Regal bird!

[mr squeaks]

Originally Posted by sabina

Hmm what about finding her previous owner? Maybe we could try that for a day or 2 first? Anyone know how we could do that?

We're feeling a bit badly for the Duchess, in that little cat carrier, off by herself in the other room. I guess tomorrow she'll get some fly time. We didn't want to let her fly around today with the pigeon flies and mites. You can really see the mites come out after dusting a white bird!! Ick. By tomorrow, I trust they'll all be dead, so then she can stretch a bit.

Oh I heard the strange noises she makes when we took her out to dust her. Aias decided they were kind of pig or boar-like, so low in tone! I don't know what they sound like. Is that something helmets do?
Sabina

Possibly growls? Yes, pijies DO growl! I haven't heard Squeaks growl since he was a young one and didn't like me then!

A few days ago, he was growling at his "enemy," the jingle bell I thought he would play with. Well, not exactly! The jingle bell is to be vanquished at all costs! I hadn't heard him growl in ages and started laughing when he started his growling. Does sound like "grunting." He was also beak lunging - another aggressive movement.

I'm sure your new one just needs some time...

[sabina]

finally some proper photos of sir duchess, sabina refuses to acknowledge that he is more than likely male.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/100fires/tags/duchess/

how long does it take pigeon flies to die after dusting, or did they just flee sir duchess? we have been encountering them a few times in the apt. and we dont want them to find Pio.

Aias

[Trees Gray]

Thank you for sharing the updated pictures, what a cutie, he looks just like my Jasper.

Jasper has the softest roo-koo, and it kind of like a song, different from my homers. He definitely became interested in any and all hens in my coop, and hasn't stopped singing since. He is such a delight and so much fun to watch.

The pigeon flies should die off if there isn't a host, anything with permethrin base in it will kill them within a half hour, on contact.

[Trees Gray]

sabina,

Are you guys anywhere near new Jersey, where Pete lives? He has a rescue Helmet too, named Gracie. I wonder if there is any chance the two come from the same home.

[Lady Tarheel]

Aias, thank you for the most recent pictures of Sir Duchess. The helmets are among my most favorite pigeons. I think they're so beautiful.

[mr squeaks]

Many thanks for the pictures! INDEED, a REGAL BIRD!!

LOVE the name! NOW, THAT'S what I call "covering all your bases!"

Will you be able to keep both birds? They will sure give you TONS of fun!

[maryjane]

Gorgeous helmet. They are sweet little birds but definitely have personality! If you're unable to find her owner, I hope she fits in to your household.

[sabina]

Well we're not really pet pigeon people, we're more interested in the rehabbing part. Ok Aias is saying maybe we could be pet pigeon people, but really, it's not something we ever considered. Mostly because we live in basically a 1 room apt, 2 people and 2 cats. So we'd really like to find Sir Duchess another home. And no one has responded to our adoption post yet.

OK 2 questions: firstly there are white feathers everywhere here. Is Sir Duchess molting? What is molting anyway?

Secondly, is it OK to have both pigeons out flying around at the same time? They do stay away from each other. Do we have to worry about them passing any germs? Pio was treated for coccidiosis and yeast, still has to be treated for roundworm, and hasn't had a check-up since being treated. Sir Duchess seems healthy but hasn't been to the vet.

Anyway, both birds seem relatively content. This isn't the Pio thread, but since I'm here...we finally started him on some garlic gelcaps. We alternate between hand-feeding seeds and peas/corn. He also gets Benebac. He hasn't gained any weight though, you think that could be because of the worms?

Anyone wants to adopt our fancy fancy bird, let us know!!

Sabina