Orphan update~Progress and Set backs

[OwnedbyMacaws]

Hi all! Time for a Mickey and Mal update again. Mal has decided to give up the fight, at least most of it. I don't know what might have been the inspiration for it, but he's allowing Jack to hold him now, and even climbed my arm the other day. The attempts to bite have practically stopped from him. I believe he is well on his way to being a 'normal' parrot. Mickey is still holding grudges, although he tries less and less to eat me everyday. He doesn't attack Jack at all, but he is still resistant to being held at all. Both birds feathers are filling in nicely, but the growth has slowed down somewhat. They are a bit patchy, but actually look somewhat normal now. I am VERY pleased about this, as I was afraid they might be nekkid forever.

In other news, my friend Dave has offically gone off the deep end. He has informed all of his animals foster parents that we are now the owners. He has decided to take a position with his company in Japan and doesn't know when he's comming back. I knew something was up, but it's so unlike him to be so irresponsible. He's raised these animals from babies and I would have never dreamed he'd just give them up like this. I don't mind keeping the birds, Sam and Simon are lovely, and a welcome pleasant distraction after dealing with Mickey and Mal and their issues.

My only problem is that now that Dave has stopped making visits to see them every day or two, Simon has gone into obvious grieving. I don't know how to explain it other than the bird is clearly depressed. He doesn't participate in the 'tom foolery' that goes on during playtime anymore, and isn't eating as much as he normally did. I've also begun to notice feathers in the bottom of the cage. I've seen the AV, he tested and all came back negative and I truely believe this is a psycological issue. Simon isn't biting or acting out, just moping. I'm worried though. Anyone got any suggestions on how to cheer up a bird?

ETA: I nearly forgot! FOr the first time, one of them actually showed that they could speak. I walked into the living room and discovered Mal going "Here kitty, kitty, kitty" Needless to say, I have no stupid cats, and the two that were in the room were eyeing him suspiciously from the couch.

[Monica]

Sounds like things are going great! I hope Simon starts feeling well soon! Maybe try giving him some special treats???

[Casa Amazona]

What a great update. Thanks so much for taking the time to let us know how your new kids are. Any chance you could post pics for us?

As to Simon, I don't know anything at all about Macaws so can't offer any advice other than to pray for him.

[Rue]

Great update! So nice to hear M&M are doing so well...

...sorry about your friend Dave, but I'm happy to hear you're fine keeping his birds...hopefully Simon will chill out before he starts any serious plucking...

...and yes! Pics please...pretty pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeze...

[Freedomoflight]

Yes we are all pic fiends around here :)

[kp_in_scott]

Dana,
Oh my Lord, what a house full of birds you have! Thanks for the update and I'm glad that Mickey and Mallory are doing well. Even if they aren't the most cuddly of birds, look how far they've come, in about 3(?) months. Just a suggestion. We started the King's Cage "Pluck No More" about 3 weeks ago on Seymour, our very plucked adopted E-Too. I am seeing improvement in his feathers. His tummy is getting fuzzy! He is also having some improvement in his behaviour also(very phobic and quite the finger lacerator). The stuff is kinda expensive in my eyes, but it is working. It may be a good investment to try on Mick and Mal and Simon may benefit from the nerve soothing effects.
Best of luck to you and we really should try to meet up at sometime or other. K?

[The Outlaw]

Dana:

Its funny you posted this about your friend because from the moment you took them in, I just felt you would have them forever. Sometimes you just know. What about all of his dogs and cats?

[OwnedbyMacaws]

Originally Posted by kp_in_scott

Dana,
Oh my Lord, what a house full of birds you have! Thanks for the update and I'm glad that Mickey and Mallory are doing well. Even if they aren't the most cuddly of birds, look how far they've come, in about 3(?) months. Just a suggestion. We started the King's Cage "Pluck No More" about 3 weeks ago on Seymour, our very plucked adopted E-Too. I am seeing improvement in his feathers. His tummy is getting fuzzy! He is also having some improvement in his behaviour also(very phobic and quite the finger lacerator). The stuff is kinda expensive in my eyes, but it is working. It may be a good investment to try on Mick and Mal and Simon may benefit from the nerve soothing effects.
Best of luck to you and we really should try to meet up at sometime or other. K?

Thanks! I'll look into that for sure. And yes, we'll have to try to do that sometime soon.

[OwnedbyMacaws]

Originally Posted by The Outlaw

Dana:

Its funny you posted this about your friend because from the moment you took them in, I just felt you would have them forever. Sometimes you just know. What about all of his dogs and cats?

*I* sure didn't expect it, Nancy. I don't know how strongly I can stress, this is NOT typical of Dave. I mean, he's done it now, so, it looks like I was wrong, but he's never been anything but completely devoted to his animals before. He's had both Sam And Simon, not to mention his 'toos since they were weaned. I couldn't imagine just running off and leaving mine.

The dogs are here with us. If a very good adoptive home comes up for them, I'll let them go, but they too have been together since pups and I'm not separating them. But they are LARGE dogs, and there *is* four of them, so I'm not really counting on anyone wanting to take them in. I'm pretty thankful at the moment that we're planning on being in our new house by next march because space is cramped here and there will be enough room for everyone at the new place, I think.

Delta and Keri (the toos) are with another friend, and I am guessing she'll be wanting to keep them as well. Dave's horses as well, are with someone who has others and I imagine two more won't hurt that much. The one cat deceased in the house fire, along with Dave's tiels and his saltwater tank.

I was hoping you'd see this post. I thought maybe you might have some recommendations on Simon's mental state, and improving it?

[The Outlaw]

Dana:

You sure have a heart of gold. I'm gonna make a guess here, because I suspect you did the same thing with Dave's birds that I did with Cleo, the CAG, when I boarded her here. You probably treat them well, but were reluctant to really go full boogy with your love so that you wouldn't alienate them from your friend. Consequently, when his visits started to trickle to a stop, they felt confused and of course desserted. And, they will have to grieve over so many losses: their friend and their home for so long.

I would now up the ante and try to spend a little more time with them for the short term. Distract them from waiting for him to arrive. Once I understood that my Cleo was gonna become a permanent flock member, I think my attitude changed and Cleo was ready to become part of my family. I imagine the same thing will happen with you. In many ways all of his pets were very fortunate. He was able to place them in at least pairs so they have each other to commiserate with.

As for your friend, I think I understand his logic: its impossible to simply choose a few and he knew they were in a better place than he could provide. However, I think it was a pretty ratty deal to pull on his friends. I will never understand human logic. That having been said, I have never lost everything in a flood or fire either. There but for the grace of God, go I.