Joe the Amazon Parrot #70

Today Sunday July 24, 2016 started with a spark or at least that it the way it felt, eyes wide open at 6:00 AM after a very long nigh of being awake or in some sort of haze, sleeping but not sleeping, but just as I was about to leap from bed I heard Joe squawk from the living room area as if to say “Go back to bed” so I did.

Later as my mind finally broke free from my brain fog and the sun light lured me from my nice cozy bed I heard Joe calling “Cracker” so I went to check on Joe and he was awake even with his cage cape cover still on his cage. Remove the cape to find Joe alert and ready to start his day – Yea right!

If those of you reading this blog have not figured it out Joe the Amazon Parrot is not a morning Parrot and enjoys sleeping in, eating, snacking, pooping, and taking naps with the occasional word, phrase and toy training session, oh and let’s not forget his music from the radio and his television shows, the life of a Parrot for sure.

Joe loves to take his time waking up even after his cage has been uncovered, Joe having his cage covered is new to him since his last owner did not cover Joe’s cage at night (seven years of sleeping uncovered) and yet Joe took right to having his cage covered, in fact I could swear Joe like any other ten year old would make a fuss about being covered and within seconds of being covered Joe was making sleep noises.

As you can tell from these memories of Joe, he goes to sleep quickly but does not get up as easy but hey that is the life of a Parrot at the Busby house in The Villages, Florida.

Now that Joe’s cage is clean and his food and water have been changed for fresh vittles Joe is starting to play with his toys and chew on his perches and has even ventured down to the open area on the bottom of his cage to play with his multi-colored ball with an occasional snack and water brake.

Later today after Joe has his mist shower Joe is going to visit his human friend Mary who just happens to be Ann and My friend also, how convenient, we can all four have a play day and maybe a snack while visiting. Joe enjoys short to long trips in the SUV in his special viewing Parrot cage – Smiles.

Those of you who have pets know what is involved in taking care of a pet, lots of new toys, patience, pet time, play time, and just being with your pet. If you have not been to a home where there is a pet you are surprised when you enter and see it looks like your friends have kids and yet they have a pet and sometime they have both and that means extra toys all over the place – Smiles.

The other day Joe thought it would be a nice thing to get some extra dirt, potting soil and ugly black animal stuff along with some new pots and replant the front entrance area so folks would know Joe the Amazon Parrot had moved in with the Busby’s. 

While this planting thing was a good idea once all the pots and potting stuff was obtained and placed in the appropriate areas, Joe decided he would get to the project when he was in a planting mood, so planting and re-potting are on hold for the moment (103 most every day since the potting idea came up) until Joe has the urge to pot stuff – Smiles.

Just the other day Joe suggested to Ann that we get him some special Parrot food that we mix with various healthy seeds, cook it in the oven as small muffins and then Joe could snack on the seed and berry bread muffin as he felt like it. After a few days passed and Joe did not get his special bread muffin Joe reminded us with a phrase “Bread Muffin NOW” – Smiles.

Ann and I got all the special ingredients and Ann decided she would assist Joe in making the special healthy Parrot muffins and that resulted in Joe sitting on his rolling play stand watching Ann collect all the stuff, mix it, pour it, roll it, and cook it while Joe supervised.

When the special healthy Parrot muffins were completed and removed from the oven, Joe tasted them, looked at Ann and said “water” and at that moment Ann realized she did not use water when making the muffins and that made the muffins a little dry and they were not holding together as they should.

Joe then again said in a more forceful squawk “Water” I have a beak full of dry muffin and even though it is great tasting I need a beak full of water to chase this muffin down.

Will post what Joe and the Busby’s have been up to now so Joe will be happy and maybe more fun and exciting moments about Joe the Amazon Parrot will follow.

No human or parrot was injured during these moments with Joe the Amazon Parrot.

Joe the Amazon Parrot #70

Today Sunday July 24, 2016 started with a spark or at least that it the way it felt, eyes wide open at 6:00 AM after a very long nigh of being awake or in some sort of haze, sleeping but not sleeping, but just as I was about to leap from bed I heard Joe squawk from the living room area as if to say “Go back to bed” so I did.

Later as my mind finally broke free from my brain fog and the sun light lured me from my nice cozy bed I heard Joe calling “Cracker” so I went to check on Joe and he was awake even with his cage cape cover still on his cage. Remove the cape to find Joe alert and ready to start his day – Yea right!

If those of you reading this blog have not figured it out Joe the Amazon Parrot is not a morning Parrot and enjoys sleeping in, eating, snacking, pooping, and taking naps with the occasional word, phrase and toy training session, oh and let’s not forget his music from the radio and his television shows, the life of a Parrot for sure.

Joe loves to take his time waking up even after his cage has been uncovered, Joe having his cage covered is new to him since his last owner did not cover Joe’s cage at night (seven years of sleeping uncovered) and yet Joe took right to having his cage covered, in fact I could swear Joe like any other ten year old would make a fuss about being covered and within seconds of being covered Joe was making sleep noises.

As you can tell from these memories of Joe, he goes to sleep quickly but does not get up as easy but hey that is the life of a Parrot at the Busby house in The Villages, Florida.

