BaileysPapa

I use many ordinary household items. Things like paper cups, toilet paper rolls, small paper plates, cupcake cups, plastic drinking straws, little cardboard boxes, or pieces of cardboard, paper packing shreds, just about anything like those. Since you are creative, tie or string them together somehow. Use natural cotton cord, natural rawhide laces, anything not dyed or processed. You could give him natural loofah, my guys love chewing on that. How about things from the craft store or dollar store, like plain popsicle sticks, wooden coffee stirrers, small wooden spools, small wooden spoons, etc. Once you start making your own toys, you'll see materials everywhere.

Dave, I didn't mean that the animals know what names mean. I meant that words have powers of their own. And names, like other words, have certain vibes or natural attachments to them. Also, I said I wasn't seriously blaming his name for his behavior. You show a Buddha at the end of your posts. If you are a Buddhist, as I am, then, you know how Karma, of various forms, affects us. And I suggested clipping as a way of subduing the questioned negative behavior. I am not in favor of random clipping. But, I have a "problem child", and have rehabilitated several others, and being clipped has helped with behavioral problems. My Elvis is the only bird of mine that I clip. And nobody can agree more about the real solution being better trained, and perceptive, guardians. I always agree with everything I see you post, and hope that I have not offended you, or anyone else here, with my "tongue in cheek" response about names. If I have, I sincerely apologize.

Cannot help you with the boots, but, there are some parrots that like, or at least tolerate, snow. Kea Parrots are mountain dwellers in Australia, and I've seen photos of them in snow. Plus, I've seen feral parrots in Brooklyn, N.Y. foraging through snow, looking for food. And enjoying snow baths, as well. Playing in snow same as they do in birdbaths.

Many times male mammals seemingly trying to have sex with other males is really a display of dominance. And a testing of superiority within the pack/herd/group. It is not really a sexual act. And does also happen among female dominated groups, female to female.

Your Maverick is going through the "terrible twos". Just like a human child. It will pass, but can take some time. My advice would be to try to redirect some of his behavior, give him more things to occupy his mind & time, and do clip his wings. They know what it means to be clipped, and can feel the restraint immediately. He may be resentful right away, but, will adjust. It really is a phase, the terrible twos, and sometimes even threes. Also, on a lighter note, there is a train of thought that names can affect a personality. A Maverick is a free thinker, a rascal, an unconventional creature. I often caution people about naming pets things like Rascal, Diablo, Loki (god of mischief), and other names like that. I have a friend that wanted to name his Cockatoo "Icarus" until I reminded him that Icarus was the only man ever to fly, but, fell from the sky to his death, because he got too close to the sun, and his wings of wax and feathers melted. I'm not really serious about this last part of my response, but, it is something to think about. Good luck with your baby, and please have patience with him.

I have seen many same sex bird bonds, Greys among them, that bond with each other because there are no other birds for them to bond with. Would you consider that homosexual behavior? They preen each other, feed each other, and may exhibit other mating behaviors. But, I don't see that as homosexual. I feel that they have no other outlet for these natural uncontrollable behaviors. Some of these bonds were broken when appropriate mates were introduced. If you must give this activity a word, then "homosexual" is probably a correct definition, but, I believe that humans are the only truly homosexual animals. Just my opinion.

Having several birds of different species, I agree about the intelligence difference. And yes, my Grey is at the top of that totem pole, as well. My Lovebird seems to recognize that it is him in the mirror. And the Budgies keep me guessing by their different reactions each time. The Parrotlet is also up there in the brains dept. My Cockatiel seems smart, but, doesn't seem to care whether she shows it or not, unless it's to her advantage. She's rather a birdy sociopath.

I do not use mirrors in my birds' cages for aggression issues, masturbation issues, and hormonal issues. But, today, I had Bailey on my shoulder, and was passing a floor length mirror in the bedroom. I stopped to see his reaction. He looked at the reflection. He gave it the "one eye look", then looked at me, then back to my refection, then back to me. And did this several times, as if wondering, who was the real me, or how come there was suddenly two of me, or "what the heck is going on?" And gave up, and climbed behind my head, so, he couldn't see any of this nonsense. He really didn't seem interested in his own reflection. Which I thought he might interpret as another bird. Or possibly realize was himself. He paid that no mind. Anybody else have experiences with mirrors and their birds?

