Pryde goeth before a fall...

[fajrdrako]

My white budgie Pryde has been on a low-carb diet since the spring. She started gaining weight last fall, and lost her ability to fly. She has refused to come out of the cage, and pretends she doesn't notice when the door is open.

Until today.

I opened the door, and her cagemate Kaylee went flying happily around the room. Free at last! Caught up in the enthusiam, Pryde followed. She lost momentum halfway across the living room, and landed softly on the carpet. She wandered around for a bit, and started climbing along my computer wires, which I shooed her off - just in case she should decide to chew.

She explored the room occasionally taking off into the air, but from her position on the ground she couldn't get the lift she needed to fly up into the cage. A foot or so off the ground she'd go back down. She found many exciting things at floor level, occasionally going back towards the cage and looking up at it as is wondering how to get up there. I offered to lift her up, but she looked at me disdainfully. She is a budgie. Budgies can fly. They don't need to accept a ride.

Well, finally she got hungry and decided to swallow her pride. She climbed onto my hand and let me lift her slowly in through the cage door, where she delicately stepped onto her perch, and gave me a polite nod in thanks before going to the food dish.

I think she needs some exercise, not to mention stimulation. I was glad to see her trying to use her wings. Maybe soon she'll be flying properly again - if this attempt didn't discourage her.

Comments

[monsieureden.livejournal.com]

Guh, your icon!!

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Pretty, hmm?

[binkbink.livejournal.com]

I had to get a bluejay in trim for release to the wild after her broken wing healed. I chased her.
You'd be surprised what the surge of adrenaline can do to their strength for flying.
But since you need to remain unthreatening to your birdie, I suggest you get a friend to come in and do the chasing for you.

[monsieureden.livejournal.com]

So. *pet*

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Well, she cooperated in the end, and with a remarkable lack of fear of me, even letting me stroke her tummy. Maybe she liked it. I think she thinks I am the family slave.

In any case the adventure ended well - we'll hope it does next time! I do intend to keep her moving around as much as I can.

I take it your blue jay story had a happy ending? I'm glad to her it.

[sparklebutch.livejournal.com]

Is it a bird? Is it a p... No wait, it's a bird. YAY!

[acampbell.livejournal.com]

Was it Pryde who was in a relationship with your dear, departed Simon? or was that Wisdom? I can't seem to keep them straight.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

It's a bird, though at the moment she ignominiously resembles the flightless variety. Maybe I should try her on swimming. (She did once land in the dishwater by accident; this was not a happy occasion.)

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

No, Wisdom is the one who was paired with Simon. Pryde was an innocent bystander in the whole affair.

[moonchildetoo.livejournal.com]

Awwww.....

That's kind of pitiful. And especially so, as I can, unfortunately, relate to Pryde's predicament all too well. Sigh....

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Yes, I can relate too. For a while Pryde and I were on a low-carb diet together, and shared lettuce leaves. And I must say, even in the shape she's currently in, she can fly a lot better than I can. (Having wings helps.)

[moonchildetoo.livejournal.com]

Heee!