BaileysPapa

Remember, spring is just around the corner, and hormones are on the rise. Also remember that this is an isolated incident, and if you show fear, he'll pick up on that and become defensive, not knowing why, but reacting to your emotions. Try to watch more carefully, and keep things light and friendly as always. You may have just caught him at a bad moment.

I am so sorry for you! Nothing that any of us can say can make the pain less. Know that we have all gone through similar things, and share your grief. I often tell grieving pet parents that maybe God needed another angel for something, and so He took yours. Be strong, Nancy, your other babies need you. And right now, you feel like you do, and you're right to feel so. But, maybe one day, some other little darling will need you, and you'll be ready for them. You are a good pet parent, and need time for these holes in your heart to heal.

Thank you for being a thoughtful, responsible bird owner.

Not to my knowledge. Plus, color shades can molt out and change. Do not take her in because she's odd, take her in if you feel you can give her a good home. And. if you're experienced enough for her competent care. In addition to the sweetie you already have. Often the charm and impulse of these guys fades quick, when faced with the reality of what they need.

My Bailey is always surprising me with what he seems to understand. I have a Lovebird & a Cockatiel that are not a bonded pair, but as close as the 'tiel will allow it to get. Yesterday, they are both climbing on me and playing around. Now, Elvis, the Lovebird is always going onto things that he shouldn't (like picture frames, the wall clock, other birds' cages, etc.). We yell "OFF!" to him. Sometimes he'll get off, but usually it takes a few yells before he goes. Well, Bailey has noticed when we do this, and has joined in. So, the two of them are on me, in my chair, which is next to the front of Bailey's cage. He comes over to the front of his cage, and yells, "OFF!", "OFF!". So, I look over at him, and say "It's okay, Bailey." He's silent for a second, and then says, "I Love You!" in this sort of pleading voice. Tell me he doesn't know how to hit me in the heart, or that he didn't know what he was saying.

Thank you. That's encouraging. I agree with talking normally to them. They really are like young children learning to speak. We already know that they're like children in so many other ways.

That is terrific! Her understanding, and speaking in context, is great. How did you get her to understand all of that? My Bailey (almost 2) says lots of words, but not so much in actual conversation. He does come out with occasional sentences that make sense together, but, not like Inara. I talk to him all the time. But, he picks out what he likes, and repeats those words. You have to give us online webinars on Parrot-Speak. You should be very proud.

Yeah, that was why I stopped going there. I liked Zazu. And someone who was very into Lovebirds. Cannot remember their name.

Anyone here belong to Avian Nation? I haven't been there in some time, and went there today. Things there seem very screwed up. I couldn't log in, so did the reset password. They sent me a password that got me in, but I couldn't get anywhere. It just kept showing me a forums page, with all kinds of non-parrot/non-bird topics, like working out at the gym, etc. What is up with that site? I used to like that one. (Not as much as "Grey Forum".)

Beware the terrible twos! 8)

Happy Day! Nutri-Berries for everyone! Mine turns two in April.

I, too, have seen off color Greys. Sort of brownish, more like silver-brown. I've also seen red Greys. Some red is not so uncommon, but, mostly red is. Someone, I believe in Germany, is breeding red Greys. They are oddly beautiful. But, then aren't all Greys beautiful??

"Reverse Fetch", I love that! We play that here all the time, too. I had rescued a Citron also. What a great bird. He also seemed to know when to laugh. After helping him get over some emotional baggage, I rehomed him with a couple, and he now lives with their daughter after they got too old to stay in their home and are now in assisted living. He must be about 23 or so. And still going strong. I love the name "Jester Bean", with his jester hat-like crest.

Greywings...Are your birds a mated pair? Have they laid eggs ever? I ask because I know of several bonded pairs where the female will pluck the male to feather their nest. And one pair pluck each other, probably for the same reason. Plucking is a learned behavior, done for various reasons, and can become a habit. Some birds seem to get some kind of hormone or endorphin rush from it. I have cared for a number of pluckers. Many have overcome it, some did not. Plucking is difficult, though not impossible, to stop. I think it is more difficult for us to watch, than, perhaps, for them to do. Frequent baths, Aloe, shredding toys, preening toys, and limited sunshine, are all helpful. I say limited sunshine because Parrot skin was never meant to get direct sun, and they can get sunburn, which will aggravate the situation. But, a small amount, regularly, seems to be helpful. Of course, an Avian Vet's monitoring is necessary, as well.

