The Continuing Capers of Companion-ing Cotton

[Laurasea]

Laura, are you addressing Cottonoid or me and Willow?

Willows photo looks funny because he’s wet and feathers mussed up.

? I think you’re addressing Cottonoid and Cotton.

Cotton.
True you shouldn't see quakers nostrils at all. But I was aware was post bath. And that's fine

 

[HeatherG]

When dry, Willow’s feathers lay down over nostrils. He has that Quaker cowlick above his beak.

How is Cotton? Is he still looking scruffy?

Seems like moulting one’s facial feathers would affect the ‘look’ of the bird more than moulting body feathers.

 

[Cottonoid]

He does look very scruffy! His face has so many little pins now.

He's still pulling chest feathers when he preens but he's doing ok with his flight feathers. Tattered but intact

 

[HeatherG]

I suggest black nail polish and beakstick, especially with the earlier photos.

 

[Cottonoid]

I suggest black nail polish and beakstick, especially with the earlier photos.

Hehehe YES

 

[CosiGirl]

Hehehe YES

Just read through the last week or so’s posts on this thread. Cotton looks amazing!! Hopefully you’ve gotten some insight on the showing skin around his nostrils. In any event, just wanted to let you know that Cozy and I pray for Cotton to stop plucking his feathers every night before we go to bed. It warms my heart to see his progress. Great work!!!!

 

[Cottonoid]

Oh thank you!!! That's so lovely of you and Cozy too!

I'm sure Cotton has something going on with his sinuses, but I struck out on vet appointments when I made calls Friday.

He's clever enough he probably called ahead and told them all to say they were booked.

 

[Cottonoid]

Cotton is sooooo chatty and playful and active this morning! Usually this time of day he's napping but every time I've checked on him he's hunting for treat hiding spots or attacking toys or preening or flapping his wings and talking through it all! He's still not a healthy burd but hopefully he's feeling a little better now!

 

[Cottonoid]

Today I came home to tons of feathers all over the floor including a flight feathers and tons of little wing feathers. Two days ago he was working at his chest feathers but he could fly without those. Whomp whomp

Right this second he is holding a tail feather in his foot and chewing the end like a piece of taffy.

 

[Birdgirl24]

Today I came home to tons of feathers all over the floor including a flight feathers and tons of little wing feathers. Two days ago he was working at his chest feathers but he could fly without those. Whomp whomp

Right this second he is holding a tail feather in his foot and chewing the end like a piece of taffy.

View attachment 42361

poor baby

 

[LaManuka]

Today I came home to tons of feathers all over the floor including a flight feathers and tons of little wing feathers. Two days ago he was working at his chest feathers but he could fly without those. Whomp whomp

Right this second he is holding a tail feather in his foot and chewing the end like a piece of taffy.

View attachment 42361

Nooooo, don't be doing that to your feathered suit and worrying your mama, Cotton, you dear sweet boy!

 

[HeatherG]

I’m sorry. How disappointing and sad.

Could he maybe go back on the pain medication? Would that help and be safe?

 

[Cottonoid]

@LaManuka I am currently stuck under a smitten corella who declined the offer to go to his home for dinner

 

[LaManuka]

@LaManuka I am currently stuck under a smitten corella who declined the offer to go to his home for dinner

View attachment 42394

Well I did warn you about these guys, didn't I?? Looks like the only dinner companion he wants now is you!!

 

[HeatherG]

Those corellas are strangely human-looking. I can’t explain it. Maybe it’s the featherless eye circles that kind of make them look like a pale person who didn’t get enough sleep.

 

[Cottonoid]

Those corellas are strangely human-looking. I can’t explain it. Maybe it’s the featherless eye circles that kind of make them look like a pale person who didn’t get enough sleep.

He makes the cutest sounds, too!

 

[Cottonoid]

My other buddy yesterday was going to great lengths to impress us

 

[Cottonoid]

Now that Cotton's past the worst of his molt and illness, and is more chatty and cheerful, I've gotten back to trying to push the comfort boundary a little further.

Yesterday I decided to hold a walnut at the cage bars above his treat bowl, with the intention of clicking and dropping it into the bowl the moment he made a move toward me.

Um.

It took an hour

I had to text my friend for moral support and my rotator cuff gave out long before Cotton's willpower did. But he finally went for it while I was sitting right up against his cage! Click and a second walnut piece deposited and I left the room (his favorite reward).

Day 2, armed with the TV remote, a gin and tonic, walnuts, the clicker, and an empty bladder. Ok buddy, here we go; I'm ready for this standoff!

Eleven minutes

AND he thought hard about taking a second walnut directly from my fingers (through the bars) but decided against in favor of a warm perch and a nap.

 

[HeatherG]

Good for you and Cotton!

I need to find a treat that Willow really likes. I took your idea and bought a big bag of birdseed from which I will pick the safflower and sunflower seeds for rewards. Jasper isn’t so picky or maybe is just more easily bought.

Cotton has so many feathers now! Does he seem more comfortable? He’s a good looking guy!

 

[Cottonoid]

He's definitely more comfortable this week - back to chatting up the birds outside and destroying toys