Inara

Tooo adorable!! Thanks for the share and the smiles!

Thanks for posting this thread. Since my TAG is now more mature, it was really good for me to review the tips and Dave's suggestions for how to handle this situation if it shows up. Good luck with your girl and hope all continues to go well through this process.

It is hard to believe that in a few short weeks, HRH Inara will be 5 years old, and with us for 3 of those. She remains the sweetest little gal ever and intrepid as all get out. I had recently swung by her vet to pick up a couple of toys and there was this HUGE cardboard/rope/wood monstrosity that I could not resist. Her vet said, "Wow! That looks pretty intimidating to a TAG." I said, "Nah, I have a feeling she will love this." Brought it home, and the second she saw it coming toward her cage she spread her wings a bit and said, "Oh boy!" Once it was installed she was all over it like (to use a quote from Talledega Nights) a spider monkey jacked up on Mountain Dew! She continues to talk up a storm using very clear and precise language, and one of my favorite things is in the mornings when she is on her tree while I have my coffee. Often she will look out the big windows and say, "Good morning sky. Good morning trees and squirrels." We did not teach her this, she simply put it together herself. She asks cogent questions, makes intelligent remarks, and also tells lies to get what she wants. Seriously on the lies!! Example: Inara: Hey! Want to go to the tree? Me: No thank you, I am working now. Inara: (in a higher pitched super fun type voice making it sound exciting) Come, come, go to the tree -- ye-ah! Me: No thank you, I am working, I have to stay here. Inara: Hey, I will get you a cookie, OK? Me: OK that sounds good! (walk over to her tree) Where's my cookie? Inara: Tree! yeah-ah! Me: Nice try -- no cookie, no hanging out with you over here! (walking back) Inara: Ohhhhhh..(in sliding down tone like "oh darn") Another example: She sometimes, if she does not want to get on her scale in the morning, will give my hand a squawk! and a beak push -- and when I give her "the look" she will say in this sweet, innocent voice "kisses" then does the kissing sound. I will say, "That was not a kiss, and you know it you little liar." Then I laugh, and she gives me a smooch. Too cute and too sweet! She cracks us up all of the time. She is completely comfortable now with both of us (no longer just "my" gal) and often will fly to sit on Joe's knee or shoulder while he is reading his laptop in the morning. If not on her tree, she enjoys doing her "ex-work" (her made up combo-word of "exercise" and "work") on one of her free standing perches while we have coffee. She hangs upside down and does pull-ups then swings around on a rope hanging from one side of it. She will start to slide down its pole, and I will tell her, "You need to get back up there...." and she will climb back up. After awhile she slides all the way down and plays in a glass piepan on the floor that has filtered water, bits of apple and/or other assorted tidbits that are floating in old plastic bottle caps in the water. She calls them "water cookies." She does all this as we're having our morning coffee. Then after about an hour to an hour and a half of exwork, water cookies and playing around, she is ready to go back home to her cage which by this time has also been cleaned by yours truly. As I type, her cage has been rolled into the bedroom with me, and she is peacefully snoozing away. She loves it in her cage, as it has never been a source of contention or trauma. She's one of the happiest little gals ever, is a total mind reader, will still sell her soul for the teensiest bit of cheese, and embraces each day with a song and a cheery "good morning" to us and the world around her. Who knew that so much love and joy could be packed into 285 little grams of grey? (she still seems SO tiny compared to my departed wild-caught CAG who averaged well over 600g) PS: Sterling -- she LOVES to watch and listen to your Gracie videos! They make her laugh and laugh! (and me as well!) Well, it has taken me so long to write this that HRH is now waking up and is ready to move into her travel cage and go outside to get some much needed sunshine after our long winter. Love to all!

Hi adekolade and Kiwi! Congratulations on your new companion. We are looking forward to hearing all about your adventures together!

I just love love love your fids and vids! Not to mention the way you talk with them just always cracks me up. You all could have your own sitcom!

