I like this forum because

[afinch]

I like this forum because while I have been passionate about birds and bird keeping all my life, I am forced to be incredibly selective and scarce in what I keep at the moment. Back when I was a teenager living in my parents' house, I had an entire room for my birds and accrued up to 200 birds at the time (between canaries, passerines, hookbills, and zebras). I've also owned and trained a variety of parrots (african greys, ringnecks, conures, etc). But right now, I'm down to 4 zebra finches total. However, by visiting this site and interacting with everyone here, I feel like we collectively own all of our combined birds, and somehow get to communally enjoy them on a daily basis. I like reading the various stories, seeing the picture updates, and engaging with people helping each other out in maintaining our avian companions. Thanks!

[KarenB]

You're welcome. I do what I can

Seriously, I know what you mean!

[lovezebs]

afinch
We are all birdaholics, so on some level we all understand one another. So we come here for advice, support, answers and reaffirmation in our choice of hobbies, and on the other hand we offer the same in return when we can.
I love this forum.

[afinch]

LOL Karen.

lovezebs, I come here to oogle at beautiful birds and learn about interesting mutations. So birdaholic sounds right. Or birdophile even lol

[finchmix22]

afinch@lovezebs@KarenB
Yes, we are, as Cindy says, Finchaholics! I started here over four years ago and remember thinking, "Wow, if all these people love these finches too, maybe I'm not so weird to keep them. LOL. I love getting to know people and hearing everyone's perspectives and advise. I am always learning, which is great!

[Chantelleb]

My wife was hesitant about getting birds. I'm not sure how I convinced her, but she loves birds now too ( not as much as me) she even bought me the Javas for my birthday! ( I've even almost convinced her for more at Christmas with another new cage(s)

The other day we were in the drive thru at timmies and there were three crows playing with a single stick! Taking it from each other, rolling over when it was taken, stepping on foot on the others beak and rolling over together. Had never paid much attention to even wild birds as I do now!

[afinch]

True that Deb. And I like that there's no stereotypical personality of finch lovers. We seem to be from every walk of life, every age, gender, and background. Sure is reassuring :]

I was considered weird growing up by many though, but it never bothered me. Many times I was called bird man, and now my wife calls me bird whispered lol. A lot of people over the years thought I can actually communicate with birds. Well guess what, I can. All it takes is some patience and paying attention to their body language, and soon enough you start learning a lot about them. I'm sure all of you here understand. I don't know what it is that captivates me about them and makes me want to observe them and learn their properties. I'm just glad it is this way, because they are a HUGE source of joy and stress relief.

[afinch]

My wife was hesitant about getting birds. I'm not sure how I convinced her, but she loves birds now too ( not as much as me) she even bought me the Javas for my birthday! ( I've even almost convinced her for more at Christmas with another new cage(s)

The other day we were in the drive thru at timmies and there were three crows playing with a single stick! Taking it from each other, rolling over when it was taken, stepping on foot on the others beak and rolling over together. Had never paid much attention to even wild birds as I do now!

That's awesome. I got my wife into this earlier this year with a pair of zebras. Recently had to handfeed two babies and they grew up to be super tame. She's CRAZY about them. She even gives ME a hard time now when she thinks I'm not tending to them enough lol.

[finchmix22]

afinch
That is true. BTW what is your name? I'd rather refer to your first name, then afinch each time. LOL. I love the fact that people on the forum are from all over the world and I learn a lot about other cultures and countries. It's better than the news and prime time TV sometimes.

[Chantelleb]

Yes, she's not as into them as your wife.BUT she is always proud of herself when she "knows" when the birds need a bath. This website is awesome to show her I'm not the only one with a bird brain ahahaha

[afinch]

afinch
That is true. BTW what is your name? I'd rather refer to your first name, then afinch each time. LOL. I love the fact that people on the forum are from all over the world and I learn a lot about other cultures and countries. It's better than the news and prime time TV sometimes.

I'm a little offended! Afinch IS my real name. What, it doesn't sound real enough for you, Deborah?!

[afinch]

And just in case you're wondering, my last name is Owner.

[delray]

afinch I totally agree. This forum has taught me so much, and I do enjoy other peoples birds, we all share them. the people on this forum are so helpful and great to talk to, and now I feel like with a little more experience, I could help the newbies a lot more.

[afinch]

Yes, she's not as into them as your wife.BUT she is always proud of herself when she "knows" when the birds need a bath. This website is awesome to show her I'm not the only one with a bird brain ahahaha

Funny, the website has the opposite effect on my wife. She was starting to think I'm normal once she developed an interest in the birds. But then when I started spending time on the forum, she started thinking I'm strange/bird-obsessive again. lol

[afinch]

afinch I totally agree. This forum has taught me so much, and I do enjoy other peoples birds, we all share them. the people on this forum are so helpful and great to talk to, and now I feel like with a little more experience, I could help the newbies a lot more.

Good job