Albanysdad
New member
- Oct 19, 2024
- 2
- 6
- Parrots
- Cockatiel
Hello! my name is Andy, I'm new here and looking for bird community and friends.
I have a cockatiel named Albany, Alby for short, he's 9 years old this summer, and an only child. I'm a bit nervous to post on here, because I've had him for so many years, and I feel a lot of shame for not reaching out into any community sooner.
I first got him in 2016, as a 22 year old I wasn't fully prepared for what being an adult was like, let alone having a bird with his own needs along with mine. It's been quite the adventure, and not always peachy. Now that we live in a house without dogs barking and parents who want the bird to be silent at all times, things have definitely improved. I've finally been able to work towards making a space for Alby that is less stressful for both of us. I would like to continue to build the best life I can for my little feather child.
I currently have Alby on Harrison's bird food, and I share my food with him that he's allowed to have. I don't trim his wings, so he gets to fly around the house in the morning when I get ready for my day (which can make me late to work some mornings when he prefers to be gargoyle on top of the cupboards instead of going inside), and when I come home from work. As a treat for both of us, on sunny days, I like to roll his cage out onto the back porch and we watch the wild birds and soak up the sunshine together. One of his favorites games is to Pitter-patter back and forth across the top of the fridge and make little peekaboo sounds when I meet him at a corner.
He's such a sweetie, but sometimes I feel like I don't understand what he's communicating when he gets upset. He has a lot of feelings around my hands and anything Im doing or not doing with them. I'm working on rebuilding hand trust with him, when he first showed up, I didn't understand bird body language very well, and I think that really did a number building a healthy foundation of trust. It's a slow journey now, I feel, to make up for the messy early years, but there's no time like the present. One thing I know for sure is I love my little guy, and I want him to have the best life possible.
I'm getting a new cage for him soon, and I'm open to any suggestions anyone might have for toys and perches that are enjoyed in your homes.
I have a cockatiel named Albany, Alby for short, he's 9 years old this summer, and an only child. I'm a bit nervous to post on here, because I've had him for so many years, and I feel a lot of shame for not reaching out into any community sooner.
I first got him in 2016, as a 22 year old I wasn't fully prepared for what being an adult was like, let alone having a bird with his own needs along with mine. It's been quite the adventure, and not always peachy. Now that we live in a house without dogs barking and parents who want the bird to be silent at all times, things have definitely improved. I've finally been able to work towards making a space for Alby that is less stressful for both of us. I would like to continue to build the best life I can for my little feather child.
I currently have Alby on Harrison's bird food, and I share my food with him that he's allowed to have. I don't trim his wings, so he gets to fly around the house in the morning when I get ready for my day (which can make me late to work some mornings when he prefers to be gargoyle on top of the cupboards instead of going inside), and when I come home from work. As a treat for both of us, on sunny days, I like to roll his cage out onto the back porch and we watch the wild birds and soak up the sunshine together. One of his favorites games is to Pitter-patter back and forth across the top of the fridge and make little peekaboo sounds when I meet him at a corner.
He's such a sweetie, but sometimes I feel like I don't understand what he's communicating when he gets upset. He has a lot of feelings around my hands and anything Im doing or not doing with them. I'm working on rebuilding hand trust with him, when he first showed up, I didn't understand bird body language very well, and I think that really did a number building a healthy foundation of trust. It's a slow journey now, I feel, to make up for the messy early years, but there's no time like the present. One thing I know for sure is I love my little guy, and I want him to have the best life possible.
I'm getting a new cage for him soon, and I'm open to any suggestions anyone might have for toys and perches that are enjoyed in your homes.
I look forward to following your and Alby's journey, he is one lucky little sweetheart to be so loved by you, and I'm glad you are both here. 
i can definitely post some pictures of Alby to share.
