Cage switching, part 1

Even though the parrots are fed the same dinner, Rocky has been spending a lot of time on Stella's cage. Here he is, about to help himself to her food:He's so comfortable there, he's preening himself:
Stella doesn't seem to mind sharing (she is also preening herself):
Rocky loves to play in Stella's set of drawers. He pulls out all of the drawers and goes inside to chip wood:

Foiled escape

Beeps has to stay in his cage when we eat dinner, as us eating is one (of many) things that triggers him to fly over and bite/attack us. It's far easier to cage him and prevent a bite than duck his attacks and risk throwing food all over the room.

Yesterday, Rocky had been climbing over Beeps's cage and opened up Beeps's door. He'd left the scene of the crime before I could take a picture. Beeps wasn't paying attention to the blatant escape route; preferring to use the less-effective cute method:He did get out as soon as dinner was complete.

Nest discovery

The greys were out wandering around when they came across Rocky's in-progress nest:
They weren't too impressed.

Cookbooks

I had set my favorite cookbook, How to Cook Everything Vegetarian by Mark Bittman, on the stairs to take up with me and plan next week's meals. Max flew over and started destroying the cover. At least the recipes are still intact.

Squirrels

With the leaves (mostly) gone from the trees, it's been so much fun to watch the squirrels at work:

Rocky videos

Sunday, alone with the parrots. I was trying to watch the football game, but I also have to watch where Rocky is to make sure he doesn't ambush me. He was on the air filter; one of his favorite places to be. Unfortunately, this is also within severe macaw reach of the couch, where I was sitting, so I had to be on high alert.

Here he is, threatening me with his wings and telling me "bye bye" which is his way of asking me to leave:


Here, he's escalating a bit. I had to have the TV on rather loudly in order to hear over his moaning and constant noise. But at least it wasn't screaming!

Attempted bonding

With Thomas gone, things are going less smoothly than usual, particularly where Rocky is concerned. Calypso prefers me, so he's quite happy with Thomas out of the house. Stella, Max, and Beeps are basically equally tame to us both, so they are fine with me. Rocky, on the other hand, does not like me. He's quite upset that Thomas isn't around. I keep reassuring him his love will return!

For several hours over the weekend, Rocky screamed basically non-stop. I understand he's frustrated that Thomas is gone, but it is quite unpleasant! Thomas suggested that Rocky was lonely, so I should towel him and smother him with attention.

I did this (the picture is a bit blurry; sorry!) which seemed to help a bit. Rocky thrives on physical affection, and with Thomas gone, I'm not going to give him any unless he's restrained!While toweled, he told me he loved me and kept saying "gimme kiss! *kiss kiss kiss*" as I preened his head. After a few minutes of this, I could tell he wanted out, so I put him down.

Later, I set up a mini-shrine to Thomas, with his sandals, and Rocky happily chipped wood there:
Thomas will be home soon, and we can't wait!

Newsflash to the greys

You can fly!

I've been home alone a lot with the parrots over the past two days. The greys continually flew into the kitchen, then complained because they were alone. If you are unhappy about being alone, fly into the living room and spend time with us!

Stella (note her open chest wound):
Max:

Stella's sore

Saturday morning, Stella had a night fright. Or would it be more of a morning fright since it was about 5 minutes before I was about to get the parrots up? She flailed around her cage, and though she was fine when I got her out, she opened up a small wound on her chest, which you will see in the pictures in subsequent posts.Since she used to mutilate her chest, I am really hoping that this does not trigger another round of mutilation, especially since Thomas isn't around. She loves him, and the stress of his absence could rear its ugly head, resulting in mutilation.

So far, it's been a little over two days, and she's left the wound alone. Fingers crossed.

Together

Thomas was leaning over the table, looking at a map, when Rocky snuck up behind, and then underneath him.Little did Rocky know this would be their last evening together for about a week, as Thomas is out of town at a business conference, leaving me all alone with the parrots!

I had suggested boarding Rocky while he was gone, but Thomas thought it would be a good bonding experience, so he talked me into keeping him. I am regretting this decision. I may need to go on a vacation once Thomas returns!