You are probably right. But, as Birdhouse has said, back off slowly so he doesn't feel rejected. Also, you should occasionally touch him all over to have him used to being touched, so when he goes to the vet, touching won't be a big issue. I can inspect all my birds, under wings, on feet, holding face, etc. But I do not do it often. Just now & then to keep them from becoming defensive when that kind of touching is needed. And, I know how you feel...I love my birds, and restricting our interaction, in any way, is difficult.

I have noticed that many people do not write anything in their Profile. Or very little. I think you have a good idea. The question is how truthful people will be. That may well be established by their advice and responses. I'm an old man and do not have much faith in internet chats, profiles, or social media. I do not subscribe to things like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.

I'd be happy with either one of those little Grey angels!

Welcome & G'day!

If you do it, they want to also. If you have it, they want it. The flock mentality is a great, (and often, amusing) thing.

Same here. I have almost 50 years experience with rescuing birds. Birds of all kinds from parrots to pigeons, raptors to waterfowl, and many in between. This is the place to seek any help you need with this guy. Or any of your others. Good luck!

Whether or not she should take in this bird is for her to decide. What we can help her with is how to handle this bird. An aggressive bird is usually a fearful bird. Trust is the issue here. She has to gain his trust and become his friend. I'm sure she is aware of how to gain that trust because she has experience with other birds. Maybe not a Grey, but the dynamics are similar. Greys are quicker at sizing up their caregiver's attitude and emotions than many other birds. And they are very intelligent, so figure out quickly how to work us for what they want. Or don't want. In my experience, gaining his trust would be number one. That will take time, and work. I have never found a bird I was unable to rehabilitate. Sometimes it took a long time, but none of my rescues were ever a lost cause. I've handled birds that were fearful because of mistreatment, neglect, or misunderstanding. When he lives with her, she'll be able to figure out what he needs by monitoring his actions & reactions. This poor bird has been through enough. He deserves someone who is willing to help him. And in the future, we can help her, once we all know what is needed. Peachaburra, you can depend on us, because it really is all about the bird here.

Welcome to our world. There are many friendly, knowledgeable, experienced, and helpful people here. Many of us also have mixed flocks.

I, too, have seen miraculous transformations of problem birds when put into a more understanding and nurturing home. Just changing surroundings can have an affect. Often we do not know the whole story of why a bird is aggressive or fearful. And in a better environment, or with a more knowledgeable parront, they feel comfortable and will be quite different than in their previous home.

As always, Dave is correct. I've handled aggressive adult birds, and they take a lot of time, interaction and patience. These are very intelligent birds, and if he's learned how to "control" his human caregivers by aggression, and it's been reinforced again & again by the human's fear, he's not going down easy. Unless you have the time & patience, maybe, as his godparent, you should help him find a more suitable home. Sometimes, "rescuing" a bird does not mean bringing it into your flock, but, finding a better home for him. I applaud your intentions, but, the main focus here should be what is best for this poor misunderstood, and mishandled, Grey.

As several have already said, SUPERVISION is the key. However, know that in my almost 50 years of bird rescue, I have seen many birds maimed & killed by dogs who were their best friends. I took in a Cockatoo who had been raised with a small dog for over 10 years. They were best friends, the pet parents had movies (before videos) of them playing & eating together. One day something happened and I wound up with a Cockatoo with one wing and one leg. Plus, severe emotional trauma. It is often a compatible mix until "something" triggers that prey drive. No bird has ever come out well in that kind of situation. I worked for the SPCA, and had opportunities to foster, adopt and take in, all kinds of dogs, cats, ferrets, etc. But once I knew I was dedicating my life to birds, I never took in any carnivores. As I said, no bird will ever, nor ever has, won that kind of situation.