication what she asked Miss Parsons to locate for her in London. She didn’t think he would have much issue however, as he would not be tasked to care for the animal, and provided her with happiness and kept her busy. There were times when his work would keep him in his office for an entire day.

She hears the hiss of Mr. Sinclaire’s carriage on the pebbles of the drive, coming to a halt before Emmeline puts her hand out for Arthur to step onto. She places him gently at the back of the sofa in the sitting room to greet her husband in the entryway. She greets him with a kiss and Ernest’s arms wrap about her, grasping at her hips, pulling her roughly to him, as he so often did upon his return from being away for any length of time. He moves to pull her up the stairs, a smirk on his lips, but Emmeline remains in the entry hall, giggling and looking to the sitting room where she had left Arthur.

“What is it my love? You don’t wish to join your husband for a private audience?” He chuckles.

“I can’t imagine anything I would like more, but first, I need to show you something.”

He follows Emmeline to the sitting room but when she comes around the archway, Arthur is not where she left him. Surely the bird had not learned to fly, its wings had been clipped. She spins around, searching for him, and spots him just as Ernest clears the doorframe. He has managed to scale a bookshelf, just to the left of where Mr. Sinclaire stood, unaware.

“Hello!” squawks Arthur as Mr. Sinclaire comes into his field of vision. Emmeline struggles to hide her complete amusement as her husband nearly jumps out from his boots to the top of the archway. She covers her mouth and bites back a laugh for forceful she can feel tears in the corners of her eyes.

“Ernest,” she states, as calmly as possible as she reaches her arm towards Arthur who climbs upon it, “meet Arthur.”

Thus begins an odd rivalry between Ernest and the bird, both somehow a bit jealous of the other and the affection the receive from the lady of the house. The bird frightens Ernest, biting him rather often, and he’s sure it can smell his fear and slight contempt for it, as it leers at him, talons sinking into the brocade of his rather expensive furniture.

[saleintothe90s]

337. 88 Things about 1988, part 9 the last part

(part 8)

71. Koosh Balls

72.  USA Today tries a TV Show (9/12)

It only lasted until January of 1990. Wow did they waste a lot of money on it:

Bureaus for the daily half-hour satellite show (there will also be a one- hour weekend edition) are being set up in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Washington, D.C., London (where British politician/fiction writer Jeffrey Archer has just been signed as correspondent), and in Roslyn, Va., where USA Today (the newspaper) is headquartered.

It`s costing plenty.

''We`re budgeting $100 million for three years,'' said Steve Friedman. ''You might as well do it right or not at all.'' 1

Wasted 40 million for a show that aired in the middle of the night in some markets: 

The magazine-format program, originally titled "USA Today: The Television Show," debuted in September, 1988, on 156 stations, many of them running it in the coveted slot just before prime time. But now, the number of stations has dwindled to 84, with many airing the 30-minute show during hours only insomniacs could appreciate. 2

 I found one episode from June 28, 1988. 

73.  Dale Earnhardt becomes the Intimidator with his black, red and grey #3 car

Before 1988, he drove a blue and yellow #15 Wrangler car.

[I love that apparently there is Dale glitch art gifs on Tumblr]

74. The “Geraldo Fight” (11/3)

This is the only thing I remember about Geraldo’s talk show from the late 80s and early 90s, and seeing the footage always scared me, because to five year old me it was like, “oh no, the man from the TV is hurt.”

Geraldo Rivera's nose was broken and his face cut during a skirmish yesterday midway through the taping of a program entitled ''Teen Hatemongers'' on his television talk show.

The violence broke out after John Metzger, a 20-year-old guest representing the White Aryan Resistance Youth, insulted a black guest, Roy Innis, calling him an ''Uncle Tom.''

''I'm sick and tired of Uncle Tom here, sucking up and trying to be a white man,'' Mr. Metzger said of Mr. Innis, the national chairman of the Congress of Racial Equality. Mr. Innis stood up and began choking the white youth and Mr. Rivera and audience members joined the scuffle, hurling chairs, throwing punches and shouting epithets. 3

The Beastie Boys even referenced it in the song “What Comes Around.” 

75. B.D. Wong raps about Driving School in Crash Course (made for TV movie)

I only just learned about this clip from the ThirtyTwentyTen Podcast. I just know for a fact that the lyrics are laughably lame:

“...going to Michigan state to be a football player, we can hardly wait! Make us proud Dr. J.J., we will watch you on TV scoring touchdowns on Saturday, or saying ‘to be or not to be’!”