I could not agree more. Isaac is such a love, and I know that it just breaks your heart that your sweet boy seems to want to join a birdie club where everyone flies around half undressed. He needs some flipflop sandals and a little Hawaiian shirt. We all know that you will love your sweetiebird no matter what state of attire he is in. I can only put myself in your shoes and I know that I would constantly feel perplexed and concerned, as you have been. You've done everything possible to assure Isaac's well being. If beauty comes from within then, you and Isaac both are two of the most beautiful creatures on the planet as the love you two have for each other shines bright. You both embody the Japanese sentiment of wabi sabi: Wabi Sabi is a way of seeing the world that. . . finds beauty and harmony in what is simple, imperfect, natural, modest, and mysterious. – Mark Reibstein, Wabi Sabi Isaac is mysterious creature of nature for sure, but you will find harmony as you come to further accept his "cycles" and will continue to love him to pieces with or without "perfect" plumage. Because that is who you are. Isaac is blessed to have you as his human companion.

Are you seeing a "Grey" pattern here? LOL We know that some day they shall rule the world, and Alexa is just another cog in that wheel..... hahaha

Congratulations on your upcoming adventure! My first grey was a rescued horribly abused and neglected wild-caught Congo who became my best bud until his last breath. After a long birdless gap, I went in search of another CAG and surprised myself when I fell head over heels in love with a little Timneh girl, who now has me completely wrapped around her little talons. I call her my "sports" model since she is smaller, and sleeker! HRH (Her Royal Highness) Inara, is the absolute love of my life, and the most entertaining companion I have ever had the pleasure of living with. She will be five years old in July and has lived with us (adopted her from craigslist) since she was just 2 years old. (She is at this moment using her whispering voice from the other room asking, "What are you doing?") She talks up a storm and we have running conversations all day long. My CAG, after settling in, became a snuggler -- HRH, however, is a little busybody who would rather roam around than snuggle up although she loves flying over and getting a quick smooch before hustling off to be busy again. I can't wait to hear all about your baby when it arrives! We can never have too many stories, so don't be shy. I'm sure the wait seems like forever, but the right one will land with you sooner or later. Cheers!

Loved this!

How about a mural of sky, trees, jungle, etc? Or if you're not feeling that artistic, perhaps starting up towards the ceiling with some sky color and then blending it down into a blurred "horizon" of hills in earth tones? Or looking online for pre-done wall size murals, however, during out of cage time if someone decides to chew and/or peel then toxicity could be an issue not to mention the general destructo factor. Just some thoughts

I have a video of Inara saying, "Alexa!" and Alexa lighting up. It is in a longer morning chatting video so need to figure out how to edit it and upload. You and I need to send some vids to Amazon for a commercial!

HRH Inara says, "Off with his head!!" That mean mean man! Poor Pepper, a life without french fries and chewing on the remote?!! Unliveable!!

Very tough and poignant but important subject. Thank you for bringing it up. Both my Joe and I consider this a lot. HRH Inara, like all of our feathered forum family members is unique and so deeply bonded with us, that my heart shatters at even entertaining the thought that she might ever have to be rehomed. She knows and understands, "I will be back." or "Joe will be back." Joe often travels for work, and so when he is leaving just to go to work for the day, or I am leaving for my volunteer job, we will say --"Going to work. Love you, I will be back later." When Joe will be gone for several days, he will say, "I am going bye-bye for a long time. I will be back." Two weeks ago we had to put our beautiful 10 year old dog to sleep due to cancer. We had a vet come to our home so that she could die peacefully and without fear in our arms. We of course put Inara in another room before anyone arrived, and until Joe and I could pull ourselves together. She has flock called a few times for Dezi perhaps thinking that she is outside and just not coming in like a "good girl." However, we feel certain that Inara knew that Dezi was very ill, as instead of her usual telling Dezi to "go lie down," she during Dezi's last few days would look at her and softly say, "Good girl. You are a good girl." :( The next week, Joe had to go on a business trip. After he was gone for two days, that night Inara called, "Big bird (she calls him that)..... Joe -oh." Then said, "Joe back! Joe will be back!" In a distressed voice. So I assured her that Joe would be back. Perhaps she was worried that he too, was not coming back. I relate the above, because my mind goes to a time when one or both of us won't "be back." I tear up at that thought of her not knowing and wondering where we went, and why we are not back. It crushes me. I have had friends who have left their long time companion birds to a son or daughter (very responsible ones) who later gave the birds up because hanging out with them at their mom's house was one thing, living with them with full responsibility for 24/7 eventually was beyond them. There is no perfect solution. No matter what, there will be confusion and stress and even sadness on the part of our companion left behind. I agree that one of the reasons I love this forum so much is that there are many, many caring responsible Grey lovers who may at some point consider opening room in their flock for one of our beloveds who is in danger of being left behind. I know that I personally would consider opening our heart and home in the future if someone in need was in our area. Love to you all.

