Hello and a question

[celtic_antique]

Goodmorning!

I am the proud owner of three year old Alonso, a cross breed peach-face and black masked. He is a character plus!! More attitude per ounce than any creature I know! But, he is kind and affectionate and protective! Never thought I would be a bird person, but Alonso picked me out in the pet store, buried himself in my hair and that was all she wrote! It was our anniversary, and my husband couldn't think of a finer gift!

We have had a wonderful time. When I travel, I miss that good morning CHIRP and the snuggles. Alonso is admittedly one of the most socialized love birds going. He loves being "skriched" on his head and enjoys a back massage. What a hedonist!

Lately, though, I have notived that he is spending much more time wiggling his tail than normal. He used to only do that when he was getting ready for a bath. His bathing habits are still good, but I am concerned about this. Haven't found anything about it in any book. Does anyone have some advice about this? He often then grooms after shaking his tail.

It is wonderful to chat with folks who are bird people!

[BarbieH]

Hi, and welcome. :)

Alonso sounds like a sweetie, and what a great name!

I used to think "flutterbutt" was the way lovebirds show that they want to bathe, but I have since been educated (by more lovebirds) that they can waggle their tailfeathers whenever they see something that pleases them.

There is also a preening gland down there, a sebacious (oily) gland birds use just before they preen the rest of their feathers. Sometimes this gland becomes blocked and/or inflamed. If you have any question about whether this is the case for Alonso, have your avian vet check him out. :)

Nice to meet you! :)

[Janie]

Hi and welcome! I have nothing to add to what Barb said and learned something myself from her reply......about the "oily" gland! I don't think I've ever gone a single day, reading here, when I haven't learned something new! :)

It is a wonderful forum and since you're new here, I like to suggest that you check out the thread, "Your Attention Please" when you have a chance. Lots of great information for new bird owners and old birds owners, too! :D

I'd love to see a photo of Alonso. :)

[Rubygem]

I just wanted to take the time to welcome you to the board. I agree with Barb and Janie... :omg: and I normally don't agree with anyone... :lol

You will love it here, as there are very wonderful and knowledgable people. Looking forward to learning about you and your lovie.

Rubygem

[LauraO]

Hello and welcome to you and Alonso :D. This is a great place and you are sure to find more info on this board then you ever thought imagineable :D.

I didn't know about the oily gland either, but it makes a lot of sense since I've noticed when my lovies lift the feathers in that area it looks a little different. My husband and I always take great joy in what Barb calls flutterbutt and we've always associated it with happy lovies :D

Hope to see you around the board 8)

[Z28Taxman]

Hello and welcome from me too!

My little Ditto does the "flutterbutt" alot too. Usually when he's on the couch with me and about to start happy chirps, or when a good song comes on and he's about to start singing and dancing. :whistle:

He'll also do it if he's getting ready to fly a lap around the room.

[celtic_antique]

Thanks so much for all the replies! I think that this is more than just joy, though I had been away for a few days and Alonso has hardly left my shoulder! I think a visit to the vet is in order and will call this morning. Other than the flutters, he seems to be mostly his old self! Even "edged" some paper for me this morning! ;)

Thanks again. Will post a photo of my guy soon.

[Angelwing]

Hey, welcome to the forums. You'll find a lot of knowledgeable members here, and have a great time as well. It's good that you will be making a vet appointment, as you can never be too sure about anything.

I look forward to seeing pictures of your baby. :)

[Paulette]

Hello and Welcome!...My name is Paulette and I live in Missouri. I have 6 lovies and an assortment of other small birds totalling 23. My husband was trying to get me a job at the mall today in the poster/frame shop so I can suport my bird habit. :confused: This chat forum is fun and informative. I look forward to hearing more about you and Alanso.

[butterfly1061]

Hi and welcome from Atlanta, Ga!

I have 3 lovies and all three do the "flutterbutt" My youngest, Piper, does it quite a bit. The other two do it mainly when they bathe, but also when they get excited. It's so cute!! When they are preening and rub their head on top of their tail, that's when they are using the oil gland. I always thought it was cute, but I did know what they were doing. Kinda neat, huh?

Anyway, welcome to the board and yes, pictures of your baby would be most welcome. We love pictures. :D

[celtic_antique]

Hello again, all. Just an update. I ended up taking Alonso to the vet -- he had gotten lethargic, wouldn't leave me shoulder and just slept. Not eating. I noticed that there seemed to be some sort of sore on his leg that he had worried at and it was spreading up his leg. He is my first lovebird, and needless to say, I was in a sort of panic as I know that by the time they show they are sick, birds are REALLY sick! The vet said he had a bacterial infection and we gave him oral antibiotics for the next two weeks. Within 2 days, he was his usual plucky self, but he was underweight and doesn't seem to be gaining. He eats, but isn't gaining any weight -- breastbone a little too prominent for me. What sort of hi-cal treats can I try to tempt him with. He is a pellet and Nutra-berries bird with supplements of whatever he can steal from my plate. Loves spaghetti -- without sauce -- and apples. Any other suggestions? Thanks! I will get a photo posted very soon, I promise. It was such a hectic holiday season!

[bellarains]

Hi,

I'm glad Alonso is doing better. To add a little weight, pasta is good, whole wheat or veggie pasta is better for them. I also will post a link to the birdie bread recipe. Most birds love it, mine get it everyday. As with all new things, it may take a few days for Alonso to eat, but be persistant.

http://www.lovebirdsplus.com/community/showthread.php?t=190

Keep us updated on the little guy, and I hope he continues to improve.

[Buy A Paper Doll]

Someone once told me that sweet potatoes are good to help a lovie gain weight. Some birds love it, some birds don't, but it's worth a try.

[Janie]

Glad to hear that you got Alonso to the vet and that he's getting better! :) Good food suggestions from Lori and Jennifer. I have not tried sweet potatoes yet but someone did suggest to me that they are more likely to eat it raw so you might try it that way, grating a little into a cup. :confused: If he'll eat apple, sounds like you have a birdie that will try several things. Most lovies aren't the best little fruit eaters although I know that Lori's will eat apples. All of mine will eat the birdie bread and raw broccoli. My younger two will try almost anything, at least once. Good luck and keep us posted on Alonso's progress! :)

[Kathryn]

Alonso sound like a little darling. Glad to hear he is getting better. My lovies love sunfloweer seeds and will throw all the other seed out just to get to them. They are chock full of fat and protein. Cooked chicken is good too. I shred it and chop it fine. Fresh corn too. It's sweet and starchy as well.
Keep us posted on how Alonso is doing.

[Paulette]

Glad to hear Alanso is doing better.