BaileysPapa

I use my foraging/play box, that I have previously posted about. They get in it, and scratch around like chickens sometimes. It's just a large plastic storage container. The sides keep all the debris inside. Thank goodness! I vacuum enough everyday!

There has always been a special place in my heart for birds who pluck. He looks dapper & adorable! He may not like it too high up on his neck because it may be against his crop. Be happy that he accepts it, and keeps it on. Wishing you the best of luck with this. Does he like bathing? Can he get a bit of unfiltered sunshine? Both of those have helped me with pluckers.

I have MBS, and that was "music" to my ears! I love how you assured everyone that they're all okay in the end. The sound doesn't bother me, but, that was a good exposure to what could be for those unaware.

He's comfortable and secure in his home. You have to show him that the world outside his cage is fun and safe. Do you have something like a playgym? Or Tree perch? When you get him out do you play with him? Or cuddle with him? He needs to know that he can enjoy being outside his home/nest. Eventually his intelligent curiosity will provoke him to explore, but, you have to show him that it's a good thing to do.

I, too, am looking forward to a glimpse of your expertise and methods with Cricket.

I couldn't have said it better, Dave. Though, I have said these things before. A parrot is a lifetime, not a pastime.

Birds, like most pets, take a bit of understanding and attention. Greys are very intelligent, and like children, need stimulation, control, and guidance. If you want a Grey, and feel you can & will put in the effort, get one. Just like any other animal, or children, for that matter, you will learn as you go. Most people don't know how to raise children, but have them anyway, and learn how to do it, by doing it. If you have the desire, the love, and the willingness to do whatever is necessary, get one. They can be a handful, but, they are also such a wonderful addition to our lives. I have been a guardian to birds for over 45 years, and have had all kinds, and different amounts at any one time. As a confident, educated, and loving, flock leader, I have always made it work. Sometimes, individuals had to be let out on their own, or monitored more carefully than others, but, in 45 years, and dozens of birds, there has never been a serious problem. And I have rescued some serious behavior problem feathered children. But, I wouldn't change a moment for anything in the world.

Do many of you guys give your Greys Red Palm Oil? What are the benefits to birds? I've read it's good for humans also. For cholesterol, etc. Do you take it yourself?

Every day when I work with my Bailey, I ask him, "After I teach you to talk, will you teach me to fly?" He isn't talking yet, so I get no reply. Sometimes, I just sit and watch my beautiful birds, and think what a wonderful gift that flying must be! Just imagine it!

Lafaber did an article on beaks a few weeks ago in their weekly newsletter. You might want to check it out at Lafaber.com . Also you can enter a monthly raffle for $50.00 of Nutri-Berries, Avi-Cakes, and other Lafaber products.

Though I know this seems obstinant and truculent, maybe it's a sign of a Grey's sense of humor. During these episodes, does she seem annoyed, or amused? I have heard of this before, and find it very curious.

I was just told by a friend that there is a fee involved with help from them. Sorry, I did not know that. I was told about the number, but, not about a fee.

There is a Poison Control Hotline for animals, from the ASPCA, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is (888) 426-4435. Everyone should have this number in your first aid kit!

I also got "This video is unavailable".

Keep the sulfur away from your bird. Yes, it could harm your bird. The snake probably just wandered in from the garden. Snakes may be attracted by the smell of birds, or bird food, which is the same food as rodents eat, which snakes do search for. There is nothing to worry about with a tiny snake and a big bird. If it was a big snake, then maybe. Snakes do eat birds, but, they cannot eat a bird so many times bigger than themselves.

She may or may not lose the nasty language. And, yes, you were duped. Responsible parrot guardians will warn prospective buyers of any bad behaviors, language, and problems. She may know nursery rhymes, but, she's probably had a better reaction, like laughing, to the bad language, and continued to use it. Try not to react to what you don't want her to say, and make a big deal when she says something you like. Remember, those words, to her, are just sounds that humans make, and really mean very little to her. So, try to replace those words with better choices. Plus, I doubt it would serve any purpose, other than your own satisfaction, but, I'd call whoever you bought her from, and give them a piece of my mind. For misrepresenting the bird, for teaching her those words, and for selling it to you, knowing you have young children.

For bird toy parts, when I'm in doubt, I check ebay out. Also, I always stock up at our local bird show, every other month. Google "bird shows" in your area.

In the wild, these featherbutts mate "for life". Not really life, but, pick a chosen one, and bond to them. It could change due some unacceptable behavior, or whatever. All these birds have chosen someone, and will try to shoo away anyone interloping into their turf, or associating with their "mate". That's why you were bitten. To warn you that you're getting too close. Rehomed birds do come with much unknown baggage. Just wait it out, learn and keep an eye on their body language, and see how things go. When the chosen parront goes away often, that sometimes triggers a change, because these birds try to keep their flock together. They may (or not) realize that the primary guardian is always there, and the original chosen one is not. Be patient, be watchful, and be happy for any improvements in the relationship. These little bundles of OCD change their little minds often, and may one day surprise you.

Birds beaks are made of the same material as our fingernails (keratin), but, grow in layers. Lafeber had an interesting article about beaks and how they grow, a week or two ago. Go to Lafeber.com and subscribe to their weekly newsletter. Very interesting topics and information. Plus they have a monthly raffle for $50.00 worth of Nutri-Berries, Avi-Cakes, etc.

These intelligent featherheads change their minds about things so often, that I always offer a variety of things to play with. Today's favorite is ignored tomorrow. And then looked for the next day. We do not want our little clowns getting bored, so, a variety of toys is best. My guys always have something to shred, something wooden to chew, something that makes noise, and something like rope. Not to mention anything else I think they might like. No bored birds in my house!

I'm sure that all of us have seen ducks flying in a "V" formation. Ever notice that one line of the "V" is longer than the other? Ever wonder why? (Because there are more ducks in that line!)

It is not them coughing. Birds do not have respiratory systems & lungs like us, and cannot expel air like we do.

I've bought a lot of different things from various sellers on ebay, and http://www.etsy.com. Just search "bird toy parts" on either site. There are thousands of things available!

Great site. Thanks, have sent to some friends!

I buy my loofah from "abirdtoy", she is on ebay and http://www.etsy.com. I've looked, and right now, she has none listed. But, you can contact her and see if she has any available. Also, etsy is a great source for natural loofah. Etsy is a handmade craft site where you can get all kinds of supplies. I bought some fruit flavored loofah for birds on etsy. Sorry, I cannot remember from who. But, search "natural loofah", and you'll come up with several sources.