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Post by carlsandclan on Dec 12, 2009 21:01:16 GMT 10
I like to think that I am doing pretty well with AJ, who is still just a baby at 4mo. However, I still feel quite unsure of myself at times, as AJ seems to react to me differently on any given day! I guess they are just like humans - want to be with who they want to be with. Is this true, though? I am one of these people who have to do everything perfectly (and I mean EVERYTHING! LOL) I really don't like to fail - especially with my babies. And what does it mean when AJ 'shakes' his head from side to side when in his cage? Doesn't do it very often, and I thought he wants out, but sometimes goes a little crazy when I DO let him out. (I'll say him until I know for sure) I know we are still getting to know each other, and I am still learning what he wants and likes....just feeling a little unsure because I have never had larger parrots before! He does like to cuddle with me and I have already taught him some basic tricks like step-up/down, shake hands, turn around, wave. The housing, feeding, cleaning, play toys and all that practical stuff I have no problem with - it's the psychological I am not sure on! lol (that may explain why I prefer to work with plants rather than people!)  Anyone got advice and/or experience with idiosyncrasies of a galah?? Are AJ and I doing alright? I just want him to be happy and healthy and stay with us for a very long time! Apologies if I sound like a nutter. LOL ;D Carls |
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Post by vankarhi on Dec 15, 2009 20:52:33 GMT 10
My galah Bo used to swing her head from side to side. She seemed to do when she was happy or excited about something.
Bo was a very friendly social girl. She knew i was mum but would happily go to anyone (especially a male human) if they wanted to pat her 24/7 ;D She was a big flirt too when a male human was around.
She loved to be let out of her cage and she would strutt her stuff around the yard for hours just digging up nut grass and climbing up trees......sometimes we had to get her out of trees.
She loved a shower under a hose or sprinkler and would roll around screaming in delight. This is something I watch the wild galahs around here do also. If she saw the hose lying on the ground though she would scream and jump all over it "killing it" . I reckon she thought it was a snake. lol
She could bully my staffies ......... and she did lol she had them bluffed. lol
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Post by carlsandclan on Dec 15, 2009 22:03:48 GMT 10
Phew! I feel better now.  I think AJ is excited, too, when he does the whole head swing thing....I've been watching him, and he does it when people come over, or I get home from work. Did you have Bo's wings clipped? I would love to take AJ out into the yard, but he hasn't been clipped. I'm not sure if I want to, either. My big dog (Zeus - weighs over 40kgs!) is still learning that AJ isn't a fluffy toy. He's been really good with AJ, but he is such a big doofus and loses his 'manners' at times. Midnight (my other bullmastiff) on the other hand, is so relaxed, she lets AJ get away with anything! lol Is recall training enough to be able to take AJ outside, do you think? Or perhaps harness training? I'm not in any rush to get into anything like that - one small step at a time! BTW - it's really cool to be able to talk to someone who has had a galah! THANKYOU! Carls |
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Post by vankarhi on Dec 16, 2009 20:05:19 GMT 10
No worries ;D
I believe harness training is a big must if you don't want to clip wings. Bo always was clipped (except if I let it go too long lol). Recall training is just a fun thing for me but now I will try to teach all my baby birds this just a safety or precaution thing. Not so people can feel it is safe to take their unclipped bird outside.
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Post by carlsandclan on Dec 18, 2009 21:01:33 GMT 10
Makes sense. Will harness train for outings, and also recall for safety - accidents do happen, don't they? Oh, I think AJ might be a girl! Smooches up to males big time! ;D Just adores my hubby, and my dad. It is so cute to watch - makes this pitiful sound, too, when they aren't giving enough cuddles. Such a tart! LOL So I think I will refer to AJ as she. She had another shower with me yesterday - I think I'll have to find a shower perch! Much safer than trying to stay on my shoulder or arm, which is her preferred position. As for diet, I think I am giving her enough variety and balance, but wondering what you think? I give her the following every day - pellets seeds fruit and veggies (whatever I happen to have in the fridge, such as broccoli, celery, cauliflower, mango, apple, capsicum, zucchini, cucumber) sprouted seed She also gets fresh branches to chew and nibble every morning - eucalyptus, lilly pilly, callistimon. (Loves the berries of the lilly pilly!) There are a couple more which I've seen the wild ones eat and chew on, but not sure what they are exactly. (I grew up in Canberra, and that is a totally different climate to here in Coffs, so the plants are all different!) Am I worrying too much? LOL Cheers! |
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Post by vankarhi on Dec 19, 2009 20:25:31 GMT 10
I think your AJ is doing fine and eating well........keep up the good work. lol
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Post by carlsandclan on Dec 19, 2009 20:38:24 GMT 10
 Thanks for the vote of confidence! I am hopeless when it comes to my 'other' kids - can't spoil them enough! And I worry.....as you may have noticed! LOL
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I think AJ is excited, too, when he does the whole head swing thing....I've been watching him, and he does it when people come over, or I get home from work. 