My Bailey is in the same condition. He was clipped by the breeder, and when he tries to fly, he misses his target, and crashes on the floor. After their flight feathers grow in, let them experiment flying. They'll be clumsy, but will improve with practice. Make sure they have soft landing areas. Keep the distance between you short, so, they can make the flight. It will build up their confidence. Increase the distance slowly, and praise them for their achievement and courage. If you intend to clip them again, give them enough time to learn how to fly and maneuver before doing so. Just like children learning to walk, there will be mishaps. But, they'll learn from you and your confidence in them. Remember, you are their flock leader, and they'll take their lessons from you. It's their natural instinct to fly, and fledglings in the wild just eventually hop off the nest and learn by doing.

I was recently in the hospital for 3 days. When I came home, my babies would not leave my side. Even the ones who do not get along tolerated each other, just to be with me. It's great to feel welcomed home like that!

As a lover of Owls, I thank you all. Snowies are beautiful birds, and a real value to our ecosystem, as all Owls are. They prey on rats, squirrels, and "problem birds", among other varmints.

Please read today's thread about recommended veggies for a picky eater. We all have this same problem.

Other than chops and mashes, you could try baby food. I use various methods of feeding my birds. You could also mix baby food in a cornbread mix and make "birdy bread". I've fooled a lot of birds into eating healthy things they didn't like by making a veggie baby food/cornbread birdy bread. Sometimes they'll eat things one way, other times not. Also, keep trying. Just because they won't eat something today, does not mean that they won't eat it tomorrow. And, conversely, what they eat today, they may not eat tomorrow.

Isn't it great that they can express themselves in so many ways? And that she made the connection between an action and a response? I love these birds so!

I also agree that it was probably a nervous reaction. Birds empty their crops when nervous to "lighten the load", in case they need to fly off. "Gakking" is when they regurgitate purposefully to feed a loved one, and would be done ON you. Not in a carrier or cage.

My TAG is seven months old, and doesn't talk yet. He grumbles, growls, bird barks, and whistles. I wish he would talk, but, if not, I'll love him all the same. Neither of his parents talk at all, they're strictly breeder birds, and not pets.

I, too, have a Grey and other (7) birds. Bailey (Grey) will snap at everyone when they come near. I try to keep them apart, and often give different birds their own out of cage time. Also, because all the others don't get along well together. I have a Lovebird that can only be out with my Cockatiel, who he adores, but, nobody else. My Parrotlet doesn't really like any other bird, but, can be out with others because he stays by himself. It's sometimes a juggling act, but, works for us. Everyone gets some time out every day. Either by themselves, or with their friends. I vary the mix to keep everyone somewhat socialized. Thankfully, they all love me!

Birds do not have the same kind of respiratory system that mammals do. They do sneeze like us, but, generally do not cough like us. Sometimes they will make a sort of cough to eject something caught in their throats. Does someone in your home cough, that she could be mimicking? Does anyone in your house smoke? Have you had her long enough to be sure this is a new sound? When in doubt, the very best thing to do is take her to the vets.

My Bailey's cage has a playgym on top, which he loves. The highest perch is above our heads. And never gives me trouble about coming down. He always lets me think that I am flock leader.

I feel the same way about my Bailey! My birds have always been the lights of my life. But, he really is the first thing I think of each morning, and the last thing I think about each night. I love those face shots.

One never knows what Dan might come up with next!

Timnehs seem to be less single person bonding than Congos. But, these birds are very intelligent, emotional and needy. The key to keeping him well socialized is to expose him to as much as possible, in the way of interacting with other people (not just you & husband), seeing different things, and giving him the widest education about the world that you can. You and your husband both should take turns feeding him, cleaning his cage, and picking him up. Plus pass him back and forth. He probably will choose a favorite, because these guys pick a mate for life, and belong to the same flock for their whole lives, in the wild. But, if properly socialized, will tolerate, and even enjoy, handling by either of you.

Welcome. If you're having trouble getting Breezy to eat his veggies, you could try vegetable human baby food. Either alone, mixed with oatmeal, or applesauce or fruit baby food. I, too, have a Timneh, about 7 months old, named Bailey.

I love that baby face, and those baby eyes.

Very nice, Beth. It's great that he understands the concept of "Where?", and that you are Mommy. Is he a CAG or TAG? At what age did he start talking?