May 16, 2015 14:28:29 GMT
DreamerHorse
Normal Violet
Kiwi is so lovely. :)
Posts: 126
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Post by DreamerHorse on Jun 2, 2015 19:02:54 GMT
So this is Kiwi's Blog. I'd just like to start off with that I've never owned a bird before, so this is all new to me. I have been around birds that are not mine, that were friendly, but I've never had to be around a practically wild bird.
Kiwi has been doing great. He's stopped panting, and the worst it is, is very fast-paced breathing. He lets me changing food and water and there is some millet for him in the cage if he ever has the mind to try it. I'm not going to touch him for a few weeks but hopefully he'll settle in well. Right now? He's taking a nap.
I can't take any videos because my internet is slow and therefor me trying to upload any video takes days, if it will even upload at all. But I can promise pictures.
Later, when I'm somewhat through the second bag of food, I will try finding pellets at Wal-Mart and switching him over. And I'm going to try to get some fruits and veggies into his diet as well. Also, my mom has gotten pretty attached to him and says her allergies aren't affecting her, though I've only had him a day so that might change.
Some photos.
The Cage...
Kiwi. Can anyone tell if he's a grey wing or a spangle?
Food...
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Post by suesbird on Jun 2, 2015 19:07:02 GMT
Lovely Kiwi.
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Post by starlingqueen on Jun 2, 2015 19:14:54 GMT
Can I suggest you get perches that go from side to side rather than lengthways? It's much better for them to be able to hop or fly from perch to perch than shuffle sideways.
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May 16, 2015 14:28:29 GMT
DreamerHorse
Normal Violet
Kiwi is so lovely. :)
Posts: 126
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Post by DreamerHorse on Jun 2, 2015 19:20:03 GMT
Can I suggest you get perches that go from side to side rather than lengthways? It's much better for them to be able to hop or fly from perch to perch than shuffle sideways. I'm going to try to get some different perches next time I go to walmart. Those are just the one's that came with the cage. I do have a natural wood perch, but its got rust on it (didn't know when purchasing it, epected walmart wouldn't sell something that's rusting. -_-) so I need to exchange it. When I do I'll put the new perch in going side to side.
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Post by FFG on Jun 2, 2015 19:23:29 GMT
Kiwi is a beaut! You have chosen well and a nice cage too . You are absolutely right to be giving him a while to settle in... Doing everything slowly when putting your hand in the cage will eventually reassure him your his buddie. Gradually you can get your finger closer to him, soon he'll be eating from your hand and then stepping up onto your finger. Time and patience will pay off in the long run. I know you mentioned something about changing the perches later on in another thread.. Just an idea but it could be good to have them going the other way so kiwi gets a longer flight if you do change them.
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May 16, 2015 14:28:29 GMT
DreamerHorse
Normal Violet
Kiwi is so lovely. :)
Posts: 126
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Post by DreamerHorse on Jun 2, 2015 19:25:57 GMT
Kiwi is a beaut! You have chosen well and a nice cage too . You are absolutely right to be giving him a while to settle in... Doing everything slowly when putting your hand in the cage will eventually reassure him your his buddie. Gradually you can get your finger closer to him, soon he'll be eating from your hand and then stepping up onto your finger. Time and patience will pay off in the long run. I know you mentioned something about changing the perches later on in another thread.. Just an idea but it could be good to have them going the other way so kiwi gets a longer flight if you do change them. Thanks.
Yea I plan on having them that way, I just need to get smaller perches first.
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Post by FFG on Jun 2, 2015 19:27:32 GMT
Sorry guys, must have all typed at the same time I'm obviously a lot slower!
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May 16, 2015 14:28:29 GMT
DreamerHorse
Normal Violet
Kiwi is so lovely. :)
Posts: 126
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Post by DreamerHorse on Jun 2, 2015 19:29:16 GMT
Lol its okay. Happens to the best of us. xD
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May 16, 2015 14:28:29 GMT
DreamerHorse
Normal Violet
Kiwi is so lovely. :)
Posts: 126
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Post by DreamerHorse on Jun 2, 2015 23:24:43 GMT
Do budgies fluff up when sleepy? He's been yawning and opening and closing his eyes like he's tired. Should I cover the cage?
Edit: I covered the cage and when I went to check on him he was not fluffed up and on the perch he slept on last night. Maybe he's just waiting for bedtime, though he'll have to learn that nobody's going to bed for another hour or two.
Birds are strange.
The bird who gets all sleepy but snaps into alertness when I cover the cage:
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Post by FFG on Jun 3, 2015 11:52:56 GMT
I believe they do yawn and can fluff up but I remember when first getting mine when they open their beaks (looking like they are yawning) this is also a sign of stress... It is quite normal at the beginning so don't worry too much about him. He just needs a bit of time to get used to his new home. I used to cover my cage when I had them indoors and at first it used to spook them. After a while as soon as I picked up their cover and said 'bedtime boys' they knew and would jump up to their swings and settled in for the night (I used to dim the lights a bit before so they got used to it gradually getting dark rather than put them in total darkness with the cover). Hope this helps.
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May 7, 2015 8:57:40 GMT
fluffball
Normal Violet
Shakira makes me shake my tail feather!
Posts: 202
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Post by fluffball on Jun 3, 2015 12:03:06 GMT
Hi DreamerHorse, yes typically a sleepy budgie will close one or both eyelids and fluff up (integrated duvet cover). Kiwi will probably want to be as high as possible in the cage when he goes to sleep. Teddy has a swing - it's the highest point - when he goes on it that means "lights out" (human put the cover on my cage). You might hear Kiwi mumbling as he nods off. Deep sleep is when he tucks his head under his wing. Budgies also nap during the day - sometimes after playing or eating. No doubt Kiwi will tell you when it's his bedtime. Teddy currently nods off 8.30-9pm. I expect younger ones need more sleep too! One last thing ... I made the mistake of lifting the corner of Teddy's cover once to check on him and he totally freaked out - flapped all over the cage with eyes like saucers ... never again!
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May 16, 2015 14:28:29 GMT
DreamerHorse
Normal Violet
Kiwi is so lovely. :)
Posts: 126
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Post by DreamerHorse on Jun 3, 2015 12:24:49 GMT
That's good to hear. ^.^ He woke up very cheery eyed this morning, moving around a little more, moving his head and turning around on the perch. I think he's starting to adjust to routine. Haven't seen him eat or drink yet, and I've checked the food container for seed husks. Changed his food and water and sprinkled a little grit on his seeds.
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Post by budgiefriend on Jun 3, 2015 13:49:08 GMT
Kiwi is doing great in his new home with his new family. You are doing a great job. Love the blog, too. Good way to keep posted. Thanks.
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May 16, 2015 14:28:29 GMT
DreamerHorse
Normal Violet
Kiwi is so lovely. :)
Posts: 126
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Post by DreamerHorse on Jun 3, 2015 17:17:06 GMT
I bought and put a mite and lice protector on his cage because he's been scratching. :/ I also moved his food and water up. Hopefully he'll try eating and drinking soon.
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Post by suesbird on Jun 3, 2015 17:18:33 GMT
He is probably eating but not letting you see him.
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