Probable future Galah owner: Questions!

[Cambear]

I didn't want to hijack the other person's thread, so I decided to do a mass question post here. If this has already been talked about, I'm sorry. The questions I have are stuff I can't really find online, and if I can, it's very vague.

Out of the four choices, of Galah, caique, conure, or a parrotlet, I'm leaning quite far towards the Galah, so I figured I should c'mon over here to get some more information from those with 'toos.

Ideal perch size for a Galah? I have absolutely no idea where to find this, and I've been unable to. The websites say "small cockatoo" on the sizing charts, but that's pretty vague. An inch seems kind of thin to me, given the size of their feet... But I could be wrong?

Ideal, minimum cage size? I'm looking at several cages here, the cage only measurements are:

• 29.5" L x 21.5" W x 36" H - 3/4" spacing - Cage for medium and large birds
• 30.5" L x 22.75" W x 37.25" H - 3/4" spacing - http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=5059+10346+5063+13213&pcatid=13213
• 39-3/4" x 27" x 55-1/4" high - 1" spacing - Pet Bird Cages: Prevue Dometop Cages for Pet Birds at Drs. Foster and Smith

The last one, of course, would be in the large. The only issue with that is that it would be an absolute massive giant 110% hassle to move it. Worth it? Yes. Probably. The slightly smaller options are in there because, well... Easier to move. And the Galah wouldn't be in its cage unless I had to leave the room and couldn't take him with, or if I went to an appointment (my counsellor already called dibs on being the first 'outsider' to see him ), or when I was sleeping.


And on that topic, would that be safe to bring the Galah to meet my counsellor after he settled in? She works in a quiet building, so there would be no super loud noises. No other animals are allowed in unless it's service dogs. She absolutely adores birds, but can't own any as her husband is really allergic.


I'm allergic to sunflower seeds. Something in them, I just cannot handle. Rashes and blisters on my fingertips just from touching them... Deathly allergic to avocado, as well, for the record. Would pumpkin seeds be an okay alternative to sunflower seeds? And would shelled almonds be an okay treat a few times a month?


Are the safety pumice perches okay for feet? I've read several places that they are okay, but then I've read several places that they can injure the feet. Can someone clarify?


What is the maximum temperature a Galah can handle? I would like to be able to take him outside, but it gets very warm here, regardless of how cold it gets (way below -30F/-34.5C... if we're lucky, in the winter, it gets that warm.) in the winter. I mean, really warm. I know Galahs are Australian, but would they be able to handle the hot temperatures?


Bathing? I think I read somewhere that Galahs are pretty cautious of water. How would you have them bathe? Would a couple inches in the kitchen sink with a light tap running be okay? Too much?


How would a 'too react to shiny piercings? I have two scaffold (also known as industrial) piercings in my left ear, and the barbells are very shiny surgical steel. Is a 'too going to grab this and pull? Because, um... Ow.

Is it okay for them to be on the floor? You know, to wander about... safely. With all cords and all put away out of 'too reach.


Are bean sprouts okay for Galahs? I know that seed sprouts are okay (although, I don't know how often?), but I've read somewhere that birds can't be given beans unless they are cooked.


On average, how much does a Galah eat per (fresh) meal? I'm assuming around 1/4 cup to 1/2 per meal? My goal would be to feed fresh once in the morning and once in the evening.


This is all that I can think of for now... I would really appreciate the responses. I'm trying to get everything (prices, cage, toys, etc) sorted out.

 

[aether-drifter]

Let me try to answer the questions as best as possible.

Ideal perch size: You want a variety, since it's better for their feet; anything from 1" to 2.5" in diameter. Just make sure they are natural wood, sisal rope, etc. and not smooth dowels.

Minimum cage size: I'd go for the larger one. Yes, it might be a pain to move initially, but you don't need to be able to move it around once it's in its permanent location. I have a 36" x 28" for my galah and I wouldn't go any smaller.

Bringing the bird places: It's actually an excellent way to socialize them and keep them stimulated, providing you can harness-train the bird or take it around in a secure carrier.

Sunflower seeds: They are high in fat, and galahs certainly do not need to eat them. You can feed a sunflower-free small/medium parrot seed mix in limited quantities, low-fat pellets, and a variety of fresh vegetables, sprouts, grains, bird bread, etc. Yes, they can have almonds as a treat -- they are one of the lower-fat nuts.

