Rewarding

[Vee]

I think quite a few of your guys will remember some of the dumb questions I asked on Birdboard. Being a first time bird owner I was permanently logged in reading up on how to handle my CAG. I dopted him 7 months ago and he was aggressive, a biter and plain nasty. I pestered Lisa B and Tom Lawless and took every bit of information I got and put it to practise. Boy! the reward has been amazing. My boy is so affectionate, we eat off the same plate, he follows me around the house and even rides on the vacuum cleaner when I do my carpets. I never thought I would be able to touch him. Just through patience, encouragment and your help I can do just about anything with him. He REFUSES to step up on my hand but will do it on my arm. He has stopped biting unless I do something he doesn't like or push him too far. I think my husband has become a wee bit jealous of my relationship with Habib, but that is something he is going to have to live with. Losing him will be like losing one of my children. I am so proud of myself and Habib, 6 months ago I thought I was fighting a losing battle. Thank you so much everyone !!

[Adinah]

Wow that's some great progress!
Amazing he's not afraid of the vacuum either. :)

[expressmailtome]

Congratulations! It is always nice to hear success stories. I am so glad for you! Also, like Adinah said the vacuum part was amazing.

Matt

[Vee]

Yes, the vacuum bit I believe is unusual as they normally keep away from it. The first time he climbed onto it I switched it off but when I switched it on again he can running over and climbed straight back on now its an everyday thing.

[jenseits]

I love reading about success stories like this. The right information, coupled with patience and love, can have truly amazing impacts! And, as you said, feeling like you've turned a "mean" bird around is so incredibly rewarding in and of itself.

[Vee]

I know that alcohol is deadly to birds but I would like to know exactly how it affects them. Do they die immediately or are there symptoms? My husband was having a glass of sherry last weekend and got up to answer the front door. My CAG climbed onto the side table and pulled the galss over. My husband caught him in time and we are 100% sure he never got to drink any. I am just curious as to what will actually happen if a bird does drink alcohol. If they do drink it will there be time to get them to a vet?

[Abby]

Our BE2 has been known to sip some of hubby's beer when he's not looking and no effects there. Then again same bird has managed to get into the geranium bush and dip her beak in enamel paint without any ill effects so we figure now that she is either a cat with nine lives or has an iron gut.

My opinion on anything like alcohol or caffeine (based purely on experience not scientific/medical fact), is that if they pinch the very occasional sip then it's not a huge issue. Big difference between a sip and downing half a bottle of Jack Daniels. Defintely shouldn't be encouraged but if she does have the odd sip then it won't kill her or do any damage.

There's Aussie 'toos in their 80s who have been sharing a beer with their owners for years without any obvious ill effects.

[Lisa B]

Hi. I just saw this...thank you for the kind words, and the results you have achived is the exact reason I stay on forums to help. I am thrilled with the relationship you and Habib have made, and you are proof, that with time, patience and love, anything is possible.....

the alcohol. Its cumulative. its not immediate unless some sort of allergic reaction or overdose, but can do long term damage if done on an occasional timeframe.

[Abby]

Didn't think about the cumulative effects. Must be time for more coffee.

[Lisa B]

Originally Posted by Abby

Didn't think about the cumulative effects. Must be time for more coffee.

ahhhh I was leaning towards some Jack.