Now that Joe’s cage is clean and his food and water have been changed for fresh vittles Joe is starting to play with his toys and chew on his perches and has even ventured down to the open area on the bottom of his cage to play with his multi-colored ball with an occasional snack and water brake.

Later today after Joe has his mist shower Joe is going to visit his human friend Mary who just happens to be Ann and My friend also, how convenient, we can all four have a play day and maybe a snack while visiting. Joe enjoys short to long trips in the SUV in his special viewing Parrot cage – Smiles.

Those of you who have pets know what is involved in taking care of a pet, lots of new toys, patience, pet time, play time, and just being with your pet. If you have not been to a home where there is a pet you are surprised when you enter and see it looks like your friends have kids and yet they have a pet and sometime they have both and that means extra toys all over the place – Smiles.

The other day Joe thought it would be a nice thing to get some extra dirt, potting soil and ugly black animal stuff along with some new pots and replant the front entrance area so folks would know Joe the Amazon Parrot had moved in with the Busby’s. 

While this planting thing was a good idea once all the pots and potting stuff was obtained and placed in the appropriate areas, Joe decided he would get to the project when he was in a planting mood, so planting and re-potting are on hold for the moment (103 most every day since the potting idea came up) until Joe has the urge to pot stuff – Smiles.

Just the other day Joe suggested to Ann that we get him some special Parrot food that we mix with various healthy seeds, cook it in the oven as small muffins and then Joe could snack on the seed and berry bread muffin as he felt like it. After a few days passed and Joe did not get his special bread muffin Joe reminded us with a phrase “Bread Muffin NOW” – Smiles.

Ann and I got all the special ingredients and Ann decided she would assist Joe in making the special healthy Parrot muffins and that resulted in Joe sitting on his rolling play stand watching Ann collect all the stuff, mix it, pour it, roll it, and cook it while Joe supervised.

When the special healthy Parrot muffins were completed and removed from the oven, Joe tasted them, looked at Ann and said “water” and at that moment Ann realized she did not use water when making the muffins and that made the muffins a little dry and they were not holding together as they should.

Joe then again said in a more forceful squawk “Water” I have a beak full of dry muffin and even though it is great tasting I need a beak full of water to chase this muffin down.

Will post what Joe and the Busby’s have been up to now so Joe will be happy and maybe more fun and exciting moments about Joe the Amazon Parrot will follow.

No human or parrot was injured during these moments with Joe the Amazon Parrot.

Joe the Amazon Parrot #69

Today Saturday July 23, 2016 started off slower than other mornings since both Ann and I were hurting and apparently both had brain fog, but our slumber ended about 8:45 AM when Joe our ten year old Amazon Parrot decided to call to us “Hello” – “Want to come here” – “Hello” – followed by “Bobbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb”.

Made my way to the media area to check on Joe, lifted his dark black cape cage cover and Joe looked at me like – Where have you been, get to it and get me ready for my fun day with the Busby’s.

Joe got his toast and enjoyed his toast while I cleaned his cage, replenished his water and food and opened all the blinds and turned on his cage light. While I was doing all these fun things Joe mentioned in passing I had better get Ann her coffee and fresh water!

Once Ann was taken care of with her hot coffee and fresh cold water and a few minutes of parrot parents talk, Joe called and I was off to get Joe started on his day of learning words and phrases, Joe likes to watch educational television and listen to educational radio while he is on and in his cage.

While Ann and I were reading and Joe was watching one of his favorite television shows Joe leaned over and gave us his Shower Look and we got Joe and he walked to the lanai following Ann, once on the lanai I got Joe up on his shower stand and misted him so he could have fun leaning forward and fluffing his feathers and flapping his wings. After some twenty minutes of fun Joe did his famous parrot walk back to his cage.

Ann and I left Joe on his cage playing and having a snack and drinks of water and moved back to the master suite for some parrot parents talk and reading and were able to have some human time for about thirty minutes.

Once Joe realized Ann and I were in the master suite he called to us and wanted to come be with us so I got Joe from his cage and took him back to the master suite to sit on his play stand where he watched television while Ann and I read and talked.

More on the life and times of Ann, Bob, and Joe will follow when my brain fog clears and Joe has more to say about his time at the Busby’s.

Joe the Amazon Parrot #4

Ann Busby and I (Bob Busby) have adopted a double yellow headed Amazon Parrot – Story -4

Day two of Ann and my fun adventure back into the wonderful world of bird ownership with Joe the Amazon Parrot. Just realized in previous notes I have been adding an extra T to the word Parrot, Joe while looking over my shoulder this morning pointed out he did not use the extra T in spelling Parrot so I corrected that lapse in my spelling.

This morning I woke to the sunshine and still did not hear Joe calling to his flock that would be Ann and Me, so I got up, got dressed, made my way from our master suite to Joe’s cage, took off the cage cover to find Joe waiting patiently on me to arrive.

Once Joe realized I was there to change his food and water out he was happy to see me and said HELLO and did his wing dance for me. I changed out Joe’s water and food for new water and food, Ann makes sure Joe has only the freshest food and water.

