Well Sophi's second year began with me forgetting her hatch day. I had the date wrong!!! But a friend came threw with a couple gifts that she loved and shredded as she was supposed to!



the toys were from Welcome to For the Love of Birds - For Birds Sake Toys





The first three months went by as the first year did. Simple and fun!! Then in January it got scary cute. Only way I know to say it. lol Sophie started (I'm guessing anyway) wooing Benji. She was sweet as could be with him. Followed him everywhere but it is also possible she was "mothering" him. Who knows for sure? It was real cute any way. And scary. lol



I also learned a very valuable lesson about this time. Pay attention. Always. Sophie likes to play all the time. She plays rough too. lol I looked away with her perched on my finger and when I looked back she got my nose and slowly, real slowly, bit down.....................
When I got the bleeding to slow down I took a pic......



Then came the scariest moment I have had to face so far with my birds. Sophie had figured out that she could reach threw the grates on the bottom of her cage and reach the news paper. Many said that might have been nesting behavior. Looked like she was playing to me. lol I made a set of supports that would allow me to lower the poop pan so Sophie couldn't reach the paper. I put her of top of the cages as I was getting ready to do attach them. The next minute lasted for hours............
As I turned with the bars supports in my hands it spooked Sophie. She ran to the edge of her cage top, like she has a thousand times before, but missed the edge this time with one foot. She pivoted around fast and let go. This pretty much threw her to the ground. She didn't even get her wings out until just as she hit the ground. Face first. Oh this still makes me cry. She lifted her butt up, her head still on the ground and took of running. Just like birds do when they hit glass windows. My heart and world fell. I got her as quickly as I could. Holding her wings in and close to me. On my knees next leaning on the couch. Totally freaked but not showing it.
I talked to her, soothing her, pleading that she was going to be ok. Then I saw her beak was starting to bleed and the tip was broken. Her eyes were blank and far away. Know what she did? She got up on my shoulder and leaned against her Papa's head where she felt safe and secure.
My wife had our car and could not get away from work, told her I would be by to get the "card" as I was going to the vet.................

So, we have this dump truck here at work. I swooped on it. Off to the vet I went with Sophie on my shoulder knowing nothing could stop me from getting to the vet...........................

Once I figured out basically it was like getting punched in the nose and the fall rang her chimes, I calmed down. I was far more worried about her flopping around on the floor then her beak. It really bothered me.

my poor baby after we got home from the vet.



Sophie was in the middle of a huge molt at the time and as a result of the medication she was on she has yellow freckles on her head and some yellow marks on her feathers. She healed wonderfully. Was back to her usual ornery self in no time.
During this year she has started chasing all reflections of herself. Any reflective surface was a target.
I got to experience her challenging me this year as well. Oh she puffs up and comes full steam too. Its so dang cute. Yeah I know, lol, its cute anyway. I'm not so sure now that what I saw this year was hormonal behavior. I think it may just have been Sophie feeling her oats so to speak. Testing me. She knows I am just as hard headed as she is.
I love her independent streak as well as the way she wants me to take her around from toy to toy and "play" with me. Se is in no way a cuddle bug. But she does have her moments. I think this covers most of the last years important moments. Now the question is, what to expect in the next year........................ Happy hatch day my Sophie Sophie.

Happy Birthday, Sophie, you big, beautiful, wonderful girl. This year give your poor Daddy a break, ok? After last year he'd be plucking if he had any hair left!

Happy Hatchday Sophie! You had an eventful year for sure! If your dad forgets your hatchday anymore you're allowed to pierce his nose some more

What a great post Jim! Even though I knew most of the stories, I was holding my breath at parts, and laughing at others. Happy Hatchday beautiful girl!! Take it easy on your daddy!

Happy Hatchday Sophie!!

What a year it's been Jim. Those are some awesome photos there! I love that straw toy and am on my way to that website.

goes to Jim & Sophie!

So looks like Jim and Sophie shared something in common this year -- they each got a bloody "beak"!! That had to smart (for each of you)!

Happy Birthday, Sophie -- you are clearly the apple of your daddy's eye.

Thanks Jim, you have a beautiful bird there! Sophie Happy Hatch day!

happy hatch day, great pic story Jim

Happy hatchday Sophie!!!

Wow Jim I can't believe a year has gone by already!!! I guess I'm the one late this year with Sophie's Happy HatchdayGive your red girl Scritches from me!!!



Karen- Your wreath is on it's way.I hope it is thoroughly enjoyed!!!