tielfan~July 2008 - BirdBoard.Com - Parrot Message Board & Pet Bird Owner Forums

Lisa B · #1 (**permalink**) 07-07-2008, 11:00 PM

Member of the month

How did you become involved with Birds?
When I was six my cousin was given a pet budgie. My sister and I had so much fun with it that we were also given one for Christmas.

What made you want to share you life with birds?
They're sweet, affectionate, beautiful. I can't quite identify why I like them better than other animals, but I do.

How long have you been an avian caretaker?
For all but about four of the last 45 years.

What species do you currently care for?
Cockatiels! Way too many of them at the moment since Buster and Shodu decided to make babies without authorization. I like other species too but I don't want the MBS to get out of control.

What do you love most about your birds?
They love me back.

Do you have a favourite bird book and why?
No favorite books, although I like to read bird magazines.

Which bird magazines do you buy/subscribe to?
BirdTalk and the Companion Parrot Quarterly.

Do you belong to any bird clubs?
Yes, I try to attend all the meetings of the local bird club.

Do you have a special story of a feathered one you would like to share?
Not really. My birds have a way of making every day special.

What is the best piece of advice you can offer new parronts that you have learned through trial and error?
Learn all you can about birds in general and your species in particular. Don't stop just because you think you already know enough, because we keep learning more about birds and the recommendations keep changing as a result. I was YEARS late in finding out that the diet recommendations had changed since I was a kid!

Any closing thoughts?
Respect your bird's feelings and work to build trust between you. You'll have a much better relationship that way.