Monday, November 30, 2009

Meet Judy, QT's Administrator!

Judy is a long-time bird owner, and was originally active on Tiel Talk, one of our sister boards, as she has had both a Quaker and a cockatiel. She is unsure of exactly how long she’s been involved with Birds n Ways boards, but estimates it’s at least nine years. Shortly after becoming involved on QT, she was selected as board administrator by Carol Highfill, Birds n Ways owner.

Her first bird, Bubba, was a cockatiel that she took in as a rehome. Landry, her Quaker, came to live with her as a baby. She continues to be amazed that the two of them became good friends – we all know that’s very unlikely and we warn people not to expect it, and in fact Q’s are well known for being aggressive toward other birds in the home, so she’s quite surprised that the two of them bonded so well. Landry is a – ahem – frequent participant in household conversations; he has a huge vocabulary and knows several songs as well. And, of course, those of us who have Quakers won’t be at all surprised to learn that all of his comments are completely in context and relate to what’s going on.
Judy credits her love of birds, and her birds themselves, with getting her through the hard times and also with giving her the opportunity to meet others with birds. She's met several good friends this way.

Judy’s best advice for new bird owners – and, really, it applies to all of us! – is to do lots of research and be active on informative bird boards, such as Quaker Talk. Don’t ever be afraid of asking questions – and, remember, if you have the question, chances are someone else does as well, and we can all learn something new or be reminded of something we’ve forgotten.

Judy lives in Central Missouri, and has one son and two granddaughters. She is a CNA at a local nursing home, working with individuals with advanced dementia. She is also actively involved with several different motorcycle combat veterans organizations.




Judy’s work and her interests serve to highlight what those of us who’ve had the privilege of getting to know her realize – she is a compassionate and caring woman with a big heart.

Thank you, Judy, for all that you do for Quaker Talk, and for your service to the ill and to combat veterans. We appreciate you so much!

Monday, August 31, 2009

Congratulations MONA and JB!! Woohoo!

The winner of Quaker Talk’s first photo contest is Mona, with a lovely picture of her Quaker JB!

Mona lives in the Midwest, and has three grown children – as well as grandchildren! She first got a Quaker when her kids were young and wanted to have a pet bird. Over time, the kids grew up and moved out, and that first Quaker passed away. A few years ago, Mona thought she wanted another Quaker, and started lurking around the QT board reading posts as part of her research in making her decision. After a while, she started posting questions, and then sharing her JB stories and photos with us. She‘s been involved with Quaker Talk for about two and a half years now.

JB is short for Jethro Bodine – of Beverly Hillbillies fame. (Mona’s husband is a big fan.) The grandkids couldn’t say Jethro Bodine, so it got shortened to JB for their benefit and it’s stuck!

JB is a big, big talker – and always in context. If you give him something he doesn’t want, he’ll tell you, “I don’t like that!” He will join the dogs in barking at things that might need barking at – but if he doesn’t like the barking, he’ll call the dogs in and tell them to be quiet – and they will! JB would call the dogs over to his cage and drop the food he didn’t want so they could eat it, so Mona ended up having to put a playpen around JB’s cage to stop him from doing that.

Her favorite thing about having JB? “He makes me laugh – every day. And every day he surprises me. He always tells me ‘Good morning!’ when I uncover him in the morning; the other day, he said ‘Good morning Sunshine!’ and I have no idea where he got that, because I’ve never said that to him!”

It’s easy to tell that JB is the light of Mona’s life; she owns a dog grooming shop and he even goes to work with her each day!

Her advice to new bird owners? Do your research, read, learn as much as you can, and ask a lot of questions – BEFORE you buy a bird. Make sure the bird will fit in with your family and your lifestyle. You’re making a commitment to that bird, so make sure it’s a good fit for everyone.

Mona says that her kids, grandkids, and animals are a big part of her life. She is very family oriented, which includes the animals, so if they can’t take the animals on a trip with them they just won’t go. Many of us will remember that Mona and her husband just bought a nice new fifth-wheel camper for traveling; Mona just got a travel cage for JB and she’s taking him out to the camper in it while she’s working in the RV, to get him used to the cage and the camper.

Congratulations to JB and Mona for being our first winners!

Sunday, July 19, 2009

7/11-7/17

Boy has it been a busy week in QT Land!

Here's the recap, in case you missed it!

Mel has updated our albums, so you can create your own profile, add pics, and "friend" each other! Please feel free to check it out and join! Thanks Mel!!!!!

Kiwi appears to have talents as a gospel singer, as Dierdre proudly told us, from her piano music tape. To her son, she proudly said, "We need to make him a tiny tie with a hat and take him to church so he can sing."
Imagine that!

A great many pictures were shared! Sheila posted a pic of her daughter and her adorable
grandaughter. She doesn't seem to know her own st
rength it seems. She certainly knows she's cute enough to get away with murder!

It was a great honor to have a visit from our neighbor Jaz from Tooz Talk with pix of her fids. I love it when we have OT (off topic) pictures. What a beautiful flock...












Sharon, a Q owner stopped in to ask if anyone knew why her birds cere was black on one side. It was suggested that she might want a vet to know for sure, as we can only do guesswork.

Lisa almost had surgery this week, but it had to be postponed. Hope you are feeling well Lisa.

Penny, a new grandparront flew in with an update and looking for insight on how to help teach her 8 year old granddaughter to handle her new Q.

Danica and Robert finally stopped in this week after quite a few "where is robert" postings! He is doing well, but busy these days with his new online store and his owner Danica, tailess as she be, she still keeps him runnin!