(and yes that is Mac from Night Court, Charles Robinson!) 

( Newsweek, December 26, 1988)

76. Massive 6.8 Earthquake hits Armenia (12/7).

It is unknown how many people died in the quake, some estimates are around 25,000+ people. 

77. Governor Bill Clinton speaks at the Democratic National Convention

Bill was just supposed to speak for 15 minutes and endorse candidate Michael Dukakis. He spoke for 33 minutes! People booed! People cheered when he said “in conclusion”!

78. Duncan Hines Tiara Cakes

A dessert you had to buy a special pan for just to make it. Once they were discontinued, what were you gonna do with that shallow fluted pan? 

79. Oprah’s Lil’ Red Wagon of Fat

Oprah regrets it now, but back in 1988 she lost a sloo of weight by starving herself for four months. So on her show she wheeled out 68 pounds of animal fat in a wagon. 

80. These amazing carousel stamps

81. Holidays at the World Trade Center

82. The troubled Forest Fair Mall opens in Fairfield, Ohio (7/11)

[this is what the movie theater looked like a year after opening, source]

(Shopping Mall Museum)

As some know, I was the assistant editor at deadmalls.com for years. So I tried my best to find a dead mall that opened 30 years ago--and boy did I find one, one of the most amazing lookin’ ones. (Here’s my ex friends at deadmalls walkin’ though it in 2017)

But yes, this dead mall has flying pigs as decorations! They look like they were added sometime in the late 90s/early 00s? This mall was struggling just two years into operation, and was under redevelopment in 1992. The history of the mall was like, down, up, down, DOWN, nearly abandoned. The Wikipedia is actually pretty good.

83.  Michael Dukakis and his tank (9/13)

Okay, so it wasn’t HIS tank, he was just there for a photo op during the presidential election. Boy looked redic! 

I’m going to let Josh King, the author of Off Script:  An Advance Man’s Guide to White House Stagecraft, Campaign Spectacle, and Political Suicide handle the summary for this, because it's great: 

(more info from Josh here)

84. Chevy Chase hosts the Oscars (4/11)

...and it was his second time hosting! I know. 

85. “Let the River Run” from Working Girl

Wow, lots to unpack here with this music video. 

The Reebok Freestyle Hi-tops with the big white scrunchy socks! I’m so mad that these shoes don’t come in wide width. They’re soo narrow. 

This. outfit. I want it.  I tried to find a similar one to wear this holiday season but came up with zilch. Couldn’t find a white skirt on time, or a blouse like that. 

Nora Dunn looks 20 years older than she was in this movie. Joan Cusack’s hair is my dream big 80s hair. 

Melanie Griffith clearly does not want to be there. 

The women in the office after the “bony ass” scene. 

86. Santa’s Car

Who knew that Santa drove a hatch and lived in Maine.

87. Max Robinson Dies (12/20)

Robinson was the first African American to anchor network news in the United States. He shared hosting duties on the ABC Nighty News with Peter Jennings and Frank Reynolds in the early 1980s. Sadly alcoholism derailed his career, and he passed away from AIDS.  

88. 35 Students from Syracuse University die on Pan Am Flight 103

(news coverage 1 , 2)

To this day, Syracuse University has an extensive collection and memorial dedicated to these students.  There is also a heartbreaking .pdf titled “On Eagles Wings” that profiles every passenger and Lockerbie resident who died that night. 

Facebook | Etsy | Retail History Blog | Twitter | snapchat (thelastvcr) |YouTube Playlist| Random Post | digital tip jar | Instagram @ thelastvcr |other tumblr

1. Beck, Marylin, “USA TODAY SET TO MAKE TV NEWS,” Chicago Tribune, une 25, 1988. https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1988-06-25-8801100627-story.html

2. Kaye, Jeff, “Why There's No Tomorrow for 'USA Today' : Television: The cancellation marks another setback for GTG Entertainment, which had three programs dropped last year,” Los Angeles Times, November 24, 1989. http://articles.latimes.com/1989-11-24/entertainment/ca-215_1_usa-today 

4.  “Geraldo Rivera's Nose Broken In Scuffle on His Talk Show,” New York Times, November 4, 1988. https://www.nytimes.com/1988/11/04/nyregion/geraldo-rivera-s-nose-broken-in-scuffle-on-his-talk-show.html

[lowryjacobs7-blog]

Chapter 3.

