BaileysPapa

I have seen that many times, and it makes me cry every time. But, I'll watch it again & again. I had a very old Grey with arthritis in his feet and legs, and lost the ability to perch. I outfitted his cage in a similar way. And carried him around in a sling around my neck, like you'd use for a broken arm. Special needs birds are special birds.

I ask more experienced guardians...Growling is not necessarily negative or vicious. Right? My Congo used to growl a lot, almost like a dog playing. Didn't seem to be bothered, just making noise. My Timneh growls a lot when we play, with no aggression, or effort to get away, or stop the activity.

I received this, and thought it was funny, and wanted to share. I hope I'm doing this right...http://images.businessweek.com/ss/05/11/egreetings/image/01.swf .

I have a rawhide lace (bird safe rawhide) about 12 inches long with a bead knotted on one end. I hold the other end, and drag it around for Bailey, and my other birds, to grab, and we play tug-of-war or keep-away. They all love to chase it all over. Also, I take a light cloth and put it over my hand. I then stick my hand out and lightly grab their leg or beak, and withdraw my hand. Bringing their head or whole self under the cloth. And, of course, letting them go quickly. Another version of that is simple peek-a-boo, with dropping the cloth over them and letting them come out, or picking it back up over them. Any sort of game or activity that you could play with a young child will be fun for them. Keep it simple, and use a fun, excited voice. If you see they're bored, or don't want to play, let them be. Do not scare them or force your bird to do what it does not want to do.

Recently I was talking with some friends, (of course, Parrot People), and the subject of our parrots' messy behavior came up. I proposed the idea that they are so messy because in the natural world they serve the purpose of reforesting the forest/jungle. They, like monkeys, eat only part of whatever they find, and drop the rest. This serves two purposes; first, to spread seeds of fruit & vining vegetables to the ground below, and secondly, to supplement the feeding of animals that cannot climb trees, the fruits that are in season which they could not get to. Of course, this serves no purpose in our homes, but, these are still wild creatures, and natural behaviors are still with them. Any thoughts?

When I got my TAG, Bailey, I was thinking of names, made a list, and Bailey was on the list. When I went to the breeders house, she introduced me to the 3 babies she had. One of them was already called Bailey! He was the friendliest, and most inquisitive. So, I knew he was meant for me. Years ago, I had cared for a Macaw that was named Polynesia from the Macaw in Dr. Doolittle.

Being 61 myself, and having 8 birds at this moment, I too, have worried about this as well. We have no children, and nobody that I can depend on taking the same (or remotely similar) care of my featherheads. Most of my birds are smaller birds, like Budgies, Lovebirds, Parrotlets, and Cockatiels. I could possibly outlive them, but, my Bailey, my TAG, is only 5 months old. He will certainly outlive me. If not, I might just die of grief, myself, soon after. Anyway, this is a serious concern for any Parrot guardian. And I am glad to see it addressed here.

Watch her, and give her time. Pluckers often stop temporarily when going to a new home. Normal preening is just rearranging her feathers, plucking will be pulling them out, barbering is chewing them off. Keep her occupied, and give her a lot of excited attention. If she'll accept bathing, showering, or misting, that will help with feather issues, and should be part of her new routine, anyway.

I agree. If you must keep the house on the cooler side, give him a towel or small blanket to cuddle up with. Or something like a "Happy Hut" or "Snuggle Ring". And definitely cover his cage at night. His body heat will help warm up the smaller confined space.

I have had a few birds with either one wing (due to accidents) or mismatched wings from unknown reasons. They all were fine. You have to safeguard his environment so he does not fall or get spooked and try to fly, because with mismatched wings, he'll crash and maybe get hurt. Is one wing actually shorter than the other? Meaning his bone structure. Or are his feathers not grown in the same? You should read as much as you can about Greys. There is a lot of info on the internet. If your bird is truly handicapped, then you'll have to learn his limitations and special needs. If you were more experienced, you could remove the broken feathers yourself. But, since you're not, please do not try to. Things may not be so bad. The vets, even though not Avian Certified, know a bit about birds, and will advise you of his condition. But, try to locate an Avian Vet, because birds are very different than other animals, and require specialized knowledge. His diet sounds fine, and the toys and interaction are very important. You say you only recently got him, so, it will take some time before you both know each other well. Good luck, and feel free to ask questions here. There are many very helpful and knowledgeable folks on this site. Good luck with your new friend.

