Macaw

I have been wanting a macaw for a very, very VERY long time. Since I was 5 years old actually. Now each day is a day closer until I can have one in my flock.




I got in touch with a breeder and my name is on a waiting list for a baby Blue & Gold. I decided in the end on the B&G instead of the scarlet. I have always loved the scarlet macaws but I feel that I would enjoy a B&G a lot more and feel it's better suited for me.



There are no babies yet. The parents have been busy in the nestbox. However I am on a waiting list. So if there's people infront of me, this could definitely be a while. And I'm more than happy to wait. I was impressed with the breeder's website and also reviews from other parronts with the quality of care and the amount of love they put into what they do. They really put the birds' best interest first and foremost and that's what's important.

A macaw lays a clutch of 1-3 eggs. Incubation period can be 26-29 days. And it can take months to wean a baby. Handfeeding is very tricky. If you get the food down the wrong tube, you can kill the bird. It's a very, VERY delicate thing that's best left to professionals. A huge problem in aviculture is a lot of dishonest breeders out to make a buck will sell unweaned babies. You see it and read about it all the time on the forums. These poor people have a baby that's not weaned and they are freaking out, not knowing what to do. I know someone who got into a weaning nightmare with a shady breeder and it was a very, very heartbreaking situation.



I feel that this is something I have extensively been researching for a very long time and definitely feel ready to make the commitment. It hasn't been thought through lightly, as this bird could potentially outlive me. This will most likely be my last feathered kid.

I'll keep posting updates and keep everyone informed.

OH and I'm sure you all want to know...regardless of the sex, boy or girl, the bird's name will be Rudder...yes...as in an airplane rudder...

Lemon Cupcakes

These are courtesy of a Kraft magazine that usually comes free in the mail once in a while. They're absolutely delicious. And since they're just made with egg whites, they're more like sponge cake-cupcakes. And they're really easy.

Lemon Cupcakes

1 package white cake mix
1 package lemon flavor Jell-o pudding & pie mix
1 c. water
4 egg whites
2 T. oil
16 oz. confectioners' sugar
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/4 c. butter, softened
2 T. lemon juice

Preheat oven to 350. Beat cake mix, dry pudding mix, water, egg whites, and oil until moistened. Beat on medium speed until everything is nice and smooth. Spoon batter evenly into lined muffin tins.

Bake 21-24 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the center of the cupcakes comes out clean. Remove from pans and cool completely.

Beat confectioners' sugar, cream cheese, butter, and lemon juice on low speed until well combined and smooth. Frost cupcakes.

*NOTE: This recipe will give you a LOT more icing than you need. What I did was froze my leftover icing. So when I go to the grocery store the next week, I'll just buy a package of white cake mix, make some quicky-cupcakes, and use the remaining icing.

*NOTE #2: As I am writing this, I hear a little African Grey voice proudly proclaim "Come on out!" and she proudly leaps off her playstand into the floor. I run to get her back to her playstand and narrowly avoid a parrot poop on the floor! Only at Megs Food n Fids is it totally acceptable to discuss bird poop and food in the same post! Hehe enjoy your cupcakes!

Cheeko's New Cage

Well I ordered Cheeko a beautiful new big-boy cage and it's been sitting in the living room, it's in box, unopened for a week since I've been knocked out with swine flu. So yesterday my mom & dad put it together for him. I'm sure he appreciates all their hard work.


Rowan from BirdyBooty.com did an amazing job with this precious swing for Cheeko. The airplanes are just too Meghan right?





Come on in!


Uh oh! I think he's curious about these curtains...

FLU UPDATE: I'm doing a little better. Still exhausted. Good news is the fever has gone down. I've missed a week of work. I'm doing a little better each day. Today I felt well enough to go to the Starbucks drive-thru and get breakfast. But it wore me out. Ugh. But I've got a horrible case of laryngitis and sound like Minnie Mouse. I sure hope that goes away as soon as possible! It's embarrassing!

It's Been Awhile

Yes, it looks like it's been about 2 months since I've updated. A LOT has happened. Started a great new job and have been really busy.

Right now I've been oh so blessed to get hit with H1N1. I've been MISERABLE since Tuesday. Woke up with a small tickle in my throat Monday and Tuesday it was a full blown flu. Each day is a LITTLE better than the last. I've almost completely lost my voice. I thought this H1N1 was supposed to be a mild flu? For me, it's been anything BUT mild. My asthma has been making this really hard to kick. I had a nice little visit to the ER Thursday night. If you go in there and mention SWINE FLU they immediately put a mask on you and usher you back to a room! That means NO WAITING and no long sits in the waiting room! HAHAHA.

Once I'm not a walking cloud of germs, I'll try to cook some more and update on the birds. Since H1N1 has jumped around to cats, I don't want to get near my pets. Don't know if dogs or birds can catch it, but I'm not taking a chance. Mom has been helping out a lot.