Inara

Happy Hatchday, Josey! Hey, I'm a bit late to the party, but knowing what a softie your Momz is, I bet you can keep the party going on into June if you play your cards right Wishing you a year filled with frolics, treats, toys, scritches, cuddles and all the happiness your feathered heart can hold.

Good lord -- could he possibly be any cuter??! Tell me more about his personality please, (do I dare listen??!!)

Wow! What a difference a couple of weeks makes. HRH Inara and I had begun practicing recalls a few weeks ago --from her little low play perch, to the ottoman, to my knee, etc. I finally broke down and ponied up for a couple of training perches (frankly, was too lazy to buy the mic stands and build them myself) and the world of flying just opened up for Inara like gangbusters. She L O V E S flying between them at varied heights and distances, or from one of them to my arm or shoulder. The night before last she flew 20 recalls in a row, laughing out loud each time she landed!! If I was too slow in moving a perch or moving to the other perch, she would say, "Let's go!" After each landing, she holds up a little foot for a "high four," and we give each other smooches. Every so many landings, she does a happy dance and sings her "doop doop" song. When she had decided she was done, she rested on one of the perches for a bit, then said, "OK, let's go home." So back to her home for a great night's sleep it was. Her stamina and fitness are really improving rapidly, not to mention her navigational abilities. Last night, she accidently overshot one of the perches, did a sharp bank to the right, circled back low around the first perch in a spiral and then back up to successfully land on the missed perch. Then said a resounding, "Whewww!!!" Now in the mornings, rather than sitting patiently watching for The Squirrel, while I get her water and dry foods prepared, she leaves the kitchen windows and flies over to the counter top to help, or she heads into the living room to one of the training perches and just hangs out until it is time for morning flights. She flies recalls morning and evening, and she calls the shots for how little or how much she feels like doing. I love it when she decides to bypass a perch and come directly to my shoulder, which she always follows up with a smooch. Her joy in flying is palpable. Not to mention how great it is for her respiratory system. Since she is actively flying now, I've increased her somewhat more simple carbs by giving her pureed fruits in the morning and a bit in the evening before flight times so that she has those for the necessary energy and to refill her glycogen stores. Eventually, we'll work on flying just to shoulder or arm -- but I'm in no hurry for that and for now just want Inara to focus on the joy of flying while having some direction and structure so that she can work on maneuvering and flying low to high, high to low, banking, etc. Typical of many mountain homes, we have a huge open floor plan and super high ceilings, so there is a lot of flight room. We've come a looong way since the days of teaching her to use her wings by playing the swing on a rope game back in October/November. Will try to get Joe to help take some videos this next weekend.

Love this post, love the pic, and love Oliver's punkrock look!

One never knows what impact one or two humans with a dream, conviction, fortitude, and the seat of their pants can accomplish. I admire your dream, and even more so the empathy that you show for these remarkable creatures. It is because of a similar empathy, that I made the decision not to buy a baby bird and was happy to pay the equivalent for a young bird who was up for rehoming. The more birds we can at least place in good homes means the less that are in compounds and warehouse type of rescue facilities. It would be lovely if all in need could be placed in excellent sanctuaries and/or rehabbed and released to the wild -- but the practical aspects prohibit ever catching up with the influx of new birds from both illegal practices and the commercial breedind then rehoming cycles. I've said it before and will always say it, that good breeders should require that a bird be returned to them rather than dumped on Craigslist or otherwise rehomed. If more breeders had to accept back unwanted birds, then maybe at least that pipeline would slow down a bit. Certainly there are very conscientious breeders and those who do not have the "poultry mentality," and I'm not speaking about them. Keep your dream, and work on finding ways to get the research done and modifying your plans to accommodate what you *can* do.

What a great post! Gracie knows a pretty girl when she sees one !

Welcome and congratulations on your new companion! How excited you must be! Gabby looks adorable and will no doubt grow up to be a sweetie. After having shared my life for over two decades with a CAG, when I made the decision after my own empty nest to find another CAG, I was completely surprised to have been swept off my feet by a TAG who not only captured my heart but has her little talons permanently embedded in it. I have never had a sweeter or smarter bird than HRH Inara and every day I marvel at her sweet, yet intrepid soul. You are very blessed. Am sincerely looking forward to hearing all about Gabby's home coming and to see lots of posts and pictures as the two of you grow together.

