Meet our rescued older BFA

[sarafigal]

Meet Queequeg, a 30-yr-old BFA who came home with me today. This cage is much too small, but it has been her home for about 4 months. I'm told to let her keep it for a little while to acclimate. She loves shaking her bell, making purring and chirping sounds, screeching something like a car alarm, and saying several phrases. We also just played a game with my hand in her cage where I would hand her a nut, she would take it with her beak, transfer it to a foot and drop it. I then say "oh oh!" and hand it back, starting over. We did this about eight times. I think we'll be fine together.

 

[antoinette]

Congrats for taking in Queequeg
She is gorgeous. She sounds like quite a character.

Sorry for all the questions, just curious.....

Where was Queequeg, before you took her in?
How come she was kept in such a small cage for 4 months?
Please keep us updated with her progress.

 

[paulhanlon]

She is a beautiful girl I would surgest getting her into a larger cage when she has settled in right and your game sounds like so much fun Congrats on your new girl.

 

[sarafigal]

I know she needs a much larger cage (and perches, etc.). I'm sorely tempted to switch her with my two little budgies, who have a huge flight cage... But I'm told that might make them all very cranky. Any ideas? And how soon can I move her into something better?

Antoinette: she spent 30 terrific years with one couple and one other bird. The wife died, and the husband had to move into nursing care, so one of their children took Queequeg to a small apartment about four or five months ago. Since then, she hasn't been out of this cage. The daughter was so relieved that I took her--she said she was intimidated by Queequeg and just wasn't a bird person. I don't really know what I'm doing with a BFA, but I'm certain that this situation is better.

Thanks!

 

[paulhanlon]

I would buy a large cage for her and set it up put it next to her old one and when she climbs on to the new one you will know she's ready to move into her new home.

 

[antoinette]

I know she needs a much larger cage (and perches, etc.). I'm sorely tempted to switch her with my two little budgies, who have a huge flight cage... But I'm told that might make them all very cranky. Any ideas? And how soon can I move her into something better?

Antoinette: she spent 30 terrific years with one couple and one other bird. The wife died, and the husband had to move into nursing care, so one of their children took Queequeg to a small apartment about four or five months ago. Since then, she hasn't been out of this cage. The daughter was so relieved that I took her--she said she was intimidated by Queequeg and just wasn't a bird person. I don't really know what I'm doing with a BFA, but I'm certain that this situation is better.

Thanks!

Thanks for the feedback....

Poor Queequeg, 30 years with a couple, that is a life time.
The daughter did the correct thing, letting the bird go, knowing it would have a better and happier life with you.

My suggestion about the cage:
Get a bigger cage a.s.a.p. place it next to her present cage, with both cage doors open.
Fill the bigger cage with toys and food.
Hang a bell in the new cage, this always catches their attention.
Play with the bell, show her you are having fun.
I am positive she will get curious and begin to investigate the bigger cage.
It may take a few days or weeks, let her decide when the time is right.

 

[henpecked]

Thanks for giving an older zon a second chance. Sounds like things will work out . Ant gave you good advice on introducing a new cage, she'll let you know when she's ready. Good luck and thanks.

 

[sarafigal]

Rescued BFA update

Life with Queequeg, Day 4
Queequeg was quiet this morning until she heard Gerald grinding coffee in the kitchen, signaling the official start of the day. She then rang her bell with great vigor until I removed her blanket, at which point she peered around, saying "Hi Baby!" After breakfast, she climbed to the top of her cage (left open when we are home) and preened for a while before returning to the inside to hold hands with her favorite bell. I had to mess around with various foods and vitamins, since the vet told me yesterday that she is VERY deficient of A. Other than that, she is dandy. Still doesn't want to be touched, but I think that her willingness to come out of her cage (after being inside for the last 5 months) is fabulous. And of course, she'll pop out to take a nutriberry treat from any of us.

 

[wenz2712]

I am really pleased for you that things are going so well with Queequeg

 

[ruffledfeathers]

Awesome!! I'm so happy for both of you. That is on my "to do" list in my future....at some point i would like to be a forever home for an older Amazon. Congratulations.

 

[Gshepdog]

She is pretty. I would move her into a larger cage as soon as possible. I would not put her in a parakeet cage unless the wire is strong enough for an Amazon. Their beaks are very powerful. Even my little OWA managed to bend and break the wire on an Amazon cage when she felt like it. She finally stopped doing that.

Good luck.

Lee