Search found 98 matches

by Jen&Bug
Thu Dec 26, 2013 2:01 am
Forum: IRNs Behavior & Taming
Topic: A "step up" in research for MissK
Replies: 84
Views: 12036

Re: A "step up" in research for MissK

Oh, after my endorsement of MSA's books I should probably add that neither of my birds are clipped. Researching is just like foraging...some things you eat, other things you just munch on for a while and then let them go...
by Jen&Bug
Thu Dec 26, 2013 1:45 am
Forum: IRNs Behavior & Taming
Topic: A "step up" in research for MissK
Replies: 84
Views: 12036

Re: A "step up" in research for MissK

Great thread MissK! I've also benefited from Mattie Sue Athan's wonderful books and sometimes wondered what else is out there beyond the basic "how to" manuals. I've dabbled in general animal behaviour books, but nothing bird-specific. I work as a researcher (not in aviculture) so I couldn...
by Jen&Bug
Thu Dec 26, 2013 1:04 am
Forum: IRNs Behavior & Taming
Topic: chattering noises while resting
Replies: 16
Views: 7372

Re: chattering noises while resting

Definitely normal (and extremely cute), and not just confined to IRNs. My budgie used to chatter up a storm with his head tucked under his wing. I often wonder whether it means they're dreaming :)
by Jen&Bug
Sat Dec 21, 2013 1:02 am
Forum: Miscellaneous Comments/Questions
Topic: It is the season to (Australia)
Replies: 4
Views: 1765

Re: It is the season to (Australia)

...'tis also the season to drop in to the forum (it's been a while) and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and terrific 2014! Our little flackily (flock/pack/family) is going fine. I think Bug (IRN) and Rufus (sun conure) will remember 2013 as The Year Jen Bought That Stupid Black Creature, but overall...
by Jen&Bug
Fri Sep 27, 2013 3:18 pm
Forum: Miscellaneous Comments/Questions
Topic: Registering Pet Birds?
Replies: 35
Views: 5148

Re: Registering Pet Birds?

Melilott, nobody else has asked yet so I will...if you don't have your bird yet (which you mention in one of your posts), is this the best time to get him? If you're moving in with the family for a while, I'm guessing you're on the verge of a major life change like buying or renovating a house, or s...
by Jen&Bug
Thu Sep 19, 2013 2:20 am
Forum: Ringneck Stories
Topic: Our raging hormonal boy
Replies: 7
Views: 2212

Re: Our raging hormonal boy

MissK, do you mean the noise that sort of goes "WrrrrOOOOoooow"?

In our house, we call this the "sultana noise", because we first heard it when Bug discovered what a sultana was for.

It's a very hard noise to write, but I think it would fit perfectly with your pictures!
by Jen&Bug
Mon Sep 16, 2013 11:20 pm
Forum: IRNs Behavior & Taming
Topic: Pics Required to see how people feed their birds
Replies: 3
Views: 1255

Re: Pics Required to see how people feed their birds

Hi, I'm not good at posting pictures, but I found the following picture online: http://jamiesparrothelp.wordpress.com/2009/01/19/parrot-skewer/ This is how I feed my birds fresh fruit and veges, every day. The skewer (or kabob) in the picture is bigger than the ones I usually make. I chop pieces of ...
by Jen&Bug
Mon Sep 16, 2013 7:13 pm
Forum: IRN Lounge
Topic: New bird to be
Replies: 174
Views: 40250

Re: New bird to be

Softie is adorable...takes me back to when Bug was still sweet and innocent-looking...little did we know what was in store for us... :P
by Jen&Bug
Sat Sep 14, 2013 3:59 am
Forum: IRNs Behavior & Taming
Topic: What to do with Janey?
Replies: 89
Views: 47887

Re: What to do with Janey?

