Poor little Rio has pin feathers everywhere & next to no tail [as seen in another thread].

We spray bathed the 2 of them this morning & Rio was rubbing himself everywhere to get at the itches.

This afternoon I spied the 2 on top of Laker's cage. Laker saddles up to Rio. Rio got into a low submissive stance & Laker reached over & started preening the side of his face. Rio didn't move at all. Then Laker got closer & continued for some time. When he stopped Rio looked like he'd like this done some more.

I'll try & get photos - they're sure to do it again - I'm so happy for Rio.

I am so happy - it sure brought more laughter to the day at any rate.

this is good , maybe Rio is a friend now

How sweet! I would definitely love to see some pictures of that.

Awww, I'm so jealous! But also so happy for you! Must have been really neat to see.

I put them out on the balcony tonight for a while - in Rio's cage, & they did some more preening. To be more specific, Laker worked on Rio's other side.

It was a beautiful day here - the storm moved off around noon & all the clear air came rushing in from the north. It was almost too windy even on our east facing balcony but they seemed to enjoy their 2 outings, first in Laker's cage & then in Rio's.

They are always going from one cage to the other - sometimes alone & sometimes together. I try & be nonchalant when they're in there together but really i'm plotting to take them to another room to hang with us or outside. When they're together for a while, they're not so wild.

Rio in particular is wild with all his freedom - being free to fly around he really avoids contact with us. When he's in the cage he can be close & I can talk to him without him trying to herd Laker to another spot, which is what he does a lot. My son hates that, as he likes hanging with Laker, only to have Rio fly over & literally harass Laker into leaving by flapping around or landing on top of him.

Don't get me wrong - i really enjoy seeing them fly around & being Budgies together. I just am having some issues with Rio's attitude in sharing Laker + his reluctance still to be friendly with any of us. Matthew is having the most luck - we laughed that it must be his big beak that is reassuring - Rio even preened his eyebrows the other day & that was really a big deal.

& yes Sarah it was really wonderful seeing Laker being so sweet to Rio.

That is so exciting. Yes being so sweet to Rio . I love the way you tell the stories, Jac. I like the plotting and the herding.

Thats great news Jac. Can't wait to see pictures of those two preening nicely.

ummm...any color on Rio's cere yet?







(don't worry, he does sound like a boy!)

I'd laugh if he turned out to be a girl! I'm still betting he's a boy lol.

I WANT him to be a girl! (sorry Jac)...but I'm with you....boy...he's too dorky and not loud, and not hen-bossy

Sarah by the way whenever you describe Jerry I picture him this way: