Posted May 1, 200817 yr HiAll, It has been several months since I was on the forums here, and have now realised how much I have been missing them! Last year I lost my Casper in a freak flying incident (poor little guy), and until now, I hadn't got a new budgie. A combination of just needing to wait, getting married, moving into a new rental place etc all contributing, i htink. Anyway, my darling new husband (without me knowing) has hit up the real estate agent to let him get me a budgie for my birthday! I only found out yeasterday, but he has had it in the pipeline for several weeks! So this weekend I will be bringing home a new little feathered friend! All I have to do is try to think of a name... but that will have to wait til I have actually found the right budgie! I'm not sure Dave realises that taking me out to pick a budgie will involve standing and watching them for a while, then considering colours, watching them some more, then checking out who seems to be chatting a lot, the standing back and watching them more again! Hehe... I will be sure to post pictures once i have some! Rose.
May 1, 200817 yr Welcome back I'm glad you're getting a new bird :sad: It's hard when losing such a close animal to get a new one. Can't wait to see photo's of your gorgeous new friend! goodluck searching, hope hubby knows what he's in for!!! :sad:
May 2, 200817 yr Casper was a very special budgie just like Pretty they are probably having such a fun time together. So glad to see you back , have a Happy Birthday and I can't wait to see your newest feathered friend.
May 2, 200817 yr Welcome back... you have been missed. I'm really excited for you about your new addition. You husband is a sweetie to do that for you. Happy looking, deciding and picking and I can't wait to see your new friend.
May 3, 200817 yr Author Well, here he is. Meet Smokey! Isn't he handsome!! After Casper's flying incident I decided to get his wings clipped, so that doesn't happen again!
May 3, 200817 yr A belated Happy Birthday and may you enjoy your new little buddy, so pretty and cute!!! I know I couldn't do without my birds! Edited May 3, 200817 yr by Phoebe
May 3, 200817 yr Author What a little cutie Looks like a little green greywing too Yeah... he got his name because when I was describing to the lady which one i wanted i described him as "the little smokey one" because of his grey tail and lines... and the name just stuck... not being any sort of budgie geneticist, I didn't realise he was a greywing! His blue face spots are a pale blue, too. Is this because he is still young, or another mutation-related feature?
May 4, 200817 yr Author Hi All... Here's a quick report on the results of Smokey's first Human Hand Appreciation class. He has been with us for 24hours now, and, although a little quiet still, seems to be settling in well. We've had our hand in and out of his cage a bit yesterday, changing seed and water etc to try to get him used to the idea that hands are friendly, then this morning I had him out for about ten minutes doing some tunnelling and just plain handling. He is still mastering the stepping up, but is happy for me to pick him up from behind... and it is only day two!... I'm so proud of him! Here is a little clip of his results after this morning's "lesson"! Hmm... it doesn't seem to do the right thing for me... the link just keeps going to my photobucket homepage... will get it sort out then re-post! Anyway, he has stepped up twice, and is happy for me to handle him adn pick him up from behind, and has enjoyed trotting around the couch a bit. He even sits on my shoulder and walk around with me too! Yay! His personality is beginning to show itself a little bit too... He really loves the back of the couch and climbing amongst the cushions... and running! It's very funny to watch budgies run! Rose Edited May 4, 200817 yr by CaspersRose
May 4, 200817 yr Author Well, it has been a few more hours since my last post and Smokey and I have had another ten minute Hand Appreciation class this afternoon. He is now stepping up onto my finger and lets me move him from place ot place within his cage... he is a bit wary of being on my finger outside his cage. He is happy for me to pick him up and handle him, and is happy to sit on my chest whwn I'm slouching onthe couch, as long as he has a fold of my jumper, or my hand to snuggle in or up against. I am amazed at his progress! It took six months to get Casper to this stage, and only 24hrs with Smokey. I think Smokey is a bit younger than Casper was when I got him, and now I have a better idea on how to approach taming. Smokey is still fairly quiet, just chortling every now and then, but he does reply when I make chortling noises back to him, which is a good sign that he will end up with a few social skills and maybe even learn a few things to say. But for now, talking doesn't matter... just developing a fine appreciation for human hands! Edited May 4, 200817 yr by CaspersRose
May 4, 200817 yr sounds like it is going wonderful, I look forward to more pictures as Smokey comes out of his shell more and more, knowing you Rose you will having him talking in no time at all, I hope your birthday was wonderful
May 6, 200817 yr Author Well, I have tried to get the little video of Smokey up and working, so fingers crossed! This is him on Sunday, so day two in his new family. Like I mentioned in the last post, I am really surprised at how happy he is to be handled etc. He is still quite quiet, but is chirping a little more each time he is out exploring the couch with me (that's where we conduct our Hand Appreciation lessons!), so I think once he feels like he kows us, and the unit well enough, he'll start singing (and hopefully talking!) a bit more. Click: Smokey - Day 2
May 6, 200817 yr Awww, he is a sweetie. He seems very comfortable with you handling him. It must be great to get a budgie like that. Some of them can be little terrors . Looking good thus far, well done!
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