Frustrated Flowerchild

[Graehstone]

The, um, I guess you could call it, Journey, has begun.
I did a search on the net and found that there was a store real close, like within walking distance, of where we live, so off I went in search of the cure for my sweet Ruby.
Now I am an open-minded guy, or at least I like to think so (don’t they all though?) and am willing to give many things a try and the benefit of my doubt.
I am going to try and go the herbal route and administer the ‘Rescue Remedy” from the Bach flower essences and see if there is a change.
Now the thing that I have a problem with, well, actually it’s not really a problem, just more of a “Huh?” is that Parrot ownership is not relatively new to us (I’m reading this book called “Parrot Culture Our 2500-year-long Fascination with the World’s most Talkative Bird”) and we still, if we are honest, know squat, zip, nix, nada about them.
Body language for instance, how many of you can read your birds body language; I bet there are many of you. Now the question is, how long did it take you to learn it and are you done? Bet-cha again, a long time huh?
We are able to learn pretty much the basic things from their body language, when to touch and when to not touch, when they are feeling feisty and when they are feeling down.
Ok, now how about what goes on inside their heads? I know that they are smart; I know that they are capable of our entire range of emotions and that they are cognizant beings just like us. But we are only able to read a fraction of what it is that they are capable of showing us. How much do we really know about them, in all honesty again, not too damn much huh? Ok, I will not toss everyone into one nutshell here as I am sure that there are folks out there that are way more, lets say “in tune” with, … things than I ever shall be. So you have a “bird whisperer” or two out there, big deal. That helps us how? Here comes the Money spiel, why can’t it be free? It is after all, …just knowledge.
See what I’m getting at?
We, as bird owners, are the front line here, we are the ones that are writing the books and stories and sharing knowledge, there is no “school” you can go to, we are the teachers, as we are the students to those that we wish to understand.
Now take into consideration, a chemical, a drug. Another one of those things that are pretty much hit or miss. How many have of late been in the news saying “Recall-Recall” after the virtues of them has been plastered all over the media and world.
But ok, let’s leave that be as it may for the moment.
Drug “A” does this and that (or it’s supposed to) and your bird would benefit from it being able to do –this and that-. You give your bird drug “A”.
(Real long pause here)
Now, as the experts, we are supposed to be able to, … to, …hmmm.
Either the problem goes away and the drug worked or it did not. Or it worked only a little bit, or wait, … maybe it was a change of diet, that one time she ate, …
I got it!! It was the new lighting. Right?
Now take into consideration the world of Herbal/Homeopathic medicine.
In particular the qualities of, … Flower essences.
I did some research; really, I really did, and am still not sure either way.
Like I said, I am an open minded guy and willing to give pretty much everything a try and am not, lets say, er, … um, … unfamiliar, with herbs and spices from all around the globe (nice save huh?) and Katrin is of like mind if not as experimental as I am.
We went out and bought the books, and some of this and some of that (smelly stuff in little bottles that cost and arm and a leg) and did a lot of reading in the last two days.
Katrin I think is pretty much sold on the Human use aspects and far be it for me to dispute her.
So, the question begs to be asked, does it work on birds like it is supposed to?
How can you tell?
Either the problem went away or it did not. Or maybe it worked just a little, or, … or, … I know, it was a combination of lighting, food, love, … … ...
I am seriously considering taking up the courses that they have to offer, then after having spent half a year and $1200, or there about (I bet-cha it’ll be more before I’m done) I will be knowledgeable in the science of mixing essences of 38 different flowers and be able to sooth the ailments of the world. I will even get an official document saying that I am a practitioner excepted around the world.
I would be a Global Flower child, the Ultimate Hippie.
Signing off
Frustrated in San Diego

[Beaks]

At least you can get free info most of the time from people that know what works and what doesn't.

Hell if i know somthing it won't be long before everyone does because unused information is worthless so why bother to learn if you don't share it.

Vets figure that as long as they keep the information to themselves they can still suck in those bird owners that don't have a clue (which to tell the truth is most of them) for at least an office visit.

If you will notice most times that you take your bird to a vet it only takes 15 to 30 minutes (an hour if the vet is really busy)

That is because all in all it's pretty easy to fix up a bird if it is possible in the first place.

It only took me 30 minutes to resect a wing on a hawk and thats a major operation (that bird can now fly and is doing it in a state park)
I did have a vet assist but i did the work)

John

[Joel]

John, again we are thinking alike, I agree totally. :)

[LMPego]

I'm sorry you're frustrated with the Bach flowers (especially since I'm the one that mentioned it). I can say for myself that the Rescue Remedy works with my when the antidepressents aren't doing their job, and I had great success with Cory and the Bach flowers. I didn't see much of a change with Zen. As with anything, there are so many variables, and one medicine or rememdy may work on one person or animal and not on another and it may do with body or brain chemistry, diet, will to get better, etc. And then when it "works" - was it really that, or was it some other variable?
With people, I think improvement we either see or don't see in ourselves in response to any external influence has a lot to do with how much we believe or don't believe that it will work.
I put Cory on Mimulus for phobic reactions and it seemed to work. However, was it the Bach rememdy, was it that I was being more aware of how to help her deal with her fear, or was it just a spurt of maturity? I'll never know, but it doesn't really matter.
I agree about the cost, except that in my opinion I would spend any amount of money to help my girls live better lives (and I know that you would too). I wish I knew you were interested, I would have been happy to send you samples - I have a bunch of half bottles that I'm not using. If you want to try something that I have, PM me your address and I'll send it to you.
Laura

[Beaks]

if they gave samples i would have already tried it lol but without a way to prove the claims i wouldnt waste the money to buy anything not even from a vet.

allot of the time just paying more attention to them works but who knows ?
it could be anything because they don't have shrinks for birds(not counting the kooks like the pet psi dork on TV) now thats a load of crap.LMAO

I am waiting for a parrot to tell her that she is full of sh!t and to mind her own business LMAO.

John

[Tiki]

A pet shrink on TV? What show is that? Just a curious Aussie wants to know! :D