I took Chickie out for an airing.

[FuzzyAga]

I took Chickie for a 20-minute walk outside in a travel cage by himself to get him used to being separated from his parents. I think the walk went well: he listened alertly to the wild birds, he looked at the trees and the wide blue sky and only got flustered when we passed by a runner huffing and puffing--he squawked in alarm. Plus he got some vitamin D. :) Returning home, as we approached it, he recognized our house because he started to pace, as in, OK, we're here, let me out! What a smart boy, recognizing his home from only one viewing.

Tomorrow, we'll go for a longer walk; I'll move him toward independence slowly as I want to prepare him for eventual physical separation from his parents, with the least emotional trauma. I hope I'm not wrong using this preparation.

I recognize that I may have to sell Chickie (12-weeks old!) because he's starting to push Petey around. :(

[linda040899]

You sound like a wonderful fidparront with the good care you are giving Chickie! I've had some youngsters stay in the same cage with their parents and everything is fine. It doesn't work that way with others.

Finding a new home for Chickie is one option. Another option is to keep him and give him a cage of his own. If Chickie is a male, a male companion would most likely work out well and there would be no offspring as a result. Just a thought on my part.......

[LovelySydney]

I had Gus out yesterday on my shoulder on our porch while watching the dog for a second. He was so good, just sat there quietly peeping & looking around. We had a very nice (rare) day in Michigan so it was fitting to get them some air!!!


Sorry you might have to re-home Chickie but I think that what Linda said is a good idea, if you want to keep him give him a second cage and give him a male mate. Gus was pretty dominant before Oslo and he's slowly giving in to the love!! = )

[FuzzyAga]

Thank you, Linda. I just want the best for my loves.

I wish Juanita had allowed Chickie to stay in her cage--a one happy family, but she made it clear he was not welcome, so Chickie has had his own cage since he was about eight-weeks old. :(

Since the beginning, he's adjusted well to sleeping by himself in his happy hut. During the day, he'll hang out on the top of her cage. Or he's somewhere in her vicinity because he loves her completely and where she is, he is. :) He'll be eating her millet in her cage, playing with her toys in her cage, and generally hanging out near her. Juanita will periodically come out of her egg-funk and become aware that he's hanging around and chase him away. But he comes right back when she goes back to her eggs (fake).

I'm talking about separation, as in maybe going to another home, with no sight nor sound of his parents, at all. With this gradual separation, I'm hoping to ease his transition--should it occur. I know I can keep him, but in case events push me to rehome Chickie, then having experienced brief removal from his parents, I think the brief event turning into a forever event would be easier for Chickie, and I'm hoping an almost seamless event.

[FuzzyAga]

LovelySydney, I forgot to mention that I'm glad Gus and Oslo are getting on so well together. Also glad that you get to live with a gentle lovebird that allows you to contrast the two lovebirds and realize that Gus' feistiness is not personal.

Aren't you glad Gus has had a gradual attitude adjustments, for the better? I enjoyed reading about it. Sunning on your shoulder--how lovely!

I'm glad for you because Oslo has given you a great gift--coping skills. I think, in your household, Gus will always require the larger share of mommy-time from you, just as in mine, Juanita demands the most attention. I don't neglect the boys, but I go on high alert when I interact with Juanita. I can stick my hand under Petey absent-mindedly and he will step-up gently. I stick my hand under Juanita for a step-up but with a careful scan of her feather position, head position, etc--otherwise, CHOMP! Although, at this point, it's all second nature and it doesn't bother me at all.

In time, your fear of Gus' beak will be a thing of the past. It will!