Pets!
Articles
Species
Genetics

ALBS Online
ALBS Membership
ALBS Officers
ALBS Picture Library

Show Standards
Show Calendar
Show Classes
Show Results

Links
FAQs
Website Updates

Phoebe - 2nd Place

Congratulations to Dan Mason and his bird Phoebe.

The question that most ask each day   The question that most of us ask each day is “why did I do that”. Believe it or not we ask ourselves this at least once a day. I had a day that left me asking that very question multiple times. Let me start this by saying this particular day was not in itself outstanding in fact it was a lazy hazy summer day. My wife and I where on vacation and decided that it would be a great afternoon to go store hopping (air conditioned locations). We set out on our journey and with the knowledge that we would be having dinner at my parents decided to do a loop that would end up at their place. On our journey we decided to stop at a small pet store in a local mall, a small but well stocked store. My wife was busy looking at the wares on display and I was busy just roaming. Towards the back of the store I saw what looked like a crude pigeon hut, and I went over to see what was there. As I stood staring at the three love birds in the homemade cage I was shocked at what I saw. There in the cage was a couple that has bonded and one that was clinging to the chicken wire for dear life. It was easy to see that the two sitting had bonded and it was equally clear the one on the wire was not welcomed. I stood there and tried to get my wife’s attention, I thought she could advise on the situation, and I was correct she could. At my age everything looks great until we place our glasses on, and this was another case. I called Elle (my wife) back down and showed her what looked to be severe damage to the little yellow lovies beak. Upon Elle’s cursory inspection it was also now apparent that damage was done all over this little body. Elle and I went outside to discuss this very disturbing situation. We knew that this bird with a broken beak and cuts and abrasions had no value as a product. Elle and I both have served as Firefighters and accepted the fact you can’t save everyone. It’s an old saying that is passed around within the fire personal but it has a second line. It’s true we can’t save everyone so save the ones you can. Was this applicable this day? Elle looked at me and I her and both nodded “yes it is”. We walked into the store and I went to the Manager, before I could disclose our idea he stated that if we wanted to take the bird then he would give it us knowing what the Vet bill would be. No discussion to be had, we took the bird and congratulated the young man on doing the right thing. Home we went lovie in tow.

Once home we called a vet that was soon to become our favorite and described the injuries, they gave us a time that evening to come in. Okay so little yellow lovie in hospital cage and off we went. We arrived at dads with the bird in tow and explained that we had to take the lovie to the Vet but had time to grab dinner, just time. My parents are great people and they understood that this little example of God’s creatures was in need, so that was acceptable. We arrived at the Vet’s at that time called Ferrets to Parrots (no I’m not ashamed to place a plug here they deserve it) now called Vetopia. The vet looked at the lovie and started to describe the injuries and what it would take to mend the lovie we now knew as Phoebe. We knew it would be expensive, but considering that we started this we decided to not let money become an issue. So prescription in hand as well recommendations off we went home. Poor Blu our lovie at home was really confused, she could hear noises coming from what was her playroom (our bedroom) but was no longer able to gain access. I guess Blu didn’t understand the word quarantine. The next 30 days was agony for Blu but Phoebe enjoyed it. We watched this little lovie recoup with her broken lower beak and scratches bites and cuts. We also watched her enjoy calling out to whoever was going nuts on the other side of the door. Little Phoebe started to heal and with healing came some developments one was a sense of humor. There could be no doubt she took great joy at teasing Blu from inside the room, and she knew that she was some place Blu wanted to be. The calling out would go on for hours. Medication time was not fun for us, but she felt it was a pretty good time to play “catch me if you can”. Over the month we saw the wounds heal and the beak as well. Phoebe was eating like a trouper and becoming more active every day. Phoebe is certainly a survivor she has a will that just amazes us. When we finally opened the door and Blu flew in it was a bond at first sight. We had concerns on the two first meeting but within minutes that was put to rest. The two cuddled each other and there they sat for most the afternoon. The cage we purchased for Phoebe sat next to Blu’s and the two enjoy each other’s company. Phoebe looks at us and it does appear she is smiling all the time, perhaps its just our imagination but I swear it does look like it. Phoebe often looks around her new house and takes inventory of the expanding flock. Phoebe’s flock consists of three people, two budgies, one cat, a Congo African grey oh and Blu. Phoebe enjoys the freedom of the house and loves to tease the rest of her flock.