Love this!! HRH Inara has Alexa well trained also! I have awakened to everything from death metal blaring to coming home to (her favorite!) Kenny G. LOL I will have to upload a screenshot of our shopping list also -- it as corn, corn, popcorn, cookies, four, apple, world (which I think Alexa mistook for "squirrel"). It does speak well for Alexa's voice recognition capabilities. Inara loves music at certain times of days, and knows that by calling to Alexa she will eventually come up with something (hence Kenny G becoming a favorite when Alexa can't figure out what Inara is asking!). If she does not like a selection, she will tell Alexa to "go lie down!" :D

Doing a quick pop-in to catch up with everyone, and the second I saw a post on Isaac, I had to click first! SO glad I did, what a wonderful video, and really enjoyed the thoughtfulness of the replies (no big surprise around here ) to your quandary about whether or not to introduce another Grey into the mix. Am glad the situation sorted itself out, and your little flock remains unfluttered with Isaac at the helm!

Gracie just absolutely tickles me!!

What a sweet and heartwarming post to tune into. How lovely and fitting that Marden's parents have come "home." Meant to be. Tears are simply our hearts way of overflowing, so let them slide down.

That Isaac! He is such a cool character! As with many others, *I* am the one who winds up fetching. <3

Wow! It has been so long since I've posted an update, but do read the forums most mornings with my coffee while HRH Inara plays in her tree after breakfast. We have had a really busy last several months around here. My guy was having to travel every other week (thank goodness that has settled down!) and I have taken on a wonderful volunteer job working in various ways to assist Veterans in our local area. A thing that is very close to my heart. Last time I had posted, HRH had dubbed me "Ticklebird." Well that name has certainly stuck, and it wasn't long after that she began saying, "I love you, Ticklebird." I would reply with her nickname (that has started the whole thing) -- "I love you Snickelfritz." This exchange still takes place a few times a day at random times. I might be in the kitchen, and she will pipe up with it, in the sweetest voice ever. She does know what 'love' and 'like' mean as she uses them appropriately in her own sentences. She still doesn't mimic us except for coughing, sneezing, and yes the perfect fart sound usually saved for when I am cleaning the bottom of her cage. Inara's favorite list: I love the sky. I love you Ticklebird. I love Ticklebird. I love a good shower! (always said with emphasis). I love you. I love fly. She is still such a complete sweetheart. She turned 4 years old in July, and in a couple of weeks she will have been with us for two years. Despite having been quite the biter with her former people, and having been very nippy with Joe for the first few months she was with us, she has never bitten me and it has been so long since she has even nipped Joe that we can't even recall when the last time was. She makes herself very understood, both through verbal communication, and clear body language. Well clear to us anyway Her language is still just extraordinary and is mind blowing to anyone who comes to visit. People are always amazed when we will be visiting, and she will pipe up with things like, "I will go out there. Alright?" Or, "I will like to go out there with you. Ok? Yeah." This is just a very brief and surface scratching example. For my birthday, Joe gifted me a cool gizmo from Amazon, that is called Alexa. It sits in our living room, and I can ask it questions, tell it to play music, etc. In the mornings, after Inara has had her breakfast, has played on her tree, had her shower, and then asked to go home -- I turn to Alexa and say, "Alexa play Kenny G," (don't laugh, he's HRH's favorite these days!). Well, you guessed it, Inara now says "Alexa!" so clearly that Alexa has mapped her voice and will respond. So far Alexa just says, "I am not sure what you want." But we figure it won't be long until Inara says, "Alexa, put cookies on the shopping list!" She did say, "Alexa, Four!" the other day. Which made us laugh, because Alexa answered, "Four equals the number four." Four is HRH's favorite number. She continues to eat really well, is healthy as all get out, is very socially interactive, and has bonded really well with our dog. She now loves to fly down to the open door of the dog crate when our gal is snoozing in there, and will say, "Hi Dezi! Want to go to the tree?" or "Hey! Let's go!" She loves her fly time, and she loves her shower time. She has gone through a huge molt this summer (think 'snow' covered cage constantly) and during the worst of it, she would often ask for a couple of showers a day. She will say, "I want a shower." Or "How about a shower?" If she wants fly time, and is in her home, she will say, "I will go out there. I will go up. Fly!" When on her tree, and wanting to come to me she often verbally mediates or telegraphs what she is about to do by saying things like, "I will fly there," or "I will go to the chair" right before taking off and then landing on me. I gave up keeping track of her words, long ago, because she doesn't just use a string of words. She communicates better than some people I know. :cool: I'm getting a smart phone this week, and so it ought to be easier to take video and then drop right into dropbox for sharing. I so love seeing the videos and photos that everyone else shares. This past month I was incredibly ill with a scary upper respiratory infection. Illustrated by HRH mimicking long, drawn out wracking hacking coughing! During this time, I was so sick, that my guy took over breakfast and fly time with Inara. It was actually a wonderful thing. They have bonded so closely now, and she will fly from the top of her home to find him and visit with him. He was gone last week, and she would call his name in the mornings. We always tell her when he is leaving for "a long time," and that he will be back. When he came back this time, she was so excited and said, "Oh boy! Joe!" Nice to know a guy's been missed. Biggest news is that many of you will recall that she has never been much for snuggles or cuddles or even scritches. Too much of a busy body. Well in the last couple of months she has been loving having me gently stroke her little head and cheeks and ears. (She's always loved to have me smooch her toes -- silly bird). It's the sweetest thing, and a perfect example of "Grey time." After two years, I've been deemed worthy. Pleased to say, that I am on the upswing after having been so ill, and have loved catching up with all the comings and goings here with our feathered and human friends and family. You are all always in my thoughts and hearts. xoxox Inara's Minion

