Inara

Wow! What a perfect treat to go with my first cup of coffee of the day. The video of Peck is marvelous. Loved listening to him and seeing him respond so well to you and his new surroundings. What a beautiful and regal guy he is! Very nice to know that Megan did not appear to be threatened by seeing him. Can't wait for more updates and to learn more about Mr. Peck. Your bird area is so beautiful, by the way and Peck will no doubt love exploring it once he has the all clear. It certainly was natural for you to have had those poignant feelings well up last night. You have been through so much with the loss of your beloved Mars, and it's to be expected that there will be many things about Peck that remind you of that loss while at the same time warming your heart. Wonderful to hear that Peck showed empathy toward you during those moments, I have a feeling that he is a very special guy.

Adorable! Peanut looks as if he's in heaven. You can just picture him sighing -- "Ahhhhh."

Fantastico! Love hearing that Miss GG is initiating flying! One can't help but feel that this will help her feel more secure in the long run, knowing that she can escape situations on her terms, and can seek out comfort and security by searching for you when you are out of range. Terribly exciting!! So love, love, loved the photo of your beautiful girl. She is just so very sweet and such a brave girl. I so enjoy tuning into this thread to catch up, and am patiently awaiting the book (C'mon, do it for us.)

Love that!! Escher is rocking and rolling and it's delightful to hear how he is communicating. Inara will say, "Come pick me up." I too will go immediately to reinforce that what she said is understood and has meaning to me. Isn't it fascinating to see what sentences they put together all on their own? I don't mean that as patronizing toward them, I'm sure they wonder why the heck we are so slow at putting their language together. But I just mean, that I'm always thrilled when Inara (and every Grey here) mobilizes English in a way that clearly indicates an understanding of vocabulary. Three cheers for Escher -- and you go there now!

They are definitely one of HRH Inara's favorites also. We like to share them

Ditto all of the above! Peck has hit the jackpot when it comes to homes, and I sincerely hope that he and Megan hit it off, or at least benefit from one another's company. My first Grey was an older rescued wild caught CAG, and a major mess emotionally, physically, and psychologically when he came to live with me and I loved him to pieces. Peck sounds as if he got a much better start in life and has been well loved. I have no doubt that he will flourish and that you will fall deeply in love with him. Be prepared to hear some interesting 'wilderness' sounds if he remembers them. Lestat used to give off some fascinating low growls, hoots, and shrieks unlike anything I'd ever heard or heard since. I always assumed he learned them in his natural habitat. I'm thrilled for you!!

Oh for crying out loud. Spending a lot of time doesn't spoil your bird, it builds a strong bond. Just be sure to pass your little guy off to others a lot so he socializes well, and make sure to give him plenty of time in his cage/home during the day so that he can rest and have private time to himself. This way he will learn to entertain himself when you are busy or not home. Keep to a general schedule of in and out times but don't be rigid. Just establish a rhythm to his days and you and he will both benefit in the long run with a healthy, bonded relationship. Make sure he gets plenty of sleep, even if you're tempted to keep him up late to hang with you. Sleep is important for health and temperament. You're doing great! Trust your instincts, and above all E N J O Y !

Nancy, I've just tuned back into this thread and am so sorry to learn of Zoey's passing. It is just so unfair that while for them, their lives are long, for us the time is always way too short. Even a long life, well lived leaves so much sadness when over. {{Hugs}}

So loved viewing her photos. Just so peaceful, trusting, and lovely.

What fun! I actually laughed out loud at "Wheel of Fortune!" What a character your Brutus is. (and you too!).

Hooray for Escher! I just love hearing about your little guy. Glad to know that he's adjusted to the change in routine. You must be so delighted!

Hahahahahahaha!!!! Marco won that round for sure!!

That is a great idea and love the photo! If you're not cooking Dayo's food in the little skillet (and it doesn't look like you are) the amount of trace iron would be miniscule. Just be aware, if you aren't already, that any high acid foods will leach out more of the iron from the pan. Iron isn't a bad thing, it's when too much is being fed (i.e. via iron enriched foods, supplements, etc.) that it can begin to cause problems. If you have any concerns, just give a quick call to your vet.

She is just precious! I've not had any experience with baby birds, so no info here -- just good vibes and anticipation of many more photos and updates

yeeeouch! You and Garcia make quite the pair, with your appliances. Hope you heal fast and that Garcia responds well to the Feather-In.

Welcome, welcome, Ray and Gandalf. She sure is a pretty TAG. Looking forward to hearing how she settles in and about what shall be many upcoming antics

(yesterday) -- when conversation comes to an abrupt halt and your guests all turn to look at you. You begin rapidly explaining, that you do not fart in front of people but are often found in a room with a parrot who does (or who at least is verrrrry good at making the noise!!). And they look at you like...Ohhh sure.....

How exciting for both you and Bailey! So nice to get out into the fresh air and sunshine and to see a changing environment. We have many hawks around here also, but it won't be long before HRH and I are spending time outdoors. We have Inara's old cage that came with her, and it will be rolled out onto the deck once it is warm enough. I am thinking, though, of looking into backpacks.

It would be lovely if more people put this kind of thought and planning into play before purchasing or rehoming any non-human companion, and especially parrots. I'm particularly appreciative that you will be spending time around adult birds of both (and perhaps other) species, as you have already become aware that purchasing a baby is no guarantee that it will turn into an adult that enjoys being handled. So many people purchase babies and then about 2-3 years later find themselves with a bird who by nature is wanting to individuate and become independent from it's "parents." This is simply nature in action. Unfortunately it often ends up with the bird being put up for sale. From your posts, I've inferred that you are less likely to find "a" bird, and will no doubt find "the" bird(s) that is a good personality fit for you and you with them. When I found HRH Inara, I was looking for another CAG and had no idea that a sweet, sassy, and razor witted TAG would steal my heart. I'm sincerely looking forward to peeking in on your quest for your companion(s).

Um..Jeff, are you sure you don't mean that no matter how much she corrects you (on her new definition of an English word), it never sticks, despite her best efforts to educate you? :D Nancy, how fun that Sophie has discovered "morning." Can't wait to hear more about how she chooses to use it in the future now that she's got the vocalization down pat. She sure loves it when her buddy is home!

After getting used to Inara's eating habits, I simply cut down on the amount of food I was putting in her dishes. This cut down considerably on the overt waste factor. I weighed her daily for a little over a week to ensure that she was still eating enough. She was. I also give her "untouchables" (things she does not eat that are left in her dish) to the outdoor wild birds. They and The Squirrel love her leftovers, and since she is healthy I don't worry about the risk of transmitting something from her to them. My avian vet gives her birds' untouchable to the chickens. So very little winds up wasted. Yes, there are always bits and pieces in the bottom of her cage, but not nearly like it was, once I began titrating the amount I was offering. She still is abundantly fed, just not over indulged. I give her smaller bits and pieces (she is a TAG so is smaller in general) of things and mix in a few bigger chunks of non-sticky fruits and veggies to give her some foot held bits, too. She won't eat a pellet to save her life and personally I don't blame her. She does eat Nutriberries though, and those I break in 1/2 and toss about 5 broken ones in her dry dish.

YAY!! Can't wait to see pictures and hear all about Sterling's first weekend home.

HRH Inara (TAG) has light peachy colored feathers in those same areas Ausage. Hers are just a very pale blush color and truthfully, I've never given them a moment's thought other than to think that they are pretty in a watercoloresque sort of way.

Isaac does sort of look like a punk rocker these days -- Elvenking, did you spread those downy feathers a bit to check for tattoos? :D So glad your best buddy keeps improving in the feather department. He's certainly well on his way back!