In other news, Lisa's Bella has made 2 new friends last week! Her mirror buddy and Mel's Pilot! Turns out the two have been neighbors and didn't know it! They look like theyre having fun.

Kathie's garden is blossoming with sugar snap peas! It is an exciting summer for both her and Joey alike. Mmm, how I wish I could grow a garden. And what a small world yet again, as later in the week Karen also got some sugar snap peas for Bijou growing. Enjoy Guys!

It is with great regret that I must report the passing of Maury's Peek 'a Boo. After a flyaway accident, peekaboo was managed to be recovered before dark, however, he did not recover from his injuries. He passed away at 5am, nestled by Maury's loving son. It is awful that he left this earth, but know that he knew you loved him with all your heart, and that you never gave up, doing everything you could. You will meet again at Rainbow Bridge. ((((peek)))

If you need someone to talk to, we're here for you...

Kathie recommended Byrdbell toys, as she just purchases a bunch, and was very happy with them! Thank you for the recomendation Kathie.

Diedre's Kiwi lost his bell and swing after being a little too friendly with it. Hang in there Diedre, Hormone season will pass eventually.

Diedre asked about Seed mixes as well, trying to find the right mix of individual seeds. She was advised to not only take it easy on sunflower seed, but safflower as well, as these are both very fattening, and are used to make oil. Lydia also suggested sprouting.

Patrice learned that Jake's cage was in fact, in a not so good location of her home. In fact, after some guests had to get by 'Beak Security Force' She found a brand new spot for him. He did not approve. So she moved him again, once more, and Beak Security approved.

Bill's Pico is 11 weeks old now! He loves fresh home grown blackberries, and how lucky he is to have such a fresh supply
!

She has made a mortal enemy with her new food dish, however. She's on to you food bowl...
pico

And that is all for this week! Stay tuned for next weeks edition of... News from the front perch swing!


















Thursday, July 9, 2009



Desi, a local hero and very handsome world leader from AZ was stumped this week when a local egg white ignored his commands. After dropping it to the floor in order to help fertilize the kitchen, decided to call it back. "up up" he said to the egg.

But the egg did not obey. The egg is now sentenced to eggactly life in garbageville detention.

In other news, we welcome new member Penny, and her new grandbird, a quaker named Mango. We bet she is as sweet as her name! Welcome.

Lisa, slaved by cared by Bella was trying to help flourish the house with greenery by planting some of her seed, and sprinkling it all over the floor. However, for some reason Lisa did not think this was a great idea. Besides for seed catchers, other great ideas included wide dishes and even heavy ceramic dog dishes on the floor of the cage. Good luck!

Diedre's Fids were enjoying their glorious birdy bread when their mama worried, is everyday too much? As delicious as birdy bread is, if it is chock full of vege goodness, then a little bit everyday is a good thing! Our motto? Yes moderation.

Check out the grocery list for a better idea of how much of each thing.

Patrice dropped in a great review of Irene Pepperberg's Alex and Me. Alex and Irene worked very hard proving to redefine the meaning of the term "bird brain." Alex will be remembered by millions for a long time to come.
In a Poll about our dream aviaries, the largest concencus was an aviary that cleans itself.

Sara got a new throne (playstand) for Daffy! It's about time Daffy got the respect he deserves. ;)

Alison's Chloe has been weaving nests out of leather shoelace. Other great nest materials
suggested were clothespins & paper towels. As reminded by birdgirl, watch out for loops you fid can get their head stuck in! Saftey first.

Kathies fid Kramer is having a birthday this Saturday! Hopefully Joey will let him have some attention then. Have a happy birthday!

Ah hormone season and their love triangles they cause between our spouses and birds. Hang in there Paulette, and enjoy those sweet nothings Jasper has for you.

Lydia had some great vinigair tips! Check them out!

Shrishti remembered lydias homemade carriers and wanted to learn how to make one!
It's actually quite simple. You use an ordinary carrier container, add airholes, and make sure to cover the bottom so the bird wont slip around.











Saturday, July 4, 2009

News from the front perch swing! Happy Fourth everybirdy!



Kay asked about different ways to get rid of a pesky ant problem. Pete suggested a boric acid and sugar mixture to help eliminate the ants from the source when the ants carry them back.

After a nail clipping ordeal, Deirdre was relieved to know that a nice bath was okay a couple days past corn starching a bleeding nail.

Lydia updated us with a Snowball Commercial!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pCoSwbcBNU

Poll:

What kind of bird would you have if you could keep it properly? Money is no object.

(Red Front) Macaw (2)

Black Headed Caique (2)

Mollocan Cockatoo

Major Mitchel cockatoo

1 Quaker is enough!!! (3)

Bill had an idea to buy coconut halves to make bird toys! Hope that works out Bill!

Birdgirl has found that it is that time of year for her sun conure… hormone season! Pete suggested a wing clip, and something soft for him to bite instead of her fingers. Hang in there birdgirl! We have all been there.

Lydia posted a link for a toy vest! Make your own and perhaps that necklace you wear or that birthmark on your neck will become less interesting!

http://www.birdsnways.com/birds/ideas.htm#g7111904

Deb stopped in to update the QT family and to ask about a possible wet sneeze. It was advised that if it is indeed a bunch of wet sneezes, an avian vet visit is in order.

We all send out our deepest condolences on the loss of your mother Deb…

The QT family wants to wish everyone a safe and happy 4th! Remember that our Qs are probably less than inclined to be participants in fireworks!