Such fun and sweet pics, Dave!

Thanks for the free trip, Dave. Loved those years, and it amazes me how I can remember the words to songs from those days and can't remember my own damn phone number half the time. I agree with Steve and Misty, you must have been careful with the weed. FrightyDog, my first bird, Elliot, a wild caught Amazon came to me near your age. I had a 2 year old (I was in the erm.. teenage love gifted and talented program) a dog, was working full time to support all of us, and was busy as all get out. My 'zon lived full time in a huge tree branch that I had cut down for him and shoved into a hole I had cut into an old coffee table. No cage, and was surrounded by people in and out, crashing in sleeping bags on my floor, football parties, basketball parties, poker parties, party parties, rock and roll. He had plucked himself nearly bald before I got him and wound up thriving in that environment -- king of the hill high atop his tree observing everyone and selling his soul for a bite of a taco flavored Dorito. Fast forward a few years, to my wild caught CAG who was in such heinous shape when I got him that even my avian vet got choked up. *He* survived and then thrived with me working full time while going to school full time, then working full time and grad school full time writing my dissertation, teenaged boys in and out of the house, more parties (just a tiny bit more sophisticated than the ones with my 'zon -- these had wine with corks instead of twist offs) and stints of time when I was away on archeo-digs, and/or internships. This is a teeeny synopsis. The stories of both are much longer and much more complex. My point is that each bird is different. While breeds share some commonalities, each bird is an individual and so much depends on you. Your attitude, your behaviors, your routine, your personality, your interactions with your bird. Because I was an unwed teenaged mom, completely on my own with no help, my life already had a ton of responsibility and a lot of my freedom was curtailed. So adding a bird into the mix wasn't a big deal. If I had it to do over again, I would do it all. After the eventual passing of each bird, I had a long gap without a parrot in the house. I knew what it was going to take to add another one into my life, and unlike when I was young and more impulsive, I waited until the time felt just right. This time around, I rehomed a fabulous little 2 year old TAG, and I call her my midlife sports-model. She is little, she is sleek, and she did not arrive with a ton of dings, dents, scrapes and baggage. She had been well loved and well taken care of and to their credit her first people gave her up when she became more than they had bargained for. She is intrepid as all get out, demanding, loveable, crazy funny, wickedly smart, and well adjusted (other than *hating* it when I take the dog outside to pee and leave her inside.) I am retired now, and we have all day to chat. The thing is though, that just like with my kid and my other birds and dogs, we have a daily rhythm. Things are predictable not to the minute, but in a general sense. She gets lots of one on one time in the early mornings, and in the late evenings. She gets flight time every day. However, she is fantastic at amusing herself for long stretches as well as napping frequently during the day. That is the rhythm. Each successive bird has been the love of my life at that time. Inara, however, is the ultimate love of my life, and will be the last bird of my life. I know what it is like to feel that deep overwhelming attachment, and to feel the deep overwhelming loss at their death. This makes her all the more precious to me. Love doesn't care how old you are. You get it. Here's the deal in a nutshell: read the link that Dave posted. Read the holy crap out of all of the sticky threads in this forum. Be choooooosey about your bird. No need to rush the process. There are so many Greys out in the world that can benefit from adoption, there will be as many if not more when you are ready for one. There are some reputable breeders out there, do your homework if that is what you are looking for; they will still have babies when you are ready. It's not about your age, it's about timing. It's not about *a* bird, it's about *the* bird. Keep us posted. Parrots are like tattoos, they should be permanent so choose wisely.