Joe is still a little shy and still getting use to being with his new flock but all and all is getting settled in and seems to be enjoying being with us in this new adventure.

Now that Joe has had his breakfast, did some fun exercises and practiced talking with me, it appears it is time for his early morning nap, so I am off to the doctor while Joe naps, Ann is still sleeping but will be up shortly or as soon as Joe decides he needs his flocks company – Smiles.

There will be more fun and excitement on the life and times of Ann, Joe and Me to follow with more stories and videos and pictures. 

Joe the Amazon Parrot #13

Today Joe got back into playing with two of the hanging toys in his old iron cage, he likes to hit the hanging wood with bell on it toy with his beak and when the toy swings back and hits Joe on the beak and Joe makes a loud squeak like a dog.

Both of Joe’s toys are similar, the toy is a long chain with wood on it and a bell hanging at the bottom. Joe likes to hit them with his beak, chew on the wood, ring the bell and for some reason get hit on the beak so he can squeak.

Joe has had a fun day of watching television, listening to music, playing with his toys, performing for Ann and Me, practicing using his long list of words, whistling, eating, and exercising by climbing up and down his cage to get food and water and of course walking on top of his cage and fluttering his wings.

Did I mention Joe likes to sleep in till about 8:00 AM, take long naps, and go to bed early, no later than 7:45 PM?

One of Joe’s favorite television channels is Animal Planet, he watches whatever is on, but does cover his eyes with his wings when the hawks and eagles are on the show – smiles.

Ann and I both spend lots of quality time with Joe, listen to him talk, try and teach him more words and how to associate those words with objects, people, and food.

We have one of those bird tape recorders to assist in playing words and phrases so he gets repetitive work on those words and phrases. When the recording comes on Joe looks at me, then looks at Ann, and his look is one of “Ann – Bob is talking but his lips are not moving”.

Joe tolerates the bird tape recorder as long as it sits on our computer desk, if it is anywhere near his cage Joe gets upset, guess he does not like the green color of the recorder.

Amazing how Joe the Amazon Parrot loves watching and listening to television as well as listening to AM 640 radio on the television which plays music, has commercials, weather, and commentary – Joe is practicing to be a weather host.

There are times Ann and I sit in the living room where Joe has his cage and just read, Joe seems to enjoy just sitting with us while we both read, and tosses in a couple of yawns, choice words, and a phrase or two at times.

Not sure what Joe was doing between 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM since Ann and I were out with friends, but when we returned home Joe was still in his cage, but I noticed there were feathers on the computer key board, the computer screen was on, and there was a partial story on the screen!

Could it be Joe has been writing stories about the life and times of Joe with Ann and Bob?

Just heard thunder in the distance, rain is now falling in the village of Bonita, all of this is a good thing for the trees and plants, but Joe is not amused with it getting dark and having to hear the sound of thunder.

While I type (not Joe) Animal Planet just had two Amazon Parrots brought into the veterinarian’s office to be seen by the avian veterinarian because a dog attacked them and they were injured. Joe immediately turned his back to the television so he did not have to watch his fellow parrots being worked on to get their injuries fixed.

Did I mention Ann and I have become attached to our new Amazon Parrot and Joe the Amazon Parrot has pretty well taken over the house and turned our retirement home into a parrot hang out!

As the sun hides behind the clouds and Joe starts his preening to get ready for bed on his roost I sneak in a last minute picture. Joe gives me the look, turns to Ann and gives her the look, and Ann tells me to step away from the cage and put the camera down – smiles.

More exciting moments with Joe the Amazon Parrot will follow – Living Life with an Amazon Parrot.

Joe the Amazon Parrot #12

Today marks the fourteenth day with Joe OUR (Ann and Bob) Amazon Parrot and let me tell y’all the last two weeks have been a fun and exciting time for Ann, Me and Joe the new member of the Busby family.

Seems like it was just yesterday when Ann saw an item on ocalla4sale for an Amazon Parrot and once she saw the picture of Joe she was in love with Joe.

Ann and I had been talking about various types of pets - dogs, cats, and birds, but we had not made up our minds, but we knew it was time for us to have a pet in our home again.

Our last pets were also birds; we had a cockatiel (Pax) and a love bird (Petey) for a very long time (ten years or so) and loved each and every minute of our time with both of our feathered friends.

Sadly Ann and I had to find a new home for them when I had a bout with breathing issues and the dander from their wings were causing me to have ills of all sorts. There was also an issue with both Ann and I being away working more than we had in the past and having to leave the two birdies alone more than they should have been alone.

Ann and I still miss our previous birdies but know finding them a happy home was best for them, now that Ann and I are retired and can spend time with a pet we decided on Joe the Amazon Parrot and are already enjoying and loving him as he seems to be enjoying us.

The last few days Joe has become more comfortable with us and has been coming out of his old cage more often, walking about the top of his cage, talking to us, dancing with Ann, and learning more words to add to his already list of forty plus words he has uttered to us so far.

Joe is eating well, drinking his water, and all in all having a great time, just wish he would take a bath in his bath dish, so far he has not jumped in the water yet.

