A big hello from Tootsie in the UK

[bigdave]

Hi all, Just a couple of lines to introduce myself and the new member to our family

My names Dave and I'm rapidly approaching the big 40, haven't really had many pets in the past but had a Great Dane up until a couple of years ago when she sadly passed away. A couple of weeks ago we were out looking for another pet with not really much idea in mind when we called into a local pet store.

In the middle of the shop floor was a stand with a Galah on it, started to ask about her and a while later and a lot of money lighter we came away having bought her. We seemed to bond straight away, (wouldn't go near anyone else but would come straight to me!!)

Her name is Tootsie, she is 12 months old, we were told that when she was little her mum had pecked her nails and part of some of her toes off. This doesn't seem to have affected her too much and she climbs all over the place and pretty much gets into everything

Thats about it for the minute but I shall look forward to learning a lot from you all to make mine and Tootsies life a happy one together

 

[antoinette]

Hi Dave & Tootsie (I love her name)
A big warm welcome to our wonderful forum

 

[wenz2712]

Hello Dave and Tootsie and welcome to the forum

I am also in the UK

 

[psychocircus91]

Welcome. Look forward to seeing photos!

 

[aliray]

Welcome to the forum and congrats on your new baby Tootsie

 

[Featheredsamurai]

Welcome to the forum, there are many galah parronts here including myself.

Galahs should remain flighted, they are highly prone to fatty liver disease and fatty tumors. Feed tootsie a high quality pellet(Rosie gets Harrison's pellets, fine size) and be concious of feeding low fat foods. Nuts should not be fed often and seeds should be fed strictly as a treat. Don't feed peanuts. Almonds are a healthy nut, I give Rosie a single almond every other day.

Make sure to include fresh low fat foods. Organic veggies are best, with small amounts of fruit added. I often stuff entire leaves weaves through the bars and in easily cleaned foraging toys. I also make a chop mix for Rosie, google bird tricks chopmix and you'll find the recipe I use. This is a varied food, and because I chop the veggies up very finely she cannot pick out her favorite pieces, and even if she does it still has chunks of other foods clumped to it.

Feel free to ask me any questions about galah a d galah diet. I did a lot of research because Rosie was very unhealthy when I got her and only a good diet would help.

 

[Featheredsamurai]

Also, galahs are prone to becoming phobic, and phobic birds are more likely to pluck. Make sure to introduce Tootsie to something new everyday, even if you don't think she needs it. Also be prepared for puberty, she isn't going to be a sweet baby forever.

Rosie is one of the most well adjusted birds I have ever met, she takes to new things extremly fast and although she may startle on occasion she never freaks out. I believe this is because I have her harness trained, she gets to see a whole pile of things and new situations on a weekly basis, because of this few things phase her. She also gets the bulk of her socialization when we're out and about. people are facinated by her and want to get a closer no touch look. I strongly recommend harness training parrots, they are travelers and are any meant to stay in one place their whole life.

Don't take tootsie out until she is harness trained, galahs have huge wings and they don't need much wind to fly when clipped. No matter how much she loves you very few pet parrots are skilled enough to return to their human. Many don't even know how to fly down or turn so they fly in a straight line until they are tired and scared.