Timbersmom

Following up on what Dan said, when I first brought Timber home (like the first two days) he would step up. After that, he wouldn't step up for a couple of months. That is referred to as the "honeymoon" period. Don't be discouraged if he starts refusing to step up. He'll come around in time. As Dan said, slower is better and patience wins the day!

We were just having a discussion yesterday about "biting." I'm assuming there are times when they don't realize how painful their bites are for us? It is pretty obvious when they bite in fear or anger (I've received both). But when we are interacting, Timber likes to put my finger in his beak and run it back and forth. Then he will rub his beak around on my hand and "nibble" for lack of a better word. A couple of times, he has bitten me (not bad but uncomfortable) and I'm assuming it was not intended to hurt me, but was unintentionally hard. Maybe I'm just giving him the benefit of the doubt, but his body language and actions just weren't the same as when he is really "trying" to bite me. Is that correct?

Fortunately, we live in a big old house and noise levels aren't a concern. I'm grateful for that because he will continue to vocalize until I get downstairs. After I respond, he changes to other whistle patterns and words that I assume are his "well hurry up I'm waiting" repertoire.

Hello and welcome to you and Tyson Good luck and God bless!

You could see him smiling!

What a pretty bird Taffy is. I haven't seen a lot of cockatoos in person, but I remember that several of the ones I have seen are missing a lot of feathers. Taffy doesn't seem to have that problem!

No clue, but neat pics

My brothers grows a patch of sweet corn for all of the family in season. That's great because at least I know it is pesticide free. I give Timber a piece and he loves picking off every grain. I'm not sure that he eats much, but he has a fine time making a mess with it!

The most obvious, I would think, would be the contact calls. Timber uses certain sounds in certain situations. I.e. his whistle when he hears me getting up (upstairs, he is downstairs) is the same every morning. I assume that is his "location" call, letting me know where he is so I can get there.

Truth there. If nothing else, having a parrot teaches most of us to be gracious losers

Guess it depends on the audience. If you are writing a scientific document, you need to back it up with facts. If you are writing for a specific group (like other parronts), I think it is fine to write from your interpretation of Dayo's thoughts from your perspective. Personally, I enjoy your "thoughts on his thoughts."

I'll work on this next week at work (where my software is). Maybe I'll try youtube! Thanks Dan.

It is the first video I've posted, so I thought there was a good chance I'd messed it up! Thanks for checking luvparrots

Argh, I hope that isn't true. It is on photo bucket. Anyone else having trouble?

LOL I wouldn't be surprised at all! Timber will spend a lot of time trying to lure the cats over to the cage so he can get his beak on them. He takes joy in waiting until they are all in the room with him and making a very loud, indescribable sound so they all jump and run. He also throws almond shells and anything else at them that he can. Then there are times when I really think he sees them as flock members!

Interesting stuff Dan, thanks for posting!

Others with more experience can be more helpful, but I CAN tell you that it takes time. It takes a lot more time for a grey to adapt and get comfortable than you realize. Have you read the rehome stories on the forum? They would probably give you a lot of help and ideas. Good luck!

What great news! A tragedy averted.

LOL to the "kiss a horse" analogy. Haaaa.

Interesting about Gus! Sounds like you found his "sweet spot." I've noticed with Timber that messy as he is, if it is something he really, really likes (like hard cheese or a little strip of steak) he doesn't drop a crumb.

Yes indeed, great problem solvers aren't they?

LOL! Funny

I think Aerial would be my pick on the list. I like the play on words with that one!

For those of you who have an interest in spycams to keep an eye on your bird when you are away, here is a video I took this morning with the cam. The quality on the video software is not as good as what I see on my Kindle or computer. However, it will give you an idea of what you have access to. Excuse Timber's mess on the cage floor, he had a foraging fest this morning (and every morning). There is a cat in the room in back of him, which is where he seems to be directing his efforts. Also, I just realized I forgot to lower his light when I put him in this morning. Happens about every two weeks... http://s1068.beta.photobucket.com/user/karent777/media/Timbercam_1.mp4.html

LOL! Outwitted by your bird again. Lowering thought isn't it? I love stories like this though