More exciting and fun moments with Joe the Amazon Parrot to follow as soon as I can remember to jot them down.

Joe the Amazon Parrot #11

On day Thirteen (Friday 10, 2016) Joe the Parrot woke about 8:00 AM to the smell of coffee and cinnamon toast but Mr. Sleepy was not ready for his toast and water, yawned and even though I was up, the sun was out, the room was bright, Joe took a nap.

Am starting to worry about all of Joe’s naps and night-night time; maybe he is just taking his time getting settled in at his new home, but if Joe does not start showing more get up and go will take him to the avian vet for a check-up to make sure I new family member is not ill.

No idea if Joe has ever been to see and avian vet, but may have to go to the avian vet sooner if Joe does not get his energy going, we cannot have our Parrot getting ill.

Called the Small Animal Hospital in Lady Lake, Florida and got the information on what they do for birds and what they charge, based on the information I received Joe will be going for his first avian vet appointment soon.

Our Amazon Parrot Joe loves his current black oval iron cage, but it has most likely been with him for ten years and who knows how long it was around before that, did I mention the cage is five feet tall, rusty and crusted with stuff!

Thought I did a good job of cleaning the cage when we brought it home with Joe but after a day it was obvious the cage is rusted and needs to be replaced, but again do not want to change Joe’s environment too quickly.

Today was the day I picked up Joe’s new and improved Amazon Parrot Cage, it is now within sight of Joe who hopefully will get use to it over the next day before we move Joe into his new cage and move the rusty cage to the garden as a planter.

Stopped to take a few hundred pictures of Joe the Amazon Parrot, sorry folks, new pet owners are that way and y’all will just have to deal with the love – Smiles.

At one point in my photo frenzy I swear Joe gave me that look “Bob – Step away from the cage and put down the camera” y’all know that look if you are a pet owner.

Joe is back in his old cage now getting a snack before he goes to his top perch for a long nap, then again he may be getting ready to get his mini parrot flash light out again and do some reading on new pet owner management like he was doing very early this morning.

As with most pets Joe poses for still shots but does not talk with I turn on the video, not sure why.

Joe is now in his cage beak down in his fresh food dish, he loves mini tomatoes, corn, and lots of such fun veggies to go along with his assortment of seeds and nuts. As I type Joe is cleaning his beak on his freshly cleaned perch.

As I was watching Joe chow down he gave me that look – Where is Ann, go get her and let her see how much I (Joe) enjoy her food. So I got Ann and Joe posed for her on his food dish with red tomato all over his beak.

The sun is still up but Joe is on his top perch yawning if a bird can yawn, so in another ten minutes (7:45 PM) I will cover his cage, we cover his cage, something he was not use to at his previous home.

More to follow on the life and times of Joe the Amazon Parrot at Bob and Ann’s house in The Villages, Florida. 

Joe the Amazon Parrot #6

Ann Busby and I (Bob Busby) have adopted a double yellow headed Amazon Parrot – Story – 6

Here we are on day five of having fun with Joe our Amazon parrot who is still getting use to his new home here in The Villages, Florida with Ann and Me (Bob).

This morning our wake up was the same, Joe was relaxing in his cage waiting for me to come uncover the cage, no yelling, no squawks, Joe was his usual calm and quiet self for waking up.

Once the blinds were opened, lights on, coffee made, toast toasted, I got Joe’s cage uncovered and we had toast together, he had a water chaser while I had COFFEE for my chaser.

Joe and I sit and talk in the AM over toast and drinks and once we have had our fill of breakfast Joe supervises my changing the paper in the bottom of his spacious cage and makes sure I use only the best filtered water to replace his overnight water.

Ann likes to change his food out in the AM so I leave that chore to her and Joe and I get on with our chat time.

Now after all that fun and excitement this morning it is now 7:00 AM and Joe is reading the news paper in the bottom of his cage while I type this short update, Ann does not want me to bore y’all to tears with these updates so I have to wait till the end of the day to post my updates – Smiles.

While sitting with Joe reading the paper Joe all of a sudden broke out into speech and made his way through about twenty or so words and phrases, used some of them several times – Ah BaBaBa – BaBaBa – Phillip – Hello – Poly want a cracker – What – What ya doing – Several versions of kissing sounds – Deep growl – Laughter, several versions – Ha Ha Ha Ha – Cracker – Help – Whistling several tunes of the unknown – Hun – Ohoooooooooo – Oley – and my favorite – Bob.

Once Ann was up and in the room Joe decided to show off and flap his wings, dance, and go through his list of sounds, words, and phrases for Ann – Silly Joe.

It is now 9:00 AM and Joe is still on top of his cage where he has been since about 7:00 AM and he is still having fun and enjoying the views and the music playing in the back ground.  Decided it was time for Joe to get back in his cage and have a bite to eat and some water to drink.

Having a pet as most of yall know is fun and exciting but does add a few extra chores to our life of things to do.

Joe was not a happy bird about having to leave the top of his cage and let me know he was not going into his cage with a menacing beak movement but knew he could not bite the hand that feeds and takes care of him and stepped up on my finger and was kind of happy to be back in his cage for a snack and a drink of water.