I've just read through this thread...wow Ellie. I was wondering how you were going with spring arriving here in Oz, and it sounds like it's even harder in your house than it is in ours (see my "Spring is here" post). Josie, I believe that for just about all of us, there's someone in the wo...
by Jen&Bug
Fri Sep 13, 2013 4:32 pm
Forum: IRN Lounge
Topic: New bird to be
Replies: 174
Views: 40250

Re: New bird to be

Porkchop - I love it! There's an expression in Australian English "carrying on like a pork chop", for when someone is being silly (don't ask me where it came from, I wasn't born here!) Do you guys say that in the US as well? I'm thinking it might explain the origin of the nickname. Claire,...
by Jen&Bug
Fri Sep 13, 2013 4:19 pm
Forum: Ringneck Stories
Topic: Quinn versus the TP roll
Replies: 3
Views: 1605

Re: Quinn versus the TP roll

Oh he sounds so cute! I've heard that chattering is a predictor of talking ability too (makes sense really). Looking forward to a post about his first "human" word :)
by Jen&Bug
Fri Sep 13, 2013 4:15 pm
Forum: IRNs Behavior & Taming
Topic: Spring is here
Replies: 2
Views: 1049

Re: Spring is here

How old is Remy? Hormone-related behaviour change can happen because of age, as well as time of year. Of course there may be other factors besides hormones. Maybe the out-of-the-cage environment is more attractive for some reason. Do you tend to give her treats when she's out of the cage, or when sh...
by Jen&Bug
Fri Sep 13, 2013 5:25 am
Forum: IRNs Behavior & Taming
Topic: Spring is here
Replies: 2
Views: 1049

Spring is here

Spring has officially arrived here in the Southern Hemisphere. As happens every year, my birds are reminding me that, even though they are wonderful for most of the year, they're still wild animals when the hormones kick in. Rufus (sun conure) has turned into a small orange fury, viciously defending...
by Jen&Bug
Fri Sep 13, 2013 5:02 am
Forum: IRNs Behavior & Taming
Topic: My mistake with training.....
Replies: 4
Views: 1234

Re: My mistake with training.....

I agree with Dixie. It's not a good idea to force behaviours like being petted - just be patient, and keep reinforcing any little steps that get you closer to your goal (e.g. rewarding Peanut for letting you put your hand close to her back). Choosing to train something that she actually wants to do ...
by Jen&Bug
Fri Sep 13, 2013 4:53 am
Forum: Ringneck Stories
Topic: Quinn versus the TP roll
Replies: 3
Views: 1605

Re: Quinn versus the TP roll

Super cute! We keep a box of tissues handy for the same purpose, and Bug and Rufus both love shredding them (tissues and box). Did Quinn chatter while his head was in the tube? We've found that Bug sometimes likes chattering in enclosed spaces - our theory is that they act like an echo chamber or an...
by Jen&Bug
Fri Sep 13, 2013 4:49 am
Forum: IRN Photo Forum
Topic: Eating FRIDAY snack, sprouted sunflower seeds:)
Replies: 3
Views: 1673

Re: Eating FRIDAY snack, sprouted sunflower seeds:)

Look how many sunflower seeds those lucky birds have got! I am NOT showing this to Bug, he might start complaining about the catering here :lol:
by Jen&Bug
Fri Sep 13, 2013 4:44 am
Forum: IRN Lounge
Topic: New bird to be
Replies: 174
Views: 40250

Re: New bird to be

We'll see...Bug's original name was Jali, after a handsome Indian prince in a book I was reading, but he got nicknamed "Bug" (because he was cute as a bug) and it stuck. It actually suits his personality much better than an elegant name! Hilarious that you're going as far as replacing door...
by Jen&Bug
Mon Sep 09, 2013 3:06 pm
Forum: Miscellaneous Comments/Questions
Topic: Boarding
Replies: 11
Views: 1879

Re: Boarding

Don't worry, it's normal to be nervous. If you've found a good place for her, she'll be fine - she may even have more fun than she does at home! And you can look forward to seeing her again...the reunions are always worth the wait. :)
by Jen&Bug
Mon Sep 09, 2013 2:09 am
Forum: IRN Lounge
Topic: New bird to be
Replies: 174
Views: 40250

Re: New bird to be

Welcome little Squidgy to the wonderful world of being described, discussed and doted upon on the IRN Forum!

I agree that the name is a keeper :) He/she sounds lovely, congratulations.
by Jen&Bug
Sun Sep 08, 2013 1:57 am
Forum: Miscellaneous Comments/Questions
Topic: birds in the shower
Replies: 27
Views: 6598

Re: birds in the shower

My IRN Bug finds the shower too scary (even though he loves a spray bath on his cage), but when I had a quaker he used to love it. He perched just beyond the main flow of water, so he got the steam and a bit of spray, but not a drenching in hot water. I'm pretty sure it never did him any harm. The f...
by Jen&Bug
Sat Sep 07, 2013 4:26 pm
Forum: Miscellaneous Comments/Questions
Topic: Boarding
Replies: 11
Views: 1879

Re: Boarding

We're lucky in Melbourne to have Bird Boarding, which I discovered when I had my quaker. The manager, Nikki, is an avian vet nurse, and extremely knowledgeable about all kinds of birds. When my quaker died, Nikki helped me find Bug and Rufus, so she's known them both since they were fledglings. She'...
by Jen&Bug
Sun Sep 01, 2013 4:59 am
Forum: IRNs Behavior & Taming
Topic: Oh my dog!
Replies: 22
Views: 3721

Re: Oh my dog!

