Preparing for a new baby

[DesertDweller]

I've had my heart set on getting an Indian Ringneck for a while, but I've been trying to talk myself out of it. However, I went to my local bird dealer where I got my conure and cockatiel, and he told me that the new babies should be coming to his store in February. I'm so excited!!

I'll be hand feeding this baby, too. The dealer knows I'm successful at taking care of newly hatched chicks, so I should be getting the baby when he's 2 weeks old. I figure that since ringnecks need so much attention, this will be perfect for my whole family and for the bird to get him that young. I can't wait 'til Uncle Misty and Uncle Connor see the new baby!!

[britany]

getting new birds is fun!

[DesertDweller]

Yep. The fun part will be that all of my birds still like to snack on baby bird formula. So I'll be giving everyone some formula when the baby gets his. I think this will help with them bonding. It helped years ago when my first sparrow was a year old. He hadn't had formula in a very long time, but when he saw a new baby getting some, all of a sudden he wanted to be fed with the syringe. Silliest thing!! It helped avoid jealousy.

[boomer girl]

I just love tiny sparrows, they are just to me the sweetest cutest birds of all. I think getting the new ringneck as a baby is a great way for you and your other birds bond together. I have only met one Ringneck and she was so mellow and sweet but was too shy to let me hold it so I had to admire her from a distance.

[DesertDweller]

@ Deanna: Yes, sparrows are beautiful birds. Such great companions. I love their personalities. They can be possessive for sure, but they love from their hearts.

I've read a lot about ringnecks needing lots of attention or they'll untame. I'm geared for that.

It's gonna be a fun experience, I think. My cockatiel Misty is now imitating the sparrows talking and singing the Andy Griffith theme song. I'm amazed that the sparrows are learning it!!

[boomer girl]

We dont have Sparrows up here where I live because its too cold but they are all over down lower and are just so cute. I love the way they hop all around and hold out there chests just like a lovebird. I had two differant relatives who had to raise injured sparrows from a young age and they were there pets for years. One of them lived in Arizona and there sparrow would fly around outside at times and always came back in the evenings so it could sleep in the house. That little bird must of loved its life!

You need to record your sparrows singing with your tiel so we can hear it too. I bet its adorable watching it try to sing it. I always knew birds were smart and now I know for sure the outdoor ones are as smart as the indoor ones.

[DesertDweller]

I would love to share some audio tracks but I can't figure out how to do it. Can you help me?

[boomer girl]

I have a hard time getting pictures to load so I have no clue how to load a audio on here. You can do a video of it and use the insert video button and see how that works? Or you might need to load it on something like Tiny Pic and use the link here??

What color is your baby going to be? The one I met was light blue and it reminded me of a angel when it flew, they are so pretty.

[Pipers Mom]

Pat, I am so happy that you are getting a ringneck. I plan on getting another cockatiel this upcoming spring. Have you tried posting any video to youtube? If you have, just post the link. Would love to hear Misty whistling the Andy Griffith theme song.. Too cute!!

[DesertDweller]

I have audio recordings, but my videos are very shaky. I have nerve damage in my neck and my videos come out awful. Do you know any way of posting audio?

I bought a tripod and I'll try to get a good video of Misty. He's getting really good at it, but is still missing a few notes. But, you can sure recognize the tune!!

I'm so proud of this little tyke. Only 5 months old and so smart, LOL.

[DesertDweller]

What color is your baby going to be? The one I met was light blue and it reminded me of a angel when it flew, they are so pretty.

That's a good question. I was going to ask you guys what your opinions are of the colors. There's blue, green, teal and yellow that I'm aware of. But the babies haven't even been hatched yet. I think I'm leaning toward teal, if that color is available. What do you all think? Advice much appreciated.

[Birdmanca]

I have seen a ringneck at a local pet store. They are an interesting bird to look at. Sort of hard to find, as that is the only pet store I have seen near where I live that sells them.

