BaileysPapa

Isn't it amazing how easily & quickly these guys work their way into our hearts?

Here are some of my other fids. The Cockatiel was a gift, the Lovebird is a rescue. They get along great. The Lovebird loves the 'tiel, and follows her all over. She just tolerates him. Unless he's caged when she's out. Then she sits on top of his cage talking to him. Beasley is the Cockatiel, Elvis is the Lovebird. I have several rescued Budgies. This is 2 albinos, both of whom were not liked by the other Budgies. But, took to each other immediately. They are now a bonded pair. Not sure of sexes, but they love each other, feed each other, preen each other. Both are only a year or two old. No mating yet! And that little yellow Parrotlet is our "Nippy Mc Nasty". He's my wife's bird, named Mario. She was not really a bird person, and often misunderstood what I was doing with my rescues. And made rehabilitating them sometimes more difficult. So, I got her her own bird. So she'd let my rescues be. He's a spoiled little brat. These guys & the rest are our forever flock. Bailey will be joining them in the livingroom soon.

Just let Timber know that he can eat it. That'll change his tune!

Cute bird! My birds love boings.

A well socialized bird, in a harness, is a wonderful thing! I have a lovebird now that goes everywhere with me in his harness. I've had various others also. It's a great way to expand your birds world. I'm going to start harness training with my new angel soon. You must be diligent watching it. People always want to pet any of my birds when out with me. Years ago, I had rescued a Cockatoo named "Snowflake" that became a "Velcro bird" and never wanted to leave my side. Everyone wanted to touch her. I made up a T shirt that said, "RESPECT THE BEAK !!" on front & back. It got the message across, and most people would then ask before reaching to the bird.

Greys are very intelligent & sensitive creatures. I've used other birds (cockatiels, lovebirds, a B & G Macaw, ducks, and a Hahn's Macaw) as Therapy Birds in Assisted Living Places, and for lectures at schools, scouts and 4-H clubs. Not all birds are so social or accepting of either new people, or groups of people. Only after having the bird for a while can you assess that. My CAG was not a very friendly bird to new people. Nor did he accept new things easily.

I have had a CAG, and now am guardian to a TAG. From my research, I believe that Timmies are the less problematic birds. Congos seem to be more clingy, one person birds. And tend to be more prone to plucking issues. Like us, individuals differ, and things depend on their early development, likes & dislikes, etc. Both are excellent talkers. Timnehs are thought to mature earlier, and not stress over things as much as Congos. There are more experienced Grey owners here, though I have been involved with birds for over 45 years, and have often heard that Timmies are easier to deal with.

Well, I've had Bailey for a week now. He/she is such a joy! The woman who raised him did a wonderful job. He eats everything, almost. He eats pellets, right now Harrison's & Zupreem. He eats all kinds of fresh vegetables & fruits. Seems to not like blueberries. I cook all kinds of mashes and porridge type mixtures for all my birds (that'll eat them). He loves every one of them. Took his first shower, and loved it. Is good by himself at times. And just a cuddle bug at others. Let's me touch him all over. Good for when at vets, and I ordered an Aviator Harness. Since he is okay with me touching him, lifting his wings, etc, I figure now is the time it'll be easier to get him used to it. I realize we are in a honeymoon period, and anticipate a future "boundaries test". But, I think he'll be just great! I can't wait 'til he's out of quarantine. And can go into the livingroom with the other fids. One photo shows his cuddle buddy, so he doesn't miss his clutchmates so much. He sleeps with his head tucked under the bears arm. I'd love to get a pic of that, but when he hears me approach, he puts his head up.

You can give him baby food. I make a "birdie bread" by mixing cornbread mix with baby food. That's a good way to get picky eaters to eat vegetables without knowing it. Once he accepts pellets, give him a bowl of pellets & a bowl of seed mix. My birds all get a bowl of pellets, a bowl of seed mix, and a bowl of fresh fruits & vegetables every day. Just a spoonful or two of seeds & pellets in each bowl. and, of course, a bowl of fresh water, changed several times a day.

I would also suggest giving him more foraging toys, and preening toys to occupy that mind for a while. There are many stimulating toys out there that once they get interested in will keep him busy. Things like puzzle toys where he has to figure out how to get the treat out of. Or something with a lot of dangling cords or ropes to chew. You could also look at human baby toys that take some thinking. They're non toxic because babies are expected to put everything in their mouths. I had a Fischer Price abacus that my birds loved to play with by pushing the beads back & forth. I also had a toy that was a peg with different sized rings that they loved. Try the baby section of local dollar stores. They have simple toys that are inexpensive. It may take a while for him to accept these things, but, if you play with them with him, he'll get interested.

This sounds worse than it is, but, a tiny microchip (smaller than a grain of rice) is implanted under the skin, usually in breast area on birds. It is done with a hypodermic apparatus, quickly and relatively painless. Some birds are startled by the procedure, but, most are relatively unaffected. A good veterinarian will do it easily with no effects. It has been done to dogs, cats and horses for quite some time. While being toweled, some have covered the birds head, so they don't see it coming. For the few minutes of guilt and anxiety, the benefit far outweighs the stress (to you). If not done, and your bird is lost or stolen, you'll wish you had. Most vets check for chips at any exam. If info doesn't match, vet will question the "new owner". I've known a few pets returned to guardians in that scenario. A reason to repeat my previous statement to keep the info current on the microchip website.