Hi modrummer and Storm! You have landed in a great place that will help you learn more about your new companion. Also, like indulgent Aunties and Uncles, we all love to hear continued stories, anecdotes, and to see more photos anytime You've already received great advice. I would just add that all Storm knows right now is that you are responsible for separating him from his family/flock. Greys develop very strong bonds with their mates, and in captivity transfer this wonderful bonding capacity to their humans. Storm has no idea why he has come to live with you, and that is all very confusing for him. Patience is very warranted, as well as lots of non threatening interactions. Just go about your day when you are home, talking to Storm as you move about your home. Approach his cage calmly and relaxed, but matter of fact (not creepily slow) -- and as others have wisely said, offer him little yummy tidbits each time you approach him. Continue to offer your hand and invite him to come to you. I, personally, am not a big fan of the push your hand into an adult bird's tummy and therefore forcing them to step up. I'm all about offering your hand and allowing them to decide whether or not they want to accept your invitation. What you do now, will go a loooong way toward a very rewarding future together. Would love to hear more about how you two came together!

Am delighted to hear that the Zoo admin appears willing to work with you on legitimate CITES paperwork, and sees that you are not an illegal bird trafficker. I will make it a point to hit the site daily.

What great pics of a very handsome fellow! My apologies as I was up veery late last night and misinterpreted your post to mean that your vet said to towel Alex and put him in a carrier any time he would not willingly go to or from his cage. My reply no doubt sounded very preachy

Hello phangonpower! It sounds like Peko might be a bit bored with training, and just needs a break. That's natural with all creatures, humans included He's definitely up to mischief, and it may be that at four years old he is feeling a bit frisky and is asserting some independence. There are birds who love to spend tons of time outside of their cages, and others who enjoy and seek quiet time within their cages. Simply because a bird is out of their cage does not mean that their quality of life is enhanced if their people are not frequently interacting with them, or if they don't have other feathered companions. By interacting so frequently with Peko during the day, as well has giving him lots of outdoor time on his harness and regular time out of his cage, his life could certainly be considered better than a bird who is left to fend for itself all day alone while its people are gone. It's easy to see from your original two posts how concerned you are about Peko. One thing, that I wasn't clear on, was if during his evening time out of his cage if that is when you do training time with him? If so, perhaps you might want to vary the time of day a bit. Also are you giving him the same reward every time, or mixing it up? He just may be wanting to "roam" a bit, which would be natural for him at this age as he would be seeking a mate in the wild. If you simply leave his cage door open when you are in the room, will he roam about the outside of his cage and up onto the top of it to play for awhile? This might be the happy middle ground for you both periodically during the day. You also might try going back to basics and giving him something super yummy when you place him on one of his perches, with lots of praise. Make that much more appealing than woodwork, etc. Definitely try the suggestion from Sterling, with regard to the woodwork chewing. As for the training, some days they are in the mood, other days they are not -- just like people. Some days we don't want to "work" we just want to play. Novelty -- it sounds like it could be time for a new trick or some new toys. Would love to hear more about Peko, and to see some photos.

I was up later than usual tonight, and when I walked (like an Egyptian) out to the kitchen to get some water before going to bed, HRH Inara scooted over to the side of her cage from the top of her roosting perch. I gave her scritches and talked to her, and just sensed that she wanted something more. So, I asked her if she wanted to come out for a bit, and she immediately climbed over to the door. I picked her up, and as usual I pulled her close into my chest and kissed her on the top of her head and nuzzled her feathers a bit (our coming out of her cage ritual). She usually then gives me a little smooch and that is all she wrote where snuggling is concerned. Inara is very affectionate with throwing little kisses, loving to hang out on my arm (she prefers me to crook my arm out so that she can make eye contact and only uses my shoulder for transportation) and the occasional attempt at preening my hair, but is not a real snuggler, she is too "busy". This, is fine as I don't expect her to be anything other than who she is. However tonight, she completely choked me up. I gave her the snuggle/nuzzle and moved over to the sofa in the darkened living room and sat down with her. She moved up to my shoulder, laid her cheek against mine just like she did the very first time we met. Then she climbed down my arm to my chest and laid her forehead against my heart! I softly preened her neck feathers and those on the top of her little head and she just closed her eyes and then turned and gave my hand kisses. She then moved back up my arm to my elbow (my arm was across my chest) tucked up one foot, closed her eyes and softly ground her beak. Then stopped gave another kiss noise, scootched back to where she had been, put her little beak and forehead back over my heart and we proceeded to repeat this about 3 more times. Then she looked at me and softly said, "OK, let's go." I asked, "Are you saying you want to go home and go night-night?" She said, "OK. You go up." So I did, and as I was putting her into her home, she gave me one more kiss. The warmth and unadulterated sweetness and trust that emanated from her just moved me to tears. Every moment with her is a treat, moments like these are more precious than diamonds.

