Hello from Texas :)

[SilverLining]

Hi everyone,

My name is Zeeshaun. I'm 27, Houston born and bred. Nature/wildlife appreciator. Ever since I was a little boy, I have been fascinated by our beautiful planet, how it works and all the living things on it. I really care about our home and strive to understand it better.

I am an avid organic gardener and love to make my own compost chock full of amendments from bat guanos to alfalfa/kelp meals. I grow all kinds of vegetables, tomatoes, kerela, kale, especially a variety of peppers. I also have a pear, mango and peach tree that I raised from seed. I stumbled upon this forum because like our planet and the plants on it, I also love the little critters roaming all around. In particular, I am admittedly bias towards our feathered friends. I have always loved birds because to me, they were the ultimate symbol of freedom. Nothing can hold them back. Spread your wings and fly!

I was 19 when I adopted my first parrot. An African Grey Timneh that I named Einstein. All the older people were worried that I would get bored and would not be a responsible owner. But I think I did really good for having no experience. I gave him a lot of time and company and always did things with him. Training, talking exercises, exploration, etc etc...He was truly an amazing companion. He was the most loyal, loving, funny and INTELLIGENT buddy to have around. Could talk up a storm too. I truly love him and miss him everyday.

Sadly, when I was 24 (he was 5). Someone broke into my home and burglarized it. My pal Einstein was stolen from me (cage and all) never to be seen again. I tried everything to find him but no one could help me. Not even the police. He's truly a part of my family and I hurt anytime I think of him...

Here he is when he was still a baby:

And here he is making a mess of things 1 week before he was taken from me........

A long time had passed since I had owned a parrot. I was bitter for a long time and blamed myself for not being there for him. I was supposed to protect him from danger and I felt like I totally failed...Then a few days ago, I got a call from a friend telling me that some Sun Conures babies had just been weened and are up for adoption. I really missed the joy of having a FID as you guys call it and decided it was time for REDEMPTION. I wanted a companion who could be part of my family and for a long time. But never owning a conure before, I was hesitant. I still decided to AT LEAST go look at the babies and I am glad I did.

There was 3 left when I got there and 2 had already paired up. Then there was this third one roaming all over the floor of his cage and looking like he was up to no good. When I put my hand near him, he jumped right on. I'm a grown dude, but this little guy was just so darn CUTE! My heart melted and I knew we would have many fun years together. He is 8 weeks old and he is just the best little friend any guy could ask for! He loved to snuggle up into my shirt and sleep. Very inquisitive, curious and surprisingly intelligent.

Overall I am very excited to see what the future holds, I just hope I can be a good father/protector this time around...

Say hello to MANGO!!

Thank you for looking everyone and sorry for the long introduction.

Have a good one,
Zeeshaun

 

[Puck]

Welcome from a fellow Texan! Gorgeous birds you've had!

 

[Velimir]

I am also from Texas. In Austin. It is good to meet you! Very pretty birds you have.

 

[Flboy]

Welcome! Beautiful little baby!!
Sorry for your 'loss', FYI, your not alone!
http://www.parrotforums.com/general...rd-theft-ring-san-antonio-targeting-cags.html

 

[Allee]

Hello and Welcome to the forum, Zeeshaun! I enjoyed reading your very interesting introduction. Thank you for sharing.

I'm so sorry to hear about the burglary and Einstein being stolen.

Mango is a beauty, Congratulations! Beautiful photos!

 

[OOwl]

Also a fellow Texan, gardener, tree lover, and parrot lover, I welcome you here. Your new baby is adorable and I can't wait to read your posts about how your relationship grows.

Very sorry to hear about Einstein. Please don't feel guilty about that. I would like to imagine that he ended up making someone's life wonderful after your idealistic upbringing.

 

[Terry57]

Hello and welcome! I am so sorry about what happened to Einstein, that is heartbreaking
Mango is beautiful, and I am so excited for you both to have begun this journey! Please post more pictures and updates

 

[thekarens]

Welcome from another Houstonite

Thank you for sharing your story and your pics.

 

[Mysterygirl]

Hello and Welcome from California

 

[deque]

What a little beauty...congrats!

