Peter the daring..

[Marianne Marlow]

For the last couple of days, Peter has made his way out of the cage and I have found him playing on the budgie playground on the roof!

It was quite a shock as he has not been able to fly for more than a year.

Today he's been jumping back and forth with Max.

I wonder if I should try and help him to fly again somehow? (suggestions?!)

[Loz]

I have no advice unfortunately but I am delighted that Peter is being so active and that Max has him for a playmate.

[Ira]

It depends why he can't fly, I guess. I've been trying to get Pippin to strengthen his wings, in the hope that once his feathers are back in properly he'll be able to fly again, but that requires him to be on my hand at the moment.

Good to see him out and playing though. He's a stunning budgie.

[ffiscool]

Well done Peter, for your endeavours.

[Marianne Marlow]

The reason he cannot fly is inactivity.

When George had a stroke in June 2021, Peter decided to stay in all day with his friend and stopped flying too.

So he lost the ability.

Sept 25, 2023 17:28:51 GMT Ira said:

It depends why he can't fly, I guess. I've been trying to get Pippin to strengthen his wings, in the hope that once his feathers are back in properly he'll be able to fly again, but that requires him to be on my hand at the moment.

Good to see him out and playing though. He's a stunning budgie.

[Loz]

I was really moved by your post, Marianne. Peter seems to be a very loyal friend to George.

[Marianne Marlow]

He's a very sweet boy and they have a lovely friendship.

Earlier on when Peter was on the roof of the cage and couldn't get back in, he leaned down and George shouted at him. It was as if to say "get back in here Yer daft apeth"

I had to bring the playground down for Peter and then he hopped back in the cage.

Sept 25, 2023 19:27:41 GMT @loz said:

I was really moved by your post, Marianne. Peter seems to be a very loyal friend to George.

[Ira]

Ahh. So theoretically if he began exercising he'd be able to fly again.

Sept 25, 2023 19:05:28 GMT Marianne Marlow said:

The reason he cannot fly is inactivity.

When George had a stroke in June 2021, Peter decided to stay in all day with his friend and stopped flying too.

So he lost the ability.

Sept 25, 2023 17:28:51 GMT Ira said:

It depends why he can't fly, I guess. I've been trying to get Pippin to strengthen his wings, in the hope that once his feathers are back in properly he'll be able to fly again, but that requires him to be on my hand at the moment.

Good to see him out and playing though. He's a stunning budgie.

[Marianne Marlow]

I hope so Ira, but how to get him to exercise? he doesn't really trust me. He'll step on my hand to get off the floor and that's it.

[Ira]

Pippin usually only steps up on me when he wants the taxi. Or sometimes if bribes are available.

I'm not really sure, short of just encouraging him out and letting him do his thing, and hoping his stamina will improve over time. Maybe others will have some ideas.

[criswell]

It's great that Peter has decided to venture out. I don't have any suggestions on how to help him fly though.

[ariella]

Max is like a magnet - everyone wants to play with him.
I think it’s lovely to see Peter out and having fun. It would be nice if he continues to want to come out and perhaps he’d fly to the next playing station Max goes to.

[Marianne Marlow]

Peter and George were both being daring yesterday. Peter came out and played on top of the cage. George keeps coming out and sitting on the outside perch, then he climbs around the outside of the cage flapping his wings. Then he goes back in like nothing has happened.

For those that do not know - Peter is the light blue spangle eating from the seed pots.

George is the light green boy sitting on the outside of the cage, looking directly at me.

[Loz]

Very glad to see both Peter & George pushing themselves to be more active. Good lads!

[ffiscool]

Well done that lad