The best and the worst of Galah ownership

[2greenconurestostart]

We are considering adding a Galah to our crew late this year or next year. We have 3 girls, youngest almost 7. I would love to know the worst and best from owners of these beautiful birds. Are any full flight birds, this seems important? Also, i have read bar spacing 1 " minimum. True?
Thank you!

 

[itchyfeet]

This might seem like a silly question...but you never do know on these forums! I'm assuming 3 girls as in human children, the youngest being 7? I'll go with that!

I can only speak in terms of the pink ball of fluff currently sitting on my knee, eating the drawstrings of my pants. We can make generalisations, but must remember that they are exactly that - generalisations.

Marley is flighted. I've gone through periods with my birds where they are clipped, and periods when they are flighted. In our household, it's circumstantial. Currently the main reason all 3 are flighted is because they're relatively new to one another's company.They all come out together in the evenings especially but often during the day, and having working wings allows them to be with the others on their own terms. He willingly flies to both the shoulder of myself and my husband so it's pretty awesome knowing that trust bond is there too.

The other reason for flighted Galahs is that they're highly prone to fatty tumours, therefore a decent diet is imperative.

Marley is the nippiest of the three, and easily the loudest. Henry talks and talks and talks and is ridiculously noisy....Marley doesn't make much noise but when he does it can wake the sleepiest of kidlets. He's also a bit of a dust bunny. He needs to be in a large room and the dust kept on top of, otherwise it messes with my husbands breathing (mild asthmatic) - could be a kid weary issue.

He's not a super talker, but he's conversational with my IRN. They'll play bonafide peekaboo, and when Henry leans in for a 'kiss kiss', Marley will reply with 'kiss kiss' and they both touch beaks with a smackeroo type sound - very cute!

Kids can handle birds but carefully. That being said, my miss 7 frequently handles a sulfur crested 'too, but is still working her way up to Marley.

Hmm what else? He's definitely the most affectionate of my 3! What attracts you to the RB2?

 

[plumsmum2005]

Hi, itchyfeet has given some sound info and I will link a very recent thread that has relevance I feel, plus saves re-typing the same info to you.

http://www.parrotforums.com/questions-answers/60550-family-accepting-species.html

Re bar spacing - Plum's cage is slightly less than 1". I would love to upgrade his but he seems to love it so won't for time being. One reason he likes it is that all sides, not just the usual two have bars going across and he ladders up and down the cage. Suitability of the cage is important and most suppliers give species recommendations. Major concern is what it is made from so beware of cheapies.

Mine is full flighted but he prefers walking, he is very much a floor bird and you really need your wits about you as he creeps up and stands by my feet, yikes! So I suppose that is something to think about would he/she be vulnerable to danger? Mine talks well and has very good understanding of what is being said to him amazingly. Another I know is not so good but loves tricks. They are independent in the main and have a strong will, know their own mind - yes stubborn!

Hope I have helped.

 

[Flboy]

Something to read,

All About Cockatoos - MyToos.com

 

[2greenconurestostart]

This might seem like a silly question...but you never do know on these forums! I'm assuming 3 girls as in human children, the youngest being 7? I'll go with that!

I can only speak in terms of the pink ball of fluff currently sitting on my knee, eating the drawstrings of my pants. We can make generalisations, but must remember that they are exactly that - generalisations.

Marley is flighted. I've gone through periods with my birds where they are clipped, and periods when they are flighted. In our household, it's circumstantial. Currently the main reason all 3 are flighted is because they're relatively new to one another's company.They all come out together in the evenings especially but often during the day, and having working wings allows them to be with the others on their own terms. He willingly flies to both the shoulder of myself and my husband so it's pretty awesome knowing that trust bond is there too.

The other reason for flighted Galahs is that they're highly prone to fatty tumours, therefore a decent diet is imperative.

Marley is the nippiest of the three, and easily the loudest. Henry talks and talks and talks and is ridiculously noisy....Marley doesn't make much noise but when he does it can wake the sleepiest of kidlets. He's also a bit of a dust bunny. He needs to be in a large room and the dust kept on top of, otherwise it messes with my husbands breathing (mild asthmatic) - could be a kid weary issue.

He's not a super talker, but he's conversational with my IRN. They'll play bonafide peekaboo, and when Henry leans in for a 'kiss kiss', Marley will reply with 'kiss kiss' and they both touch beaks with a smackeroo type sound - very cute!

Kids can handle birds but carefully. That being said, my miss 7 frequently handles a sulfur crested 'too, but is still working her way up to Marley.

Hmm what else? He's definitely the most affectionate of my 3! What attracts you to the RB2?

Thank you! We are just amazed at how much fun and how much love we have for our birds and my children are a great help with the conures. I have been researching RBC a lot as I had been around a U2 about 13 years ago and it gave me a massive respect for larger birds and the care they need. Also, the damage that can be caused to property and body. I know that they are not for me, but I am attracted to the fun and antics of that medium size. I am reading everything pro and con I can get my hands on, especially when it comes to training and care. I have yet to find one in person, although there is a breeder in my area. (Denver) that comes highly recommended. i am a homeschool mom so we are home most days so they won't be left all day.

Thank you plumsmom I will read that. I have read a lot of your posts....

 

[2greenconurestostart]

Something to read,

All About Cockatoos - MyToos.com

Yes, I love that site for his absolute honesty. I am sad seeing all the toos that are sick and homeless

 

[plumsmum2005]

This might seem like a silly question...but you never do know on these forums! I'm assuming 3 girls as in human children, the youngest being 7? I'll go with that!

I can only speak in terms of the pink ball of fluff currently sitting on my knee, eating the drawstrings of my pants. We can make generalisations, but must remember that they are exactly that - generalisations.

Marley is flighted. I've gone through periods with my birds where they are clipped, and periods when they are flighted. In our household, it's circumstantial. Currently the main reason all 3 are flighted is because they're relatively new to one another's company.They all come out together in the evenings especially but often during the day, and having working wings allows them to be with the others on their own terms. He willingly flies to both the shoulder of myself and my husband so it's pretty awesome knowing that trust bond is there too.

The other reason for flighted Galahs is that they're highly prone to fatty tumours, therefore a decent diet is imperative.

Marley is the nippiest of the three, and easily the loudest. Henry talks and talks and talks and is ridiculously noisy....Marley doesn't make much noise but when he does it can wake the sleepiest of kidlets. He's also a bit of a dust bunny. He needs to be in a large room and the dust kept on top of, otherwise it messes with my husbands breathing (mild asthmatic) - could be a kid weary issue.

He's not a super talker, but he's conversational with my IRN. They'll play bonafide peekaboo, and when Henry leans in for a 'kiss kiss', Marley will reply with 'kiss kiss' and they both touch beaks with a smackeroo type sound - very cute!

Kids can handle birds but carefully. That being said, my miss 7 frequently handles a sulfur crested 'too, but is still working her way up to Marley.

Hmm what else? He's definitely the most affectionate of my 3! What attracts you to the RB2?

Thank you! We are just amazed at how much fun and how much love we have for our birds and my children are a great help with the conures. I have been researching RBC a lot as I had been around a U2 about 13 years ago and it gave me a massive respect for larger birds and the care they need. Also, the damage that can be caused to property and body. I know that they are not for me, but I am attracted to the fun and antics of that medium size. I am reading everything pro and con I can get my hands on, especially when it comes to training and care. I have yet to find one in person, although there is a breeder in my area. (Denver) that comes highly recommended. i am a homeschool mom so we are home most days so they won't be left all day.

Thank you plumsmom I will read that. I have read a lot of your posts....

You're welcome, is that cos there's a lot of 'em? LOL