Okay, call it the hubris of the inexperienced. I assumed that our sweet little Loco Ono would love Gilda. He seems to when they are both in their cages. He gets on the wall closest to her cage and gyrates like nobody's business.
The problem might be that he loves her a little too much. We put them together on the large playstand. Beeline is probably not the right word. Loco rushed over to Gilda so quickly that I think he completely frightened her. In fact, "rush" might not be the right word. "Lunge" is probably closer to correct. I think he was just excited. After all, Gilda is a beautiful girl.
Once I finish my finals, I will begin the research of the most effective way to introduce two parrots of different species. I am sure it will work out in time. But right now, I am questioning my dream of a happy bird family. But, fingers crossed. It can happen. Can't it?
Oh, and did I mention that Gilda seems to be squawking a lot? The lady at the bird store says it is her baby noise and should not last too much longer. She better have not lied to us. Seriously, better. not. have. lied.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Loco, Meet Gilda
We did something today that we may live to regret. It started as a normal Saturday. We grabbed a bagel and were going to run to the bird store for some supplies and to get their opinion about a cyst-looking place on Bob Dylan (our crested canary). It was ingrown feathers. Yikes. We were in a hurry. I have a final on Monday that I needed to devote some studying time to. Still, we were there. As usual, I wandered through the bird room to see some fairly rare softbills they had in and admire the big birds.
I will be honest. I love the cockatoos and macaws. I think they are beautiful. I will never own one. They are too big. They are too loud. Their beaks just look too powerful. I have been quite happy with Loco (the world's most perfect caique) and our menagerie of finches with one canary thrown in. We have long (by long, I mean several months...especially after we completely fell in love with Loco) been tempted to add one last parrot, but have never caved to the temptation. It was easy not to cave. I had my heart set on a female eclectus. We had never seen one, so it was easy not to buy one.
I made the loop through the bird room. No damage done. I admired an Eastern Rosella that was truly beautiful, but it was in no way friendly. Here's the deal. Loco is the most friendly bird ever. If we add another bird, it has to be social. Then, there were a couple of black-capped lories. I admit it. They are beautiful. They have a similar striking red plumage to that of the female eclectus. But, they have a special diet which results in some special discharge. I won't describe it. You have to see it for yourself.
I am just about to enter the supply part of the establishment when I glance into the nursery. There she was. I thought my eyes were deceiving me...a female eclectus. I just stared for a minute. Then, I proceeded into the supply room where the owner of the store was talking with Shlomo. At the first break in the conversation, I said, "Is that a female eclectus in there?"
She replied that it was and asked if we wanted to see it. I was going to say no. Honestly, I was. I know that handling is the second step to owning. (Seeing is the first step.) Shlomo promptly said that we would indeed like to see her. I am not going to lie. She is bigger than a caique. In fact, she is probably twice Loco's size. She is three months old and has been completely hand-fed since she was two weeks old. She is (as some silver-haired gentleman who was picking up his African Grey called her) a "beautiful beast."
We debated it all day. We made a list of the pros and cons of getting her. The cons won. The cons had also won with Loco. We know how that turned out. We went and picked her up and a new cage for her...and a carrier...and a talking cd. So help me, this one will talk. She can certainly squawk. She did all the way home. But now, she seems to be settling down.
We managed to squeeze her cage next to Loco. Since she had basically been quarantined with twice-weekly visits from an avian vet, we felt we were safe in skipping the quarantine at home phase.
Loco is fascinated by her. That was a relief. I think they will get along fine. Loco is just a few months older than Gilda (named after the red-headed Rita Hayworth's most famous role) so they will basically grow up together. After Wednesday, I have the winter break from school, so I should be able to spend time with her and Loco to make sure he does not feel neglected. We do have the agreement from the bird store that they will take her back if they do not get along.