If you're not sure whether you're an excellent prospect for a bust lift, take into consideration some of the most typical reasons why females are having this procedure done. Below alright, currently exactly what I'm going to do is I'm going to lift my heels up alright, I'm gon na lift my legs up till my body forms a straight line right here utilizing my lower back and my glutes. As they docked at the pier, the skipper again lifted her bag before nicely assisting her down onto the wood jetty. It's the system that power business intervenors standing for some 10 percent of U.S. generation, joined by amicus Preeminence Resources, have actually stepped in to safeguard right here. Checks out the globe of a boxing health club in Austin, Texas, home on the technique of training as people from all profession desire reach their personal ideal. The Phantom Ranger has again reappeared into the journeys of the Power Rangers, this time around disclosing himself to be searching for Zordon on his very own throughout the galaxy. An additional means of considering the two faces of the state of exemption in which political power takes a direct hold of human life is to keep in mind the two settings of reduction/amplification at play in each circumstances. With the exception of powerlifting, most power exercises are carried out repetitively over a time period to boost rate, fast reflexes and stamina, such as upright jumps, side jumps and also kettlebell swings. The real power of Power, though, is that ... it's putting African-Americans at the heart of a TELEVISION trend - the antihero - that previously has greatly been the district of white men. If you're new to the fitness center you might be frightened, however if you comply with these simple standards, it will certainly alleviate your change from lazy person to gym rat. The Bowflex Sporting activity home gym does occupy quite a bit of area; the footprint of it is bigger compared to what the majority of people anticipate. Ideas are dynamogenic representatives, or stimulations for unlocking what would certainly otherwise be unused tanks of individual power. All fitness centers are organisations set to earn money, so take care when their sales group persuades you." And be sure to check out the gym throughout the hrs you'll frequently be utilizing it to see exactly how crowded it obtains. I'm most definitely not a supporter, as I assume I have actually explained now, of entering and power positioning before individuals in order to intimidate them. What depresses me inutterably is that youngsters, who are fresh and also investigative, will go to this flick as well as, for 88 minutes, the motion picture will certainly do what it could to deaden their creativities. When you fight in a gym you're never really dealing with one more gamer: the defending Pokémon are managed by an AI, as are yours later, when they're resident in the gym and defending. This is a listing of publications, ideas, and also authors stated in The Power of Fifty Bits, which could be useful for future analysis. The court action was brought by the Workplace of Fair Trading versus Ashbourne Management Provider, which prepares arrangements and also gathers payments from gyms with an overall of more than 500,000 participants. Power Tattoo ® suggest une toute nouvelle façon de jouer et permet aux 7-12 ans de s' affronter n'importe où, n'importe quand. Members of the gym teams are currently able to terminate their contracts early need to their circumstances alter in such a way that makes presence at the gym hard or expensive. The Turtles were transformed bad and teleported from New York by Astronema to infiltrate the Astro Megaship as well as take control of it to destroy the Power Rangers. Yet the most unpleasant aspect of the power mystery is that even if an individual increases to power by counter-Machiavellian means-- kindness, kindness, concern with the usual excellent-- power itself will eventually warp her priorities and make her much less kind, less generous, much less concerned with the typical good, which will certainly in turn erode her power as her reputation for these counter-qualities grows. studiosante of this kind are smaller sized and also lighter compared to systems with weight stacks. As an individual thinker and also one to examine sacred as well as old facts, I use this statement: that power is damaging to autonomy, that it has the propensity to neglect the rate of interests of the people, as it grows the people pass away, as it recedes the flower of freedom flowers. This is carried out in order that the layer of fat could be raised by the operating medical professional and after that rearranged in an ideal way. You could carry out a number of workouts on the Total Health club 1000 without even touching the wing add-on or leg pulley devices. Right here are video clips of me doing 3 sets of 6 representatives on bench press at 220 lbs, 225 lbs, 232 pounds, and also 238 lbs Once more, each video clip is a few weeks apart and also they all look essentially the same. Bannatyne Fitness, David Lloyd Leisure and Fitness First have actually all been forced to alter their agreements after they were located to be making it difficult or difficult for people that were injured or made redundant to leave their gym agreements early. The guys experiencing reduced libido can boost sex power as well as period naturally if they take Kamdeepak pills regularly for 2 to 3 months as it helps in combating infections and ailment of the body which trigger these issues. When they individual can act upon the reminder promptly, the power of getting in the circulation is best. The power of a ritual, or just what I prefer to call a pre-game regimen, is that it provides a mindless way to launch your behavior. There are health clubs with initial trial memberships if you're worried about your remaining power. The last phase, the power and also death, was a little strange, as it relates to fatality and also after. You could battle at both 'friendly' fitness centers and the health clubs under the control of rival teams; the previous will help strengthen your team's health club by raising its 'prestige' factors, while the last will certainly try the opponent's reputation, inching it closer to being claimed by your team. It entails no added tools, means I don't need a fitness center membership as well as fits perfectly right into my already active life. If we increase renewables in the UK, we could get to 100% eco-friendly power well before 2050," he claims. When selecting a gym or gym, it could be best to visit the extra costly areas. Great no rubbish suggestions and also workouts for any individual that doesn't prefer to go to the health club or workout with weights. The oppositions next case is that EPA is totally prevented from restricting nuclear power plant' harmful carbon pollution because EPA has currently made use of another part of the regulation-- Area 112-- to curb the very same plants' emissions of mercury and various other hazardous air contaminants. Citizens Recommendations highlighted a common problem that individuals joining health clubs can fail to understand that they were authorizing a credit report arrangement. Most of the pain associated with DOMS occurs when you lower a raised weight and subject your muscles to a type of tightening called an eccentric tightening. We obtain a capacity making a distinction in the world by improving the lives of others, yet the very experience of having power and also advantage leads us to behave, in our worst moments, like spontaneous, out-of-control lunatics. There is an alternative now to select 6x2 chassis or 6x2 chassis with lift-able axles (raised axles stay clear of unnecessary tire wear when the weight circulation stays within lawful limitations). This exercise tools is frequently gone along with by a display screen that tracks the heart rate,. in addition to various other details like the variety of miles run or calories shed. Il est vrai que j' y consacre a peu prés 4 heures par semaine chez moi en musique et je peu vous dire que je ne rate aucune séance tant je me sens bien après mon heure de power plate. There are other basic attributes of veranda PL-P mobile mobility device lift are as complies with. The High court currently chose that question also in American Electric Power v. Connecticut, in 2011. Both gyms have actually walked around the central city location of Sparkhill as well as cater for a largely Muslim clients. The Lumo Lift expenses ₤ 80 in black, grey as well as white with black as well as silver magnets. To the teacher's surprise, just what need to emerge from the subsequent chain reaction but 3 little women: bright and also useful Bloom (voice of Cathy Cavadini), pleasant as well as sunny Bubbles (voice of Tara Solid), as well as tomboyish Buttercup (voice of Elizabeth Daily). Right as blade cuts hung the broken strings of the unused internet, threaded here and there with wheels of silken webs. It took a little convincing, but the Rangers established Auric right, and now he gets on their side. Today, I'm midway via The Power and must say that it is a combination of points I needed to be advised of and afterwards some things I really did not fairly understand. You can obtain a complete body workout in about 20 minutes with the Bowflex Sporting activity house health club if you use it right.

