View Full Version : Good Progress Thread
morgavin
05-26-2005, 10:43 PM
WOW.
I'm in the kitchen fixing Pepper's favorite (chicken). She's squalking, talking, whistling, then I hear something that really shocked me. It was her toe nails on the linoleum. She had climbed down the cage (bad skeletal structure and flight difficult) and had come down to visit me while I fixed dinner. There was no hesitation on up and she gladly let me pet her while on my shoulder. I usually don't let her on the shoulder b/c its too close and easy to bite. I took a chance and let her up there and "skritches please" What a difference a little patience, love and kindness has made. :beerchug: I put her back on her cage b4 opening the oven, then I couldn't wait to share :D I tried to take pics but they came out yellow again. Gotta get into that users guide SHirley gave me the link to for my cam.
Shirley
05-26-2005, 11:08 PM
:emot-danc :goodjob: That's wonderful, Neil!!
WOW! you have been making great progress. :dance: There is nothing better than a trusting companion parrot. :heart: :wub: :heart:
harleybaby
05-27-2005, 07:26 AM
That's great neil! I'm so glad things are going well with Pepper.:D and she even came down and looked for you! Awwwww:wub:
morgavin
05-27-2005, 09:41 AM
:heart: Well,
I am Amazed. I was getting ready for work and Pepper started to carry on and was really loud. So I go to her cage and she asked to be picked up. When she got on my hand, (couldn't wait) she acted like "I want to go here" so I strolled through the house, room by room. When I got to the bathroom, she started to get all excited. She had heard me in the shower and wanted one. So I turned on the water and held her in. Boy what a happy bird. I have been spraying her for concern of bites even though its been awhile. Lesson learned. She absolutely :heart: the shower. Now she will be my shower partner. She taught me today and what a good feeling.:emot-danc I'm finding that if I can "read" her, she tells me how she is feeling and what she wants when. I'm continually trying to be her best friend and I'm :dance: with the success.
That is the trick, reading their thoughts can often be one of the best means of communication. Keep up the good work you two are getting to be good friends.
Junkzoo
05-27-2005, 06:55 PM
Congrats on the great progress!
Sounds like you are getting a handle on reading minds, and avoiding bad behavior,,,,:thumbup:
harleybaby
05-27-2005, 10:09 PM
Oh thats wonderful!!!!!!! I love taking showers with my babies!!!!! It's great to see so much progress. Sometimes I wonder if they know that we helped them when they were sick and are grateful for making them better. I'm soooo happy things are going so well. I'm sorry, is this your first bird? They just have such a way of grabbing our hearts, don't they? Yay!!! for Pepper:highfive:
Neil, how fantastic:heart:
morgavin
05-29-2005, 08:10 PM
Well I'm trying to learn both my cam and how to link pics from imageshack. As you can see Shirley has helped me with the quality of the pics. If this works right I'll be :dance: http://img170.echo.cx/img170/7954/yellownaped68as.th.jpg (http://img170.echo.cx/my.php?image=yellownaped68as.jpg)http://img170.echo.cx/img170/7563/yellownaped59dl.th.jpg (http://img170.echo.cx/my.php?image=yellownaped59dl.jpg)http://img170.echo.cx/img170/6132/yellownaped32pt.th.jpg (http://img170.echo.cx/my.php?image=yellownaped32pt.jpg)http://img170.echo.cx/img170/2593/yellownaped12gp.th.jpg (http://img170.echo.cx/my.php?image=yellownaped12gp.jpg)http://img170.echo.cx/img170/44/yellonaped49hg.th.jpg (http://img170.echo.cx/my.php?image=yellonaped49hg.jpg)http://img171.echo.cx/img171/4007/yellownaped8js.th.jpg (http://img171.echo.cx/my.php?image=yellownaped8js.jpg)
Shirley
05-29-2005, 09:47 PM
Congratulations Neil!
Now... we just gotta get the physical size down a tad... like to 800 or 900 pixels across... what program are you using for resizing your pics?
