Parker update

[chris-md]

Parker has begun to feather out. Can we keep them this time?

 

[RavensGryf]

Oh look! That's so exciting ... nervewracking though. Crossing fingers!

 

[chris-md]

Lol! Nerveracking is right! The anticipation of finding out the answer to "did I address the root issue and is this a permenant habit" is killer. As an orchid grower o thought I knew patience, but I want this molt to be over yesterday!

 

[RavensGryf]

Lol! Nerveracking is right! The anticipation of finding out the answer to "did I address the root issue and is this a permenant habit" is killer. As an orchid grower o thought I knew patience, but I want this molt to be over yesterday!

I hear you Chris... this type of anticipation is definitely no fun! Also more complicated with more variables than with plants!

 

[chris-md]

Eep, you've clearly never tried to grow a Dracula vampira

 

[RavensGryf]

Eep, you've clearly never tried to grow a Dracula vampira

No, and I probably shouldn't try... I 'accidentally' kill even the hardiest of plants!

 

[DexMom]

Yes. You will keep them this time. I can feel it. I can't wait to see that first full feather picture you post and scream "I told you so!" at the top of my internet lungs.

 

[DexMom]

BTW - I can kill any plant at first glance. A plant called Dracula vampira - trying to scare me with that big bad name? Ha, child's play!

My sister once went to the florist and asked for the heartiest "can't kill it" plant they had. He sold her a house plant and told her if I killed it and she brought it back to him dead he would give her the money back. She got her money back LOL.

 

[Kiwibird]

How lovely for Parker. Hope this continues.

 

[OOwl]

Yay, Parker! Just wanted to congratulate you on encouraging and fostering your friend to grow new plumage. He certainly looks like he's on the way to a nice coverage.

And, as a fellow orchid grower and enthusiast, my kudos to you for growing Dracula vampira!

 

[drlisaort]

Good news on Parker!!!! Fingers crossed on this end.....

 

[Allee]

Parker is looking great! Fantastic progress! I hope he keeps every one of those beautiful new feathers until they molt out normally.

 

[Anansi]

Sweet! We're all rooting for Parker's return to full plumage! You're doing a great job with him, Chris. Just keep it up!

 

[RavensGryf]

BTW - I can kill any plant at first glance. A plant called Dracula vampira - trying to scare me with that big bad name? Ha, child's play!

My sister once went to the florist and asked for the heartiest "can't kill it" plant they had. He sold her a house plant and told her if I killed it and she brought it back to him dead he would give her the money back. She got her money back LOL.

That's hilarious. I am the same way with plants unfortunately. The Dracula vampira scares me too :11:.

Lol at your first post "I can feel it"! ....Me too Chris, we can feel the good vibes coming from Parker. This time will be different .

 

[chris-md]

Lisa/allee/Stephen and everyone else, thanks for the support and encouragement

Julie, you should look up the flower. It's dark and mysterious,and you'll see a cute little face in the middle��

 

[RavensGryf]

Lisa/allee/Stephen and everyone else, thanks for the support and encouragement

Julie, you should look up the flower. It's dark and mysterious,and you'll see a cute little face in the middle��

I did look it up when you first mentioned it . It's beautiful! I can see it looks a little like Dracula without the fangs lol. So many gorgeous orchid species out there, too bad a lot of them aren't hardy enough to keep as house plants without special conditions.

Has this been the longest Parker has gone without plucking them again?

 

[chris-md]

Did you notice the monkey face?

I don't think so. My understanding is that He tends to fully feather out first, and the plucking begins late winter, December-ish. Coinciding with particularly dry weather and onset of breeding season.

 

[RavensGryf]

Did you notice the monkey face?

I don't think so. My understanding is that He tends to fully feather out first, and the plucking begins late winter, December-ish. Coinciding with particularly dry weather and onset of breeding season.

Chris, I've seen these before (only in pics) and I think they're amazing! Looks like the same family? Dracula? https://search.yahoo.com/search?p=monkey+face+orchid&fr=yset_chr_syc_oracle&type=orcl_default

Oh... I see about Parker. Too bad. I wonder if it is a hormonal issue (more so than dryness) that maybe the vet can remedy?

 

[chris-md]

That's exactly it! The genus is called Dracula. They are one of the more temperamental orchids to grow. They need high humidity, temps never above 70F, constant moisture, a basket pot since the flowers grow down and out the bottom of the pot...the list goes on.

The vet did say we could give him hormone treatments. It was one of the first things that came out of her mouth when she entered the room. So there are options available to me.

 

[RavensGryf]

That's exactly it! The genus is called Dracula. They are one of the more temperamental orchids to grow. They need high humidity, temps never above 70F, constant moisture, a basket pot since the flowers grow down and out the bottom of the pot...the list goes on.

The vet did say we could give him hormone treatments. It was one of the first things that came out of her mouth when she entered the room. So there are options available to me.

Wow not over 70F yet wet and humid?? that sounds like a real pain. I bet in orchid hobbyist circles you'd be envied if you can get one to grow and thrive. It needs it's own temperature controlled house! Forget it. I can't even grow Pothos :52:.

Best of luck with Parker. Maybe since he is now in a different home, it might change things? It's good to know that there are options though .