Things have been a little quiet around here lately so I thought I'd post some photos of Alfie... because everyone likes photos, right?
I'd love to see some photos of other member's birds as well, so feel free to post some to this thread.
Alfie climbed up the curtain then practiced his acrobatic skills on the curtain rail
I second Acapella's advise- get a professional to do it. But be very picky about who you choose and make sure you find someone who is experienced so they do it properly. I think it's more risky doing it yourself- you don't want to cause accidental damage- either to the wing or to the trust/bond you have with each other.
Alfie has had two wing clips in his whole life (he's 16 years old). They only did one wing and then when I went back the second time they did the other wing. They wrapped him in a towell to do it and it was very stressful for him. And in the end it made no difference at all. As soon as he worked out the balance, he was able to fly just fine. Personally I just decided it was a whole load of stress for no real reason. He is fully flighted and I manage the risk as best as I can.
I swear Alfie has velcro feet- even if I try and encourage him to fly he just sticks to my hand if he's not in the mood. He can fly and does fly- but normally just one one location to the next. He doesn't fly just for the sake of it- there is always a motive.
I really want to sort the garden out and try and concoct some form of aviary/flight for him. But my garden is quite small and split level so I'm not sure how well it would work out. It's currently rather overgrown!
I'd love to do something like this with Alfie but I think I'd have one of two problems
1) He would sit on me and be too scared to go anywhere else
2) He would fly to the highest point and not come down
It didn't even occur to me that they may have teflon in them. I don't have one and don't have the space or the need for one, but my parents do. So I'll just need to be mindful when I take Alfie with me to see them.
Alfie chews wood, card and paper. He's currently destroying/throwing around the centre of a roll of wrapping paper whilst also destroying/shredding a 24parrot.com catalogue on his favourite shelf. He makes mince meat out of cardboard too. I'm forever finding pieces of card and paper stuck to things!
Looks like Dorian is having a blast with his boxes. Cheap entertainment at it's best!
Oh what a cutie. I really must stop looking at baby grey photos as I get so parrot broody!!
I'm really happy that you've decided to take on another grey. It's difficult to make any suggestions about the feelings of guilt though. I think this is just a process that you'll need to work through. As cliche as the saying is, time IS a great healer. My family and I went through similar when we lost our family dog. It took us a few years before we all decided we were ready to have another dog.
I think once Django is fully settled in you'll get to a point where it feels like he's been there forever and you'll accept the differences between the two Django's and that there is no betrayal.
Welcome to you and Jason!
We have members from all over the world, so you're more than welcome to join in!
You've already passed the initiation test anyway by posting some lovely photos of your Grey!
Zoe is adorable. It made me laugh when she started coughing. Alfie can cough, sneeze and blow his nose.
He also goes camera shy. If he knows there is a camera about, he'll stop everything and just stare at it. The only time I ever got videos of him making noises was when I set up a wireless security cam and left it on noise activation a few times.
Happy new year to you and Sukei. It's amazing how much our grey's understand and how much they try and communicate with us. They take over our lives and steal our hearts- in the best kind of way.
Head scratches- on his terms only. I can't initiate them, I have to wait for Alfie to come to me.
Alfie will sit on my knee or my arm. He tries to sit on my shoulder too but I don't allow this as he has a tendency to start seeking out my ear.
I can touch his feet when he's in his cage. He doesn't sit still for long enough when he's out of his cage for me to do that though.
Oh geez. I was just catching up and your post hit me like a freight train. I was so hopeful for you and Alvin. I'm so so sorry for your loss. I can't imagine what you must be going through right now. My thoughts are with you.
I'm afraid I can't offer any advice to you but I'm sure other members will be along soon. I wish Alvin a speedy recovery and I hope he's back to full health very soon.