Timbersmom

Pretty cat!

Not a clue here!

Just in case I wasn't clear, I wasn't talking about sticking my hand in his cage to pet him before bed. He would come over to the side of the cage and I would scratch his head from outside the cage by putting my finger through the bars. As stated, their cage is their "safe" zone, especially in the early days. Timber felt safer with the bars between us and was more receptive to scratches.

Timber was already named when he came to me. That isn't the name that I would have chosen, but he says it often and obviously associates it with himself, so I didn't want to try to change it. If I had named him, I would have probably went with Loki. I just like that one!

I have a lot of mixed feelings about the whole concept. Most of us have birds that were bred in captivity. They have never lived in the wild, have no concept of how to do that, and live pretty pampered lives (I'm talking about the forum member's birds here). I'd like to think Timber is happy. Would he be happier in the wild? Perhaps, if he had the skills to survive. With the birds most of us have, it is a moot issue. The more disturbing thing is looking at it from the breeder's perspective. Is it right to continue breeding birds in captivity? In the end I guess everyone has to make their own decisions about that. That said, Timber has really enriched my life. At this point I can't imagine life without a bird. Selfish? Maybe, but there it is...

Sorry to hear about your predicament Nelson! I have no experience but someone with more knowledge will comment.

When I rehomed Timber, I had a lot of trouble getting him to step up. A forum member gave me some advice that helped a lot so I'll share. When your family members ask for a step up, make sure it is a positive experience. For example, with Timber, I never asked for a step up unless it was to take him somewhere he wanted to go or give him a favored treat. That really helped us and he started stepping up readily.

Those bonding moments are so special in the early days! In my experience it is wise to be cautious. When I rehomed Timber and we progressed to head scratching, he wasn't 100% sure he could trust me. He wanted his head scratched badly, but he was still nervous and a little fearful. Taking it slow is the way to go in my opinion. I had my share of bites early on. Even now, I still risk getting "the beak" if I don't watch his body language carefully!

LOL Sounds like Delilah has a crush! I've never been in a pet store I would be willing to buy an animal from. I have seen a few in them I'd like to rescue! I'm sure there are some good ones somewhere, but not around here.

Hello and welcome to you and Cockey! Looks like you are off to a great start if it has only been two days He is a beautiful bird. Why don't you tell us more, like how old Cockey is, how you came to have him etc.?

LOL What a character! Loved the video, thanks for posting!

Loved the video! Thanks for sharing

I didn't think your video was boring at all Shane! I always enjoy the videos from the other forum members and look forward to them.

What a great home-coming you had! One of the reasons I wouldn't consider working in a pet store is because I'd end up taking most of them home. I'll bet they will miss her. They have a way of tugging at your heart strings from day one.

Same here as what Dan and Sterling said... Timber will have a small abrasion somewhere on the "mask" area every once in awhile. Freaked me out the first time I saw it, but I've gotten used to it! By the next day, it is usually fading rapidly. That said, Inara's looks a bit worse than what I'm used to seeing. Good job for finding the cause!

Scarlett does indeed seem happy and relaxed! I never tire of watching the other forum member's videos and always look forward to them. Thanks for posting

LOL Was the last one trying to preen it or eat it??

Have you tried scratching his head through the cage at bedtime? That is how Timber and I started. At bedtime, he would come to the side of the cage and I would scratch above his beak (between his eyes). That said, it was three months after I rehomed him before I was able to give him scratches outside the cage.

Good deal! I'm glad you found a supplier.

Well, the short answer is you don't unless they "open their feathers." I'm not an expert but I'll share what I know. Bird's feathers act as protection in the wild. Part of the reason they preen to spread an oily "water repellent" all along the feather. When it rains and they want to stay dry (or when you spray them) they repel water. When they want to bathe, they will "open their feathers" and get soaked to the skin. I am sure I don't have all the science exactly correct but that is the layman's version. Keep a close eye on Dolly. At some point you may see her dipping her head in her water bowl or throwing water over her shoulder. That's your cue to get the aloe vera juice in a glass baking dish (or similar). Set it somewhere she feels safe and comfortable and keep your fingers crossed that she will take advantage of it. I spray Timber with aloe vera juice (mostly in the winter) too. I give him a good soaking, but I know most of it rolls right off. Thoughts from members with more experience would be appreciated!

As have I...

Enjoyed the video! Thanks for sharing. I've always thought I'd like to have a "baby" at some point. Seeing videos like this and the one they aired last night makes me lean toward adopting if I succumb to MBS!

Well, it is early days yet. We don't have much control over who our bird likes and who they want as their "chosen" one. Many of us have found that a bird's likes and dislikes (people-wise) can change over time, and especially this early on. Don't be discouraged, but be patient and consistent. If you read the forum posts, you will find many people here who wanted a bird for themselves, but found the bird prefers someone else in the household. That doesn't mean you can't develop a great relationship with Georgie though. Trust takes a lot of time with a grey, and so does adaptation. Hang in there!

How excited you must be! Can't wait until you get her home. Be sure and keep us informed of your progress. Good luck and God bless

No pro here, but brussel sprouts are on the OK list from what I've seen. Cabbage seems to be contoversial, something about interfering with calcium absorption? But that seems to be debatable as well.