So, there you have it. It is possible that we have just made one of the biggest mistakes of our adult lives. I will sporadically keep you posted as to the developments of a two parrot (and twenty bird) household. Oy vey. It should be quite the adventure. But no pressure...her lifespan is just 50 years or so.
I will be honest. I love the cockatoos and macaws. I think they are beautiful. I will never own one. They are too big. They are too loud. Their beaks just look too powerful. I have been quite happy with Loco (the world's most perfect caique) and our menagerie of finches with one canary thrown in. We have long (by long, I mean several months...especially after we completely fell in love with Loco) been tempted to add one last parrot, but have never caved to the temptation. It was easy not to cave. I had my heart set on a female eclectus. We had never seen one, so it was easy not to buy one.
I made the loop through the bird room. No damage done. I admired an Eastern Rosella that was truly beautiful, but it was in no way friendly. Here's the deal. Loco is the most friendly bird ever. If we add another bird, it has to be social. Then, there were a couple of black-capped lories. I admit it. They are beautiful. They have a similar striking red plumage to that of the female eclectus. But, they have a special diet which results in some special discharge. I won't describe it. You have to see it for yourself.
I am just about to enter the supply part of the establishment when I glance into the nursery. There she was. I thought my eyes were deceiving me...a female eclectus. I just stared for a minute. Then, I proceeded into the supply room where the owner of the store was talking with Shlomo. At the first break in the conversation, I said, "Is that a female eclectus in there?"
She replied that it was and asked if we wanted to see it. I was going to say no. Honestly, I was. I know that handling is the second step to owning. (Seeing is the first step.) Shlomo promptly said that we would indeed like to see her. I am not going to lie. She is bigger than a caique. In fact, she is probably twice Loco's size. She is three months old and has been completely hand-fed since she was two weeks old. She is (as some silver-haired gentleman who was picking up his African Grey called her) a "beautiful beast."
We debated it all day. We made a list of the pros and cons of getting her. The cons won. The cons had also won with Loco. We know how that turned out. We went and picked her up and a new cage for her...and a carrier...and a talking cd. So help me, this one will talk. She can certainly squawk. She did all the way home. But now, she seems to be settling down.
We managed to squeeze her cage next to Loco. Since she had basically been quarantined with twice-weekly visits from an avian vet, we felt we were safe in skipping the quarantine at home phase.
Loco is fascinated by her. That was a relief. I think they will get along fine. Loco is just a few months older than Gilda (named after the red-headed Rita Hayworth's most famous role) so they will basically grow up together. After Wednesday, I have the winter break from school, so I should be able to spend time with her and Loco to make sure he does not feel neglected. We do have the agreement from the bird store that they will take her back if they do not get along.
So, there you have it. It is possible that we have just made one of the biggest mistakes of our adult lives. I will sporadically keep you posted as to the developments of a two parrot (and twenty bird) household. Oy vey. It should be quite the adventure. But no pressure...her lifespan is just 50 years or so.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Someone Is Eating Dog Food
Yesterday was THE event of the year for my tribe in Houston. By tribe, I mean gay people. That’s right. Madonna played Minute Maid Park. Shlomo and I were there with about 70 thousand other people. It was fantastic. At 50, Madge is still at the top of her game.
To celebrate, Shlomo and I hosted a little soiree for our nearest and dearest prior to the show. I coined it, “Martinis, Mojitos, and Madonna.” Bascially, it meant I spent the day in the kitchen while Shlomo sat on his butt. Okay, that’s not entirely true. Actually, he did a lot to help. Mainly, he ran to the grocery store everytime I forgot something. By the way, when making mojitos, don’t forget to buy mint. Seriously.
He also straightened the house. By “straightened,” I mean he “gayed it up.” You know, he fluffed the pillows, lit the candles, replaced the lavender in the sachets in the undergarment drawers. Okay, the last one is not true, but it just went with the comedy rule of three.