....The grocery clerk asks you how old your baby is, after scanning a handful of baby food organic broccoli, carrots, sweet potatoes, and mixed berries. You reply, "Almost three, this summer." He asks, "Boy or girl?" You say, "Parrot." He says, "Parrot????!!" You just smile.

Hi John and Alex, you've both landed in a wonderful place! I'm so excited for you and your new companion. It's apparent that you are and will be diligent about his care and receptive to his training of you :D One thing that you might try for getting Alex to step up when he is out of his cage, is a stick or a perch that looks similar to those in his cages. This can be less intimidating than your hand, and can also save you some fear/anxiety bites. This can help you both get off on the right foot (literally) where you're not anticipating a bite, and Alex is not feeling anxious about what to him is a stranger's hands. As he becomes more accustomed to you, he will understand that you are his buddy and not a predator. It is great that you've been trying to coax him, rather than chasing him around, which can stimulate his natural fear of predators. He is by nature a prey animal, so if you start toweling him consistently, simply to get him into his cage, well--- think about how you would feel if you were out having fun and some giant tossed a tarp over you and then picked you up, carried you away and stuck put you back in your home. A little daunting, wouldn't you say? Vets use towels, companions use patience and systematic rethinking of behaviors. By all means, use your hand when you sense that Alex is receptive, and try other methods when you sense he is hesitant or feeling bitey. Often just giving them a moment or two will allow them to change their minds. It also can be helpful to find a treat that Alex is wild about, and only give that to him every time he cooperates in entering his cage. He will soon be delighted to go home. Because our buddies don't understand the concept of rehoming, all newly rehomed relationships much like a remarriange with the introduction of a step parent, are formed out of a break up of a flock/family. Greys empathy centers in their brains are highly developed, so be extra gentle and loving toward Alex, as at some point he my start to grieve a bit (depending on circumstances) for his former human(s). He doesn't know that he will be spending most of his life with you yet. So just like a marriage, how you break things in sets the pace for the duration. Gentleness, patience, and not taking anything personal will go a loooooong way to establishing a great bond. Diet is important, sunshine is important, sleep is important, stimulation is important, a good sized clean cage is important, but mutual trust and respect are critical. Here you will find many different approaches, tons of fantastic advice, sometimes differing opinions but all valid nonetheless. There truly are no stupid questions, we all were first time bird stewards at one time or another, and no one has every answer. We all continue to learn from one another, because while the species has a lot of commonalities, the individual birds and their interactions with their humans is so very varied. Its truly a treat as each new person signs in and introduces her/himself and their fine feathered friend. Would love to hear your and Alex's back story. How did you meet, why did his human comanion(s) give him up, and what prompted you to choose him? And natch, we thrive on pictures and videos here Looking forward to hearing much more, Inara's Human

Loved it!!

Well how precious is she??! I love her! Her little nekked self is sure settling in and feelin' the love, isn't she? She looks like she is loving the freedom from the cone, and being able to move around unrestricted. What a doll

Hi 400boss and welcome to the forums I'm wondering if what to you seems like not so much training, to your buddy is seeming like too much? At 18 years old, if he (what is his name and background?) had not had a lot of interaction, even 2-3 short sessions could be stressing him out a bit, and he could be thinking that every time you pick him up, that he's going to have to "work." It's natural to feel scared as crap if something powerful has bitten you -- he will sense your fear and hesitation and the two of you can get into a feedback loop. Perhaps for awhile, asking your buddy to step onto a natural stick so that you can move him to and from his cage will help. That way, you don't have to fear a bite, and he can feel secure and relaxed. Gradually shorten the stick over time, and relax. Would love to hear more about your buddy, his background, how you two came to meet, and naturally we all thrive on photos here

Check out this link --then scroll down to #27 for an application for CITES "personally owned wildlife." http://www.tradev.net/DocumentList.cfm You're not importing or exporting for profit, and from the reading I've been doing on your behalf, you may also qualify for a "household goods" exemption if you carry Sukei. Also it appears that the US accepts up to 2 birds coming in if they are pets, and you have proof that you have been living outside of the US for 1 year. In the US pets are also classified as household goods (except in Bounder, CO, Berkley, and San Fran, I think... ). It would behoove you to get Sukei microchipped and get a vet health certificate taken care of ASAP. Check on the CITES website for more info about the "household goods" exemption. And yes, it does appear that you and Sukei are up to your beaks in redtail tape. Wishing you all the best in your quest to not toss Sukei back into what could be a terrible situation. EDIT: here is the direct quote from one of the .pdfs I stumbled upon: Traveling to the United States with Your Pet Bird If your pet bird was acquired outside the United States or exported abroad from the United States without a CITES permit, and you have resided outside the United States constantly for 1 year, you may import a maximum of two pet birds per person, per year, if all applicable requirements have been met prior to their arrival in the United States. Following are the steps you need to take before you leave for the United States: 1. Obtain a valid permit from the Division of Management Authority. Applications for permits must be received in that office at least 60 days in advance of anticipated travel. 2. Obtain documented evidence that you have resided outside the United States continuously for a minimum of 1 year. 3. Obtain documented evidence that each bird was acquired legally. 4. Obtain all other necessary permits from the country(ies) of export, including a CITES permit.

+1 on the votes for leaving flighted, unless there are major safety issues in your environment that would preclude it. When HRH Inara came to live with us at two years old, her history was that at some point she had been clipped by her breeder, then her first people allowed her flights to grow back, but never helped her fully fledge. In fact, they used to take her outside on their shoulder and just assumed that she was "not interested in flying." Yikes! When she came to live with us she was like an out of control brick being tossed through the air if she got startled. She had no sense that her wings belonged to her. So I began immediately working with her on exercises to allow her to figure out that those things were indeed hers, and that she could use them to her advantage. She now if startled, can navigate beautifully and appears to have our entire first floor mapped out in her head. She lands with grace and control. We're now working on recall and she seems to really enjoy that she can "intentionally" fly now. She does still appear a bit surprised at herself though. Certainly there are many and personal reasons for trimming back, but if the environment is safe, and you have the experience and patience and awareness, I'm in total agreement with you and others that a flighted bird is a much more confident companion. As a prey animal, it is imperative that they feel that they can escape threats and dangers. Just my 8 cents

LOLz, Nancy, about Sophie going through the motions! Sometimes when I'm cleaning Inara's cage, she'll look down at me and say, "Good girl!" It always makes me laugh, and I respond, "Thank you, Your Royal Highness!"

Chezron, I'm a little late to the thread, and just want to add my encouragement. It really *is* hard not to take something personally, because we are....persons. When we're not at our best emotionally, it's much easier for us to internalize things that during the good times we might just simply analyze and not take so much to heart. You mentioned that you can't change having Brutus step up from his cage? Is it really necessary that he come out when he does not want to? I can only speak for myself and HRH Inara, but when she does not feel like coming out, she lets me know. She usually will ask verbally to come out, but if she doesn't, I will offer my hand and ask her if she wants to come out and "Go......<--- fill in the blank with wherever or doing whatever." If she is not up for it, she just sits quietly or moves to another perch or different spot in her cage. This signals me that she is not receptive to wanting to come out. She then will come back toward my hand, and I'll say, "OK, it's all good. I see want to stay home," and then I give her a scritch and close her door. The other night, she actually reached over with her beak and helped shut the door herself. She goes through times where she really just prefers to hang out in her cage for a couple of days, other than coming out for breakfast (her favorite meal of the day!). Maybe Brutus, also is having days where he just wants a bit of time to stay perched in his home? Does Brutus give you through his own unique body language any signals that he is not receptive? I know you've already thought of a million reasons as to why Brutus' behavior has been changing, and there have been some great suggestions here for explanations -- a 6 year old during mating season being near the top of the list for sure. The thing about the trust issue? I imagine having been soundly bitten can make you feel a bit hesitant, but Brutus is not going to turn into a chomper. Try to take a deep breath, relax, and let Brutus tell you when and if he wants to accept your invitation to come onto your hand. You've got this!

How exciting and heart warming! Jake is just thriving, and it sounds like all of you are having such a great time!

Hi Victoria and welcome! It's unlikely that your new companion is 44 years old Bands don't necessarily state birth year and can be misleading. There is no standardization and each breeder has his/her own codes that they put on the band. It's likely that your new guy really is 14 and that you have many, many, many more years ahead of you to enjoy together. Sure is a handsome grey, and so delighted for you both for finding one another! YAY!!!