Great job on focusing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The thumbnails are awesome though for those on dialup accounts!! :emot-danc
Shirley
05-29-2005, 09:48 PM
Which is your favorite pic? I'll make you a new avatar if you wish :D
Junkzoo
05-29-2005, 09:58 PM
Niel, thanks for the pics! WE all luv pics you know,,:thumbup:
harleybaby
05-29-2005, 10:33 PM
The pictures look great Neil!! and so does Pepper!:D
Oh and Shirley made my avatar, isn't it beautiful I love it!! Thanks again Shirley!
morgavin
05-29-2005, 10:43 PM
Today was a very good day. Pepper asked for her shower and went nuts taking it. Boy I :heart: it when she's happy. Later she asked to go on a tour of the house again. Talking to me the whole way. She is showing signs of true affection and trust. Picked up her head and asked me to scritch under her lower beak. When I went for the top of her head, she just turned her head and said "no here'. I have been able to lay my hand on her back and touch her beak and feet with no problem:woot: . I have learned about her and toys also. She doesn't play with them by herself. She likes to play with me and the toys. Tug of war, I grab it you grab it, anything as long as I am playing with her. :emot-danc She has been asking to be picked up to be with, and has begun to feel I am her friend
Birdie Slave
05-29-2005, 11:23 PM
She sounds like such a sweet baby, and she is so adorable. Congratulations on your new friendship.
morgavin
05-29-2005, 11:36 PM
Shirley,
I'm using photoimpact to work with the photos. The avatar I have was made from an older pic of Pepper with the kalidescope effect.
My favorite "so far" is the one posted with the right hand pose and clear and clean enough to see the left over orange on her beak (second from the left on bottom). I have set the flash to -1.0 using sport mode and the SHQ setting with a slow flash. She look so majestic and proud as to say "like what you see" I'm still experimenting, but I'm a real fast learner and :heart: things that challenge me.
The new pics are looking GREAT!!!:dance: Your little Pepper is adorable! :heart: :wub: :heart:
Shirley
05-30-2005, 10:15 AM
Shirley,
I'm using photoimpact to work with the photos. The avatar I have was made from an older pic of Pepper with the kalidescope effect.
My favorite "so far" is the one posted with the right hand pose and clear and clean enough to see the left over orange on her beak (second from the left on bottom). I have set the flash to -1.0 using sport mode and the SHQ setting with a slow flash. She look so majestic and proud as to say "like what you see" I'm still experimenting, but I'm a real fast learner and :heart: things that challenge me.
Just saw this post...
So can you make your own avatars? Did you know your avatar size allowance is based upon number of member posts you've made?
so go to your usercp and see "how big" you can be... :D
Your settings are just like mine. I vary the -1 as necessary regarding the flash. Sometimes I'm in sports mode "flower" and sometimes sports mode "auto", depending upon distance.
morgavin
05-30-2005, 12:53 PM
Shirley,
I don't know about your Olympus , but mine has Macro/Super Macro. I can get so close I think I'm touching my subject. The one pic of just her face was on super macro. I'm still experimenting with the different settings. I'll change them while shooting hoping to get the best shot. I try a lot of the presets landscape, sport, portrait, then do experimenting with some manual settings mixed in. :thanx: for the link to the manual. I hope someday to be able to say, these are the conditions, I need to set up like this. For now its a whole bunches for one pic. Meanwhile I'm having fun with learning my little girl and the cam. They are cam hogs aren't they. She acts like "play time" when the cam is out.
morgavin
05-31-2005, 12:22 AM
Another milestone,
Pepper had to have her shower when I came home from work, again, and when we were done, I put her on her cage, and she climbs down to the perch/play stand I'm working on for her. She has the ability to cover the whole sliding glass door to sun herself. Well while doing so, some robins decided to eat the food I put out for them. Pepper HAD to visit so she started down the stairs!!!! The first time she has been on them on her own. Well she just couldn't get enough, up, down, up, down..... Then while I was talking to her (I have done that alot this holiday weekend) she has this way of asking for attention. I didn't do the normal scritches thing, I playfully pulled on her tail feathers. No reaction!!!!! It was fine with her. SO I started petting her everywhere and she liked it!!!! No bites, no warnings. Then a short time later, she climbs down the stairs and goes for a stroll through the house ( never done that). She has definately come to trust and believe in me.:dance: I'm so over joyed I can't expess it. To look back from where we started to now, I'm so pleased. There was a moment I thought I wasn't going to be the one to give Pepper the love, understanding, and care she so needs. You will understand better when you see her xrays. I should have them in a few days. One happy puppy :emot-danc .
http://img261.echo.cx/img261/1672/pepperonperch16sz.th.jpg (http://img261.echo.cx/my.php?image=pepperonperch16sz.jpg)http://img261.echo.cx/img261/1765/pepperonperch1xv.th.jpg (http://img261.echo.cx/my.php?image=pepperonperch1xv.jpg)
Pepper is Beautiful ..I love all your piccy`s.....