[leo-the-ringneck]

So I want to get an Indian Ringneck. I've had an African grey and a Quaker before (had to give them away because I moved 🙁) but I'm stable now and wanting to bring a little birb home. Any tips?

Okay oh my gosh how old are those. Freakin tumblr never tells u when u have messages! From my experience with indian ringnecks they are adorable and smart birds with really good flight skills, my boy Leo is a super good flyer. That's why I wouldn't suggesting clipping their wings but I am against clipping in general. It depends what you are looking for though. If you feel comfortable enough to adopt a birdie from a shelter and try to socialize him that would surely give that one bird a great life but you can also check out local breeders for a youngster to have it a bit easier. If you consider a baby bird keep in mind that ringnecks can be real brats during puberty (I think most birds are), one of my ringnecks used to bite me just for fun when the mood striked him. Like most parrots they love chewing and you should provide lots of toys just for that or else the room they are in may get damaged. Maya ripped off my wallpaper because she is a brat!So overall ringnecks are cute and intelligent birdies and good flyers but can be real brats from time to time.Sorry sorry for the late answer. Freaking tumblr app.

[qnddkfniokdl]

Need to You Get A Bird? 8 things To bear in mind

“Polly want a cracker?”

Many people think that proudly owning a playful, colorful parakeet or parrot can be not anything however fun, but dwelling with one is some distance extraordinary from the assumption that everyone you’ve got to do is fill up their birdseed and water each day.

