BaileysPapa

I love that naptime routine...okay??!! My house is very quiet. As quiet as a house with about a dozen birds can be. During the day, I'm the only person here, and there are no other pets besides the birds. I cover my guys about 9:00, but most of them are in the livingroom, and we watch TV until about 10:00. We get up about 6:30, and everyone gets fed & watered. Because there is so little activity in my house, the fids all nap on & off throughout the day. So, everyone gets plenty of sleep.

When my Bailey came to me, the breeder said he would not eat pellets. He ate fresh fruit & veg. I offered Zupreem colored shapes, and Harrisons. He immediately took to the Zupreem and didn't like the Harrisons. As long as he's eating pellets & fresh foods, I'm happy. I'll always offer various pellets, and let him pick what he wants. I have so many other fids that will not touch pellets at all.

Yes, I admire the trust to lay over on his back like that. You have a great relationship with each other.

I, too, saw the title and thought, Oh, Geez! Then I saw DAVE'S name. Very funny! Sounds like my house!

Sorry, I can't recommend a stronger perch. My birds have all sorts of perches, all of which eventually get chewed up. But, we have a saying here..."If they can't destroy it, they don't enjoy it!"

Having taken in many birds, and many from bad situations, I often change the name to give the bird a new word that is not a reminder of its' last bad home. And many also come to me without much history, if any. They've all responded, in time, to new names. BTW, what does Imara mean?

Yes, I watched the DVD several times. He was so comfortable with it that I tried a bit further. But, since his episode, I only put it over his head, or leave it where we are playing. No stress, no hurry. We have the rest of our lives together to do this, or anything else. If he does not like it, that's fine, as well. I have several other birds, and only one accepts a harness.

Jardines are great little birds. I often say that when one our featherheads die, that God needed one of His angels back, and He chose yours. Only other bird people can really understand what a hole these guys leave in our hearts.

Even humans must be careful with St. John's Wort. Always check with your vet for anything herbal.

It is important, though difficult, to show them that they can enjoy independent play. Mine will watch me, and stretch out over the edge of his cage or playgym, as far as he can. But, unless he flies over to me, I say, "you play". Put my hand up (like a cop stopping traffic). And not look at him. This has worked with my other birds. They all know that the hand means, no more, or stay. Bailey is learning. But, that beautiful face just melts my heart, and it is as difficult for me, as it is for him.

Mine is a Timneh, and they suggested a Small. Fits him/her fine.

I got an Aviator harness for my Bailey. He allows me to touch him all over, and accepted the harness around his head. However, once I began tightening the body strap around him, he freaked out! I immediately took it off of him. He's allowed me to put the harness over his head again. But resisted the body strap. I think we're making good progress, but, I also think it's going to be slow going from here. Anybody have any tips to get him used to being restrained by this? In the past, I've had birds that accepted the harness, but, they were conditioned to it before coming to me. Others that I have tried to harness, who had no experience with it, went miserably. I will not give up! :eek:

I want to thank you for your service, and thank you for taking in this beautiful sweetheart. And welcome you to this forum. There are a lot of knowledgeable & helpful people here.

Agreed. And don't apologize for talking sweetly to her. These are sensitive and emotional creatures. They need to be spoken to gently & softly.

I enjoyed this, thanks! What we say, becomes what we think, becomes what we live. I have measures in place to have my birds cared for, if & when, I cannot any longer. And have always told my adopters to do so, as well. You know, I often have asked people why they feel they have rescued animals, when there was no danger, or mistreatment. And have never received a solid answer. We all want to feel like we've helped them. And, I've reminded others that have helped a creature along its' way, that rescuing doesn't always mean that you keep the animal yourself. They really are all just words. And words mean little, it's actions that matter.

Unfortunately, I have no photos, records, or anything that could substantiate that. He did show his age, by having arthritis in his legs, cataracts, and his feathers were not in the best condition. Just like an old man. But, he was active and aware right up until his last day. Because of his conditions, I kept him in a large cage like one might keep Guinea Pigs in. He had a platform perch, and crock food & water bowls on the floor of the cage, for his ease and comfort. He slept with a small blanket that he'd cuddle up in. I found him one morning with his blanket over him, he died peacefully in his sleep. I still cry every time I think of that.

How about Cream of Asparakeet soup?

Sounds to me like she may just be stretching her wings/shoulders. Also, being in a new place, she may be sizing up her new surroundings. Getting ready to explore.

How cute is that?

Good! I love mysafebirdstore. Kathy is terrific! She is guardian to a blind CAG. I'm getting an order ready myself!

Has anyone seen this portable perch? It's called "The Percher" by a company called Caitech. It can be used as a table perch or a hand held perch. The poop catcher can be used to guard hands from aggressive birds, when used hand held. Or comes off to have just a perch. There are several configurations for it's use. My Bailey loves it. If I'm keeping him on it for a while, I tie a toy to the perch. I think this is a nifty item. Can be bought directly from Caitech, or I got mine (cheaper) on Ebay.

I know these don't count, but... My present feathered child is only 3 1/2 months old. But, my CAG who passed away in 2004 was already with my Grandparents when I was born in 1952. And being wild caught, we never knew how old he really was. But, he obviously was over 52 years old when he died.

Hello Glenn & Jacko. It was so nice of you to try so hard to find his family. That means a lot to people here. Jacko is a good looking bird. There are a lot of good people here, who know a lot about Greys (& other birds), and are very willing to help. Read through the forums, there's much information. Plus, everyone loves pictures! I love the one of him bathing in the pan.

Many people here will agree with me that very often, these birds choose us. Not we choosing them. Obviously it was meant to be. Congrats! A new adventure begins!