Valo's Moirana ~ September 2007

[Lisa B]

How did you become involved with Birds?

I begged my mother for years to have a bird, and when I was 6yrs old, I got my first budgie Piepsi - he was one of the best birds ever, fun and involved, and always with us. Unfortunately he died young - from then on, I ALWAYS made sure to have my windows covered.

What made you want to share you life with birds?

When I was little, I loved their appearance and their eyes. I didn't know anybody who had birds, but my parents used to live with birds when they were younger. They taught me how to propertly interact with them and take care of them - needless to say, that 20yrs ago in Europe the standards were completely different. When I moved into my own apartment in the States, I missed having pets and I was finally able to convince my BF to get Valo.

How long have you been an avian caretaker?

Our family had birds since I was 6yrs old, and when I moved out for college it was the first time I didn’t live with birds. After coming to the States, it still took a while until I got my babies but Valo and Bella have been with us for a little over a year now.

What species do you currently care for?

Conures – one sun, and one greencheek

What do you love most about your birds?

There’s not much I don’t love about them – what I probably love most is the fact that they love me…. I love the appreciation they show when I spend time with them. Also, they are excited when I come home, and they always come to get some snuggle time.

Do you have a favourite bird book and why?

”The complete pet bird owner’s handbook” by Gary Gallerstein, and “The parrot problem solver” by Barbara Heidenreich.

Which bird magazines do you buy/subscribe to?

I currently don’t have a subscription, but I regularly read “Bird Talk” and “Good Bird Magazine” by B. Heidenreich.

Do you belong to any bird clubs?

I’m a member of the Gabriel Foundation, and I attend a few meeting of the Colorado Avian Resource Inc.

Do you have a special story of a feathered one you would like to share?

Our budgie Piepsi never liked baths – I was about 8yrs old at the time, and after dinner he was always allowed on the table to pick up the occasional treat that was pushed off the plates for him (usually some rice and veggies). That night we had soup for dinner, and the little guy wasn’t pleased at all that nothing was left on the table for him…. He circled above the table a few times, and then dove down into my mom’s plate – and took a bath in the lukewarm soup.

What is the best piece of advice you can offer new parronts that you have learned through trial and error?

A lot of resources mention that the humans have to dominate the bird – personally, I don’t agree with that approach. I use positive reinforcement to motivate them to behave the proper way. In addition, cooking healthy foods for them is not as difficult as it seems but absolutely worth it!

Care to share who else shares your life? Pets/Family?


My apartment is also occupied by fish – I used to have a 13yr old goldfish Elmo, and I was heartbroken when he died. I currently have 6 african cichlids and a pleco in a 55gal tank. I live by myself since my BF is 6hrs away due to job commitments.

Any closing thoughts?

The birds are the best thing in my life – size doesn’t matter, small or large – they are creatures full of character. It can be challenging at times (I’m currently dealing with an overbonded GCC), but patience and effort will ultimately lead to success. Parrots let us humans into their lives – they develop loving relationships when they are loved and cared for, and that will never end. Do your research BEFORE getting a bird – it’s heartbreaking to see the ones that have been given up. They are still eager to get human attention and repeat the phrases they learned for years to come. Also, we are responsible for their well-being, which includes providing a healthy diet (and being consistent even if converting appears to be difficult) and proper veterinarian care if the bird happens to become sick.
__________________
Bee
well-trained slave for the bossy GCC Valo (aka Mr. Stinkefuss)
step-"poop cleaner" for Ms. Princess Bella, the sun conure lady
love the godfids - Pita & Stupsi
proud sponsor of Mikey (blue-crown conure) at TGF

[gbird]

That's my girl!!! Love ya Bee xo

[catschair]

Congratulations Bee! You are a star in my book.

And many thanks, Lisa, for picking such a great first member to feature! I know we have a lot of wonderful folks on line and I look forward to getting to know many of them better through this forum.

[habs71]

Congratulations Bee!!

Skip

[Zoe's Mom]

Very nice job Bee. You held my interest right to the last word. Congratulations on being chosen. You did great!

[Busguy]

Woohoo, Congratulations!!!!!

Thank you so much for your time and patience while sharing your knowledge and experience with the rest of us. While I am a relative newcomer to the BirdBoard, I can already see that you have touched many lifes, both the feathered variety and their human pets. Keep it up!

[Ginich]

Nice job, Bee! Interesting to read and get to know you a little better.

[Valo's Moirana]

aaawww... thanks so much, guys! i really appreciate it... i really like this board, especially as it provides so much useful information - and there are a lot of nice people... in fact, i met one of my real-life best friends on here and i met many other online-friends

[Tobysmom]

congrats!!!!!!

[Tiffany]

Now maybe Mr. Stinkefuss will be a little more nicer to ya. You deserve this!