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It was one year ago that Boss came home with us from a rescue. Although she has given me some gray hairs from all of the injuries and broken blood feathers, she is such a good bird! One year and a boyfriend and all the mating going on, and she has never laid any eggs! I just hope this holds up through the springtime here, I have noticed more mating lately than usual! I do believe that Boss has some kind of problem causing her to not be able to fly properly-----I know what people have said---oh, it takes time and you have to work with her and do this or that---No, sorry, after one year and knowing this bird the way I do, I know there is something preventing her from being able to fly without crashing into things. I get the feeling it may have something to do with her eyesight, and that it could be due to inbreeding. She has her out time with woody, and woody usually sticks by her, but will fly off at times or wander away, and poor Boss sits there and wishes she could go too! She does fly off sometimes, but I just have to hold my breath and hope when I pick her up, there won't be any blood! So far so good! She is due for another wing clip though, which I feel I have to do to keep her safe from injury.
Anyway, here is short video I made of them----woody and boss----munching on some millet! They truly are very happy together! Birdie love is so cute!
http://s95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/ ... ture-3.flv

Congratulations on one year together!
I know even just hearing about Woody and Boss so often has made me feel as though I know them. Silly, isn't it?
Anyways, You certainly do know your birds better than anyone, so you're probably better off using your own judgment as far as Boss flying goes.
Oh, that video is adorable. Woody and Boss are indeed quite cute together. Thank you for sharing!

Hi Kim,

Gosh, a year already... same here with the first clutch. They all had birthdays this week, and today is Lil'bit's birthday Time does fly for sure!

I can sympathize with you on Boss' flying. Pixie is in the same boat, and she rarely flies now, partly due to lack of outer flight feathers on her right wing, and partly because she never really did learn how to fly. When she did, she'd crash into just about everything, and I too believe it's an eyesight problem. In all her attempts to fly, she's never made a good landing, but would most of the time, just hit the floor after a missed landing spot. She is really a sweet birdie, and since Chibi left, she rarely ever comes out of the big cage unless one of us takes her out. I feel really bad that she can't get around like the rest of the flock, but not much I can do for that. Daisy, on the other hand is a pretty decent flyer, and appears to have pretty good eyesight, however she does not venture out of the bird room very much. She'll light on the curtains at the doorway, but only now and then comes out into the kitchen. I don't quite understand why, but I suppose there is a reason.

The video is cute.. she's a good looking child BTW, Pixie finally made it to 90 grams. She'd held in the low to mid 80's all this time, and now she's finally gotten some meat on her bones..

Sam

Thanks for sharing
I think lutinos are prone to genetic defects. Their eyes and skin are more sensitive to sunlight (like albinos). No doubt she has vision issues. As you probably read about my ongoing issues with Button. I just think lutinos just have more genetic issues so we have to be aware/deal with of these handicaps

Genetically, lutinos ARE albinos... if we compare them to mammals. Indeed though, a lot goes into genetics, and if they are born with bad eyes they may just not be able to see very well... Eyesight will vary from bird to bird, but I think that Bianca Knowlton did a wonderful explanation on her eyesite, which explains a lot! Not sure if I've posted this before or not but it's a good read for anyone who has lutino/albino birds! It'll give some much needed insight on how to better help those with eyesight issues!

What Do I See?


Kim, I remember all your worries you had before bringing Boss home, and the issues once found out afterwards! Even if she's a clutz, possibly due to eyesight (you'd have to ask a vet if they could tell you), it's good to know that things have gone on so well!

Thank you Monica for that link to that site----yeah, after reading it, I am pretty convinced that Boss has some kind of problem with her eyesight. She does have some good landings and does appear at times that she can see just fine----maybe could be different lighting or something could make it harder for her to see? Maybe a dark cloudy day or dimly lit room might make for better landings, I can give it a try and see!
And happy birthday sam to all your first clutch babies! I do notice alot of times when I visit your cam site that there is a lutino sitting in the cage there and wondered if that was Pixie! It's good though that at least she doesn't get the injuries Boss gets occasionally from flying----I think maybe because she is smaller and Boss is a big, strong girl! All I have to do is pick her up and she will always lift up those wings, and you can just feel how strong she is-----woody feels weak next to her! and alot lighter!
Also best wishes to Button, hope she is feeling better soon!

HAPPY ADOPTION DAY BOSS

AND HAPPY HATCH DAY(S) TO SAM'S BABIES

Usually, the lutino you see in the cage is Pixie. Daisy sometimes will be in there, especially in the afternoons when everyone finally settles down and they are napping or at least being quiet (rare). Pixie along with Smokey are the quiet ones of the whole flock. Rarely ever do they make any kind of fuss, and while Smokey does come out and fly every now and then, I'm beginning to wonder if his age it taking a toll on his abilities. We can only assume his age now is about 9, but it's quite possible he's older or younger than that. At any rate, Daisy is an active flyer, and has no trouble at all navigating or landing. As with all the rest, she will occasionally fly into the window(s), especially during a panic, but beyond that she seems to be able to see as well as any of the rest.

Sam

Happy Anniversary Boss!!!! You are one lucky birdie!!!