So, after the party and the concert (which started two hours late), we saved the cleaning up part of the party until tonight. Suffice it to say, the place was a mess. Plates, glasses, cocktail napkins…they were everywhere. Anywho, Shlomo and I are in the kitchen cleaning. The dogs are on their pillows. Loco is on his perch. Well, we thought Loco was on his perch. I looked over. Loco was eating out of the dog food bowl. Seriously, he got down and walked through the living room, the dining room, past the dry bar, and into the kitchen. He then helped himself to some Science Diet Senior.
Let me just say that we had only an hour before spent over $60 at Petsmart on food and toys for Loco. He is not deprived. I now regularly buy fresh vegetables for him…not me. He does not need to eat dog food. But it is kind of like when I go to the grocery store and buy $100 worth of groceries and then go through a drive-thru on the way home. Sometimes, you just want to eat stuff you don’t really need…like those truffles I ate earlier. That, however, is another story.
To celebrate, Shlomo and I hosted a little soiree for our nearest and dearest prior to the show. I coined it, “Martinis, Mojitos, and Madonna.” Bascially, it meant I spent the day in the kitchen while Shlomo sat on his butt. Okay, that’s not entirely true. Actually, he did a lot to help. Mainly, he ran to the grocery store everytime I forgot something. By the way, when making mojitos, don’t forget to buy mint. Seriously.
He also straightened the house. By “straightened,” I mean he “gayed it up.” You know, he fluffed the pillows, lit the candles, replaced the lavender in the sachets in the undergarment drawers. Okay, the last one is not true, but it just went with the comedy rule of three.
So, after the party and the concert (which started two hours late), we saved the cleaning up part of the party until tonight. Suffice it to say, the place was a mess. Plates, glasses, cocktail napkins…they were everywhere. Anywho, Shlomo and I are in the kitchen cleaning. The dogs are on their pillows. Loco is on his perch. Well, we thought Loco was on his perch. I looked over. Loco was eating out of the dog food bowl. Seriously, he got down and walked through the living room, the dining room, past the dry bar, and into the kitchen. He then helped himself to some Science Diet Senior.
Let me just say that we had only an hour before spent over $60 at Petsmart on food and toys for Loco. He is not deprived. I now regularly buy fresh vegetables for him…not me. He does not need to eat dog food. But it is kind of like when I go to the grocery store and buy $100 worth of groceries and then go through a drive-thru on the way home. Sometimes, you just want to eat stuff you don’t really need…like those truffles I ate earlier. That, however, is another story.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Loco, Meet Ike
Well, today is a big day for Loco. We are in our house in Houston awaiting the arrival of that swirling badass known as Hurricane Ike.
So far, Loco is pretty much taking it in stride. He has been relatively patient as he spent most of the day in his cage while we made a few preparations...moving the stuff outside, taping the windows, relocating the finch cage from in front of the window, etc.
However, I feel compelled to point out that Loco is generally a pretty patient bird. One day this week, I accidentally left him covered until 4:00. He just gave me a look that said, "It's about time."
He did have one moment earlier when one of the first gusts of wind rustled the trees in the back yard. Loco flew off his perch. I am pretty sure he wanted us to think he was blown off. Loco, I am not that stupid. Shlomo is, I am not.
So far, Loco is pretty much taking it in stride. He has been relatively patient as he spent most of the day in his cage while we made a few preparations...moving the stuff outside, taping the windows, relocating the finch cage from in front of the window, etc.
However, I feel compelled to point out that Loco is generally a pretty patient bird. One day this week, I accidentally left him covered until 4:00. He just gave me a look that said, "It's about time."
He did have one moment earlier when one of the first gusts of wind rustled the trees in the back yard. Loco flew off his perch. I am pretty sure he wanted us to think he was blown off. Loco, I am not that stupid. Shlomo is, I am not.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Loco for Loco
So the weekend...yeah...nothing that exciting. Temple on Friday night, dinner with friends on Saturday, dinner with a couple of the kids on Sunday...I promise we did more than eat. Here's a quick recap: Aside from some half-assed attempts at household chores, the weekend pretty much consisted of watching Loco.
