We have had Charlie for a month now and Mike and I have decided to keep him!!!! we have a pretty good relationship going and I'm not afraid of his beak anymore. He is such a love!
Charlie and Merlin are still testing the waters between the two of them... they kind of keep a distance between them, i will have them both on the floor for some play time and they just walk past each other not really paying any mind to one another. I really want them to be buddies and play together... but im sure in time they will end up being the best of friends! the only thing that im a little worried about now is the feather plucking issue!! Charlie started plucking on his chest before i got him and i'm hoping since he seems to be happy that it will stop... only time will tell i guess.

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Wonderful news Kate! Congratulations Charlie on your forever home!

Hi Kate! Lucky you Charlie! He is one pretty boy! Ruby is hollering "step-up!"

I am so glad you decided to keep him Kate.
We are going to have to get together sometime.

most defiantly!

Well done - I'm happy for you all.

I imagine you are researching everything on plucking right now. It would be heartbreaking to see him get into it full blown. Is it likely to progress, now he has buddies & his new home is more to his liking or more stimulating? I know plucking can be from many issues [sometimes together]- diet, allergies, nervousness, inbreeding[?],dry/itchy skin, frustration.

Bunny the Grey I bird sat - started plucking this winter. Her owner thought initially that it was due to a death in the family but on 2nd thought, felt it was due to a food change & maybe not getting the nutrients she needs - this, you know can be a tricky thing. I think many factors are in play. I think often it is out time, lighting & the mental stimulation they require isn't being met by us busy humans.

i hope things go well with everyone becoming friends. i don't know the whole story, but i am glad to hear that you are keeping charlie

Well the reason we got him in the first place was because his previous owners didn't have enough time for him, he kept screaming a lot due to not getting the attention he needed. it was driving the previous owners crazy and Charlie crazy too im sure. he doesn't scream anymore, just your occasional stuff... now he just jibber jabbers and snuggles with me every chance he gets. we hardly ever cage them... when Mike and I are home the birds are out. I noticed that he isn't plucking as much as he was when we first got him... he was pulling out the down feathers, not the gold ones (if that makes any difference.)

Congratulations :-). May you all enjoy many happy years together.

BTW--how did you get that Boxer to sit on that dinky little stool? LOL!

Congrats!

As to the plucking, for one thing, you need to eliminate allergens from his diet to see if the plucking is due to a food allergy so no more spoons with peanut butter on them. Peanuts are the number one allergen for birds and peanut butter, as much as they like it, is too rich in fat and protein for them... even as an occasional treat.