How much time do birds really take?

[Freedomoflight]

You know how inexperienced bird people seem to ask 'how much time does a bird really take'? It seems like they've got it in their head that because its a bird and has a cage, that other then food and water its an easily maintained pet. Well I thought about that. And thought.. and thought some more.

Today I've gone around and taken photos of everything that I have done that correlates with me taking care of the fids. I focused on caiques cause I plan on putting this on my website as an example, but this could be multiplied for my entire flock. Please excuse some blurry pics.


OK here we go:

Bird cages needed to be cleaned:


Then the bird cages were clean, but the bird room was a mess:





So give me 20 minutes to clean up the room and voila



Its morning on the birdies are hungry. So everyone gets some pellets, fruit-e-licious, and milk thistle seed:



yummmm

then we have to wash the water bowls and other dishes and replace with fresh water:



after breakfast is over and everyone has had their mid morning nap, the fiddies get weighed.





"I'm not fat, just stocky!"





"I am more on the petite side compared to Mr. Chunky"

Now its outside to play...

Everything goes well for about 20 min, until the fildren start fighting





So bring them back in.. start cooking some Crazy Corn after everyone is in their cages



Yum.. Crazy Corn

let simmer for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, birdies get a bath



Rosie was NOT happy about it.

and to round off the 'day of pampering' Higgins gets a much needed manicure, which he sat so nicely for





continued in next post...

[Freedomoflight]

Continued..

While the crazy corn is cooking the birdies are getting bored.

So its time to make some foraging toys for them.



Rosie's favorite toy





The makings of Higgins toy:



place nutriberries in coffee filters, wad filters up, stuff filters in hollee roller



give to bird



Mmmm smell that? Crazy Corn is done!



to be continued...

[TailFeathers]

Wow you take such good care of your beautiful fids!

I don't know why but I love cleaning after my birds,

If my mum asks me to do the dishes it's a BIG no but for my birds...

[Salsa]

Freedomoflight - I know your thoughts... I think that a lot of people don't quite get the time required for the fids or many other pets in general!! Your pics are great and prove a good point. I know that for me it is almost an all day job between four fids, two dogs, 5 cats, 2 horses and 5 fish tanks (feather, fur, and fins, maybe they are all fids). Shoot, I have to spend 30 minutes a day preparing food for my saltwater fish tank between the live rotifiers, brine shrimp, and so forth. Those dang fish won't even sit on my hand and give me lovin' as thanks either!!:)lol!! Now add in the birds, dogs, cats, horses... you get the point.

I have one whole cabinet and one shelf in the pantry dedicated to food just for my critters (most of the food is items for "home cooked" meals). It is truly time intensive but I love every minute of it. Since I don't have kids I get my "mothering" fix through my critters.

[flyingfluff]

Birds are definitely more than a pretty animal that sits in their cage all day and needs no maintenance . Heck, they are higher maintenance than most animals.... they make dogs look easy. Pet them, feed them, take them out a couple times a day to do their business, come back in, pet them some more. And I like the photos that went along with your post.

[jenseits]

Q: How much time do birds take?
A: The rest of your life.

[Salsa]

jenseits - Well put!!

[tamfromtn]

I applaude you for your great care of your birds. It made me feel guilty and realize I have alot to learn. After some reasearch I thought I knew what needed to be done to own a bird. After reading and looking at your pics I know now I haven't a clue. But I have my birds so I need to step it up. The foraging toys are great. Where can I get them? I went to petsmart to get some toys but don't remember seeing them. Maybe I didn't know what they were. Anyway, thanks for the pics.

[Courtzrocks]

Made me feel a bit guilty too...damn work grr...but all my time im not working is spent with matches until she goes to bed...or unless she is being naughty...no time for that!! I don't mind picking up after her and cleaning and getting her fruit ready for the day and veggies in the afternoon. Also training and just hanging with her.

[wildirish]

I know the feeling! LOL! It seems to be an onging thing, between cleaning cages, cooking and making toys and playing too LOL!

I went to petsmart to get some toys but don't remember seeing them. Maybe I didn't know what they were.

Most retail pet stores are pretty slow on parrot toys. If you search for "foraging toys" etc you will find tons of them. You can use a lot of house hold items as well. Even something as simple as a nut wrapped in paper. The idea is to get them to "work" for the food!