"Oh, look he's eating a piece of broccoli."
"Wow! He is going to town on that baby carrot!"
"Ooh...he's hanging upside down!"
"Hey! He just pooed on me!" Yeah. That one got a little old.
So, if we weren't obsessively holding him, playing with him, or watching him, we were shopping for him. Let me just say, parrots ain't cheap. Carrier: check! Toys: check! Feet toys for bottom of cage: check! Books (for us to read about him): check! Pinata: Check (Seriously...filled with bird treats and it's not even his birthday)!
Yeah, we are total nerds where little Loco Ono is concerned. By the way, Shlomo does not like that nickname. Everyone else (namely me!) does.
One last litte Loco Ono story and then I will stop for a while. On Sunday morning, Shlomo went to the Hot Bagel Shop around the corner to pick up our breakfast. I was doing my part to get ready at home. Okay, I was fixing myself a coke (don't judge) and putting plates and napkins on the table. Loco was on his perch downstairs. The dogs were in their crates (so as to prevent the begging).
So, I am fixing the coke, which evidently takes longer to tell about than do. All of a sudden, I hear Fargo barking like crazy in her crate. It's really unlike her. I go into the living room to see what is the matter. There is Loco off his perch and walking across the floor. Fargo evidently deemed herself to be the hall monitor. I thought she hated the bird. I prefer to tell myself that she was looking out for Loco's safety and not trying to get him in trouble. It was probably the latter.
Well, that's the big excitement of the weekend. I will get into the wireless printer installation, or lack thereof, later. Now, I am off to go watch Loco eat some Cheerios. Does it get any more fun than that?
Thursday, July 24, 2008
The Story of Us
I guess I should take the opportunity (four entries into the blog) to tell you about myself. At the ripe old age of 34, I am about to embark on one of the biggest adventures of my life. I have six days left of employment as an accountant. Then, at the end of August, I will begin a Master’s program with an emphasis on English and Art History. I am excited beyond belief at the prospect of “following my bliss” but also scared half-to-death at the prospect of actually “following my bliss.”
My partner Shlomo and I reside in Houston, TX. We have been together for roughly three years. I brought two dogs to the relationship (a pug and a terrier mix). He brought four great college-aged kids. Together, we acquired a 120 gallon aquarium that houses roughly 45 African cichlids. They are beautiful and very calming.
Then, one day out of the blue…Erev Rosh Hashanah to be exact…Shlomo came home with a brilliant idea. Someone at his office had found six kittens in their parking garage. He thought we should take on in as a way to mark how thankful we were to begin the new year. Um, yeah…I had a cat for 10 years. If I never clean a litter box again, I am fine with that. I suggested maybe we get a few finches. I thought they were pretty and entertaining.
I do not want to sound completely irresponsible. I had done my research. I had parakeets (budgies) as a small child. Then, in junior high and high school, I had a cockatiel. He miraculously escaped right before my graduation. I will never be convinced that my dad did not “take care of” him so as to insure that he did not get stuck with it when I went off to college.
Anyway, I clearly knew what I was getting into. I knew how messy birds were. I knew that finches were not exactly “social” animals. They were really more for observation and entertainment. I was fine with that.
Shlomo and I discussed. He agreed that finches were probably a more appropriate pet to add to our menagerie. (Once you have fish, fowl, and mammals...it’s officially a menagerie.) I was particularly interested in a Gouldian finch because of their striking plumage. I assumed they were hard to find.
Following a small get-together the next day, we stopped at a local large-chain pet store. To our surprise, they actually had a male Gouldian finch. We took him home with two other finches.
Over the next few months, our finch collection grew. We found a great large cage/small aviary. It can house up to 20 finches. Currently, our collection is about 18. I don’t think it will grow beyond that unless there is some reproduction. We really aren’t about planned parenthood in the finch cage.
