Alex's thread

[bug_n_flock]

I love birds. All birds. Wild birds, "aggressive" birds, friendly birds, smelly birds, ugly birds, I love um all. Alex, however, unquestionably owns my heart. Everyone else just rents space in it from him. We have been together for 15 years. That may not seem like super long to old hat keepers, but that is my entire adult life and then some; I am only 26(soon to be 27). All birds are family, but Alex is something else in my mind. He has been such a big part of my life for so long that I almost feel like I am missing a part of myself when he isn't around.

My "inner voice" at this point is basically just a poor substitute for talking to my bird.

He is genuinely and completely, 100% unquestionably my best friend on this entire planet of Earth, even when he is being a grumpy snot or shrieking at the sunrise.

Alex has had some grand adventures and has made many friends over the years. Some of my jobs working with animals allowed me to bring him along, so Alex has even "worked" a job or two (hee hee). He has made friends with rats, remote control toys, stuffed animals, feet, random people young and old, and more. He has helped several people reduce the intensity of their bird phobias (actually a thing, those poor people are missing out on so much). Alex even has friends in other countries(friends he knows, not internet bird friends who have not met him in person)! He is *way* more popular than I am.

He doesn't play as much as he used to, and I have noticed I think his hearing isn't as sharp as when he was younger(used to be I'd start going deaf from him a bit before I could hear a siren, now I can hear the siren for a moment or two before it gets loud enough that he thinks it is a loudness challenge). I know he isn't by any means old, but I also know he isn't a baby bord anymore. Any secret tips to help keep a bird young (or alive forever? Can I somehow turn him into a critter with a 70 year lifespan? Please?)?

Here is a link to a G+ collection I set up for him so I can share all his epic cuteness here in visual form since I am still trying to figure out a better way to put videos and photos here.

https://plus.google.com/collection/8EKmLE

Sent from phone

 

[GaleriaGila]

I totally FEEL your love and sentiments! Thank you for really warming my heart!

I have had my little rooster for most of my college years, working years, and now retirement.

I guess all we can do is try to keep them safe, well-fed, entertained, medically monitored, and make plans for them in case they outlive us. And love them any day, every day and all day!

Thanks for sharing your story.

 

[Kentuckienne]

There are some posts here and on the net of ways people care for geriatric parrots. Soft perches, accommodations for arthritis, sometimes changes in diet ... I hope you can keep him with you for many years. We don't really know how long parrots can live in captivity. Sometimes it's not long enough - the human diet and stress takes them just as it does humans - and sometimes very long.

 

[bug_n_flock]

Going to be taking the little yellow yeller to the vet's in the next week or two for a wellness exam. Getting a blood draw, weight done, ask about some odd feathers he has, that kind of thing. Any of you guys have any tips of other things I should have them take a look at?

Alex doesn't have any mobility issues yet or anything like that. Figure the blood test will give heads-up if his diet needs to be adjusted.

Sent from phone

 

[Scott]

Alex is indeed a beautiful and charming tiel. A healthy and varied diet, safety from the many hazards, and periodic vet care are the best we can do. I suspect genetics, as with people, is a key determinant of bird lifespan.

On a more personal level, loving our bonded fids intently every day is the best mutual gift possible.

 

[AmyMyBlueFront]

Love your Alex..All birds,big and small,wild or tame,are awesome creatures.
Birds have been my thing all my life..starting with the wild ones (bird watching,feeders,houses etc) to the companion birds ( 30+ years with parrots)

I don't know what I'd do without them really. My little 86g fluff boy is amazing,and Amy has been with me thru thick and thin,and in good and bad times.
No one but another "bird person" could understand how these creatures can touch our hearts and souls.





Jim