A different forum??

[Mare Miller]

Amigo was my first bird and because I free fly him I'm feeling like an odd-ball. Maybe nobody can really relate. This was not only my first bird but this is also my first forum, so, I'm not sure. Super moderators, I need advice.

 

[jaimmorr]

Sorry, I'm not a super moderator and I haven't been here for long at all... But I hope you're not leaving! I quite enjoy your company here.

If you are looking for a forum that is more flight based (as in, do not clip), check into The Parrot Forum. That was the first forum I joined and, if I'm being honest, I dislike very much. IMHO, most of the people there aren't very nice, but other people might have a different opinion. I don't believe that they take nicely to free flying, though. As in, outside with no tether.

I hope you find what you are looking for. <3

 

[Mare Miller]

thanks jaimmorr. I'm not looking to leave here, to me, this is my home! (for bird forum sake). I question as to whether or not there may be a more appropriate site I should be on. I just get the feeling, sometimes, like I step on caged birds toes.

 

[BillsBirds]

Free flight is unusual because most people do not have the time it takes to train a bird, nor the confidence in themselves or birds to do it. I think you should look at this as something you can teach others about. It really takes a strong bond between bird & guardian. There may be other forums where more people do that, but, I don't see any reason why you couldn't stay here and share your stories. Are you familiar with a gentleman named Shanlung? He lives in China, and free flights his birds. And takes them all over. A truly inspirational parrot guardian. I, for one, hope you stay, and I enjoy your posts.

 

[FutureDVM]

Sorry, I'm not a super moderator and I haven't been here for long at all... But I hope you're not leaving! I quite enjoy your company here.

If you are looking for a forum that is more flight based (as in, do not clip), check into The Parrot Forum. That was the first forum I joined and, if I'm being honest, I dislike very much. IMHO, most of the people there aren't very nice, but other people might have a different opinion. I don't believe that they take nicely to free flying, though. As in, outside with no tether.

I hope you find what you are looking for. <3

I totally agree with you. I joined that forum before this one, but I have been pretty disappointed with it overall. The vast majority of the members there seem very opinionated and rude often times, especially when it comes to the subject of wing clipping. I definitely prefer the atmosphere on this forum.

 

[Mare Miller]

Thanks Bill, I am familiar with Shanlung, he's amazing. Now that I have Sassy, a new goffin girly, I'll feel more integrated, even though you all have made me and Amigo feel welcome, I just wasn't sure if I was in the right place.

 

[cdog]

This is the best forum i am a part of, The Parrot Forum is very rude and you dont get as quick respsonces as you do here. The closes thing I let my birds do to what you do is let them have free flight of the house. I dont think you should join another forum, I think you should share your experience and knowlege with us so more people could do it like you.

 

[Mare Miller]

thanks cdog, I don't share my experience to train people to do what I do with Amigo, I really don't. I'm only sharing my experience. These are such amazing birds. It's hard for me to understand why they are in captivity in the first place.

 

[KatherineI]

I don't think you're going to find a better forum, since what I think you're looking for is more people who Free Flight. Free Flight outside, like you do with Amigo, I think is pretty much unheard of. Your situation is extremely unique and there is nothing wrong with that. It's simply not what the average person can do with a pet bird. I hope you stay and continue to share your amazing stories of Amigo, and now Sassy.

 

[Mudkips]

It's interesting to note that even at the level of free flying, there is still so much to debate. i.e Shanlung vs Womach Brothers - There's no doubt that both parties are good with free flying birds, but the ranting is still there.

With so few people actively free flying their birds, I doubt you will find any forum where it's a commonly discussed topic.

On a change of note, maybe you could give me some advice? (while you're still here )

I have a GCC whos clipped wings are growing out for the first time and I'm at a stage where I need to dedicate myself to freeflying him, or reclipping his wings.
He is not afraid of being outside in any environment (I take him to the city with me via public transport, including the subway ), but he doesnt know how to fly at all.

Any advice you could give me?
I'm guessing that if I take the flight route, he will be confined indoors for a few weeks of training? How would I go about this?
I'm also worried I cant take him practicaly everywhere with me if he's flighted - He might possibly be resticted to the park only? No more alfresco dining or visiting the pub with him?

Its currently a 50/50 for me. HALP! :15:

 

[Mare Miller]

thanks Katherine, (my daughter's name, by the way), I love this forum and most of the people on it. This forum has helped me through some hard times with Amigo. Now that I have Sassy, who is like a breath of fresh air compared to growing up with Amigo, I feel at home and will be around to ask many more questions. I never doubt my decision to free fly Amigo, EVER. It was the best for him... but I know other people question my judgement. I'll quit being sensitive and just say **** 'em!

 

[PortaPerch]

"What you think of me is none of my business."

Yes, please help those of us who would aspire to free flight our birds. You don't have to offer advice, just say, "I did this..."

 

[Mare Miller]

Sorry Mudkips, I don't propose to be a free flight trainer, no way! Our experience with Amigo took years of being with and around him, in all kinds of situations. Truly, you have to live it. You have to know your bird and your bird has to be completely bonded with you. A lot of faith is involved and also, luck.

 

[IcyWolf]

Don't worry about what anyone thinks, you're doing what you feel is best for amigo and I think what you're doing is amazing!

 

[Mudkips]

No probs, I understand

 

[lene1949]

Since you now have two cockatoos, maybe mytoos.com would be great for you... This is a forum just for cockatoo owners - they don't believe in breeding or buying/selling birds, but since both of yours are rescues, you should be fine... (they can be somewhat judgmental)

 

[greycloud]

Kudos to you for doing free flight training! Have you checked out this group?
Freeflight : Freeflight

 

[henpecked]

That group is run by Chris Biro, he's the real deal when it comes to free flighted parrots. The Womachs studied with him and are just cheap knock offs IMO. Micheal started The Parrot Forum after he got banded from the Free Flighted group . Basically he's a rude jerk trying to hussle a dollar. I'd keep with this forum (the best) if you want to keep up with all things Parrot. Join Chris's group if you want to interact with more free flying people. Congrats on the new birdie and best of luck. Hope you still visit with us.

 

[Spiritbird]

I hope you stay her also. I suggest you start a free-flying group here for educational and social reasons. Who knows it may just take off!!

 

[terry52449]

I think it is remarkable that you are able to let your bird free fly outdoors. I however got into taking a parrot in because of the idiot people who take on the responsibility of having a parrot and don`t or can`t take care of the bird properly. I now have two beautiful U2s and wouldn`t even consider free flight them because of the way they were raised. They don`t have a clue of what is in the wild waiting for them. Here in Wisconsin we have many preditors and very undesirable weather so it would be impossible.
So please stay and share your experiences with us. I am sure there are many more of us interested but can`t participate.