Even birds as small as parakeets can stay 5 to 8 years, and African grey parrots and Macaws can stay from 35 to 50 years or greater. That’s a large commitment.

Here are eight essential things to take into account before you convey domestic pet chicken.

1. Sensitivity Birds cannot tolerate houseplants, smoke, hairspray, fragrance, air fresheners, scented candles or Teflon-lined cooking pans. The invisible fumes that come from cooking on Teflon-covered pans are deadly to birds. Their breathing systems are extremely touchy and cannot tolerate any of those materials.

2. Disease Birds can transmit airborne sicknesses (such as avian tuberculosis) to humans, and their dander can irritate folks who be afflicted by breathing troubles consisting of allergies, COPD, and emphysema. HEPA air filters can help lessen feather dander, but if all and sundry in your house are sensitive, maybe some other kind of puppy would be a smarter choice.

2. Disorder ought to You Get A puppy chicken? 8 things to keep in mind Life360 tips

Three. Noise Unless you’re happy with small, jumpy finches or canaries who make little peeps all through the day (each of which isn't commonly candy and loving), be organized for quite a few noises. Even parakeets – as small as they are – can cause you ear pain, if now not listening to loss if they determine to chirp to your shoulder for a prolonged amount of time. The only time it’s quiet is at night. Any other component to hold in mind: As with chickens, domesticated birds awaken with the solar. If you can’t take care of that, recollect setting their cages in a windowless room.

Four. Mess Birds devour continuously when it’s mild out of doors. There is no such issue as 3 food a day. Anything seeds they eat are available in parts: the hull and the meat. They get rid of the hulls and devour the beef, and the hulls drop to the floor. You’ll need to vacuum at least once an afternoon. Keep in thoughts, too, that puppy birds will shred paper, wooden, plastic, cords and whatever they can get their beaks around.

Five. Flight Until you want your bird to fly across the residence or maybe getaway via the front door and likely get lost for all time, you ought to clip their wings. Don’t try to try this on your very own without gaining knowledge of a way to clip wings efficiently. Achieved properly, the challenge is as easy as clipping your nails. Accomplished incorrectly and you may completely damage the hen’s capability to fly. In case you’re nervous, you can take the chicken to the vet or to the place you followed him from to have specialists do the activity.

5 must You Get A puppy bird? 8 matters To recollect tips

6. Room Whilst you purchase your fowl, ensure that it lives in a cage big sufficient that it can pass round and flap its wings, or install a few prefab branches (available at your nearby puppy store) somewhere in your private home so it can land there to relaxation. If you don’t want to house your fowl inner your own home, you can build a separate aviary for its comfort.

7. Attention Birds are like human toddlers. They’re social creatures who adore regular interest from their people. And that includes scratching under their wings, rubbing their necks and permitting them to sleep to your blouse pocket (if they’re small enough). In case you’re no longer the cuddly kind, then perhaps are searching for out a puppy that prefers solitude.

8. Biting A parakeet can chunk hard enough to draw blood. A Macaw can take your finger off. By no means taunt a fowl with something you couldn't manage to pay for to lose and be very cautious once they get close to your face. Birds normally received it bite down with all their energy except they experience threatened, but it’s higher to be secure than sorry, even in case your pet has been in your own home for years.

Birds are extremely loving, dependable pets, however proudly owning them is a prime dedication of time and effort. If you determine that they’re right for you and your family, you’ll be rewarded with a lifetime of affection.

[whifferdills]

u still doing promptapalooza? only i maybe missed it, and it was my birthday, and I was in the crazy people clink, and i feel i am OWED. owed twelvedole where nardole tries to help the doctor not get bored on earth by getting a pet and giving him a confusing handjob. the doctor. not the pet. to be clear.

twelvedole, ~1.5k words, the handjob is not given to the pet, welcome back u nerd

Operation Keep The Doctor From Blowing Something Up Out Of Boredom (Again) is set to commence tomorrow. KtDFBSUOoB(A) is a multi-pronged, high-level plan, detailed extensively and neatly in a small notebook Nardole keeps on his person. It’s color-coded, artfully laid out, guaranteed to succeed. He’d gotten the idea from Pinterest.

(The ‘get things done’ system, not the Operation itself. Nardole knows better than to leave a trail on the university’s computer network.)

