How did it go Vicki?

you reply says 5:53am! Ca/Wa time is about 3am - guess we have to wait until she wakes up.

Oh man!! I just wrote the whole story and deleted it somehow!!! aaarrrggghhh!! Okay here I go again...

We went out to the aviary and LOVED it. It was unreal. It looked like something that you'd see at one of those home and garden shows. I kept expecting to see fairies fluttering about and leprechauns running around. It was awesome!! There was a creek running through there and two waterfalls, not huge ones, but nice sized. And a really big koi pond. Flat rocks and big boulders laying around everywhere. And TREES! Full grown trees. Unreal. It was probably an acre. When we walked in there was a pretty little tiel sitting on a rock watching us. It was so sweet. I didn't get to see a whole lot of birds, the son said that he was just starting his flock but wanted pretty much only Australian keets.

He said that this is what his dad does day in, day out. Hangs out in the aviary tending to plants and watching the birds. I did tell him about PC in hopes that he'd come aboard, but the son said he has this high end computer but he only play solitaire on it. ONLY. Every night.

So I asked if maybe I could come by after he gets back home because I would LOVE to get started on a aviary like his. Only on a much smaller scale. He said that he's sure he'd love it. So when I go back I WILL take lots of pictures to share with you guys.

Oh and rainbow really liked it. When we took him out of the carrier he was a little scared. Or STUNNED is probably more accurate. So he walked around for a bit then flew up into a tree. And there he stayed until I left. But that was the first time I heard him make any sound. It was just the sweetest sound! I did make a request though...I asked that his name be "Manikay". Since that's what I wanted to name him. Then I told the whole story about how I had been researching everything I could about him for weeks. So the son had me write the name down for him.

So that's the story. Everything worked out for the best. I have to admit that I was a little sad, but it did bring tears to my eyes to see him fly and sit up in that tree. Wonderful!! Now I REALLY want an aviary. If for nothing else then to let Tully and Willis fly free at least once a day. Separately of course since I wouldn't want a blood bath in there.... So that's it. Thank you guys again for all your help through this. If it weren't for all the great advice I got here I may have just took him right off the bat and sentenced him to life in a cage. Thank you. I'm sure Manikay is grateful.

Oh and I told the son about PC but he said even though his dad has a high end computer he only uses it to play solitaire every night. And solitaire ONLY!!

Oh!! I said that already! Sorry!!

I'm so glad that the aviary is spectacular! I hope you can get pictures next time, and maybe you can visit Manikay from time to time. This is a happy ending for Manikay, even if it's not as you'd hoped it would turn out.

Wow, that sounds like an awesome set up!! I can't wait to see the pics!

My little Manikay is honoured to have an American namesake in such a lovely home!

Absolutely fabulous! You had quite the adventure & got so much out of your unselfish act. You always wanted only the best for the bird - how wonderful that your reward was his song!

You have me close to tears - how wonderful. I'm so happy for you. For every one.

thank you, a real good ending to the story

That's really great Vicki!! I'm glad that you can have peace of mind knowing he's going to be happy.

That place sounds wonderful! I am so glad this story has a happy ending! You are so great Vicki!