Ann came out to check on Joe and Me to see what the squawking was about and suggested I not raise my voice at Joe when Joe was squawking, he knew what I was doing and did not need the extra stress of me talking loudly when I said Step Up – even I can be trained by Ann.

Joe is now in his cage relaxing, Ann and I have to be away from the house again today for a doctor’s visit so we are hoping Joe enjoys that short alone time while we are gone.  These days we have a security alarm by Xfinity and by Joe so whoever tries to enter our place when we are not home will get a fun greeting.

Joe decided to stay and play in his cage with music playing in the background, while Ann and I made our way to Ann’s pain doctor’s appointment, it was 97 when we left the house and felt like 107 but we made the hour trip without any problems.

It took Ann’s pain doctor about an hour to give her the pain shots she needed for her lower back issues, then we were on the road home to get out of the 95 temps that still felt like 107.

Once home about 3:00 PM Joe greeted us with a very special hello and we all sat together and watched television, Joe ate while Ann and I relaxed. 

After the short flock moments Ann and I retreated to the master suite allowing Joe to take his afternoon nap.

Joe is having fun at 6:00 PM munching down on some new snacks Ann has placed in his cage and enjoying his fresh drinking water, has not tried his bath water just replenished in his bath bowl.

Joe the Amazon Parrot #8

Today Joe our Amazon Parrot started the day off sleeping in late and did not wake up till about 8:00 AM, most days since Joe has been with Ann and me he has woke about 6:45 AM and started his day.

Day before yesterday was a tough day for Joe trying to adapt to his new home, but even with his being upset he still continues to surprise us with his knowledge of words and phrases.

To date Joe has entertained us with about thirty-one words and phrases and continues to make us smile with his antics in and out of his cage. Yep, Joe has been coming out of his cage and has flown a few times, not very far, his flight wings are clipped, but he has enjoyed the exercise.

Yesterday Joe was amazing, we had to move his cage to replace some paper under his cage and he did not get upset at all. Later in the day Joe showed off by taking a quick downward flight from his cage door to the floor in front of Ann and stepped up on Ann’s hand and sat and talked with Ann for a few minutes.

Ann was thrilled that Joe is starting show interest in getting out of his cage and playing with his toys.

Today Joe while showing off got a little carried away and flew from his cage and flew low onto the floor and slid into the sliding glass doors, he was not hurt but he was embarrassed.

It seemed like an hour or so of Joe complaining about his accident, he was so upset he attacked his new wood toy in his cage and then had a snack and some water before letting Ann and I hear his entire repertoire of words and phrases or at least the ones we are aware of.

As Joe was relaxing on his high perch I noticed he had managed to drop, two half eaten chi toes, two half eaten crackers, and empty peanut hull, a half eaten carrot, and a crunched banana chip onto the bottom of his cage.

As I was looking at the bottom of Joe’s cage, Joe noticed what I was doing and made his way down to the bottom of his cage and stood guard in the middle of the cage so I could not get to his left over’s,  after all he might want then later in the night or morning.

Ann and I bought Joe an overhead UV bird approved light to place over his cage at a later date, Joe came out of his cage and sat on his cage door in order to supervise my taking the light out of the box and my connecting the parts. Once the light was put together and placed next to his cage, Joe decided I had done an ok job and went back in his cage for a drink of water.

Amazingly enough Joe says Bob when he wants me to come in the room, and Bob when I leave the room. That was a little upsetting to Ann who had not heard Joe say Ann, but Joe seemed to realize that mistake and has started saying Ann as well as Bob when he thinks we are not paying enough attention to him.

Did I mention Joe has never had as much attention as we give him since his last owners are still working and could only spend time with Joe before and after work and on weekends. According to Joe’s last owner Joe has won the lottery having us around so much.

Ann and I just closed Joe’s cage door and covered his cage at 7:00 PM so he will feel safe while he sleeps, he was ready for sleep but still fussed a little, but as I type I swear I hear Joe snoring – Smiles. 

Joe the Amazon Parrot #9

Today was the start of eleven days since Joe made his way to Busby’s house hold, and like all the other mornings, the day started off with Joe saying Bob as I uncovered his cage.

Not sure how Joe picked up on my name so quickly but he did and uses it frequently for good, bad, ugly and fun moments.

Joe is passing forty or so words and phrases and amazes us each and every day with his ability to make us laugh and use his words and phrases at just the right moments.

We have been a little worried that Joe has been napping more than we think he should during the day, we expected him to nap in mid morning and mid afternoon, but Joe nap all the time.

Our new bird buddy Joe does get exercise by climbing up and down the height of his cage numerous times and hour and getting out of his cage and climbing to the dome area to walk about.

Joe’s trip from his top perch to the lower portions of his cage is to get to his two food cups which are near his bottom perch, one has fresh food and the other dried food, and his three water cups are at the top of his cage near his top perch.

Water cups – one for fresh water – one for Joe to dunk his food in – one for Joe to take a bath in – Joe has not taken a bath yet – ohoooooooooooooooooooooo.