Nearly there, Nardole thinks, taking deep calming breaths, finding his inner zen as the Doctor jams a trumpet bell into the mouth of a Hoover.

Step one: the decoy.

“I’ve signed you up for a book club,” Nardole announces. He shoves the photocopied flier into the Doctor’s hand.

The Doctor looks down, and opens their hand, letting the paper waft away. “No you haven’t.”

“Yes, I have.” Nardole bends to retrieve the flier, and tucks it into the Doctor’s coat pocket. “You need to get out of the house. Talk to people, instead of just shouting at them from a stage.”

“I talk to you,” The Doctor says. “And you can’t make me go.”

“If you don’t go, I’ll fix it so the Vault opens only for me, and then you won’t get to do the thing you think I don’t know you do. And remember: I am much, much better at net-sec than you are.”

The Doctor sulks, glaring. Nardole shrugs amiably, then shuffles off.

“Fine,” the Doctor calls after him, with a melodramatic air of defeat. “Fine.”

The following Tuesday, the Doctor storms into the office, slamming all available doors, and some of them twice for good measure.

Nardole continues assembling the ingredients for Taco Tuesdays, humming to himself.

“Did you know: the average book club is considered a form of torture under the Geneva Convention?”

“It couldn’t have been that bad.” Nardole wipes his hands on a towel, adjusts his Hot Stuff Comin’ Through apron, and affixes a neutral expression to his face before turning around.

The Doctor is slumped at the kitchen table, in the least committed sitting position imaginable. “Oh. It was that bad. Tedious, boring people discussing a tedious, boring novel. Wasn’t even any refreshments, at least with those little miniature sandwiches and plastic cups of cheap wine it might have been somewhat tolerable, but.” They slide further down, very slowly falling off the chair. “Don’t make me go back. Please.”

Nardole arranges the bowls and plates and flowers and things into a pleasing tablescape. “I won’t. But you have to do something. Anything. Pick a hobby, any hobby. And sit up.”

The Doctor heaves a sigh and worms their way back into something approaching a normal sitting position. They reach for the cheese, grumbling under their breath.

“Ah-ah-ah. No tacos until you pick something.”

The Doctor rolls their eyes, looking for all the world like a petulant teenager. “Like what.”

“You tell me. The world is your oyster. Or Bristol is, anyway. Rock climbing?  Dungeons and Dragons? Knitting? Saltwater aquarium maintenance?”

That last one makes the Doctor perk up, tilt their head. “Could we get a pet?”

“Depends on the pet, I s'pose. I’m allergic to cats. Fish really are quite interest-”

“Bird,” the Doctor interrupts, tapping on the table. “I want a bird.”

Nardole pauses in the middle of strategic salsa application. “Okay.”

“I could go to the. The bird store, that’s a social interaction happening outside in the world. There’s probably bird forums online. Is that - can I eat now?”

Nardole cracks the cap off his beer, salutes, downs half of it in one go. He tries not to visibly cringe as the Doctor grabs a handful of cheese and shoves it directly into their mouth.

Through the miracle of the internet, they adopt an elderly African Grey named Beatrice and her attendant box of toys. Given free roam of the office, she elects to spend most of her time on top of the bookshelf by the door, yelling “Put wood int’ ‘ole” in a thick Mancunian accent whenever someone comes in.

Nardole begins to regret his life choices, in this regard and in others.

The Doctor is initially more distracted by the bird toys than the bird itself, picking each one up and carefully examining it like it’s an object of great mystical power.

“Why?” the Doctor asks, pointing at a brightly-colored, inexplicable jumble of plastic bits.

“Dunno,” Nardole says. “I’m not a bird.”

“Daft ‘apeth,” Beatrice yells.

The Doctor experimentally bites down on a small piece of balsa wood. Beatrice giggles. Nardole breathes in, and counts to ten; everything is going according to plan. Everything is fine.

Nardole is carefully, meditatively applying unicorn stickers to his notebook for Operation KtDFBSUOoB(A) (he really needs to come up with a catchier name) when the Doctor bursts into his bedroom.

“C'mere,” they say, panting slightly. “C'mon, c'mon.”

Nardole follows them dutifully.

“Watch this.” The Doctor motions at Beatrice, who swoops down from the bookshelf and flutters into place on the desk.

They pull the sonic screwdriver from their pocket, wave it around with a flourish, then turn it on, whirring, and then off.

