I'm getting a baby B&G!

[Stizby]

Out of respect for ParrotJoe and not hijacking his thread, I thought I would start my own about the latest addition to my flock.

As you can see from my signature, I already have a yellow nape amazon (my first bird), CAG, U2 and a male ekkie. In late June, I put a deposit down on a baby B&G that is in the final stages of being weaned at the breeder's. I have named my little guy "Cooper". I have all my current birds in a spare bedroom that has been converted into a bird room. I have a JWR environmental air filter running in that room. Due to the issue of possible sensitivity of a B&G to the 'too dust, Cooper will not be kept in the bird room. Cooper's cage is set up in my living room.

I have visited Cooper at the breeder's every week since I put a deposit down on him and am scheduled to go again this afternoon. He has come to recognize me and I spend at least 2 hours each week with him there. The breeder has raised him with another B&G baby in her home. (I wanted a breeder that raises her babies in her home where they are well-socialized) Each came from a different clutch but seem very bonded to each other. Both birds have been DNA'd and both are boys. Cooper has always progressed a little quicker than the other one and is definitely bigger than the other one. He was the first to fly and the first to accept regular food. When I saw Cooper last Sunday, the breeder said that he was down to taking only 1 spoonful of the weaning formula in the evening and thought he might be weaned and able to come home with me next week. She asked me to call her sometime this past week and she would be better able to tell me if he would be ready by then.

I called the breeder on Thursday evening and she reported that because she separated him from the other baby and had begun separately caging him in preparation for him going home to me, he has refused to eat in his cage and is demanding a bigger feeding at night. So, it looks like it will be a little longer before he will be ready to come home. I will know more, however, after I see him this afternoon. He is just over 4 months old. I have likened my waiting to bring Cooper home to a kid counting the days until Christmas! I am that excited!

Here are some photos of Cooper that I have taken during my visits with him. Also, I think it kind of special that his hatchday happens to be my birthday!

[Roto4]

Where are you from and, how many birds do you have? I'm from NJ have Cocoa a mini Han that looks just like the icon I use I think you use the same one but, my bird is a Mini Han just gorgeous too. Than I have Pretty who is a cockitiel.........Reba the Roto4

[Stizby]

Here is a photo of the breeder feeding the babies 4 weeks ago. Cooper is the bird without the spoon in his beak!

[Stizby]

Roto4, thank you for the compliment! I am sure that Cooper will be flattered!

I am located in the mid-Michigan area. I currently have 4 birds (you can see from my signature their names and types). Here is a photo of my current flock on a large playstand I have for them on the deck to my house. They are fed breakfast nearly every day there. Don't overlook Gabby, my CAG as she is sitting below Izzy, my U2 and looks like she is wondering whether Izzy is going to bomb her with a dropping!

I have been a lurker for the last few months and just started posting here. Looks to be a good, informed group of people here and I look forward to sharing my passion in all things avian with you!

[Stizby]

Jodi:

Due to the "debate" on this board in the past over keeping macaws and 'toos together, I put off for a while posting about my getting Cooper as I really did not wish to stir up anything like that. I thought for a mili-second about omitting the fact I have a 'too, but decided honesty is the best policy. Please re-read my first post. You will see there that I made mention of the issue and indicated that I am housing the macaw away from the 'too (in separate rooms) and am currently using the JWR environmental air filter unit. I don't wish to really start a controversey over this and want to keep this thread as pleasant as possible.

I assure you that I am not a novice at keeping birds and have researched and read much on the subject. I have consulted with my avian vet and gotten his approval of my setup. I have taken all the steps that my vet has endorsed and recommended for keeping a B&G in the same house as a 'too. By the way, he did not say I should not do it. I just need to take some steps to minimize (and hopefully eliminate) any risk.

I try my best to be a responsible bird owner. My birds are out and about quite a bit with me, go for car rides, join me for dinner at family functions, shower with me, etc. I deplore and do not ascribe to the philosophy of birds being pretty adornments kept in cages. I recognize that they view me as a member of their flock and I try to include and incorporate them as much as possible in my day-to-day activities. I treat them with respect and give great consideration to their care and well-being. In return, they enrich my life and reward me with laughter and much joy.

I am hoping that you all will join me in the celebration of the latest addition to my flock.

[Soda Pop]

Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh geez Im so jealous. I have my eyes on one and its looking like its just not going to happen. Heavy sigh. Im happy for you
Angel

[Franciscus]

Cooper is a handsome fellow. He is lucky to have found you to be his parront. It seems to me that you are doing the right things to prevent problems with the 'too dust. Nice to see the handfeeder is spoonfeeding the babies, I think that is the best way, as opposed to syringe. It's a little trickier to monitor the amount the bird is getting though.

[Rue]

Congrats on the new addition to your flock! You must be dancing on air! Looks like you've got a great set-up!

What are you birds' personalities like?

[Stizby]

Not to mention the mess, Franciscus!

I carefully researched for a good breeder. This lady is retired and she and her husband are devoted to the raising of their birds. They do not have the cheapest prices but I believe that their babies have a better chance of being well-adjusted companions due to them being raised in the home. Here is what I get from the breeder for Cooper:

1.
Full Avian Exam including CBC w/ Diff, Culture & Sensitivity, Fecal & Psitticosis Testing and Polyoma Vaccinations.

2.
DNA Sexing

3.
Official Adoption Record

4.
A full History from hatch including Weights, Parent Background and Medical History

5.
A collage of baby pictures and an 8 x 10 photograph of you with your new baby.

6.
Adoption Manual with Do's & Don'ts in Caring for your Baby "Shown Left"

[jessicaboyer89]

Wow, all of your birds are so beautiful!

I live in mid-Michigan too. Welcome to the board!!!!!