Saturday, August 29, 2015

     This post will be the first in a series on the behaviors of Mustache parakeets (or at least on those displayed by Cocoa Bean). 
     I am working on videos that display his vocalizations and his movements. Until then, I will be posting photos of his stiller-behaviors. 
     This is a photo of Cocoa Bean sleeping in what I would call the "typical" position ("typical" because it seems that this form is what is most commonly pictured for a sleeping bird). His beak is tucked back under his wing, and though it's impossible to tell in this photo, he has one foot tucked up close to his body. 
     Often, when snoozing on my shoulder or taking short naps, Cocoa Bean will just bow his head, close his eyes, and fall asleep. He sometimes won't even put one foot up (I think as a conscious choice to keep his stability). 
     Side note: please excuse the state of Cocoa Bean's perch. This photo was taken before his cage was cleaned. Furthermore, it is exceedingly hard to get a photo of this bird asleep - he is such a light sleeper! 

Thursday, August 20, 2015

     Cocoa Bean and I moved to our new home last week and we are now (mostly) settled in. Poor Cocoa had to endure sleeping in his travel cage while his main cage was being packed up, sleeping in a hotel, and a long five-hour drive. But he took it all with grace and has only just started losing a few of the downy feathers - but nothing serious. 
     He has recently begun speaking and honking again - as if he has gotten over his shyness with the new house. I will continue my attempts to get video and/or audio of his speaking voice and his honking calls. 
     Until then, here's one happy honker.