In case anyone was wondering how the dog saga played out... The birds arrived home yesterday morning. Since then, both parties (birds and dog) have shown almost zero interest in one another. I've kept Lulu tethered on her dog bed when the birds have been out of the cage, and she has just dozed off a...
by Jen&Bug
Sun Sep 01, 2013 4:36 am
Forum: Share Your Flock With The Family
Topic: A Thread For Budgie Fans
Replies: 168
Views: 117138

Re: A Thread For Budgie Fans

Thanks guys :)
by Jen&Bug
Sat Aug 31, 2013 8:27 pm
Forum: Share Your Flock With The Family
Topic: A Thread For Budgie Fans
Replies: 168
Views: 117138

Re: A Thread For Budgie Fans

Ok, you asked for it...six-year-old Jen combining her love of birds and love of words for the first time.... Budge is mine, he is cute He is not a little brute Budge is mine, he's divine And he's so, so kind. It was accompanied by a crayon drawing that did look something like a budgie, although noth...
by Jen&Bug
Fri Aug 30, 2013 3:42 pm
Forum: Share Your Flock With The Family
Topic: A Thread For Budgie Fans
Replies: 168
Views: 117138

Re: A Thread For Budgie Fans

A budgie thread! Cool! I'm another big fan. I first fell for budgies (apparently) when I was two years old, and we went to visit an old man who had a pair of them. My parents said I could have one when I turned six, and I kept reminding them until my sixth birthday! I can still remember the exciteme...
by Jen&Bug
Fri Aug 30, 2013 3:06 pm
Forum: IRN Photo Forum
Topic: Adorable candid photo
Replies: 9
Views: 2518

Re: Adorable candid photo

Too cute! Thanks for sharing :)
by Jen&Bug
Thu Aug 29, 2013 4:41 am
Forum: Ringneck Stories
Topic: Joey Laughed Today!
Replies: 4
Views: 1705

Re: Joey Laughed Today!

That's awesome! Laughing was the first noise Bug learned to imitate too. He seemed to have some notion that it was associated with doing something cheeky or silly, so he would do something (like throw a toy) and then go "nyuk, nyuk, nyuk". He still does sometimes and we love it every time :D
by Jen&Bug
Thu Aug 29, 2013 1:40 am
Forum: IRNs Behavior & Taming
Topic: Oh my dog!
Replies: 22
Views: 3721

Re: Oh my dog!

Thanks everyone, I'm appreciating the balance of optimism and caution coming through in the comments :) We'll definitely keep everyone well supervised when the birds are out of the cage. When we're at work, we're thinking of closing off the birds in the study, until we ascertain whether Lulu's likel...
by Jen&Bug
Wed Aug 28, 2013 3:06 am
Forum: IRNs Behavior & Taming
Topic: My IRN refuses to spend time with me...
Replies: 5
Views: 1080

Re: My IRN refuses to spend time with me...

Nice work MissK for refocusing on how the bird is behaving rather than how it might be feeling . We humans do tend to mix the two up, don't we? I did a similar thing with (new dog) Lulu at Puppy School yesterday ("She's not listening! She doesn't love me!") and got a stern reminder from th...
by Jen&Bug
Wed Aug 28, 2013 2:49 am
Forum: IRNs Behavior & Taming
Topic: Crazy Story... Harsh Reprocussions.. Pls Help me guys!
Replies: 3
Views: 997

Re: Crazy Story... Harsh Reprocussions.. Pls Help me guys!

I wouldn't worry so much...you will have seen that the forum is full of birds with different personalities, including lots who don't like being touched. Beau clearly has accepted you and trusts you, using you as a perch and following you around, and that's something to cherish IMO. It just sounds li...
by Jen&Bug
Tue Aug 27, 2013 5:07 am
Forum: IRN Lounge
Topic: I drew his birdiness!
Replies: 41
Views: 7902

Re: I drew his birdiness!

