Jardines

[okieparrots]

I just have to chime in a new thread and tout the adorability of the Jardine's parrots. We acquired a pair of Lesser Jardines a few months ago from someone whose relatives had to move quickly and gave them to her. She thought they were "pets" and took them only to discover they weren't "tame". She gave them to me, cage and all just so they'd have a good home. I was thrilled as I'd read and been encouraged by a friend to consider them as a species to raise. (and how could I pass up the chance..)

What an adorable pair they are! The male is a wild caught bird, striking to say the least. He's full of spunk and a major ordeal to have to restrain. He flips over and fights back with a vengence...

The hen is a domestic bird who hasn't been handled by anyone in who knows how long. I've been charmed by their antics and have always thought the Jardine's to be a pretty bird. But she's now set herself into my all time fav's list. (And she has a lot of competition, 'toos included Outlaw! )

A couple of days ago she proved her temperment to me in a surprising manner. I've never handled her, except to restrain her for some much needed grooming when she arrived. Then a few days ago she took to climbing out of the cage when I was preparing their morning feeding. No big deal, she always climbed on to the bowl as it went into the cage. Well a couple of days ago she slipped and flew (fully flighted btw) to the floor of the breeders room. I expected a fight and she flew from every perch offered, so not thinking I reached down and offered my hand. Remember I've never touched her, no handling except in a towel for a beak trim and nail clip. But she stepped right up, no fuss, and patiently allowed me to place her back in her cage. What a gal. And of course now I'm sold on these little African delights.

[Lora, Archer, & Kira]

awww, that's a sweet story. :)

You *are* going to post pics of your new darling, aren't you? ;)

[Monica]

LOL! What a great surprise to find that she is handable!!! I would be pleased to learn more about them! They sounds like a great couple!

[okieparrots]

I'll post some pics when I get all my files back on the computer. I reloaded my operating system earlier this evening to fix some aggravation but I haven't got my archives reloaded yet, which of course have my pics.

[Lora, Archer, & Kira]

I know alllll about reloading your OS... I did that a couple days ago myself! I figure that if my significant other will ever stop installing things on MY comptuer, I can stop reloading my OS.

[okieparrots]

My significant other is banned from the computer. If he needs something he has to ask....fortunately he's completely computer illiterate so would rather it be that way

[Joel]

Brad, I have a few Jardines myself, one of my favorite of all bird species. Binky (my cusser) is quite the character and his girlfriend too.......The other male I have is pretty nasty, plucks his chest also (guess he likes the clean shaven look). I have been trying to find him a girlfriend for the longest time with no luck. I recommend these guys/gals to everyone and they are rather quiet birds too.

[The Outlaw]

Brad and Joel:

I think they are wonderful, too. But, they are awfully hard to find in these parts. Seems that because they require good lighting to really show their stuff, they simply get overlooked amongst their flashier, noisier cousins. I haven't ever seen one in a regular pet shop and have only seen 3 at a local breeders. She didn't breed Jardines but was boarding and selling some for a friend. What is the current market price for a Jardines?

THE OUTLAW

[okieparrots]

The Lesser's are running about $500 ish from a breeder. Of course that is somewhat depending on what part of the country you are dealing with. I've noticed the coasts are usually higher while the central part of the country are usually lower.

They are beautiful and I agree the lighting can really hide their true glory. I think thats true of almost any of the green parrots, especially the green macaws like Militaries and Severe's. They glisten with brilliance when in the right lighting. Jardines are much the same.

[Joel]

I will probably let my babies go for around $350 at the pin feather stage to qualified handfeeders and maybe around $450 if I wean them out myself. Birdboard regulars get a further discount if picked up as "me no ship".

I wonder if Binky's kids will cuss like their old man???...