Updates on Blaze

I know it's been a while since I've posted anything about Blaze, but it seems I now have my hands full now that he (I now speculate) has finally settled in 100%. He's so active and wants to get into everything just like a child. Ever since we celebrated his hatch day, which was July 14th, I suppose he likes to think he's a big boy now since he finally turned 1.

Slowly, his "talking" has gotten better. He's learned to give kisses, laugh, cough, and will even copy how I say "What?". When I get home and let him out, he'll move up and down my arm, chattering away. His molt has been finished for a while now so he's perked up quite a bit, and I made the decision not to have his wings clipped. I've heard of all the benefits of having a flighted bird so I figured that it was the better option. Just in case, I've bought him a flight harness to wear if we go outside. I had a scare one time when I took him outside with me in the past. He was still clipped at the time but took off from my hand, managing to get a few feet before landing on the ground. Until he gets used to the harness, inside only.

He's got a bit of sass in him. If I put him back in the cage before he wants, he'll grab one of his toys and shake it. There are times where he'll grab something with his beak (like the side of my laptop) and try to chew it, and if I say no, he starts bobbing his head to say yes.

Since figured out that he can fly, things have changed. I've taken to finishing his potty training so he learns that leaving messes all over the house is not acceptable. He seems to be a lot happier though. While I'm home, I normally leave the top door of his cage open so he can go in and out as he pleases. If he wants to be with me, he just comes over. Recently, we've started working on recall training. I take so much joy in being with him and can proudly say that he's become my best animal companion.

Not all my news is good though. The relationship between myself and my boyfriend is slowly... fading. Now, since Blaze stays at his house, I'm worried about my little bird's living arrangements if things do come to an end. I know my mother wouldn't be too happy about having to care for another pet while I'm off at college. I live on campus, and we aren't allowed to have pets in the dormitories. I don't have any other family or friends who could care for him for a period of time. I thought about re-homing him, but this would only be a last resort. My heart would break if I had to let him go. Hopefully, I can finish school within a year. Until then, would anybody have advice on what to do?

Other than that little piece of negativity, Blaze is right as rain. Still manages to be a big clown and knows how to brighten my day.

I'm glad to hear that you'll be keeping Blaze on a harness from now on should you go outside -- wouldn't want anything to happen to him!

As far as the situation with your boyfriend.. that is really unfortunate and I am sorry to hear it. It seems like you love Blaze very much, and it would be awful for both of you to have to be parted.

I would perhaps look into bird shops in the area where you could board him. It wouldn't be ideal, but neither would be rehoming him. I know that there are some that do long term boarding situations, and pricing might be different for long term rather than just weekly. And if you made the effort to go and visit him frequently, I think you could maintain a very good quality of life for him.

I wish you all the best.

It sounds like you really have a close bond with your bird, I hope you can find a solution and keep your friend. How does your boyfriend feel about Blaze? Is there any chance he would be willing to let Blaze stay with him until you can have Blaze full time? Have you discussed Blaze with your mom? She may be willing to keep him for you. Blaze sounds like a great little guy, best of luck to you both.