Hi Josh and welcome! How exciting for you and your family to anticipate the arrival of your new companion! Definitely read through the scrillions of threads here, starting with many of the old ones, also. There is a wealth of information both technical and practical. Never be hesitant to ask *any* question no matter how minor or silly it may seem to you -- no one else here will think it's minor or silly at all. Every person here was inexperienced at one time or another and all are willing to help. You may see some differences of opinion, almost always offered with respect and as alternative ways of doing things -- so just take what works for you and your particular bird. Me? I am a firm believer in positive reinforcement when it comes to animals, especially. Some look at this as bribery. I often retort, "So you would work every day for no paycheck, right?" If I have any words of wisdom, it would be to know that the little ball of fluff that you bring home, will be an completely different creature at 2, 3, 4 etc -- Unfortunately, this is when many are put up for rehoming. Being hand raised is no guarantee of bonding nor imprinting, and so you have a big job ahead of you. I also (personally) don't subscribe to the 1 human mindset. My wild caught CAG and now my rehomed TAG may have chosen me as a stronger bond, but could and can be easily passed over physically to another person, when willing. Learn from the beginning to socialize your bird as much as possible with every family member as she grows, and to watch and learn her own particular body language. You really don't need to get bitten. Especially when you have the luxury of raising a bird yourself. An example: My gal, Inara, lets me know when she does not want to go back to her cage, simply by backing up my arm or shoulder a little bit and leaning her head down. She now makes a kissing noise rather than a pterodactyl squawk, because she knows I understand what she means by this, and I don't rush her back to her home. When someone else holds their hand up to her, if she is not in the mood to go to them, she just simply looks at them and will lean her head down a little bit. These are very subtle changes in body language and if one is not inclined to learn and pay attention, bites can and will happen. Also, some will say never reach into your bird's cage. That is not and never has been an option for me. I reach in and out all the time to remove dishes, clean the cage thoroughly and to give attention both physical and in the form of treats to Inara and did with my other birds. I respect her physical space while doing so -- by not reaching for *her* if she is telling me that she does not want attention. My birds have always been fine with this and I've always been very relaxed and matter of fact about it. Birds need time to themselves and to rest/daydream/daynap, or simply just not be handled. Many birds are happier within their cage environment than they are stuck on an open perch being bored all day. So don't assume that just because your bird is out of its cage that it is stimulated or that you're doing it a good favor It's about you learning a sense of when to interact -- and that is plenty in short periods throughout the day, and when to allow your bird it's own time, which is also plenty during the day. Expect the very best from your bird, and don't go into this expecting a high strung moody bitey creature who will love only you (a lot of myths out there). We get what we stroke and what we expect (because we act and react according to our perceptions), and socializing your new gal early to be gentle, trusting, relaxed and playful will go a loooong way toward a lifetime of companionship for you and your family. Very important -- locate an avian veterinarian now. Don't wait until after you have your bird. There are many vets who will say "Oh we do birds," -- that is not an avian vet. It's worth the drive and/or expense to have one before an emergency. Can you tell I just had my morning coffee, I've rambled here!! Am excited for you and so delighted for your upcoming fid, as it's apparent she will be arriving at a good home. Be sure to check out the "Nursery" and "Training" threads, and when in doubt track down Dave007 for health/food, etc info --he's like a walking encyclopedia. Also be sure to check out Danmcq's thread on behaviors changes during different ages/stages of development. Cheers, Inara's human

Hello and welcome to you and Jocke! Yes, it is very possible that Jocke can and will settle in and the two of you become good companions. My first grey was a wild caught Congo very much like Jocke who had bitten the living end out of people, was mutilating himself and did nothing but screech. He therefore, wound up ignored, tormented, neglected, very sick and nearly featherless until he came to live with me at somewhere between 10 and 12 years old. I expected nothing from him other than for him to be a bird and to be able to live his life out in peace. Each time I walked past his cage, I would talk softly, and drop a small piece of walnut into his dish. It was not long before he began taking the bit of walnut from my fingers, and eventually he became quite a lover. You have the right approach. Just expect him to be a bird, don't expect him to fulfill your own emotional needs, stay relaxed and matter of fact with him, and make you and your hands welcome by initially always having a small treat for him. Refrain from pestering him, but spend lots of quiet time (reading, etc) around him so that he can come to learn that you are no threat. Chat with him as you go about your day. YAY!! So glad that Jocke has found a good home. I have soft spot in my heart for people who take in difficult birds. Thank you for not euthanizing him!!