[boomer girl]

The only color I have ever seen on a Ringneck is Blue and it was one pretty bird. I think once you go look at all the babies one of them will capture your heart more then all the others and that will be the one you come home with.

[DesertDweller]

I think you're right. The dealer is getting only a couple of chicks because they don't sell well, due to the problem people have with the birds untaming if they're not given enough attention. He's asked me what color I'd like, so I'm wondering if he's gonna select the chicks based on preorder.

It's sad to think that someone would get a bird and not give it much attention, anyway. They're little people, too. My Connor slept in my arms wrapped in his blankie last night. I wish all potential bird owners would get lessons in how to care for birds before they buy them.

[Pipers Mom]

I have audio recordings, but my videos are very shaky. I have nerve damage in my neck and my videos come out awful. Do you know any way of posting audio?

I bought a tripod and I'll try to get a good video of Misty. He's getting really good at it, but is still missing a few notes. But, you can sure recognize the tune!!

I'm so proud of this little tyke. Only 5 months old and so smart, LOL.

Let me ask my other half about posting video. I know in the past he has posted a couple video's to youtube and I have seen email video that he has taken from his digital camera.

[boomer girl]

I think if you own a bird it should be part of the family. You are right, they are "little people" in feathered bodies and if you give them a chance to love you they will melt even the hardest hearts. It is sort of sad you need to tell him what color you want but then it least you get the one you want that way. What ever color you decide to get I know you will take such good care of it that no way will it ever untame.

[DesertDweller]

You just convinced me. I won't even give anyone a clue about color. I'll just be surprised!! Fun )

[Pipers Mom]

I'm with Deanna on this one!! When I do bring my new arrival home this spring, I won't care is it's male or female. My main concern is that it's healthy!!

[DesertDweller]

I finally got a video of Misty whistling Andy Griffith theme that I can share. It's not that good, but I'll post it separately.

[DesertDweller]

Update: I decided on a blue ringneck. His mama still hasn't laid the egg. But, I'm all ready for him. Bought a new cage and 5 pounds of baby bird formula and 100 oral syringes. I've also got a brooder box setup. Now, all I need is the baby.

I feel like an expectant mother! This is the very first time I've ever prepared so far in advance for a bird. It's soooo exciting!!

[Pipers Mom]

Hi Pat,
Your not alone.. I'm expecting my new arrival this upcoming spring. Another tiel of course. I got a new cage, night-night cover and new toys. My other half already asked me if I were planning a "Birdy Shower"... I completely understand your excitement. Hope you post pics of your baby blue ringneck when it finally makes it home.

[boomer girl]

I am excited for you and I think a Blue ringneck is a great choice, they are sooo pretty.

[DesertDweller]

Thanks, Carolyn and Deanna!!! That's so funny, Carolyn - a birdy shower!! Maybe I will. ROFLMAO

I never went through a waiting period like this before - for anything except when I was pregnant. HAHAHA.
It's so wonderful. And the nice thing about it is - I AIN'T PREGNANT!!! YAYAY

And, please post pics of your new baby, Carolyn. This is so neat that we can share this experience. : ))

[DesertDweller]

Just got word that the blue clutch is complete. Parent birds are now incubating the eggs. This is so exciting!
I won't get to meet the breeder. I go through the dealer. I wonder if it would be too silly to ask him to get photos of the baby at hatching and for the first few days of his life. Whatcha think?

[maxollie]

Hi! Pat, I've been following your posts recently, about your upcoming celebration of your new "baby", and you sure do have reason to be excited. I'm a bird lover myself, so I know how exciting it is to become a "parront". If the dealer is a true bird lover like we are, I don't think it would be silly at all for him to see if he could speak to the breeder, and get some photos of the baby hatching, as well as its first few days of life. If humans can get "sonograms", of their babies in the womb, I see no reason why you couldn't get some pics of your new little one.

I'll be looking forward to seeing posts about your new little baby. And of course, "pics" too!