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Life with Linnies
Where do I start? Well, to begin, life with a Linnie is never dull. I now have two little girls of my very own, Indianna and Paddy. They are my loveable, yet independent, little munchkins with a flare to entertain. To assure my two girls remained as pets, they each have their own cage. If they shared accommodation I may have risked them bonding with each other and not me. It is more work but worth the pleasure they give me as pets.
Lineolated Parakeets are smart, independent little souls who are curious of everything. They also seem to fear nothing. If anything new is placed in there cage, whether it's a new toy, change of paper, or a different type of food, you can be sure they are right there checking it out. You'll know when they aren't sure about it because their tail will fan right out as they get closer.
Basic care for the Linnie can be simple and straight forward. They will need their water changed once, sometimes twice, a day. They will eat pretty much anything you'll eat if you give them the chance. However, what goes in must come out and Linnies do have larger poops than most small birds. So I suggest minimizing juicy foods like grapes in their diet. Their cages need to be cleaned regularly.
These little birds also require their own regular bathing. They love water. It is also the funniest thing to watch them hang upside down on their perches with wings flailing begging to be sprayed more, more, and more. Be sure to give baths on warm days so your bird does not catch a cold. If you are washing dishes do be careful, they may jump in and they cannot swim.
These birds are also exceptional entertainers and acrobats with ample energy levels. They need plenty of play time outside their cages. Their flying ability is amazing; diving under chairs, making circles, finding the highest perches, or swooshing past your head. Also, don't let their little legs deceive you; they are quick on the ground and hard to catch. If you lose track of your Linnie be sure to WATCH your step (learn to shuffle) and DO NOT sit down. They will hide under throw pillows or cushions if given the chance.
Even though they are primarily good natured they can become cranky and quite protective of their surroundings such as their cage. If they become overly protective they may try to bite. Please be aware of this.
Linnies also need their nails trimmed frequently. If you are not prepared to trim nails on a regular basis or willing to find someone to do it then a Linnie is not the bird for you.
All in all I love my little munchkins and they undoubtedly love me. They are great company and will sit on my shoulder while I'm working on school work, reading a book, or chillin' with a movie. Plus they greet with me with absolute joy and excitement over and over again everyday; whether its wolf whistles, "good biirrrddd", "step up", or playing little games together. There is never a dull moment.
Written By: Reagan Brown
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Indy &Paddy
Photo Courtesy of
Reagan Brown |
I gave Indy to my daughter Reagan, as a gift when Indy was just weaned. Reagan, on the other hand, adopted Paddy, when Paddy was almost a year and a half old. Paddy has bonded well with Reagan even at this later introduction to her. Reagan has housed each bird separately resulting in two very affectionate birds. Although the "two girls" get out to play with each other, I believe it is because of their housing situation that both birds enjoy being with their human counterparts and remain interactive with them rather than just with each other as birds. This is something I recommend to any one wanting to have two birds of the same species. If you are not willing to clean two cages then one bird is best for you if you want a pet that will be bonded to you. D. Brown
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