If Phoebe could speak I am sure she would say being the master of the humans is way better than being in that store again. I know she has a sense of humor because when I’m watching a TV show and at that defining moment when the actor says the most important thing all I hear is CCCCCCCCCCCHHHHHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRR RRRRRRRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIPPPPPPPPPPPPPP followed by what I swear is laughter. Phoebe has her own home and she will let any of the flock whom does not deliver food know about it. She however will make an exception for Blu because while Blu is visiting her home she will go to Blu’s and gobble all of the treats she can find. If one of the budgies ventures her way she will defend the cage, and will let anyone that still has hearing know about it. Phoebe has come along way. From the downtrodden little yellow lovie, to lord and master of her own domain Phoebe has made a place for herself. Where’s that ferry? When Phoebe first came into our care we trimmed her wings more to protect her from further harm than anything else. Without the freedom of flight that Blu enjoyed she was often left sitting alone on her home. Blu would fly to different perches and appliances in the house call to her and revel in her calling back. They both have a tendency to tease each other. There would sit Phoebe all alone making such a fuss that one of us would go to her and take her to where Blu was and return her when she was ready.  The latter mentioned service was provided as needed and it was a hit with her, she would call out and we would take her to where she wanted to go. As time passed and feathers grow things remained much the same. One day we decided that now she had flight she could go where she wanted on her own; this of course was a theory. One afternoon Phoebe was calling to Blu and looking at us to take her over, but we resisted and ignored her. This was the day that Phoebe discovered that landing on a head makes a good ferry as well as a hand. Woodn’t it be nice? Phoebe soon discovered the joy of chewing on popsicle sticks (the wooden ones) we saw it a way to help exercise her beak and make it stronger. Phoebe thought it was a good idea as well. As Phoebe matured we saw other developments one of which is the nesting behavior. One afternoon Phoebe found a lot of sticks and before anyone noticed had converted many to straw, that isn’t the surprise the surprise was turning the corner to see this yellow bird that now looked like a porcupine with all these small pieces of wood sticking out of her tail feathers. When she saw me she thought perhaps this was a no no and took off in flight, me I was just shocked at the amount of little pieces of wood that showered me. Mind if I read the paper? Well there isn’t much to say here for those who have lovies; I haven’t read a whole paper since Blu and Phoebe joined up. Understand I am not speaking of a news paper I mean any kind of paper. If ever I am missing a document the first place for me to look is the bottom of Phoebes cage and then Blu’s with a little scotch tape it might make sense. I appreciate the direct deposit system as I fear looking my boss in the face saying I need a new check my bird ate the old one.

“You call that a call mate…this is a call” When we first where adopted by Blu we were very happy with her sweet nature and very tiny voice. It was nice to hear her chirp and call out, very near music to our ears. Phoebe felt that Blu’s voice needed improvement but was unable to convince Blu of this. Over the coarse of a few months when Blu would say Pretty Phoebe would add the proverbial Birdie. This was a good routine and seemed innocent enough. Well as time passed we noticed that the volume was rising Blu would now yell pretty and phoebe even louder would reply BIRDIE. Seems to me a deal was struck as when I watch TV now and Phoebe is busy Blu fills in. What the heck are they? Our promise of having only one lovie was now broken, rather shattered beyond repair. I often sit and wonder “why did I do that” but realize there is no turning back. We went back to the afore mentioned pet store and we where impressed how much different it was, no more lovies but pretty little budgies. I never saw an albino Budgie before and was taken with one in particular. We decided to leave before I asked yet again “why did I do that”. While at home later that day, Elle in a teasing manner said “hey we still have time to go get that white Budgie”. I laughed we chuckled even winked a few times as the car pulled into the stores parking lot. One albino Budgie please its right there behind the green one…..Uhm the green one there, okay it’s the one there but I can’t point as now the green one is kissing my finger. Okay get the green one out first and then the white one, yes both of them are going home. Once again our bedroom was turned into the quarantine center. Phoebe would sit outside the bedroom door calling and squeaking in delight at what may be in there. Blu was not as excited but just as curious. One afternoon shortly before the quarantine was up the bedroom door was accidentally left ajar, and in came team lovie. Well the two looked at each other then at the Budgies and each other, and I can say for the first time in awhile Phoebe was screech less. I still think back on that event and laugh, one for me Phoebe. So it’s clear to see that Phoebe has found a new home, and has a well bird checkup that is outstanding. Phoebe enjoys her flock and continues to learn more ways to annoy those of us she can. I think the most important thing to mention is Phoebe is in a place where she is free to be her, and I found my answer “that’s why I did it”.