Toys for Joe have not been used much but Joe will learn about his toys from Ann who plans on starting a Joe learning session daily to teach Joe about toys and new words.

Ann and I spend lots of time with Joe in the morning, afternoon and evening, after all we are retired.

Joe seems to be adapting well to his new home and PARENTS and Ann and I hope to continue to make Joe the Amazon Parrot happy.

Joe the Amazon Parrot #15

Today while Ann and I were out and about doing the doctor visit chore I took some time to drop by the Sonic Drive In for a cup of coffee (97 outside) just because I like coffee.

As I was ordering my coffee I decided to order some French toast sticks for my new adopted Amazon Parrot who loves cinnamon toast, and French toast was as close at Sonic had on the menu, yep, have to spoil the bird.

When I ordered the coffee and the toast I said “I’d like to order a cup of fresh hot regular coffee and an order of French toast sticks for my Amazon Parrot”. The person on the other end of the intercom did not hesitate and said no problem sir, and what would you like for yourself!

I laughed and said the coffee was for me and the toast was for the parrot.

When the car hop arrived at my car window with my order she advised me a fresh pot of regular coffee was brewed just for me and my parrot just in case the parrot wanted coffee to go with his toast.

This is a true story from the Busby Parrot tales of Joe the Amazon Parrot. 

Joe the Amazon Parrot #16

Today (June 14, 2016) started off like any other day in the Busby house hold with the uncovering of Joe the Amazon Parrot who slept in till 8:20 AM.

Ann was sleeping in and Joe had no idea why he needed to get up if Ann was sleeping in so Joe let me know he was not getting up as he tucked his beak into his feathers and closed his eyes.

On this late morning I was the only one up and about in the Busby house hold, so I had my coffee and read my book till everyone else woke up.

It has been way too hot to get out and about even in the mornings so watching television, reading, and having fun with Joe and Ann have been my fun moments for the day.

Of course I was out early to the gym and the store for health and stuff and the heat just about sapped my body of all my get up and go.

Joe has been squatting on his perch, leaning forward, and almost flapping his wings but am not sure why he is doing that since he does not want food and does not want to step up on a finger when he does that.

This morning Joe serenaded us with Ah babababa; hello; poly want a cracker; what; what ya doing; laughter; cracker; help; his name; meow and good.

Around lunch Joe decided to toss in words like well; well well; red rover; oyea oyea; bob; ann; glory; good; yum yum; whistles; gerrrrrrrrr; and of course a kissing sound.

Ann and I have sat with Joe while watching television and reading off and on during the morning and the day, but have given Joe plenty of Joe time without his flock being present.

As of 4:00 PM Joe has not tried his new cage so am not sure how long we are going to wait before having Joe move to his new cage and moving his old iron cage out of the area.

Ann and I were going to go play shuffle board at 6:00 PM but it is just too hot, it is 95 in the shade as I type and the heat index is 105 in and out of the shade.

Maybe Ann and I will play indoor shuffle board with Joe instead of going to the outdoor shuffle board courts which may be melting as I type at 5:00 PM.

More on Joe the Amazon Parrot to follow when my fingers quit sweating and my brain fog goes away.

Joe the Amazon Parrot #17

Maryanna Barber who is on face book and apparently following my moments with Joe the Amazon Parrot sent me an article on round bird cages written by Alyson Kalhagen, a pet bird expert.

Ann and I knew immediately when we saw the five foot tall round black iron bird cage that our new pet Amazon Parrot Joe was going to have to get use to a new non iron and square bird cage. We were worried Joe was growing out of the round cage and that the iron in the cage was bad for Joe who likes to chew on everything.

We knew we could not just take Joe from his home of ten years and drop him in a new cage without causing some trauma and tension so we let Joe stay in his round cage till we could find a suitable replacement and that also allowed Joe to adjust to his new surroundings in his new home with his new flock of Ann and Me.

After Joe had been in his new home for thirteen days Ann and I selected a new non iron square cage for Joe and placed it next to his old round iron cage. Joe took one look at it and turned his beak up at the new cage!

Over the last five days Ann has been trying to get Joe to at least sit on the top of the new cage and that has not worked out that well, but very soon Joe will wake up in his new square cage and his old round cage will just be a memory.

Joe the Amazon Parrot will find it easier to climb out of his new cage to watch television and type on the computer to keep all his fans up to date on the life and times of Joe.

The article follows -

Question: Are Round Cages Really Bad for Birds?

Answer:

Round cages are not recommended for most bird species, for a variety of reasons.

The first reason that these cages can be bad news is because they can be detrimental to a parrot's psychological health. Birds are very intelligent creatures, but many have driven themselves crazy climbing around and around cylindrical cages and feeling like they're never getting anywhere. Giving a bird an angular cage provides them with reference points to different locations in their territories -- thus helping them feel confident, safe, and secure.

Another reason to avoid round cages is because they are often awkward living spaces for a bird to inhabit. They very way that they are shaped causes many bird's feathers to be in constant contact with the cage bars, wearing them down and giving the bird a ragged appearance.

Round cages can also be difficult to maintain. Because most bird cages are now square or rectangular in shape, it can be hard to find certain accessories that will fit round cages -- like cuttlebone and millet holders, seed cups, and cage liners.  