I'd just like to add my wholehearted agreement with all the compliments already given...even the gushy ones :)
by Jen&Bug
Tue Aug 27, 2013 4:44 am
Forum: IRN Photo Forum
Topic: HELP PLEASE
Replies: 33
Views: 6048

Re: HELP PLEASE

Aww first moults are cute. Save those feathers somewhere! We keep an envelope with major feathers from Bug and Rufus's moults, which have served different purposes over the years. When we got married, my mum took the feathers we had saved at the time and made a little wreath for me to carry with my ...
by Jen&Bug
Tue Aug 27, 2013 4:33 am
Forum: IRNs Behavior & Taming
Topic: On happy momma
Replies: 5
Views: 1307

Re: On happy momma

Your boy is growing up...make sure you take lots of pictures so you can remember how cute he was when he was little!

Bug started getting his red ring at about the same time we got Rufus the sun conure. We used to tease him that he was turning into a conure...thankfully this didn't actually occur :D
by Jen&Bug
Fri Aug 23, 2013 4:31 am
Forum: IRNs Behavior & Taming
Topic: Oh my dog!
Replies: 22
Views: 3721

Re: Oh my dog!

Thanks MissK - we do have a long period of learning ahead I know. I'm still finding out about the birds after five years! The Bird Boarding team are very professional and wouldn't do anything to endanger our birds. They have a large window in the bird playroom, so we thought they could start just by...
by Jen&Bug
Thu Aug 22, 2013 2:23 pm
Forum: IRNs Behavior & Taming
Topic: Oh my dog!
Replies: 22
Views: 3721

Re: Oh my dog!

Thanks Melika. I feel a little sick at the thought of a massacre - those poor cats! Here in Melbourne they test greyhounds before adoption with different kinds of animals, and adoption agencies make sure no dog is adopted to a home where there are animals it's likely to harm. With birds it's a littl...
by Jen&Bug
Fri Aug 16, 2013 9:10 pm
Forum: IRNs Behavior & Taming
Topic: Oh my dog!
Replies: 22
Views: 3721

Re: Oh my dog!

The good news about the Australian muzzle law is that you can get an exemption if your dog has been through the 'green collar' training program. If they graduate, they get a special green collar which means they don't have to wear a muzzle. I booked Lulu in for the program the first day I got her, b...
by Jen&Bug
Fri Aug 16, 2013 4:02 pm
Forum: IRNs Behavior & Taming
Topic: Oh my dog!
Replies: 22
Views: 3721

Re: Oh my dog!

Thanks guys, I knew I could rely on the forum for some good ideas. MissK, I understand what you say about the greyhound prey drive - this is why greyhounds in Australia are required by law to be muzzled and on-lead in public at all times. Having said that, we sought advice about a suitable breed of ...
by Jen&Bug
Fri Aug 16, 2013 5:10 am
Forum: IRNs Behavior & Taming
Topic: New Janey and Charlie videos
Replies: 24
Views: 2855

Re: New Janey and Charlie videos

Thanks Ellie, that's helpful. We might try this again once I have my boys back home again (see Oh my dog! post).

I must say, it's eerily quiet here in a birdless house...jJust as well I have your videos to get a dose of IRN entertainment.
by Jen&Bug
Fri Aug 16, 2013 3:47 am
Forum: IRNs Behavior & Taming
Topic: Oh my dog!
Replies: 22
Views: 3721

Oh my dog!

Pardon the pun in the topic header....but we have a dog! Lulu the retired racing greyhound joined our household on Saturday. She's the first dog I've ever owned, so I'm learning fast about bonding with a new kind of animal. We chose her from the adoption program because she's been well looked after ...
by Jen&Bug
Fri Aug 16, 2013 3:31 am
Forum: IRNs Behavior & Taming
Topic: New Janey and Charlie videos
Replies: 24
Views: 2855

Re: New Janey and Charlie videos

Awesome tricks Ellie! What approximations did you reinforce to get them to learn the basketball trick? I've tried to teach Bug to drop his whiffle ball into a cup, but only got as far as him learning that I wanted him to throw the ball - so now he throws it away as soon as I give it to him, and look...
by Jen&Bug
Wed Aug 14, 2013 11:13 pm
Forum: IRNs Behavior & Taming
Topic: Scared IRN
Replies: 4
Views: 1030

Re: Scared IRN

Hi, welcome to the forum. The forum has lots of questions from new IRN owners who want to establish a good relationship with their bird. Have a look at some of the previous topics and you'll probably find some helpful advice for your situation - this will be easier than me trying to summarise all th...
by Jen&Bug
Sun Aug 04, 2013 1:37 am
Forum: Ringneck Stories
Topic: IRN or QP?
Replies: 1
Views: 1138

Re: IRN or QP?

