upatsix.com - Your Source For Pet Bird Information

Yes, I am 19. I'm not currently enrolled in any type of school, and due to a set of unfortunate events, I do not have a job, either. I do go to bird club meetings when possible, so these do include lectures and talks. So really, you could say that I'm a person who soaks up info... Love to read, learn, and expand my knowledge. I've been keeping birds since I was 12, which is where it all started... Due to the fact that I don't talk like a kid (so to speak), it has gotten me into some very interesting conversations... such as people not believing my age, always imagining I was 40 or older... one person who even swore I was older and must be embarrassed about my age so I told everyone I was younger (and this was part in due because I was helping someone out on how to post photos, and this person saw one of the photos from the person I was helping out). I'm not even sure if I was ever able to convince them otherwise...


I am curious about one thing though... you say you based your opinion on the tiels head and beak... I can't really say I've ever seen much difference in the head shapes of tiels... other than for Pistachio who looks funky with a plucked head... I have cared for a total of 3 male tiels and 4 girls... two of the males have been adopted out thus far, but still I can't say I've seen much of a difference...

I know in lovebirds, some conures, macaws, quakers and a few other species there are slight differences (normally) about the shape of the head or the nostrils to the forehead... so, would you care to elaborate?

Hey Again
Yes you do sound quite a bit older. And that is not a bad thing. Im basing my opinion strictly on owning just one male cockatiel in my life - he died recently at age 17. (see my original post). Most, of the male 'tiels (that Ive been aquainted with) seem to be a bit more broad through the beak and maybe a little bigger noggin also. Then again most of these were not normal greys - all hybrids. The pic of this particular bird just looked instantly like a male to me(only looking at the head and face). Im a very amatuer bird owner and I tend to rely on what I think I see. Im not really all that learned in ID.

I did hand feed our 'tiel and hand raise and wean my parents Green Wing Macaw so I do have some varied exp but yours is obviuosly greater

Freddy

I am sorry to hear your tiel passed on... but he did live to a good age.

And as for "hybrids", well you must mean mutations (color morphs) as I only know of one hybrid cockatiel...




I can't easily compare heads being that Pistachio is the only male here.. and he's lacking of feathers... still I still haven't noticed much difference between him and the girls...




I haven't handraised any parrots (although I came close once, I figured mum knew best), and my care of birds leans more into the various types of parakeets (budgies, bourkes, cockatiels, aratinga conures...) although I have handled several species (up to cockatoos, amazons, macaws, vasas...). Although I may have more knowledge (not trying to claim to be a "know-it-all" though), I've got less experience caring for a bird over a long period of time (or rather any time longer than 5 years).

Yes that is what I meant to say (type).
That is a absolutley adoarable bird - G cockatoo and 'tiel ,huh? (dont know how to spell it) Is he (she) yours? . What kind of pet has it turned out to be?

I think almost all the mutations - especially the pieds have been bigger than the normal greys. That could account for the beak and head size diff.

Do you do rescues? Seems like youve written about some hard luck cases

Freddy

That galatiel (galah x cockatiel) hybrid lives in Australia. I don't really know much about it other than whats been put on the web.
http://www.talkingbirds.com.au/worldfirst-galah.php
http://www.talkingbirds.com.au/galatiel.php

As for mutations being bigger... well this is probably only so when breeding big birds to other bird birds... so to speak. Most cockatiels range in size from 80-100 grams, maybe max 110 grams. However, if you breed large tiels together, over a period of time they will get bigger... I've heard of tiels of a healthy (not overweight) weight of 150 grams compared to their size. It's much like the english budgies vs the normals. The english budgies can be up to twice as big as the normals.

I am by no means a rescue, nor do I advertise as being one.... however most of my birds are rehomes, and I have already rehomed two cockatiels. Many have come from less than ideal situations. One in particular, Tomi Girl. She was 58 grams, if not less, when she came here. She was so week she was unstable while standing on a perch, she flew slowly (so slowly she was easy to catch in mid-air), and her landings, although on the mark, were also unsteady. She's now up to 80-86 grams, and loves to fly fast! There's the cockatiel family (4 tiels) who lived in an 18" x 18" x 46" California Ferret Cage. They, and the cage, were covered in smoke and nicotine. It was, to be honest, disgusting. Or one of the budgies whom, when I first met him, lived in a home with one adult, a couple little kids, a baby, and lots of teens who'd come and go. He basically lived in a place that was full of alcohol, cigarettes, cigars, and pot. The place was dark/musky, and he was ignored other than to be fed.

You have a big heart and I am glad that there are people who are not afraid to give birds a second chance for a good home. Sounds like Tomi has stated to recover well. Kudos for you. See if we cant get her weight up little more and she will really fel good.

Oh - you are the FIRST to hear- my new baby Caique will be arriving next Fri from DJfeathers aviary!!!!!!!!! Just got the news this evening. Im very excited

Freddy

I would like to see her up around 95-100 grams, but she just wont pass 86 grams. Still, I'm thankful she's even up this high! She's a strong flyer too, so as long as she eats (being a picky little eater), and doesn't go below 80 grams, I don't worry about her weight really.

Congrats on being able to bring your baby caique home! Having spoken with Tammy in the past, I know how great she is! And I'm sure you'll just love your new fidlet!

fidlet LOL

Im gonna use that one - thanks

Freddy

I have had it for a couple of weeks now and she hardly ever makes a noise. She's very sweet though and loves to be held and misted.
Thanks everyone! I want a male to now. I really wanted a male and I bought her thinking she was a male. But its okay she's very sweet and loveable.

chibi-tori wrote:Hi tstalhood,

As for the clip.... pathetic. Someone just whacked them off with sissors not having ANY clue of how to do it correctly. Unless there is some reason why she should remain clipped, I'd let them regrow and have flight. Makes for a more content birdie.

Sam

Oh Sam, if you think that is a bad clip............... .............should've seen the two tiels I saw at a local petshop yesterday!
They were absolutely beautiful!
One a pearl and the other one a light yellow all over (what would that be then???? Never seen one before..........) but the wingclip oh my goodness
Absolutely disgusting!
I asked the girl at the check out who'd made such a mess of their wings and she said the owner Glad he doesn't own those birds anymore!
The feathers were literally chopped , they looked horrible, botchy, messy, it looked like he tried to clip the wings whilst the bird was in full flight or something
Here a feather chopped, there a feather still on! oh boy.........
There wasn't one feather that had been cut straight, who knows what the guy used to cut them with..........
The pet shop still wanted (AUD)$120 for them though (each), bit much considering the breeder I bought Noah of sells Pearls for $75 (handtamed).........

I'm so glad your happy with a girl!! I LOVE my girl Luna!!

She is so sweet (except when she gets tired) and wants to be with us. Her favorite spot is under my chin - she gets major cuddling while there and she soaks up every bit.