For this reason, it may be easier on both you and your pet to opt for a square or rectangular cage. By doing so, you can provide your pet with a comfortable home, and provide yourself with a cage that is easy to keep clean and well stocked with fun accessories.

Joe the Amazon Parrot #18

Do not tell anyone so this will not get back to Joe the Amazon Parrot, but Joe gets fan mail and replies to his fans every now and then, when he can jump over to the computer key board from his cage.

Today Joe received this e-mail from his new friend Mary:

Dear Joe,

I hope you and your parents are doing well today!

Please tell them that I may be late too the Fibro meeting. I'm heading to the library now. I have some things I must take care of.
I haven't been out of the house except to go to that great movie with Ann for over a week!

I hope to see you soon, Joe! I hope you will accommodate to your new cage soon!

Your friend, Mary

Joe managed to make the jump to the key board and replied to Mary:

Ms. Decker aka Friend Mary,

Bob and Ann are not available to answer your e-mail at the moment so I hopped over on the computer key board and am sending you a quick reply before my flock returns from the master suite.

After reading your note I have left another note for Ann letting her know you may be late for the meeting just in case Ann does not read your e-mail.

Ann is doing well or as well as I can determine, she had me out of my cage five times this morning, keeps trying to feed me every time I look at her and continues to think I need to eat all day long.

Just read the previous paragraph and guess Ann is correct in that I need to snack all day long, but this play stuff and learning to sing and talk may have to slow down.

If it were not for Bob wandering in during Ann's training sessions I would be over worked and worn out from learning to read, speak and play. That Bob guy is ok every now and then but he is too intense at times, he wants to read, watch television, and take Ann out for lunch way too much.

Ann is needed here in the house with ME except for my naps and then Ann can squeeze all that other stuff into her schedule - again mum’s the word about all this.

After all I am an Amazon Parrot and have lived for ten long years and know when I should eat, sing, and talk!

Hope you have a fun day at the library and that the library has an Amazon Parrot to entertain everyone when they get bored reading.

Thanks for checking in on Ann and Bob since they need checking on daily - do not tell them I told you that.

Joe the Amazon Parrot

Joe even left a claw mark and attached his picture to the email.

Joe the Amazon Parrot #19

Today is Thursday June 16, 2016, the sun is up, the time is 7:20 AM and it is already 78 degrees here in the Village of Bonita in the Villages Florida.

Joe is a real sleepy head but does get up when I lift the flap on his cage cover and has a slice of cinnamon toast and water while I drink coffee and we talk about the events of the night.

After a few minutes of bonding time for Joe and Me I get Joes food and water cups changed, cleaned and replenished, change out his cage paper, and make sure Joe is a happy Amazon Parrot with a follow-up slice of toast.

Just checked and Ann is up, this is amazing since before we adopted Joe Ann was not able to get up till much later in the morning due to her Fibro ills, but now that Joe OUR therapy Amazon Parrot greets us every morning, Ann is awake to greet Joe!

Ann does not come out to greet Joe till he has had sufficient bonding time with me but once Joe is ready and calls to Ann with his version of Ann – Oyea – Ann makes and appearance and the Flock is together to share drinks and snacks with some light conversation of sorts.

Did I mention that somehow Joe has learned my name already and when he needs something he calls to me with BoB Bob Bob Bob Bob and so on till I arrive and take care of his needs – Smiles and Frowns?

This morning was a fun time for the flock to enjoy each other and learn more words and have more fun interacting with each other – Joe now can say what sounds like “Move it”!

Another new grouping of words sounds like “Let’s Dance” from Ann trying to get Joe to dance all the time, Ann loves to dance.

Ann just came out and now the flock is in full swing, Ann decided immediately to replace all of Joe’s food and Joe agreed so Ann the bird chef is fixing Joe his favorite dry food for his snacks for the rest of the morning while Joe and I talk about bird stuff.

Joe is now out of his cage and sitting on top to survey all his flock and entertain us with his words and phrases, but when I turn on the video Joe tends to not say a thing, Joe is not shy so have no idea why he does not want to entertain the world with his antics.

More to follow on Joe the Amazon Parrot as Joe gets into being the fun Parrot he is.

Joe the Amazon Parrot #21

This morning the sky is sort of blue with the sun peaking in and out of the clouds with the weather folks talking about heavy rain headed our way from the west, north and east.

Am guessing Friday June 17, 2016 is going to be one of those fun wet days for Joe, Ann and Bob, but we will adjust and have a fun television and book day with a few Joe learning sessions tossed in.

Joe oversaw the cleaning of his cage and the replenishment of his dry food and water from on top of his cage and once all was ready Joe returned for a snack and a drink.

Another first today, Joe decided to add portions of his perch to his morning breakfast and started chewing on his top perch for several minutes and then eating the wood, will have to check on what the experts say about parrots chewing and appearing to eat wood.

The new cage is still a curiosity to Joe but he has been on top of the cage and has started to chew on one of the new cage perches just to test it out and make the new cage his own.