That's hilarious! My IRN Bug imitates my sun conure, but (fortunately for us) can't get the ear-piercing scream exactly right...it's like he's speaking Conure with an IRN accent! :lol:
by Jen&Bug
Sat Aug 03, 2013 10:39 pm
Forum: Miscellaneous Comments/Questions
Topic: Indian Ringneck Size?
Replies: 7
Views: 1974

Re: Indian Ringneck Size?

What a little cutie! The crab toy is cute too. When Bug was last weighted, he was just over 125 grams, and was diplomatically described by the vet as a 'quite a lot of bird'. I don't know exactly when he stopped growing, but I'm sure it would have been much later than 4 months. I used to have a male...
by Jen&Bug
Sat Aug 03, 2013 2:51 pm
Forum: Miscellaneous Comments/Questions
Topic: MY INDIAN RINGNECK CANNOT TURN HIS HEAD TO THE LEFT -
Replies: 12
Views: 2243

Re: MY INDIAN RINGNECK CANNOT TURN HIS HEAD TO THE LEFT -

Hi vesprada, can you ask your vet about this? I don't know what's happening with your bird, but if he seems ill then a vet is the best person to talk to - the sooner the better.
by Jen&Bug
Sat Aug 03, 2013 4:38 am
Forum: IRN Photo Forum
Topic: Chi and Rascal
Replies: 26
Views: 6561

Re: Chi and Rascal

Wow, I thought I had the only bonded IRN/sun conure pair on the forum! I got Rufus (SC) when Bug (IRN) was six months old. They fought each other at first, so I accessed some professional help from our local bird guru, and they've been living happily in the same cage for the last 4.5 years. Rufus ha...
by Jen&Bug
Sat Aug 03, 2013 12:04 am
Forum: Miscellaneous Comments/Questions
Topic: Foraging toys - we need more and could use your help!
Replies: 44
Views: 7535

Re: Foraging toys - we need more and could use your help!

Bug loves his paddle wheel toy too: http://www.myparrotshop.com/bolt-on-toys/foraging-paddle-wheel/prod_822.html Bug was similar to Janey - when he first figured it out, he sat there for ages wistfully turning the bottom wheel, hoping that something would drop out of it. Now he'll give the top wheel...
by Jen&Bug
Fri Aug 02, 2013 11:18 pm
Forum: Miscellaneous Comments/Questions
Topic: How long did it take you and your irn to bond?
Replies: 5
Views: 1744

Re: How long did it take you and your irn to bond?

I've had Bug for five years and I would say we've bonded :) Bug was only just weaned when I got him, so it took a few months for the bond to develop, as he was still getting his head around the whole business of being a bird. It was lovely watching his confidence grow, and have him reveal his person...
by Jen&Bug
Tue Jul 09, 2013 2:32 pm
Forum: IRN Lounge
Topic: King Parrot in my backyard
Replies: 9
Views: 2418

Re: King Parrot in my backyard

I have a friend on Mount Dandenong (just outside Melbourne) who gets heaps of king parrots at her place. She puts seeds on her balcony, and even the adults are quite confident having people nearby when they come and eat them. I agree with you Ellie, it's always a special thing to see them, and I alw...
by Jen&Bug
Tue Jul 09, 2013 4:52 am
Forum: Miscellaneous Comments/Questions
Topic: Parrot-related damage
Replies: 20
Views: 2751

Re: Parrot-related damage

Wow, thanks, that's really helpful and has given me a few ideas about what our next home might look like. The concept of a chillout space for the birds is a good one, especially if our family gets bigger when we move to a bigger home (kids maybe - dog definitely!) I especially like the reading chair...
by Jen&Bug
Tue Jul 09, 2013 1:58 am
Forum: Miscellaneous Comments/Questions
Topic: Parrot-related damage
Replies: 20
Views: 2751

Re: Parrot-related damage

Hmmm, a 'bird room' you say... We're looking at upsizing our home in the not-too-distant future, and I've been pondering what kind of layout would work best for the birds. We've previously favoured open-plan designs, which means the birds can go anywhere, but the obvious drawback is that everywhere ...