SadennaAndFlock
06-03-2005, 03:25 AM
You know I have not met an Amazon yet that didn't like to get wet, the ones at work just love to be misted they do a very loud Amazon Trill eyes pinning wings outstretched, tails fanned wanting more and more water till they are soaked to the skin and they still beg for more..
morgavin
06-03-2005, 02:59 PM
SadennaAndFlockYou know I have not met an Amazon yet that didn't like to get wet, the ones at work just love to be misted they do a very loud Amazon Trill eyes pinning wings outstretched, tails fanned wanting more and more water till they are soaked to the skin and they still beg for more..
She doesn't really like to be misted. SHe will run and hide, but the shower is everything you discribed and goes on for 15- 20 minutes after. Then she's really active climbing and playing. I guess its just learning about my little girl.
You will understand better when you see her xrays. I should have them in a few days
The xrays are here......
http://www.thebirdforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=5419#post5419
OMG Neil, I just looked at Pepper's xrays.:( What a twisted little body. She is so lucky to have you. I believe there are times fate takes over and helps things happen for a reason. That must be why she is with you. :heart:
I love what you have done with her spiral stairway. She looks like she likes it too. What you want to bet, she never had anyone pamper and care for her like you do. :heart: She must feel like your little Cinderella. :heart: Next thing we know she will have her own swimming pool or jacuzzi. LOL :dance:
Give her extra hugs and scritches for me. :wub:
morgavin
06-04-2005, 01:05 AM
Next thing we know she will have her own swimming pool or jacuzzi. LOL
Don't tempt me...:idea: I'll post pic of her finished perch/ stand /playhouse in treasure Island when done. I never thought I'd cook for someone else much less a parrot 2 months ago. Now that I have my little sweetie :heart: and know her problems, I cook for her two times a day, shower every day, and I'm tearing apart spare bedroom for bird room. I find myself asking "what else could I do to make it better". You would win the bet...I have devoted myself to her care and well being
Neil, your little girl has sure made a believer out of you now. It's a thrill to have such positive progress in such a short time. You certainly have earned her trust. :wub: I've known many abused birds that have taken a lot longer to trust in someone. She must love the sun when she's on her playstand in front of the window.
Keep up the good work. :goodjob:
morgavin
06-18-2005, 01:30 AM
Well miracles never end, and I think this "good progress" thread will never end. Preening, nibbling, rubbing, her to me, :heart: not the other way around. I know now that I have proven to Pepper I am her friend. She let's me take her out of, or off of, her cage without biting. The most she has done is to "touch" me with her beak and I'm sure its just to help her step onto me. And she has touched my soul. The joy and emotions are, at this point, never ending, and I hope, this point, is till we are separated by the inevitable.....
Junkzoo
06-18-2005, 09:16 AM
Great to hear of the positive progress,and the bond it seems you both share now,,,:emot-danc :thumbup:
A lot of birds would love to have the care and love you give to Pepper i'm sure,,,:goodjob:
It is natural for them to test a small branch for strength in the wild. This is just a normal precaution. Someday she will learn your hand/ finger is totally safe, unless someone has dropped her or caused her to view a human step up as one that can he insecure.
It just get's better & better:emot-danc :emot-danc Neil , I am so happy for you!!
morgavin
07-17-2005, 04:15 PM
Update,
Pepper has asked for closeness and show true affection more and more. This AM she "had to be with me as I fixed coffee, cleaned, and generally took care of business." While cleaning in the kitchen she got all excited when I turned on the sink faucet. Attached are the pics I caught. It isn't that she is dying of thirst as I change her water twice a day. I just thought this was an example of how comfortable she has become.She was on my shoulder for over two hours and only wanted off to "check out " the water..
http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/6203/p71700070ha.th.jpg (http://img135.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p71700070ha.jpg)http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/2084/p71700104qu.th.jpg (http://img135.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p71700104qu.jpg)
WOW Niel, That is great! IMO there is nothing better than being part of a birds life as they grow more trusting and attached to us.
Neil,I enjoyed our chat earlier today. :highfive: Pepper is sure one lucky bird to of found you. I love these new pics! It's such fun to watch them do things that come natural.:dance:
Wow... I just read 3 threads about Neil and Pepper... what an awesome story! Neil - any updates?