One thing you should know about Shlomo. He really does not do things half-way. He is a committer. He commits whole-heartedly. Once the decision is made, he goes for it. Personally, I don’t think he always has a logical reason for things. He follows his heart more than his head. But, I love this about him.
So, it was no surprise that for our finches, we sought out a specialty bird store. (We had one for the fish, so why not?) I often refer to this place as the “Creepy Bird Store.” That’s because it is. It’s not really their fault. I don’t know how you would really have a bird store without it being creepy. But, still…it is.
I will say, however, that just because it is creepy does not mean that it is not well-run. The birds always seem to be healthy. There is always a steady stream of bird enthusiasts (no matter when you go). I think I just get a little bothered by the fact that there are always a few dogs often with ailments roaming about. There are always a few rescued birds that seem to have no feathers (parrots have been known to go psychotic and mutilate themselves—especially the larger types). And, they have a pet monkey. I thought it was illegal for a while, but I found out one day that it is a retired service monkey who used to help with the handicapped. I don’t know why, but that made me feel better about that situation. I think the animals not for sale are mostly there because no one else will take them. They never bother me, they are just there. Our two dogs would never make it there.
As my description of the place demonstrates, I have been there more times in the past year than I can count. And, I admit it. I have always loved birds. I remember in the fourth grade, my mother (who was a school teacher) would let me walk to one store in the small town where I grew up so I could see the parakeets and cockatiels they sold. That is where one of my parakeets was purchased. Therefore, it is impossible to deny that I did not love seeing the birds when I visited the store.
They have a selection that is almost unparalleled. I have seen bird species there that I have never seen before. Most of the parrots are bred on the premises, hand-reared, and are remarkable docile.
So, I am assuming that Shlomo knew what he was getting into when he asked how long it would be before we broke down and got a parrot. If he did not, he is not as smart as I thought he was. And, at least in theory, he should be smart. He was Phi Beta Kappa from Georgetown. But, that was long ago.
That is how little Loco, the white-bellied Caique, came to live with us. Shlomo, intentionally or not, posed the question. I was eager to move forward. Shlomo became just as eager. We are on day three. Let’s see how it progresses. So far, I have no complaints…except for that 6:35 wake-up call this morning.
My partner Shlomo and I reside in Houston, TX. We have been together for roughly three years. I brought two dogs to the relationship (a pug and a terrier mix). He brought four great college-aged kids. Together, we acquired a 120 gallon aquarium that houses roughly 45 African cichlids. They are beautiful and very calming.
Then, one day out of the blue…Erev Rosh Hashanah to be exact…Shlomo came home with a brilliant idea. Someone at his office had found six kittens in their parking garage. He thought we should take on in as a way to mark how thankful we were to begin the new year. Um, yeah…I had a cat for 10 years. If I never clean a litter box again, I am fine with that. I suggested maybe we get a few finches. I thought they were pretty and entertaining.
I do not want to sound completely irresponsible. I had done my research. I had parakeets (budgies) as a small child. Then, in junior high and high school, I had a cockatiel. He miraculously escaped right before my graduation. I will never be convinced that my dad did not “take care of” him so as to insure that he did not get stuck with it when I went off to college.
Anyway, I clearly knew what I was getting into. I knew how messy birds were. I knew that finches were not exactly “social” animals. They were really more for observation and entertainment. I was fine with that.
Shlomo and I discussed. He agreed that finches were probably a more appropriate pet to add to our menagerie. (Once you have fish, fowl, and mammals...it’s officially a menagerie.) I was particularly interested in a Gouldian finch because of their striking plumage. I assumed they were hard to find.
Following a small get-together the next day, we stopped at a local large-chain pet store. To our surprise, they actually had a male Gouldian finch. We took him home with two other finches.