When I had spare time (?) I used to volunteer at the "Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary" in Clearwater, Fl. A great place that rescues and rehabilitates Seabirds, like Pelicans and others. They are very smart and friendly birds.

I responded to that post as well, but will also do so here because of the importance of this. When I volunteered to help the SPCA after Hurricane Katrina, the lost animals that were returned to their owners fastest were the ones that were microchipped. And, keep the info current. If you move, get a new pet already microchipped, or whatever, update the information on the microchip website. This could make the difference between getting your pets back, or not.

Agreed! When I volunteered to help the SPCA after Hurricane Katrina, the lost animals that were returned fastest to their owners were the ones that were microchipped. Also, keep the information current. If you move, get a new already chipped pet, or whatever, update the info at the microchip website.

I have never measured the amount of pellets, or seed, that any of my birds eat per day. In all my cages, there is always a bowl of pellets, a bowl of seed mix, and a bowl of vegetables & fruits. To get your bird to eat pellets, you could restrict the amount of seeds offered. And tempt the bird to eat pellets by adding some unsweetened fruit juice to them. Apple juice has worked well for me. You could also grind the pellets and add that to their fresh fruits & vegetables. Kind of like how they make Nutri-Berries, without the seeds.

I have often fed my birds seeds from cucumbers, squash, peppers, tomatoes, melons, apples, pears, and so many other fruits & vegetables. People worry about apple seeds because they make cyanide from them. You, or your bird, would have to eat many pounds of apple seeds at one sitting to have any effects. Me & my birds have eaten slices of apple (seeds & all) without problems. In the jungle/forest birds eat fruits & vegetables, seeds and all. Of course, if you question any food, for any reason, do not feed it to your birds, or yourself!

Hmmm, Luvparrots, stealing the birds is something I hadn't thought of, and nobody has ever mentioned. I've had these on my doors for years without a problem. Thank goodness! I also have signs saying that free flying birds are inside, do not open door without knocking. Interesting idea of letting them loose in an emergency. Thanks for your input.

My grandparents had a wild caught Grey since before I was born. When we visited them, I was always fascinated with Jessye. He spent most of the time on a ring stand in the living room and/or patio, and a T stand in the dining room. So, he was not in a cage except at night. With baby gates, we were kept away from him. He generally ignored us when we were toddlers. He never tried to bite either myself or my brother. He was often on the floor, and later, we'd follow him around the house. When we were older, we learned to "Respect the Beak", by watching him destroy wood & nuts, etc. Supervision is the answer. Whether it be children or other pets, including other birds.

As a new member, I was glad to see this category, and I hope that I am not breaking any rules, or have not overstepped any boundaries here. But, I feel this item is an important thing that I would like to share. When I was actively rescuing and rehoming birds, one of the items that I would give my adoptees is this Emergency Rescue Window Sticker. I have some left, and am wondering if any of my new friends would like to purchase one or two to help protect their birds in case of an emergency. Putting one of these on your doors or windows will alert Fire/Rescue workers that there are birds inside. There is a place to write (in permanent marker) how many birds you have. And below is a space to write (in permanent marker) your phone number, or where the birds are located in your home. It measures 3" by 4". It is crack & peel backing to adhere to the outside of the window or any other smooth surface. And has a protective UV coating to keep from fading from the sun. I will ship within USA @ $3.00 for one, or $5.00 for two. I will be happy to mail international, after finding out mailing cost. Please PM me.

Yes, Kins, I'm sure he would. When Jessye died, I had him cremated, and spread his ashes over my Grandfathers grave. I know Gramps was waiting for him over that Rainbow Bridge.

TimbersMom...I cannot stop laughing! For some reason, that never crossed my mind!

Thank you all for the welcome. Aerial, you think that Bailey is a feminine name? :confused: I knew a guy in college named Bailey. I do not know if Bailey is male or female yet. Our first vet visit is in two weeks. I'll have him/her DNA'd and microchipped. It took me a long time to get another Grey because I knew Jessye (my grandfathers Grey) for my whole life, and kept feeling uncomfortable about replacing him. Plus, I wanted an older rescue, and have had so many other birds. But, since retiring from bird rescue, my home is now less crowded, and I have the time to devote to such an intelligent & sensitive creature. I feel that Bailey was meant to come into my life at this time. And could not be happier!

Hi, my name's Bill, and my Timneh Grey is Bailey. I have been around birds for most of my life. My Grandparents had a Congo from before I was born, who I inherited when my Grandfather died. That bird lived with me for about 9 years, and was over 50 years old when he died. That was about 10 years ago. Though I had many birds, before & since, I could not bring myself to get another Grey. But, I decided it was time. Being 61 years old, and having worked in Animal Welfare & Rescue, I tried to adopt an older bird. After several failed attempts, I opted for a baby. That's my beautiful Bailey. I belong to several other bird forums, and have visited this site many times. I'm happy to be here, to learn from others, and share my knowledge and experience.