Welcome Timo!

On Sunday morning, April 24th, Chico died and he left me alone with an enormous sadness and some pent-up anger because it was so unfair that my loyal little birdie had died on me. It's been a rough time since then. I've had my difficult moments, but I was especially surprised by the silence left in my room, which was so uncomfortably and extremely clearly noticeable. I knew I couldn't live without another animal in my student room, no matter how tiny the animal is. So I decided to take another bird. I used the Internet and surfed to a special site where people can put all kinds of advertisements for selling practically anything, from time-worn clocks to hyper-modern sports cars. And it was there that I encountered many options, from which only one turned out to be the right one, namely a woman in Gouda who breeds her own parakeets. So it's not without pride that I announce you that last Wednesday, I officially became the new mom of Timo, a five-week-old parakeet.

To find Timo wasn't exactly an easy task. I'm quite picky when it comes to pets. I mean, there has to be that special feeling, on the spot. It has to feel good. It has to be something like love at first sight, an indescribable feeling that tells you that you've made the right decision. And I had this feeling when I first saw Timo. I already knew I wanted a blue parakeet, but I didn't entirely close my heart to anything that wasn't blue. Still, when Ria - the woman who breeds her own parakeets - showed me a young yellow one and another young green-yellow one, I immediately knew that they weren't destined for me. However, then she showed me a third parakeet from the same nest, a blue one. And then the magic happened and right on the spot I knew that that little birdie would become my little Timo. I'd already decided on the name, because I had taken into account the fact that Chico could die and that I'd had to invent another name for a new parakeet, that is, if I wanted one. And indeed, I was sure about it, for Timo it would be. Timo is named after a disciple of Jesus Christ, Timothy. In the first place, I wanted to thank God for the most beautiful times I'd ever had with a parakeet, those seven and a half years with Chico indeed, and I hope that He will bless the life of my new friend and that we will be able to spend many beautiful moments together. I met Timo on April 16th, just two days after Chico died. The problem was that (s)he - we'll only know for sure if Timo is male or female within 6 weeks - was still in the nest and therefore too young to take home. I'd have to wait another two weeks before I could finally take him/her home. 

The first time I could hold Timo in my hands...

Protective hands around my little buddy

Looking for some warmth in my hands

I knew those two weeks would probably be the longest two weeks in my entire life, but I was left with little alternative: Timo still needed to be fed by his/her parents, (s)he was not yet ready to come to Leiden. Luckily, last Saturday my parents came, and we went to see Timo once more. It was so good to hold him/her in my hands, and we made some cute pictures of our second encounter:

Second encounter also felt good!

Look at that beautiful head...

Even closer to me...

Already kissing on the second encounter!

In the meantime I received pictures and regular updates from Ria. A few days after my parents and I had visited, Ria sent me these pictures:

Chico's mommy and daddy still caring for their offspring

Who can spot Timo in this picture? Hint: he's blue ;)

And then, on Tuesday, I received good news from Ria: two siblings from Timo had fledged, and it was only a matter of days before Timo would follow their suit, as(s) he was the third in row to have hatched, which means that (s)he would also be the third in row to fledge. I was putting my hopes on Wednesday, because then I could go to Gouda for sure. I was paying attention during my Brazilian Portuguese lesson when I suddenly received a text message on my mobile phone: Timo had fledged! And I could go and pick him/her up that same evening! I was so excited, and that night we went to Gouda to pick up my new little comrade. I can guarantee you, it's quite a challenging experience, because Timo still refuses to eat and drink if I don't help him/her with it. So there's still much to learn. This is the second complete day we are together, and this feels so good. It makes up for the dread and sadness I feel for Chico. One thing is sure: Timo won't be a replacement for Chico, because that's just impossible. Timo is a brother or sister for Chico, and (s)he will have his/her own character, which is good.  I'll certainly call for Chico if I mean Timo, and there willl be moments in which I will think back to how Chico would have reacted. But I don't want Timo to feel less worthy of my love, because Chico was a completely different bird with a completely different attitude towards me and other people. 

First day in Leiden and already looking for warmth and protection...

Adapting to my cage and a new environment...

Already eating very well!

It's getting late, I should go to bed. Timo is also very tired and already asleep. I'm glad to have him/her with me. It's still a matter of getting acquainted to each other, but in the end it will work out well. Now is the time to dedicate all the time and attention I can to Timo, because that's how you can make them tame. Today, it seemed as if Timo already felt more at home: whistling, trying to fly - but not succeeding yet - eating and drinking, and of course, being admired by visitors. I can easily caress Timo, or even give him/her kisses everywhere. (S)he seems to like it. 

So all of you who want to come and visit us, you're welcome! Don't forget to warn me beforehand. And let's pray that I can easily spend as many years with Timo as I've had with Chico, if not, more. Chico will never be forgotten. He was such a loverboy and a real warrior. He didn't want to die yet, he wanted to spend many more years with me. But it was decided differently... Now I have Timo, and I will respect the wishes of my new buddy. I'll try to be the best parakeet-mom in the entire world, you can be sure of that!

PS: If you want to visit us, no problem, just give me a call or send me a message or e-mail, or write a comment on this post.

PPS: Some family pictures:

Grandma and Timo

Granddad and Timo

Cousin Andy and Timo

Cousin Vicky and Timo

Uncle Thierry and Timo

Aunt Mieke and Timo

Niece Indra and Timo

 

Mom and Timo

Aunt Katleen and Timo

PPS: You asked for some movies of Timo? Well, here you go! Enjoy!