Over the next few months, our finch collection grew. We found a great large cage/small aviary. It can house up to 20 finches. Currently, our collection is about 18. I don’t think it will grow beyond that unless there is some reproduction. We really aren’t about planned parenthood in the finch cage.
One thing you should know about Shlomo. He really does not do things half-way. He is a committer. He commits whole-heartedly. Once the decision is made, he goes for it. Personally, I don’t think he always has a logical reason for things. He follows his heart more than his head. But, I love this about him.
So, it was no surprise that for our finches, we sought out a specialty bird store. (We had one for the fish, so why not?) I often refer to this place as the “Creepy Bird Store.” That’s because it is. It’s not really their fault. I don’t know how you would really have a bird store without it being creepy. But, still…it is.
I will say, however, that just because it is creepy does not mean that it is not well-run. The birds always seem to be healthy. There is always a steady stream of bird enthusiasts (no matter when you go). I think I just get a little bothered by the fact that there are always a few dogs often with ailments roaming about. There are always a few rescued birds that seem to have no feathers (parrots have been known to go psychotic and mutilate themselves—especially the larger types). And, they have a pet monkey. I thought it was illegal for a while, but I found out one day that it is a retired service monkey who used to help with the handicapped. I don’t know why, but that made me feel better about that situation. I think the animals not for sale are mostly there because no one else will take them. They never bother me, they are just there. Our two dogs would never make it there.
As my description of the place demonstrates, I have been there more times in the past year than I can count. And, I admit it. I have always loved birds. I remember in the fourth grade, my mother (who was a school teacher) would let me walk to one store in the small town where I grew up so I could see the parakeets and cockatiels they sold. That is where one of my parakeets was purchased. Therefore, it is impossible to deny that I did not love seeing the birds when I visited the store.
They have a selection that is almost unparalleled. I have seen bird species there that I have never seen before. Most of the parrots are bred on the premises, hand-reared, and are remarkable docile.
So, I am assuming that Shlomo knew what he was getting into when he asked how long it would be before we broke down and got a parrot. If he did not, he is not as smart as I thought he was. And, at least in theory, he should be smart. He was Phi Beta Kappa from Georgetown. But, that was long ago.
That is how little Loco, the white-bellied Caique, came to live with us. Shlomo, intentionally or not, posed the question. I was eager to move forward. Shlomo became just as eager. We are on day three. Let’s see how it progresses. So far, I have no complaints…except for that 6:35 wake-up call this morning.
Sound the Alarm
The noise began. I can’t really classify it as chirping, but it is definitely not squawking either. It’s loud, but not super loud. It was unwelcome at 6:35 a.m.
It’s all part of it. I knew that going in. I assume Shlomo knew. He better have known. All in all, though, Loco is a very sweet bird.
He is so sweet in fact, that he basically wants to spend all his time with us. If he can see us, he wants to be with us. Not just in the same room, but our playing with him. We are trying really hard not to indulge him too much because how long will it take for that to get old? My guess: not long.
Is it wrong that I basically try to train him the same way I would a dog. Is there a Cesar Milan of the parrot world? If so, what is his name? We have 30-40 years with this guy. I would like to make them as enjoyable as possible.
I realize that it will fall to me to be the disciplinarian. Shlomo is really only there for the unconditional love.
It’s all part of it. I knew that going in. I assume Shlomo knew. He better have known. All in all, though, Loco is a very sweet bird.
He is so sweet in fact, that he basically wants to spend all his time with us. If he can see us, he wants to be with us. Not just in the same room, but our playing with him. We are trying really hard not to indulge him too much because how long will it take for that to get old? My guess: not long.
Is it wrong that I basically try to train him the same way I would a dog. Is there a Cesar Milan of the parrot world? If so, what is his name? We have 30-40 years with this guy. I would like to make them as enjoyable as possible.
I realize that it will fall to me to be the disciplinarian. Shlomo is really only there for the unconditional love.
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