Beatrice repeats the screwdriver’s noise, then bops her head. The Doctor tosses her a pea, also from their pocket; she snaps it up happily.

“Good girl. Very clever girl,” Nardole says.

“Do one,” she replies.

The Doctor beams with pride.

The Maximum Distraction Period (MDP) lasts about a week. After that, the Doctor does still enjoy their friendship with the jerk bird who for whatever reason hates Nardole, and they’re better than they were before - the moping and anxious pacing are slightly less omnipresent. Still present, though.

Beatrice is asleep and the Doctor is staring out the office window, up at the full moon. Nardole is tiptoeing up to them. The lights are off, just the cold glow of the night sky, all the city lights, to illuminate them.

They turn, just slightly, when a floorboard squeaks under Nardole’s foot.

“Hey,” Nardole says.

“Hey.” All hoarse-voiced and moonlit and quietly, beautifully melancholy.

Nardole, who buried most of his crush on this idiot several decades ago, now finds himself suddenly overwhelmed, and cast somewhat adrift. He swallows hard, and digs the notebook out of his pocket, flipping through the pages before he sees hot-pink highlighter.

CONS: VERY RISKY, the prim neat handwriting reads.PROS:

Past-Nardole had written something, and then went over it with a thick, chunky line of white-out. Not incredibly #GTD #aesthetic, that bit.

He moves closer to the Doctor, trying to regulate his breathing. The Doctor, to their credit, does not flinch away, even when Nardole leans against them. Shoulder-to-shoulder.

“I can’t do this any more,” the Doctor whispers. “I don’t know how to stay here. Two birds in a luxury cage. If our wings were clipped then at least we’d know we couldn’t fly off. That there wasn’t an escape we weren’t making.”

“Uhh?” Nardole whines, fluctuating along one or three octaves. A panic noise. He slips his arm around the Doctor’s lower back, and nudges them into place. Facing him, or would-be-facing-him if they weren’t staring out the window.

“Hey,” he says, voice cracking. His hands on the Doctor’s chest, palms flat, sliding down. This is a measured, reasonable action, this is technically part of the Operation. A strategic move. He stops at the Doctor’s belt buckle, listening to his pulse pounding in his ears.

“Oh. Um. Right. What?” The Doctor stares down at him, eyebrows furled.

“Stop me, if this isn’t something you want,” Nardole ekes out. He regulates his breathing, he finds his inner zen, he undoes the Doctor’s belt and trousers.

The Doctor frowns, squeezes his shoulder hard, then ducks forward, burying their face in his neck. “Okay,” they say, trembling. “Okay, okay.”

Nardole counts to ten and then slips his hand between the Doctor’s legs. They jump, a bit, and cling tighter, their arms wrapped firmly around him. It’s an awkward position, this would be better if one of them were sitting down or ideally lying in a nice comfy bed, but they’re here now, in the dark, and it’s happening the way it’s happening.

“I’m a touch telepath, by the way,” the Doctor says, mostly coherently, as Nardole squeezes his hand under the waistband of their boxers.

“So if I do this,” Nardole says, Doing That, “then you can read my mind?”

“Sort of.” The Doctor shudders, thrusts into his hand.

Psychic handy, hey, just like on Pinterest. Absolutely part of the plan. With a special highlighter color and calligraphy and everything.

The Doctor’s doing their trousers back up, arranging their 20 coats back into place. Nardole is watching, something thick and fuzzy in the back of his throat. Something crowding his heart.

“Got you distracted for ten minutes, that’s something,” he says.

“Yeah. Uh, thanks. Does this - does this count as a hobby?”

“Probably? I mean. If you want - ?”

The Doctor stares him down. He scrunches where eyebrows aren’t, shrugs.

“Okay,” the Doctor says.

“Have you got it sorted?” Beatrice yells. “Now stop mitherin’ me, like.”

[wingsandfairies]

😭😭😭I had an African grey and he was my best friend when I was growing up. He was the only thing I could draw because I would draw him everyday, I love him so much.

Then my dad let him fly away...because he hadn't clipped his wings and let him sit on his shoulder when he walked outside.