Max temperature: Generally with birds, they have the same comfort range we do. If you are uncomfortably hot, chances are your galah will want access to shade or water to bathe in to keep cool as well.

Bathing: I think many galahs prefer to be misted rather than bathe in standing water, but it depends on the bird. I have taken Sakura into the shower with me once, and she let me hold her near the water and angle some droplets at her with my hand.

Piercings: Birds LOVE them. You may need to cover them somehow unless you want to experience extreme pain. I used to have tons of ear piercings, and my eyebrow done, and had to remove all of them thanks to the birds. I don't wear any jewelry around them, period, because they fixate and obsess and it isn't worth constantly shooing them away.

Bean sprouts: I don't know, sorry. I would guess depending on the type of bean it would be fine.

Meal quantity: Not much, but they sure do like to fling it everywhere and dig through for the choice morsels.

 

[Cambear]

That was loads of help. Seriously, thank you! I'll definitely get the larger cage.

I also found this site, I don't know if anyone has any idea if this is any good or not. But it's all organic sprouting stuff! But I'd be worried about the fat levels?

Dr. Bird Sprout Mix

 

[Jayyj]

Just to add a few things:

Definitely get the larger cage!

As already said, get a selection of perches. Galahs can perch on anything from the width of an index finger to a flat surface, but if they're constantly on the same size then they will develop foot problems. I really like the java tree branches, and have loads of them in different sizes, but I also have several of the pumice perches, a couple of flat platforms and a calcium clam shell in there for her.

My pet sitter has those rings you put in your ear to widen the lobe and Alice doesn't go for them, but if there are any glittery bits on my shirt she'll be on it in a second - so be warned!

Cockatoos are fine on the floor, but can be aggressive towards feet so again, be warned!

Taking your bird out to meet people should be fine in the long run, but how easily or quickly you can do this will depend on the bird. I'm currently trying to get Alice used to a carrier so she can come out with me occasionally but it's a slow process - it's taken a month for her to be happy standing on top of it, and lord knows how long it will take get her happily riding around inside it.

 

[getwozzy]

Here's a link regarding foods and sprouts- I know your question was in regards to beans specifically, so there is info about the various beans to sprout amongst the info about sprouting seeds.

http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-...afe-fresh-foods-toxic-food-lists-sprouts.html

There is also this warning in the post:

CAUTION: Large beans: Anasazi, Black, Fava, Kidney, Lima, Navy, Pinto, Soy, are not suggested for sprouting. These legumes can cause toxicity and remain difficult to digest. Their raw flavor is also very bad. If choose to serve these to your bird they MUST be soaked for a minimum of 8 hours, water drained and beans rinsed well, and then cooked by bringing them to a full boil, boiling uncovered for 10 minutes, covered and simmered for another 20 minutes.

 

[KeroRocks]

I have a ton of piercings. I've taught my birds not to touch them. So far none of them have been pulled out. Miracle!

 

[Featheredsamurai]

Sun flower seeds are something galahs should rarely have, so your fine their their diet should consist if a high quality pellet, good quality veggies and less fruit, healthy low fat prepared foods, and occasionally nuts.

As said above get a variety if perch sizes. I have perches from 1"- 4" the larger being a table top java perch.

I agree, go with the larger cage.

If it's too hot for you it's too hot for them. A hot bird will often hold their wings out slightly, and have their feathers held close to the body. You can offer frozen fruit treats, mist them and offer some form of air movement, and even place their water bowl atop a second bowl with Ice to keep it cool.


It took a while, but Rosie enjoys being misted.

 

[Klutch]

Regarding the piercings i have snakebites and my left nostril, She loves tugging on them and nibbling them but she doesn't yank on them too often. I'm always more worried about her tugging on the ball and pulling it off then swallowing it.

Shes has kinda learned that they're off limits...doesn't stop her from trying occasionally though.

 

[riaria]

Like others have said, they certainly don't need sunflower seeds. Are you allergic to safflower as well? Just be careful with pellets and treats and check you don't get any that contain sunflower seeds - and maybe check the seed mix, if you get one, and see if there's a risk it may have been contaminated by sunflower seeds even if there are none in the actual bag (same factory and stuff). Don't know how big a risk that would be, but you never know.