I nominate Bee. I mean for crying out loud, she had Pita & Valo to take care of for over a month! I think that deserves an award!!!

I nominate myself and my husband!

When I first brought Humphrey home, she had been neglected and had been bullied by a bigger bird. She was a nervous wreck. So, for days I slooooowly increased how near I got to the cage, etc. After she was happy about me being near the cage and changing the water, etc. I tried to get her to be more comfortable with my hands by holding my hand in the cage with her favorite treat in it. Night after night I would sit, watching tv, for AGES with a my hand in her cage. Eventually, after about a week, she got up the courage, and snatched the seed out of my hand! I was such a proud mom.

I don't know if this is patience or just new bird parront stupidity, but when we first got Humph, one night she came out of the cage (a rarity) but she flew up to the top of the curtain rod! Really high! We couldn't coax her down.
We didn't want to grab her and potentially lose the little progress we made.

It was getting time for us to go to bed, and we didn't want to leave her there alone..so, we DRAGGED OUR MATTRESS INTO THE LIVING ROOM, and slept there all night with her.

In the morning my husband got out the ladder and went up with her water dish. She drank, then stepped onto it like a little lady and let my husband carry her down.

I also must nominate myself.

Since I lost my job November 1st, my little family and I had to sell our house in DC and move to Florida. Although my CAG, Tuki, behaved like an ANGEL on the trip down and most of the time in temp housing...when we moved into our new permanent condo he started acting out BADLY!
Tuki will NOT step-up (he used to at least get on my shoulder to be moved) at all anymore. Moving him has become an ordeal!

He has also developed an ear piercing scream. I thought it was a separation anxiety/locator call. Then he started doing it if I turned my back in the room. Then he did it right in my face!!!

Tuki is my first larger parrot. So, I tried to hire a behaviorist to help with these issues...but after jumping through all kinds of hoops and filling out lots of forms, Mattie Sue has still not called me back or answered my last email!

The screaming was the most urgent issue. I began my own behavior modification efforts!
I hung darker curtains in the livingroom to make the space feel calmer during the day. (I have a 16 foot window!) I began completely ignoring Tuki after a scream - and would ONLY look/speak/come near him when he whistled or said something in a softer voice. If he's in my face and screams

In about a week, the screaming had been cut in half. This week, he seems to only scream when he's a little stressed. Even his locator calls are simple whistles now instead of a scream!

Thanks for letting me pat myself on my back!

I nominate Sarah (svolk) for her patience taming Jerry and Winston. She did everything slowly and waited for them to get comfortable with her and just did a little bit everyday. I have alot of respect for that kind of patience!

OMG, try caring for over (soon to be) 85 birds.....maybe more.....
Patient's takes on a whole new meaning...LOL
Anyone care to come over and help????????
BrokenWing

I was 12 years old and we had a Kakriki. He was named "Friday" because he flew in the window of our living room on a Friday. He had a band on his ankle and the vet said he must have "fallen off the truck"...anyway, he had a bad case of parasites. He needed to have shots given in his chest. My mom was pretty squeamish and couldn't do it. So, I would bring the bird in to the bathroom twice a day, put on some really thick gloves, spread his little chest feathers, and give the poor thing shots. That was 23 years ago (OMG!!!!)...I hope I never have to do that again!!

Heather

Arty - if I was close to you - I would love nothing more than to come help you out - my daughter Emily would be thrilled to do so also. You do so much- I'm in awe of you.

And you deserve a huge pat on the back, Kris! It's wonderful to hear that you have found the key to some peace and quiet. I can imagine how stressful his screaming must have become! They are such fascinating and complex little characters, and it often seems like the thing we need to do to address a problem appears counter-intuitive. Great job! Tuki is learning, and so are you. The trick is to stay one step ahead of him! Good luck with that!

I'll nominate my brother, Tyson. My bird has come to hate Ty, 1 time biting him twice for no apparent reason. If I put the bird on Ty's hand & Tyson transfers him up to his shoulder, then it's fine. Otherwise, Katie bar the door!
Tyson still likes the bird (for the most part)! He keeps trying, anyway.