"Hi, pretty!"

At only 11 weeks old - a little less than 3 months - Ziya has already become a pretty good talker. Within the first week of him being home, he's learned "pretty bird" and just today he produced a "hi, pretty" while he was chattering on his java stand.

I decided not to have him DNA sexed since red bellies become sexually dimorphic after their first molt, so I don't know his sex. But I'm wondering if his talking prowess points more toward male? Females do talk as well and can be skilled talkers, but it seems like it's more often the males. I decided myself that I wanted to be surprised by which feathers come in, but I can't help be anxious for that first molt!

He's Home!

Ziya came home this past weekend. He was a little unsure at first, and we're still working out bedtime - he's not a fan - but overall he's settling in nicely. Lots of beak grinding and toy-destroying and cuddling. He even spoke! Only 2 1/2 months and he already said his first phrase - not just a word, but two words: "pretty bird." I was sure I heard him mumbling some almost-words, and then he impressed everyone with a nice and clear "pretty bird!" He's such a smarty pants.

"Hello!"

"Mmm, tastes like blanket."

"Look how cute I am!"

Home-Made Foot Toys!

With Ziya's go-home day getting closer and closer, I've been making some toys. It's fun, but I really need to learn how to tie a better knot! And I guess only time will tell whether I did a good job - Ziya will be the product checker, and the one whose opinion matters the most!

Sea grass rope with a chunk of yucca and honey beads.

A little too big to truly be called a "foot" toy, but maybe still fun? A finger trap made of bird-safe material, stuffed with paper sticks and leather, and tied up with coco rope.

The first foot toy I made, actually. A crump ball, birdie bagel, and a thick braided knot of seagrass sitting on a jumbo paper stick. I call it the ugly stick.

A thick braid of seagrass with four birdy bagels strung on it. Please note that this toy would be potentially unsafe if played with unsupervised, due to the size of the seagrass ring. This toy will be given only under close supervision.