Beautiful stand. Your new girl is going to be in heaven. My sweet timneh, HRH Inara, loves her tree. She watched me put it together and then I set it outside of her cage. She looks to me for how to respond to things in the environment so I made sure to touch it a lot in front of her and talk about what a good tree it is. If *we* act weird about things, we convey to them that something is to be avoided, in general. Inara, is pretty intrepid about following my lead, so I just walked over to her tree the morning after I had put it together, with her on my arm and some of her favorite little treats, and gave her a few nibbles as she visually examined the tree. Then we went about our usual routine. I set her back at her cage, had just turned my back when I heard the flutter of wings, and she was happily perched in it. In fact, that is where she is now as I type, happily hanging upsidedown from a toy and....oooooops! She just flew over here! You have the luxury of having a baby bird with no history who will likely be more curious about things than fearful of them. She will look to you for clues on how to react and has the potential to become a relaxed, easy going bird. She does not come to you with having had several homes and changing, unpredictable situations before. Talk to her using good language, and describe things clearly to her and you and she will be delighted at how quickly you will understand one another. Loved all the photos, and how diligent you are about preparing for her. Can't wait to watch her grow!

Agreed, Sterling! In most cases, I'm just taking our dog out to the yard so that she can do her business and am only gone a few minutes, but Inara makes it clear that she does not like it even though she can see me standing out on the deck through the window. We do often go for walks though, and I had mentioned to my friend that I will be looking into birdie backpacks so that Inara can join us. Can't use a harness around here because of all of the hawks and falcons. When the weather is good, Inara comes out to the deck with us frequently in her travel cage to soak up some sunshine and fresh air. During the winter I tell her it is too cold. She understands cold and snow, but likely still wants to go out there with us no matter what.

A dear friend of mine came to visit overnight yesterday. The last time she came to visit, as the evening progressed, HRH Inara looked at her and said, "Get going you!" (this was last year). This time, Inara was friendly around her and quite chatty the entire visit, with no commands ordering her to depart. Inara doesn't like it at all when I take the dog out. If I leave the house, without our dog, Inara is fine. I always say, "I am going bye-bye, and I will be back." When I arrive home, I say, "I am back," in a cheerful voice and she is happy to see me and relaxed. But when I take the dog out -- Inara goes ballistic, screeching squawking whistling at the top of her air sacs, no matter how many times in nearly 2 years I have said, "We are going outside, so Dez can potty, and we will be right back." I always wait to say it until Inara is quiet, and then we go out and she still goes crazy. Naturally, it is likely that she is frustrated because she can't come with us as a flock. I get it. When I leave by myself, Dez is here with her, and it is a different scenario. She is relaxed and calm. Last night when my friend and I left to go out to dinner, I said the usual, "I am going bye-bye, and I will be back." Inara was fine. Not a peep. Well this morning, my friend was sitting drinking her coffee, and I took the dog out. I heard Inara begin her usual pterodactyl dog is going out squawking but tuned it out as it is a regular morning experience and I know she is fine. When I came back in, my friend (who is very tender hearted with no experience with birds other than mine over the years) was distressed and choked up. She said, "Oh my god. When you walked out Inara started screeching and saying, "Where are you?! You be back! You be back here!" and then "I will go out there! You be back!" Worse today, I think because she was left behind alone with my friend? Broke my pea pickin' heart.

Stephen, YAY!! What positive news, and what a good example you have been for us all. Your refusal to give up looking for clues as to why your precious Isaac was plucking, is sure paying off. Sounds like the two of you have found a great balance now of affection without over stimulation. I could just kiss you both (but not *too* much! haha)