Brave Buddy

[Taw5106]

I've been working with Buddy to get him to come out of his cage and recently he's been coming out to visit. Friday morning all dogs went outside except one, my lazy fat man Canelo. He was working on his 20 hour sleep cycle. I said good morning to Buddy, opened his cage, asked him to come but no, he didn't want to. I went into the kitchen and started coffee, and cutting up some bell pepper, he's calling and then I heard the flutter of wings, but he didn't come in the kitchen so I went in the livingroom and found this.

Now I'm the least worried with Chunkyman Canelo around Buddy but I am still on my guard. Canelo was rudely woken up by Buddy, and he has a 20 minute delay in responding with the exception of a laser or food. I took these two pics and scooped Buddy up and took him in the kitchen, Canelo got back to his nap. Buddy chatted it up with me while I finished his breakfast.

 

[Terry57]

That is awesome that Buddy came out of his cage!!! And wow, Canelo is gorgeous!!!

 

[TessieB]

Well, at least Buddy came out of his cage. I understand working on the 20 hour sleep cycle. zzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Oh, Buddy is a handsome fella!

 

[Kiwibird]

Glad Buddy came out to explore a little He is a beautiful bird, looks very healthy!

 

[RavensGryf]

Cute! I guess Buddy feels it's about time for exploring

20 hour sleep cycle haha Canelo does look a bit sleepy...

 

[BEWolf]

I am happy that Buddy came out of his cage and that you are making progress with him, but a kitchen is no place for a bird to be. There are just too many dangers to allow him in there, it only takes a heartbeat for him to go from shoulder or counter to top of hot burner for severely burned feet, or into a pot or pan of boiling water. Please don't allow him in the kitchen at all it is not worth it if something goes wrong for even an instant.

 

[Kiwibird]

I am happy that Buddy came out of his cage and that you are making progress with him, but a kitchen is no place for a bird to be. There are just too many dangers to allow him in there, it only takes a heartbeat for him to go from shoulder or counter to top of hot burner for severely burned feet, or into a pot or pan of boiling water. Please don't allow him in the kitchen at all it is not worth it if something goes wrong for even an instant.

When you are cooking, they should absolutely not be in there, in fact, if any kind of cooking is going on- they should be locked in their cage if they're flighted. However, I find my bird rather enjoys being in the kitchen when I'm prepping food (and stealing bites) and he especially loves being with me when I wash dishes. He's also usually in there when I'm cleaning up too (I never use chemicals though) and folding laundry (our washer/dryer are in the kitchen). None of those situations pose any danger to him. Times a bird should/should not be in the kitchen with you is a common sense applies situation.

 

[Taw5106]

He is not allowed in the kitchen when I'm cooking, only when I am making him something to eat and that is cutting up fruit and veg. Years ago I heard about a cockatiel that was on its owners shoulder while she was cooking and suddenly flew off her shoulder and into the pan. I was horrified so since then no birds in the kitchen when cooking. That goes for appliances, the exception is my keurig coffee maker.

Speaking of coffee buddy was on my shoulder Friday morning and I was sipping my coffee. He ran down to my chest and grabbed the side of my cup with his beak and started licking the rim. I told him no and put the cup down. It got me to wondering if this was something he was allowed to do with his previous owners. Either way no coffee for Buddy but I was surprised. But then again his bravery and curiosity is growing.

 

[Kiwibird]

My dads cockatoo will go after beer and vodka, and he has definitely never been allowed to drink alcohol (they've had him since before he was weaned, so definitely know his history)! I think he sees my dad drink it.

You never know with a bird you have no history on, but I more suspect its a "you have it therefore I want some too". Kiwi does this when my husband eats chicken. Kiwi won't actually eat the chicken, but he wants some to pretend to eat (i.e. shred up and make a big mess) because he sees his daddy eating it and wants some too. That's how they are. It's the 'flock' mentality.

 

[henpecked]

Too funny about Kiwi helping out with the dishes. That's one of jake's favorite things to help me with also. She likes to stand on the side of the dish rack and drag things out onto the counter.

 

[Taw5106]

Thanks for pointing out the flock mentality. I agree and we were told that if Buddy sees you eating, he will raise a fuss and he does. So he eats when we have dinner otherwise there is no peace lol. He's got to eat if we are eating. I'd say that's a flock behavior.

Kiwi cracks me up, love that bird. I've shown my husband Kiwi and told him about how he goes out and about with his family. He's amazed.

 

[Kimmied]

I was on one board and an owner let her bird have tea every morning with her. Mina try's to drink my coffee and if I move it so she can't get near it then she tries to get my mouth open with her beak. She really likes that smell I think. When I drink tea she could care less. Kinds freaky having a huge cockatoo beak trying to open your mouth lol.