Ann and I have been a little worried about Joe since he sleeps so much and is still a little afraid of spending too much time outside of his cage. 

Joe appears to be in good physical and hopefully great mental shape, but as far as we know Joe has never been to the vet so we will be taking Joe into the Avian Vet soon for his first ever Amazon Parrot examination.

A check of the local area found only one Avian Vet and that vet was located at the Animal Clinic of Lady Lake about six miles from where Joe the Amazon Parrot now resides. The web site - http://www.animalclinicofladylake.com/services.html - list lots of fun vet treatments for birds so will be taking Joe in for his first ever avian vet appointment soon.

Contacted Animal Clinic of Lady Lake located at 414 Teague Trail, Lady Lake, FL 32159 - Phone: (352) 753-5333 and learned Joe could not be seen by the avian vet until Thursday, July 8, 2016 at 4:00 PM. Provided the Avian Vet folks the information on Joe the Amazon Parrot and scheduled the appointment for Joe on July 8, 2016 – Who knew an avian vet would have so many bird appointments.

 

Earlier in the day while I was out and about and Ann was having some quality time with Joe a second Amazon Parrot book arrived “The Second hand Parrot” providing all sorts of good information on how to live with your new adopted Amazon Parrot and all the mental and physical baggage he brings with him from his previous owners to you his new owner – Smiles.

 

Such great topics – Interaction, The rest of the story, Compatibility, Cages, Perches, Moving from old cage to new cage, Toys, Bathing, Health, Nutrition, Grooming, Training, Talking, Biting, Trust and Love – am guessing from reading this book being an Amazon Parrot owner is not as easy as it sounds – Ann and I are up to the task.

 

After reading the second book on Amazon Parrots Ann and I decided to get Joe’s new cage ready for him to move in and as we work on Joe’s new cage Joe is not happy with us touching his cage! Remember Joe has not really been in the new cage but has already claimed it as his.

 

Ann just got Joe out of the old cage and he sat with us at the computer next to the cage for about five minutes, then Joe decided to get on my left shoulder and was happy to be there till my ear got in his way and he decided to get back on Ann’s hand for a few minutes.

 

Nothing like having a good sized Amazon Parrot sitting on your left shoulder whispering “Well Well” as he grazes your ear, not bite, but nudge it as he jumps onto Ann’s hand.

 

Progress is not easy but Joe is training his new Amazon Parrot owners a little at a time and smiling every time he teaches us a new trick.

 

More fun and exciting moments of Joe the Amazon Parrot to follow when my brain fog lifts and my fingers remember which computer keys to strike.

Joe the Amazon Parrot #22

Today Saturday June 18, 2016 is Joe the Amazon Parrot’s twenty first day with his new flock Ann and Bob and Joe seems to be happy and enjoying his new surroundings.

Yesterday was a mile stone in Joe’s accepting his new home; Joe moved from his old round iron cage to a new cage and seems to be enjoying the new cage just fine.

This morning when I uncovered Joe’s cage he was sitting on his top perch waiting on me and seemed ok with his new bird condo even though he is still getting use to it.

Joe is sitting on his dry seed cup and eating seeds from his nutria-berry stick while taking the time to figure out how his new cage bars work with his beak, feet and toes – yes parrots have feet and toes and not claws and talons or so Joe has told me.

Ann is up and fixing Joe his favorite snacks so the flock is all together at 7:30 AM and that is very early for Ann or at least that was early before Joe arrived in the Busby house hold. Ann now drops off to sleep just after Joe does and gets up before Joe so she can make sure Joe is happy and if Joe is happy Ann is happy and of course when Ann is happy so am I.

More fun moments with Joe the Amazon Parrot will follow once Joe has approved the release of those moment, after all Joe is my shadow writer.

Joe the Amazon Parrot #23

This afternoon Saturday June 18, 2016, Joe decided to go with Ann out onto the lanai to have a sprits’ shower and even enjoyed being out on the lanai getting wet and leaned into the spray as it drifted down from the arch spray onto his wings and head.

Joe was on his lanai perch and play stand while getting his shower and enjoyed looking about the lanai, this was the first time Joe had been on the lanai.

After Joe’s shower he decided to come over and sit on my hand and then shoulder and conversed with Ann and me for a few moments before we moved back into the main area of the house. Joe road on my arm over to his new cage and once at his cage made his way onto his top of the cage perch for a snack and some water.

If y’all watched an earlier video of Joe walking about the floor and climbing on his cage you are aware Joe flew from his cage to the floor and then walked back to his cage letting us know he has claimed the cage as his own.

As of today Joe seems to be getting use to stepping up onto our finger and hand and sitting on our arms or shoulders as well as enjoying his several play stands located about the house. Yep, we want Joe to be able to move about the house with us when the mood is right.

We are waiting on the folks to arrive to install our new dish washer and Joe is a little upset we are bothering his sleep time and alone time, but Joe has to learn how we all have to wait on everyone most of the day it seems to get something done. The install was scheduled for 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM and here it is 1:40 PM and no installers, life is just so much fun at times.

We are retired but we have things to do and place’s to go each and every day of our retirement, some days more than other days – Smiles.