Introducing Masuka!

[Terry57]

So we got Masuka, our laughing thrush last night, and I was able to get a couple of pictures this morning. The quality is terrible, so I apologize in advance
She is settling in this morning, after escaping when we were putting her into her new temporary cage last night. Please excuse the mess in the background, looks like I am far behind on folding clothes and she is in quarantine in my spare bedroom..lol.

 

[MomtoPercy]

Tell me more! Are they/can they be pet/companion birds? I would never have though of a thrush as a pet LOL! But then, my knowledge of a thrush is limited to what I learned on my David Attenborough DVD's! . She's very cute!

 

[Terry57]

No, I don't think she will be much of a companion bird from what I've read. I am thinking she will be more like the finches or canaries. She was just in a not so good situation, and we had to bring her home. From what I've read, they are kept mainly as songbirds

 

[JerseyWendy]

Welcome to your new home, Masuka!

She is SO pretty, Terry!!! I am so happy for you, and I know Masuka will be so happy to be with you, where she will finally be given some much deserved room, AND a great diet.

 

[Terry57]

Thanks so much, Wendy! She still hasn't eaten, so I have food on the bottom as well as in bowls near the perches. Thanks for keeping me sane last night while I was waiting for her

 

[lquan]

Nice looking bird!

Is she tamed at any level? The 3 that my friend has are tamed as far as letting him pick up their cages, they don't get frightened and crashing all over. But they still get frightened when he put his hand inside their cages.

 

[Terry57]

Nice looking bird!

Is she tamed at any level? The 3 that my friend has are tamed as far as letting him pick up their cages, they don't get frightened and crashing all over. But they still get frightened when he put his hand inside their cages.

She is quite scared and not tamed at all. I hope to get her to the point where your friend's birds are.
Thank you again for all your help, I would be quite lost without the info you gave me

 

[lquan]

Again, you're welcome!

Chinese Laughingthrush loves to take bath when hot. Not sure if the previous onwner ever let her bath. But if she is afraid of water, put some green leaves or bits of salad in the water. My friend keeps his in removable-bottom cages so he can put in water dish easily without frightening the bird. Bird always want to fly up to escape, so removing the cage bottom briefly will be fine.

 

[Terry57]

After reading all the info from you, I did out a water bowl in the bottom in case she wants to bathe. She had no access to bathing in the other home, she couldn't even get to the bottom of the cage
I will add some greenery now to see if it helps

 

[JerseyWendy]

I know it's too soon to ask, but is she settling in just a little already? Has she tasted some food?

I know you will totally deck out her cage, Terry, she will feel so safe and secure.

 

[lquan]

If anything, it will be at least a week before she touches the water for bathing. She needs to settle down and get use to the new environment first. The first most important thing is to make sure she is eating well. And not get too frighten when you go near her cage. Like finch and canary, laughingthrush don't bath when you are staring at them.

 

[Terry57]

i just went and checked on her and the cage is soaking wet! So I think adding the greenery to the bath must have done the trick she must be feeling more secure now, and it looks like she ate a bit. She has a smorgasbord in her cage at the moment...berries and other fruits, birdie bread, a few veggies, some seeds and of course her insects..lol.

 

[Kalidasa]

What a beautiful little bird! I've heard of nightingales being kept in captivity (like canaries) for their song, but never thrushes. Please keep updates as I'm very interested in her progress.

 

[Terry57]

Thank you Chris, I will do that for sure

 

[Bundiibird]

Mazurka is such a cutie pie. I had not hear of this bird before - so thankful to google and this forum.

Hope she settles in soon. I am sure mom will be spoiling you little one.

 

[Terry57]

Aww, thanks Amanda, I am sure going to try. i had also never heard of one and now there's one in my bedroom..lol.

 

[lquan]

i just went and checked on her and the cage is soaking wet! So I think adding the greenery to the bath must have done the trick she must be feeling more secure now, and it looks like she ate a bit. She has a smorgasbord in her cage at the moment...berries and other fruits, birdie bread, a few veggies, some seeds and of course her insects..lol.

She must be feeling very dirty for not having access to bathing for a long time or settling in with you very quick . If she chose to bath, then she must be very comfortable with the new environment. Bird don't bath when they feel danger. Wet feathers make them fly slow. I am glad for you and your new bird.

 

[Betrisher]

Well done, Terry! I'm glad the transitions went fairly smoothly and your little thrush is safely at home. Can't wait to see a video of her singing happily! She's a real beauty!

 

[Terry57]

I think it has been years since she had a place to take a bath..it must feel so good to her!

Thanks Trish! am keeping my fingers crossed that we can make her happy enough to sing again

 

[MikeyTN]

Wow, Masuka is soooo pretty compared to online pictures or from what I remember of them as a child. Did you get yourself some grubs??