I hope he is ok, or at least lived well 😭😭😭

Source If you want more facts, follow Ultrafacts

[goldstappen]

If you don't clip youre birds wings youre abusing them

Oh am I? I have 4 birds, 3 budgies and an African Grey and none of them have ever been injured. I spent a good 6 months flight training my budgies and they have never flown into anything because guess what? Birds are smart! As for my Grey, he actually doesn’t fly because he was so stressed and unhealthy with his previous owner that he plucked all his right wing flight feather but dammit he wants to fly and often falls!That is the most terrifying thing in the world because just because a bird can’t fly doesn’t mean they wont try because that’s their natural instinct! When you’re dealing with a heavy bodied bird, a fall can spell disaster! Just look up keel injuries in African Greys! Those are all caused by falls from clipped birds! And lets not forget that a bird can’t run fast so god forbid something happens to a clipped bird that can’t make a quick getaway! Last thing: most clipped birds can still fly if they get wind under their wings and will fly away and will almost certainly die because a clipped bird is a clumsy bird that’ll be picked off in a second!DON’T GET A PARROT IF YOU PLAN TO CLIP THEIR WINGS! WHY WOULD YOU EVEN WANT AN ANIMAL THAT FLIES ONLY TO TAKE THAT AWAY?!?! IF YOU CAN"T PROVIDE THEM WITH A WAY TO FLY SAFELY YOU SHOULDN’T OWN A PARROT!

[sindibadstore]

Should You Get A Pet Bird? 8 Things To Consider

“Polly want a cracker?”

Many people think that owning a playful, colorful parakeet or parrot will be nothing but fun, but living with one is far different from the assumption that all you’ve got to do is refill their birdseed and water every day.

Even birds as small as parakeets can live 5 to 8 years, and African grey parrots and Macaws can live from 35 to 50 years or more. That’s a huge commitment.

Here are eight essential things to consider before you bring home a pet bird.

1. Sensitivity

Birds cannot tolerate houseplants, smoke, hairspray, perfume, air fresheners, scented candles or Teflon-coated cooking pans. In fact, the invisible fumes that come from cooking on Teflon-coated pans are fatal to birds. Their respiratory systems are extremely sensitive and cannot tolerate any of these substances.

2. Disease

Birds can transmit airborne diseases (including avian tuberculosis) to humans, and their dander can aggravate those who suffer from breathing problems such as asthma, COPD, and emphysema. HEPA air filters can help reduce feather dander, but if anyone in your home is sensitive, maybe another type of pet would be a wiser choice.

3. Noise

Unless you’re happy with small, jumpy finches or canaries who make little peeps throughout the day (both of which are not generally sweet and loving), be prepared for a lot of noise. Even parakeets – as small as they are – can cause you ear pain, if not hearing loss if they decide to chirp on your shoulder for an extended amount of time. The only time it’s quiet is at night. Another thing to keep in mind: As with chickens, domesticated birds wake up with the sun. If you can’t handle that, consider placing their cages in a windowless room.

4. Mess

Birds eat constantly when it’s light outside. There is no such thing as three meals a day. Whatever seeds they eat come in two parts: the hull and the meat. They remove the hulls and eat the meat, and the hulls drop to the floor. You’ll have to vacuum at least once a day. Keep in mind, too, that pet birds will shred paper, wood, plastic, cords and anything they can get their beaks around.

5. Flight

Unless you want your bird to fly around the house or even escape through the front door and possibly get lost forever, you must clip their wings. Don’t attempt to do this on your own without learning how to clip wings correctly. Done properly, the task is as easy as clipping your nails. Done incorrectly and you could permanently damage the bird’s ability to fly. If you’re nervous, you can take the bird to the vet or to the place you adopted him from to have professionals do the job.

6. Room

When you buy your bird, make sure that it lives in a cage large enough that it can move around and flap its wings, or install some prefab branches (available at your local pet store) somewhere in your home so it can land there to rest. If you don’t want to house your bird inside your home, you can build a separate aviary for its comfort.

7. Attention

Birds are like human toddlers. They’re social creatures who adore constant attention from their humans. And that includes scratching under their wings, rubbing their necks and letting them sleep in your shirt pocket (if they’re small enough). If you’re not the cuddly type, then perhaps seek out a pet that prefers solitude.

8. Biting

A parakeet can bite hard enough to draw blood. A Macaw can take your finger off. Never taunt a bird with anything you can’t afford to lose, and be very careful when they get near your face. Birds usually won’t bite down with all their strength unless they feel threatened, but it’s better to be safe than sorry, even if your pet has been in your home for years.

Birds are extremely loving, loyal pets, but owning them is a major commitment of time and effort. If you determine that they’re right for you and your family, you’ll be rewarded with a lifetime of love.