Laurie

I have a cheap basket that I keep right here on the computer desk just for Klaus. It has toys in it, but he likes to play with the basket itself, too. Oh, and of course, the mouse, the mouse pad, took a button off the monitor (never to be seen again), and chewed up the edge of the desk pretty good...:lol:

Yep, if I'm gonna have chocolate, it's gotta be off premises or at least in the other room! LOL

Hi, Sheila! You got my karma for tonight, hands down. What a touching story, and your bird sounds like an absolute sweetheart after all he's been through. Love the names "Rey" and also "Stevie." Probably because I love-love-love both of their music! Look forward to hearing more from you...

Hi, and welcome! Sounds like you have quite the menagerie there!

Hi, and welcome! Klaus doesn't talk regularly yet, so I have no tips on that. As far as playing, he basically just likes to hang out with me (on me) and does his own thing with his toys. I do pick up thrown toys for him, and also "rassle" him which is just gently putting my hand on his back and shaking him up a tiny bit.

Hi, and welcome!

Klaus is moderately spoiled, I would say. My husband and I both work (opposite shifts) so Klaus is home alone at least part of the day. But when I get home at 6:00 the spoiling begins. When we first got him, I set his evening "out" time at 6:00-8:00. Klaus soon re-trained me - he stays out until I go to bed. I probably spend too much on food & toys. I fuss over his cage and continually change things up - also make sure he gets a "foraging" treat almost every day. He definitely shares my food freely (as long as it's something he can have). I actually stay out of his sight if I'm having something he can't have. His bed-time ritual is much like that of a baby or toddler. I dim the lights and talk softly to him, pet him at least 300 (it seems like!) times and slowly, gently ease him into his cage. This process can take up to 10-15 minutes. Others in the house marvel at my patience. I love my little guy, what can I say?

Wow, what a cool story! Welcome, here - we look forward to hearing more from you...

Hi, and welcome! We're glad you're here, all the way from Texas. Yee-hah!

Hi, and welcome, Rick! I don't know where to get cedar nuts (sorry). But I'm glad you're here... Look forward to hearing more from you!

I don't shop at Wal-Mart. I'd rather pay a dollar more for something and know that they are treating their workers alright and also allowing for at least some products to be made here in the US.

Klaus attacks his toys pretty wildly. Also, with me, if I think he's in the mood, I say, "Wanna rassle?" and I put my hand on his back and shake him around a bit (very gently). He seems to enjoy it!

Aw, what a cute birdie! I like the name Akila, even if it's a boy. Personally, I wouldn't know whether that's a girl's or boy's name. Klaus (my bird) is named after Klaus Baudelaire from "A Series of Unfortunate Events" by Lemony Snicket. I also kind of like regular guy names for pets. Like "Jim" or "Bob." Anyway, good luck! Thanks for sharing pictures...

Hi, and welcome! I'm freezing here in Detroit, too - I hear ya!

Doing fine here in Detroit! It was 8 degrees F when I woke up this morning. Holy #$%& that's cold! But we're hanging in there ... got lots of cleaning done since we don't really want to go out in this. Looking forward to my trip next month - maybe I'll thaw out a little!

Very cute, Jimmy! I love the one where he's nibbling at your glasses.

Hi, Funky! Thanks for the wonderful intro. We're glad you're here and look forward to hearing more from you!

I'm not sure on this one, but I think every grey is different. I think the common theme is that they'll pick up a certain word or saying, say it quite a bit for a few days, then drop it, moving on to the next thing. Klaus has only spoken once that I know of, but I wasn't home.

Hi, and welcome! We look forward to hearing more from you...

Congrats on her talking, by the way! That must be fun...

Sundarg, Make sure when you approach Amy you are going v-e-r-y s-l-o-w-l-y and calmly. Make sure there is no other commotion in the room to make her nervous. Do not approach from above her, or in front of her (this is how predators approach, and defense instinct will kick in). Lower your head, look at her sideways and narrow your eyes (greys take this as a friendly stance). When moving your hand near her, go very slowly (I can't stress it enough) and approach from the side. Remember their eyes are pretty much on the sides of their heads. They only have peripheral vision of what's coming from in front of them, and can't help but defend against the unknown. Hope this helps! Good luck... (Remember - patience! It sometimes takes my baby grey weeks to get used to something.)

In addition to the occasional "store bought" toy (he has a few which I rotate, buy a new one maybe once every two months. Expensive!) I give Klaus Empty, rinsed yogurt containers Clean, empty margarine containers Plastic bottle tops, plus the "rings" that come on milk bottles A coffee filter with a treat twisted up in it A paper towel roll, cut to size with a treat in it and ends crimped shut Little plastic toys courtesy of my young son Little balls with bells in them (meant for cats, very cheap) A pen with "innards" removed Q-tips That's just a few!

Klaus has millet once in a while (when I remember to give it to him).

Wow, that is great news!

Aw, welcome to you, and your special baby! Cheers!