Tag Archives: husband

Question on goldfinches?

Posted on January 30, 2012 by admin| 1 Comment

I have some questions on goldfinches, I am not really a bird enthusiast, meaning that I don’t know a heck of a lot, but I do enjoy watching them at the feeders. About 10 months ago, I convinced my husband to buy one “finch feeder” and some “Super Finch Food” from Lowe’s as I was sure I’d seen goldfinches in our area……..(Hollister, CA)
The feeder stood untouched for a good 6 months, and then suddenly there were like 14 birds fighting over a space to sit and I had to fill it daily. I ended up getting a second feeder, and then suddenly, as soon as they appeared, the birds left for about 2 weeks (some say to feed on budding trees?)
At any rate, they are back now and I think I must be the ONLY person in this town with a finch feeder, I have to fill them both every other day. There are often several finches waiting in the tree for a space on one of the feeders.
My question is, what is the BEST thing to feed them? Straight thistle seed, or the “finch mix”? They seem to like the straight thistle better but I want to make sure this is healthy for them, and also…………are these birds “year round” in California (about 100 miles south of San Francisco), or how should I plan for them? Is there anything they like in addition to thistle/finch food?

Thanks for your input.

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How can I get my family to be more responsible? Examples listed below.?

Posted on January 24, 2012 by admin| 1 Comment

I am running myself ragged here. My husband wants all these animals…ie: 2 dogs, 2 birds, a rabbbit and a horse. Although he takes care of the horse I am left with feeding, watering, cleaning up after all the other animals. I didn’t want pets to begin with…to me it’s an extra responsibilty I did not want to havre to take on. Another example my daughter wants a rabbit so after telling her she would have to water, feed and clean it’s cage….it always ends up me doing. She is only 5 so I understand if she forgets without being reminded but I end up doing it all. Im tired of it all and ready for some kind of change or I think the animals need to go. Another example I can tell him to clean up the dog mess and he says ok I will tomorrow or this afternoon and doesn’t do it, in the meantime if my 80+ yr. old neighbor says something to me and I mention it to my husband he usually gets it all cleaned up within a few hrs. or the next day. What gives?!?!?!?
I agree no 5 y/o is responsible enough to handle animal care of their own…I told my husband this….No-one listens…they live in the moment…not that these animals will be around for the next 15-20 yrs…I even went as far to telling my husband I spoke with a lady who raises bunnies and she told me the same thing, we should wait.

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My daughter wants a bird?

Posted on January 22, 2012 by admin| 3 Comments

My daughter is 5 and she wants a bird. I talked with my husband and he gave us the ok to get a parakeet. Is this a good bird for her? Is it easy to care for? What do I need to buy? I have a cage already, and I know I need food…Do they need salt, special supplements, special toys? I want the bird to be friendly, so how should I go about picking the right one? Any help is appreciated.

I know will be taking care of it seeing that she is only 5 so please dont tell me she is too young, feeding the bird under my supervision is a good start at learning responsibility.

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Are my Cockatiel birds really mating?

Posted on January 21, 2012 by admin| 1 Comment

Ok, so I bought what I was told was a pair- but then a pet store told me the females have very light colored cheeks. My “female” has dark cheeks. Anyhow, the “boy” sings to her all day and sometimes he mounts her. He is on her for what seems like forever and she is chirping loudly the whole time. Then he gets off and she chases him all over the cage and tries to bite him. They “mate” about 4-5 times a day, if not more. Usually he is the one in the nesting box, not her. No eggs have been laid and my husband insists that they are 2 boys, but why would the bird let himself is one and (2) wouldn’t the one who is always pretending to be the girl eventually want to be on top? My husband says maybe he wants to, that’s why he chases the other one around the cage. What do you guys think?

By the way, the “girl” is all grey with orange cheeks- the “boy” has a yellow head, orange cheeks and a grey body.The girl does seem smaller, in body than the boy.

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Posted in Bird Nest Boxes

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my cats gifts?

Posted on May 24, 2011 by admin| 14 Comments

my cat is always bringing dead birds, mice and even a rabbitt as large as him to my bedroom. i always feed him and he doesn’t starve. why does he do this to me? when my husband is home he never does this.

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my cats gifts?

Posted on May 24, 2011 by admin| Leave a comment

my cat is always bringing dead birds, mice and even a rabbitt as large as him to my bedroom. i always feed him and he doesn’t starve. why does he do this to me? when my husband is home he never does this.

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What can I do about a neighbors extremly noisy bird?

Posted on May 22, 2011 by admin| 14 Comments

I live on a canal, so sound carries.One of my neighbors has a cockatoo.Even the breeders warn buyers of their “nails on the chalk board “screech. I feed lots of birds and love animals but this bird drives me and my husband nuts. I’ve spoken with the owners but they say their bird has as much right to be outside as we do.The owners put the bird outside, go into their home, close the windows and doors and turn up the music. I’ve called the police but there is nothing they can do. Any suggestions? thanks…

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