Oh dear....

[JudiNh]

Uh oh. Our first potential "mishap" with Ben and Jitterbug? Ben had Jitterbug on his shoulder when he went to brush his teeth and wash his face in the bathroom. However, while in there, Ben decided that it would be very adorable to spike Jitterbug's feathers on his head, up, like we do with Ben's brother Oliver. So, he used the REAL spikey cream, and put some on JB's head feathers, and spiked them all up! :omg: Then he proudly came out and told me that Jitterbug had a spikey hairdo today. YIKES! I of course immediately and sternly told Ben that it was not a good idea, EVER, to put anything on a bird's feathers....and that it could make him very sick. I know Ben didnt mean any harm, and I have to remember that he is still only seven years old, and doesnt have adult judgement. But he felt very bad and was really worried about it, so Im sure he wont try that again. We put JB in the sink and gave him a bath, which he took very enthusiastically. He got his head very wet so hopefully he washed it all off. (It wasnt very much.....just a dab....). The other consolation I have is that it is on the very top of his head, where he cant reach to preen, so I dont think he can or did ingest any of it. Should I still be worried, or do you think he will be okay? Geez, I sure didnt see that coming. Kids will be kids, and I have to remember, Ben doesnt know all the things I know about bird care, and can definitely make some mistakes. I just hope Jitter is okay and this doesnt turn out badly! I really think he is fine. But what do you all think?

Judi

[LeeBee]

To be honest, if he's had a bath and doesn't seem to be itching too badly I think he'll be fine :)
If you are worried, you could always take him for a check up at the Vets, but it doesn't sound like he'll need one.
Kids and birds can often be a bad mix, however I'm sure you supervise usually, and this was just a one off.

[linda040899]

Kids are kids and Ben just didn't realize that what he did could have potentially hurt Jitterbug. Hopefully, that lesson has been learned.

Take a look at the product label and see what's in it. It was only on Jitterbug for a short time so he should be OK, especially after the bath which he really seemed to enjoy!

[Pips mom]

I can see where a kid would think that if it's ok for people to use, to think it's ok to put on the bird.....he didn't know....the ideas kids come up with! I would think as long as you washed it off good, and being on his head that all will be fine. If it has a smell to it and I could still smell it on his head, I think I'd be giving the bath again until any smells are gone.

[JudiNh]

Thanks everybody. JB does seem totally fine, and is hanging out on my shoulder now. Guess no harm done.....but good lesson learned. Spikeys with water only from now on please! LOL
Judi

[michael]

Might want to keep a small bottle of Dawn regular dishwashing liquid stashed away. Most rescues use it for various substances from cooking oil to motor oil. ...Use carefully near the eye's. .... Might also be good to have in case of a surprize visit from Father Farfal or Grandma B. ..Unless of course, Bens already managed to spikey them too!...........:omg:

[Flapjack]

Personally, I think it's adorable! What a special bond your son must have with a very tame lovie :blush:

Too cute! :happy:

[JudiNh]

Thanks Jeni, and yes, dont tell Ben...but I agree...it was pretty adorable! He just wanted his little buddy to look spiffy. He thinks Jitterbug is a kid, like him....LOL...and forgets sometimes I think, that he is a bird. They are very cute together. I just have to keep a close eye on them, to make sure Ben doesnt do anything "over the top" again! LOL
Judi

[Tango's_Mom]

yeah, I'm with Jeni on that, I'm just impressed that you have a lovie that will tolerate having his feathers spiked lol, I'm very happy with my bond with Tango but i don't think he'd ever let me try that, lol.

[JudiNh]

You wouldnt believe the things he does with that bird! Lays him on his back and tickles his belly....shakes hands (claws?) with him....puts him in the back of his toy trucks for a ride....(a slow, gentle ride, that is....) , shares his breakfast, and as you saw, enlists his help for playing his DS...lets JB sit right on the screen practically, to watch him play. Its a riot. That is both ONE tolerant bird, AND, one tolerant little boy!

Judi

[Chickobee]

Too bad you didn't get a photo of your spiked lovie. :) That must have been something to see! I know your first thought would have been to correct the situation to make sure that Jitterbig was OK.

The photo op I missed that I regret the most was when my two oldest boys were small and repeatedly rode their tricycle and big wheel through the ashes where I had burned fall leaves. They must have just loved the cloud of dust it made.

When I called them in for lunch they arrived at the kitchen door completely black except for their white teeth and eyeballs. I have always regretted not taking their picture before the three baths it took to get all the black grit off of them, and out of their ears and noses.

You have really dirty little boys when it is necessary to drain and rinse the tub twice and refill it a third time to finally get all the black grit off!

Sometimes a good bath is the solution to a problem! :)

[JudiNh]

LOL thats a GREAT story. You dont even need a photo..you painted a perfect picture...hee hee...what a riot that must have been! LOL

Judi