 

[SilverLining]

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome!!

I am excited to learn more about aviculture and would really like to build a heavy duty outdoor aviary. It would be nice to try and replicate a tropical humid setting for a few S. American conures, maybe a few budgies.

Here's Mango after a nice warm shower:

Does anyone have any tips or stories to share with me? I'd love to hear.

 

[faeryphoebe1]

Welcome! I'm in San Antonio.
I'm so sorry about Einstein. Please don't blame yourself. People can be horrid.

Your new buddy is beautiful! Sunnies are smart and so much fun, too. Congratulations!

 

[ShaunaR]

Congrats on your new baby and so sad to hear about your Grey being taken from you. Welcome to the forum!

 

[faeryphoebe1]

My conures, including Sunny are used to air conditioning temps in 70s. They have a humidifier and air purifier.

If I take them outdoors in hot summer temps, they begin to pant, which scares me, so I don't take them out if it's mid-day or just way too hot.

We've had to leave the park a couple of times and get back in the air conditioned car, lol.

As you know, Texas summers are brutal. My guys wouldn't make it in an outdoor aviary here, in S.A.

They do enjoy fruit slushes & natural fruit popsicles in the summer, but we only offer a few nibbles unless I've made them all natural, myself.

 

[Kalel]

Welcome to the forum! I'm really sad to hear your story about Einstein. However I am very happy to hear that you are so happy with your new little friend. I have a sun conure who we just adore! They can be such fun entertaining little clowns. And I know what you mean about them being smart because I have taught my little guy some tricks that took two minutes for him to pick up! There's lots of good information on this forum. Just search for whatever you're looking for or even browse the topics and you'll find tons of interesting stuff. Again, welcome to the forum and I look forward to hearing future stories about you and your bird.

 

[SilverLining]

My conures, including Sunny are used to air conditioning temps in 70s. They have a humidifier and air purifier.

If I take them outdoors in hot summer temps, they begin to pant, which scares me, so I don't take them out if it's mid-day or just way too hot.

We've had to leave the park a couple of times and get back in the air conditioned car, lol.

As you know, Texas summers are brutal. My guys wouldn't make it in an outdoor aviary here, in S.A.

They do enjoy fruit slushes & natural fruit popsicles in the summer, but we only offer a few nibbles unless I've made them all natural, myself.

I find that interesting.

Last few days I have been setting his cage outdoors in a sunny spot in my backyard while I work in the garden. Mango seems to love the rays and loves hanging upside down on his cage soaking up the sunlight.

I agree, Houston summers can be quite brutal. It is classified as a Humid Subtropical region and rightfully so. If I were to build an outdoor aviary, I ensure they have lots of shade, rain protection, predator protection and plenty of fresh air.

I maybe give him about 30-60 minutes outdoors a day this weekend. I am slowly acclimating him to the outdoors since I feel it's important for his development. Birds should be allowed to feel wind and sun while they hear the sounds of trees rustling. It's good for the soul...for birds and humans.



I appreciate all the boost I have been getting from everyone for my long lost Einstein.

I went to the breeders place today and they had a few African Grey Timnehs that were rescues. One was a 26 year old TAG that loved to sing and dance around me.

I would love another grey but I don't think I'm quite ready yet. But in other news, I am looking for another conure for my Sun as a friend. Maybe a Nanday or Mitred.

I read everyones comments and wanted to let everyone know I appreciate the nice welcome and look forward to learning and contributing to this community!

Have a nice evening!
-Zee

 

[faeryphoebe1]

I totally agree with the need for sunshine and air.

Here's Sunny outside. He absolutely HATES his harness, so I'm trying to work extra hours to buy a pak-o-bird. (Plus we have lots of raptors around).

I have some heavy bills that I have to make sure are paid monthly, so that depletes my regular paycheck.

Anyhow, we try to go outside in the late evening unless the temps are above 101.

 

[RavensGryf]

Welcome Zeeshaun. What a beautiful new friend you have there! . I'm so sorry about Einstein. That is upsetting to even hear about. I'm glad you've found happiness again with a bird to love.