Macawnutz
Seriously Nutz!
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1. How did you acquire your bird?
Navi is a rehome. I was told he was originally bought from a local pet store and then returned for biting. “He” was said to really hate people by the pet store manager. Hissing or lunging at anyone who came near. I was in the pet store looking for some new perches as they have a really great selection of java perches. Navi came right up to me and we clicked instantly. Allowing me to give scritches through the bars and flock calling me as I walked away. The manager ended up giving Navi to me for free since they didn’t want to deal with “him” anymore.
2. What is your bird's name, species, age and sex?
Navi is an unknown age cockatiel. She does have a band but the year is not readable. Gender was not confirmed until recently and I had to make my husband do the clipping for the test as I was to chicken to do it. I’ve been calling Navi a boy because of the pet store, but surprise my gut feeling based on her behavior and DNA test shows Navi is indeed a girl. I was going to share with the group once I got her new cage in as a double surprise but this feels like a good place to share it.
3. Does your bird do any special tricks?
Navi’s only trick are step up and flock call mom until she comes and breaks her out of bird jail. She could care less about any training.
4. What are some of your bird's favorite foods?
I got very lucky from day one that Navi immediately switched from a seed to a pellet diet and her pellets are her absolute favorite food. She’s not very keen on fruits and veggies (we are working on it) but will gobble down roudybush like it’s her last meal.
5. What is the funniest thing your bird has done?
I don’t necessarily think Navi has ever been funny per say, that’s more of our conures specialty.
6. How has your bird enriched your life?
Navi truly brings so much joy to my life. She’s so sweet and cuddly. She’s by far the most even tempered bird I’ve ever owned. I’m so glad she picked me that day in the store. I couldn't imagine my life without my shadow.
7. What would you tell people who are considering this species?
I've had cockatiels in the past before Navi and I think they are wonderful birds! I do hate that they are dubbed as starter birds. Yes they may not have nearly the needs of a macaw or a bigger 'too, but they still take a ton of time, attention and money. All my cockatiel have been velcro birds so I would say be prepared to give a fair bit of time to them unless you like being flock called all day long.
8. What is the activity and noise level of your bird?
Navi is a perch potato on her own. She will though want to do anything and everything you are doing though. You are doing laundry, no “we” are doing laundry. You are brushing your hair, no “we” are brushing your hair. This is when Navi is active. She doesn't fly (her choice not mine as she is fully flighted), but will waddle around as fast as she can on the floor behind if not on my shoulder or hand. So I would say she really isn't an active bird. Noise level on the other hand. Navi is LOUD. Her flock calls can be heard over the GCCs, although our sun conure has the whole house beat for noise. When Navi is out of her cage she is fairly quiet. I have never heard he make any noises outside of a flock call and angry noises at my husband lol.
9. What are some of your bird's quirks?
One of her biggest quirks I have never had another bird do is she likes to take turns. For example if we are "playing" with her with her toys, she will take her turn to play and then stand still while she waits for you to peck the toy with your fingers as your turn. Then we repeat until she looses interest in playing.
She will only take a bath on you. So if Navi wants misted with her spray bottle, you are also getting misted with her spray bottle. I have bought cheap shirts for this reason lol. She will not bathe in the shower, a bowl, or a bird bath.
10. If your bird talks, what is the most surprising word or sentence it has said?
Navi does not talk.
11. What is your bird’s favorite treat?
Navi's favorite treat is definitely millet. She will accept almonds and nutriberries as well.
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