Tag Archives: cockatiel

A few months ago, our little flock of two expanded. The third flock member is neither featherless nor feathered. Reactions to the new addition have been mixed. The flock member with no feathers is overjoyed. The flock member with feathers is……not. So recently, as part of a flock-wide socialization project, we began “turtle sensitivity training.” Author: Shannon CuttsContinueContinue reading “Day 13: Turtle Sensitivity Training”

Inspectors only get to be inspectors by having a specialty. For example, say you are very good at determining “shininess.” You can automatically tell (on account of how well it reflects very pretty grey and white feathers) how an item ranks on the “shininess scale.” This rare ability makes you simultaneously feared (by shiny things)ContinueContinue reading “Day 12: Inspector Shiny”

One of the perks of sharing a flock with only one other being (without feathers) is that all meals are shared between just two flock mates. This means there is always enough for both flock mates….unless, of course, the flock mate with the feathers really, really likes what is served, or is really, really hungryContinueContinue reading “Day 11: Sharing Cornbread”

When you are choosing your collaborators for a new creative venture, you may want to look at a number of traits before making your final selection. For instance, you might note down shared interests that could enhance the creative process. You may also be interested in the candidates’ specific size, shape, or species. And ofContinueContinue reading “Day 10: Interviewing Collaborators”

Porcupines are fascinating creatures. Their quills are prized to create a traditional Native American headdress charmingly dubbed the “porky roach.” Courtship includes the male spraying pee at high velocity all over his chosen female. In some cultures, porcupines are consumed as a delicacy. Speaking of which, one of their best features is the coat of sharp spines theyContinueContinue reading “Wet Bird Couture: The Porcupine”

“James Bond” is a real man’s man. The ladies love him too. Even while doing down-and-dirty battle with evil villains, Bond stays smoothly debonair – the epitome of suave masculine style. While most beings assume that Bond only exists amongst the featherless clans, the truth is, many species have their own Bond. You may not be able toContinueContinue reading “Day 9: A Bond is a Bond (no matter how small)”

Recently lots of young (and not so young) pop stars have been writing songs about being “full figured.” It is almost as if they aren’t totally excited about having a curvy round shape! Pearl thinks this is just because they haven’t found the right role model yet – someone who can really help them seeContinueContinue reading “Day 8: Full Feathered”

In every species, certain beings have special gifts. These beings are called “whisperers.” For instance, some beings can calm dogs or horses. So these beings are given the title of “dog whisperer” or “horse whisperer.” Other beings can calm computers. These particularly advanced beings are called “computer whisperers” (in some circles they are simply calledContinueContinue reading “Day 7: The Computer Whisperer”

All over the country, featherless beings are pouring buckets of ice over their heads to support others of their kind who need help. This is a very nice gesture and of course it is great to help others. But ice? Ice is just so cold….and flavorless! If you are going to dip, lunge, plunge, orContinueContinue reading “Day 6: The Food Bowl Lunge Challenge”

Halloween has a very, um, eclectic history. For starters, everyone wants to claim it. Celts, Romans, Irish, English, Popes and pagans alike – depending on who you ask, the holiday is about prophecy, potatoes (or lack thereof), the Apple goddess, saints, souls, and – of course – scary dead people. All of which can helpContinueContinue reading “Day 5: Happy Halloween!”