Very informative for me -- as I have been dealing with earning the trust of Harley the macaw - got a long thread in the macaw forum...
I'll follow this story with interest ;) Sounds like Pepper hit the jackpot!!! :agree:
Jenn
morgavin
08-01-2005, 12:29 AM
Jenn,
With great patience and understanding of her "special" needs we have gotten to where Pepper will climb down her cage (flight almost impossible for her) and visit me where ever I am in the house. I've set up her cage where she can climb to the couch and her perch. Yesterday I had mowed the yard (92 temp) and "took" a nap on the couch (didn't mean to). I was awakened by Pepper preening my hair and cooing at me :heart: . Its been a very long time since any "bites", as I have learned to read her and have earned her trust. SHe will climb down her "stair case" and walk into the kitchen, or anywhere I may be in the house. She "begs" to be with me especially if I am doing something. It matters not what. Cleaning, working on projects studying....anything, she wants to see and share. I can pet her anywhere, just about anytime I want. Sometimes though see lets me know by her actions...not now. I think that has helped tremendously in our progress, being able to "read" her.:agree:
Just don't get discouraged and learn to read Harley. It will help from putting yourself in harms way and help earn his trust. I think there is another side also. I let Pepper know that bad behavior earns bad results, and good behavior has rewards. I guess teaching her she isn't the boss. Not any kind of expert, just what I've experienced with her.
Well what you've managed with Pepper is nothing short of amazing :)
Harley, being a different individual, different specie, with a different history, naturally it's all different - but having read your story it's very inspiring to me as I work with this terrific bird.
We'll get there :) Thanks for posting all this progress - it's very encouraging. And pat yourself on the back - ya done good!! :funny:
Jenn
Junkzoo
08-01-2005, 12:31 PM
Glad to hear the good news updates Neil and Jenn!:goodjob:
Dynaglide625
08-04-2005, 09:21 AM
Well what you've managed with Pepper is nothing short of amazing :)
Harley, being a different individual, different specie, with a different history, naturally it's all different - but having read your story it's very inspiring to me as I work with this terrific bird.
We'll get there :) Thanks for posting all this progress - it's very encouraging. And pat yourself on the back - ya done good!! :funny:
JennJenn-On another topic, have you seen Scout Bird's post in the Conure forum? He's looking for input on BCC, and you have 2! We're finally picking up Carlo (BCC) tomorrow-YIPPEE-Anne
Thanks - I'll go check it out!
Jenn
Shirley
08-04-2005, 03:10 PM
:emot-danc Excellent, Neil! And love the pics!! :emot-danc :heart:
Jenn,
With great patience and understanding of her "special" needs we have gotten to where Pepper will climb down her cage (flight almost impossible for her) and visit me where ever I am in the house. I've set up her cage where she can climb to the couch and her perch. Yesterday I had mowed the yard (92 temp) and "took" a nap on the couch (didn't mean to). I was awakened by Pepper preening my hair and cooing at me :heart: . Its been a very long time since any "bites", as I have learned to read her and have earned her trust. SHe will climb down her "stair case" and walk into the kitchen, or anywhere I may be in the house. She "begs" to be with me especially if I am doing something. It matters not what. Cleaning, working on projects studying....anything, she wants to see and share. I can pet her anywhere, just about anytime I want. Sometimes though see lets me know by her actions...not now. I think that has helped tremendously in our progress, being able to "read" her.:agree:
Just don't get discouraged and learn to read Harley. It will help from putting yourself in harms way and help earn his trust. I think there is another side also. I let Pepper know that bad behavior earns bad results, and good behavior has rewards. I guess teaching her she isn't the boss. Not any kind of expert, just what I've experienced with her.
Neil, I am thrilled to read Pepper and your progress, you have definitely achieved fantastic results as a team. To of reached the goal of being able to read her body language is FANTASTIC! and the facts he cares to warn you first by allowing you the chance to read her thoughts verses a bite is equally rewarding! :beerchug:
This is such an informative thread I decided to bring it forward .
parrotgirl
01-17-2006, 02:13 PM
Jean thanks for bringing this thread forward, I have read it with great interest. Although things are moving at a slower rate than Neil's they are moving in the right direction.
Neil that is great news about Pepper, I hope things are still going as well. Isn't it a great feeling when they can trust us, its the best feeling in the world. Congratulations on all your good work.
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