Everything said is very true. As a parrot rescuer, and guardian, myself, I am often asked these same things, and explain the same answers. I, too, have always felt sorry for Alex. That poor bird never knew the joys of being a pet. Although, Irene did love him, but, more for what he did, than for who he was. I often felt that the stress of his day to day life is what shortened his life. He was an amazing creature.

He looks and sounds like Cousin It from the Addams Family!

Nobody but another bird lover can understand what you are going through, or how big a hole these guys leave in our hearts & lives. It took me 10 years to get another Grey after losing mine. I had, and have, many other birds, but, could not bring myself to get another Grey. My Bailey is now the light of my life. When a bird dies, I tell their guardian to think that God needed another angel, for some reason, and so he chose theirs. Be strong. We understand.

Two Greys together on your shoulder at one time! A very well adjusted flock, indeed.

When I inherited a very old Grey, he had vision problems. I kept him in a low cage, meant for Guinea Pigs, because he was also arthritic and didn't climb much anymore. I also gave him platform perches with ladders, and kept his food & water bowls low. You may need to do similar things for Gracie. Though I have known several blind birds who fared very well, once they were familiar with new surroundings. Thank you for helping this angel.

Welcome! The pacing back & forth is him trying to decide if he can trust you. These are very intelligent & sensitive creatures. You are flock leader, but, he calls the shots. A little tip about the phone...wait for the second ring. Many of my birds will mimic the phone ring, but, do it only once. If it doesn't ring a second time, I know it was them. However, my grandparents had a Grey that would mimic the phone ring, then call my grandfather to the phone, in my grandmother's voice. It was hilarious, and often confusing, for he wasn't sure if it was her or the bird!

Very good progress! What is he doing? Or having you do? Plucking birds have always had a special place in my heart. And my home. Just like people doctors, you need second, or third opinions for major problems. Everyone knows different things, sees things differently, and approaches things differently. When I was doing a lot of rescue work, I had 3 different vets that I would consult for the "problem children". And often they would not see things the same, or prescribe the same treatment. Good luck.

For years, my Lovebird & Cockatiel would eat breakfast with me. Now, I have Bailey, my TAG, who will not be excluded from anything (his idea). And now, breakfast has turned into a meal in shifts, or multi locations. They all love granola, cereal, muffin, toast, whatever! And each has to get a tiny sip of my tea. Of course, before I do. It's just plain decaf green tea. No milk, sugar, etc.

Funny video! But, I've had many types of poultry and fowl. Geese make excellent watchdogs. So do Swans, Peafowl, and Turkeys. They all have very little fear of intruders on their turf. And in a group, they're relentless.

Most birds will occasionally play with dropped/molted feathers. I had a Green Cheek Conure that swooped down, and picked up a lost feather from my Cockatoo. It was a big white wing feather. That Conure flew around and around, as if to show it off to everyone. When he went back to his cage, he took it, and "hid" it under his water bowl. And for three days, he'd fly around showing off his trophy. Then, he just dropped it from the roof of his cage. And watched it fall, with that tilted head one eye look. And didn't pick it up again. My Lovebird will chew up the larger molted feathers of his Cockatiel girlfriend. Only the molted feathers, they do not preen, or pluck, each other. Though, he once pulled a feather out of her crest while they were eating from the same bowl. She gave him hell for that! He never did it again.

That is too funny!

Did you bake it? How long? Puree, or chop, or mix in food processor? Sounds good enough to eat myself!

Check out this great invention! http://nbcnews.com/technology/bird-buggy-keeps-noisy-parrot-quiet-mobile-1C7499874

I have taken in birds from hoarder situations with this. It is treatable, and can be conquered. Have faith, and follow your vets instructions. It's not an easy road, but, being vigilant will reap the rewards.

I use a common cornbread mix, with a couple, or three, jars of veggie &/or fruit baby food. When you add an egg or two, mix it in a blender, shell and all. You could add bits of nuts, ground up pellets, small pieces of dried fruit, or some birdseed mix. Follow directions on the box, adding these other things before baking. By adding baby food, you'll give them veggies that they normally won't eat. My guys usually eat this up. I make it somewhat different each time.