Zaffer: being playful

[plax]

Well, one good thing that stemmed from Zaf's broken leg ordeal is that during his recovery period I was able to desensitize him from being afraid of certain toys. Unfortunately he is a bird who is inclined toward being terrified of many objects, including most bird toys. When he came to live with me in 2005, he was afraid of absolutely everything in the house :(. He's still very afraid of brightly colored objects (such as many bird toys), as well as most branches/perches (depending upon their shapes and sizes), and his own larger feathers that molt away from him. Since his accident last year, though, I've actually been able to get him comfortable playing with 4 or 5 different toys. And trust me, that's a HUGE accomplishment for my blue friend! :)

I should also mention that I have been forced to leave the large kennel carrier, which served as Zaf's hospital cage, right next to his couch where it has been for the last 10 months. What I mean by "forced" is that each time I've attempted to move it away, poor Zaf has gone bonkers. I went as far as moving it out of the room once when he himself was out of view and thus couldn't see what I was doing... when I returned him to his couch, he immediately became upset and went searching for his cave. He just loves to run in and out of it all day. As such, I figured what can it hurt? So it has become his permanent play cave :th_biggrin:

One of Zaf's favorite toys is his blue rubber ball that you've likely seen in some of my other video clips. He just can't seem to get enough of that thing. In the clip below, you'll see Zaf and myself playing together this afternoon with said ball toy.


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In the next clip you'll see Zaf trying to move the ring rocker toy (without its colored rings - he's scared to death of them) out of his plastic cave. I guess he wanted more room :indecisiveness:


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[kendrafitz]

I guess that carrier is his special place. He certainly seems to enjoy playing in there. :)

He is so sweet and determined. He did not want that toy in his cave today. So funny that he doesn't get mad, he just goes and removes it. Rosie would yell at me while removing it if I tried that. Zaf has such a great temperament. :)

[Mare]

I love seeing Zaffers interact! I'm trying to get Amigo to come in for the evening and Zaf's sweet voice brought him in IMMEDIATELY! :th_biggrin: Birds sure do like what they like and know. I think I'm discovering that macaws are a bit more timid than cockatoos. To me, this can be a good thing!

[Macaw Lover]

He is just so adorable playing and you know now not to remove his 'home'. He felt safe in there when he was in pain and it is great that he is getting over some of the things he was fearful of before.

[plax]

I guess that carrier is his special place. He certainly seems to enjoy playing in there. :)

He is so sweet and determined. He did not want that toy in his cave today. So funny that he doesn't get mad, he just goes and removes it. Rosie would yell at me while removing it if I tried that. Zaf has such a great temperament. :)Yes, as far as he's concerned, the carrier is HIS! And speaking of him not getting mad, that changes dramatically if I bring another bird anywhere near his carrier cave!! He turns into an aggressive attack monster toward the bird nearing his special cave. He's very protective of it!

[Mare]

That's what brought Amigo home, instantly, Tony!! The sound of another bird in his territory!

[plax]

That's what brought Amigo home, instantly, Tony!! The sound of another bird in his territory!That's interesting. But you know, Mare, I think the only bird vocals in those two clips were Salsa saying "hello" and barking and chirping. I don't think Zaf said anything. Unless I missed something, which is possible.

[Mare]

Yes, you're right! Between you and Salsa making the noise, it was just too much for Amigo! :)

[plax]

Yes, you're right! Between you and Salsa making the noise, it was just too much for Amigo! :)Yep. Salsa and I were the noisy ones in those particular clips. Maynard is by far the noisiest bird here, though! But he happened to be taking an afternoon nap while I shot those vids. Zaf is usually pretty quiet most of the time. He talks, but not often. It was probably Salsa's little yappy dog imitation that got to Amigo... ya think?

[jtbirds]

Loved watching zaf play! I know the struggles you have had with him in the past and its amazing to see his progress!

[2birds]

Zaf doesn't even look like he could get mad.

[Mare]

I'm with you, Lori! Zaffers could not be anything but a sweetheart, I'm sure Tony knows different :)

{It was probably Salsa's little yappy dog imitation that got to Amigo... ya think?}
Seriously, any new noise in Amigo's space has no chance of not being investigated upon! :)

[jtbirds]

Honestly I've been bitten by a hyacinth once.. and it was by one that had a previously broken leg because of being poached.. He got out of his cage and would not go back and was caught on carpet so I helped and he was scared and nailed me. It took the breathe outta me it was so powerful, but not his fault.

Any other time hy's are just so gentle and nice and loving. Nothing like militaries or scarlets hehe. tony understands the milli comment;). Macaws are my pride and joy I love them soooo much and love hearing about them just like any bird.

tony keep up the amazing work with zaf you have never given up on that big boy and it is and will keep paying off. It has made me soo happy to see him get over some of that fear. I remember when we first met we talked about his toe chewing has that stopped?

[plax]

I'm with you, Lori! Zaffers could not be anything but a sweetheart, I'm sure Tony knows different :)Indeed. If you're another bird and Zaf thinks you are trying to horn in on his territory, LOOK OUT!


{It was probably Salsa's little yappy dog imitation that got to Amigo... ya think?}
Seriously, any new noise in Amigo's space has no chance of not being investigated upon! :)Amigo and Zaf are both territorial birds :D

[plax]

Honestly I've been bitten by a hyacinth once.. and it was by one that had a previously broken leg because of being poached.. He got out of his cage and would not go back and was caught on carpet so I helped and he was scared and nailed me. It took the breathe outta me it was so powerful, but not his fault.The poor bird :(. Being captured and injured at the hands of humans would certainly tend to generate fear of what may be in store during future situations :(


Any other time hy's are just so gentle and nice and loving. Nothing like militaries or scarlets hehe. tony understands the milli comment;). Yeah, thanks to Maynard! ;)


tony keep up the amazing work with zaf you have never given up on that big boy and it is and will keep paying off. It has made me soo happy to see him get over some of that fear. I remember when we first met we talked about his toe chewing has that stopped?Thanks Justin. And Zaf is much better about leaving his feet alone. He used to chew on them frequently... he mostly ignores them now. He's doing a lot better in many ways :D

[Minamommy]

Tony Zaf is amazing. If I tried holding a ball with Mina I would lose a finger(almost happened). We play catch now lol. I love his cave your so great with him. It's wonderful to see him doing well.


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[PlaxMacaws]

Thanks Kim!