magnus

I'm just curious how come a CAG has bright red tail? I tried finding an answer over the net to no avail. Is it for attracting a mate or for some other purpose? It is quite strange that their tail has a totally different color than their body feathers so there could be a reason for such difference.

Thank you so much for all the detailed responses. I will print and show them to my wife. We are also set to visit a vet who expressed the same opinion stated herein so my wife would hear from an expert. I am confident that after she reads the responses stated herein and hears the explanation given by the vet, our grey will stay with indefinitely. By the way, I also bought an air purifier as suggested by Greywings. I am really glad I joined this forum. Kudos to all and thanks so much once again!

I have done my own research on various avian diseases that could be passed on to humans. I also asked several bird pet owners and breeders on the matter. I did these because my wife has raised concerns on the possible health problems our grey may cause to our children who are 2 and 8 year old. A friend of her told her that the son of her co-worker has a serious case of brain viral infection that was contracted from a pet bird. The problem is, no details were given and if the information is 100% true. The problem is, my wife is relatively in a panic mode wherein I could sense that she wants me to get rid of our grey. The situation has placed me in a precarious situation wherein I am in a constant pressure to do something to place the bird out of our children's reach. This may entail in giving it to another person or worst, sell it. I have raised it since it was two months old and devoted a lot of time in socializing it to the point that anyone could handle and play with him/her without getting not even a nip. He/she is now four month old and has started to learn fly. Please post your own input on the said matter. What possible disease humans can get from our feathered friend? Can it be avoided by keeping our pet healthy, its cage and the room where it is found clean and regularly sanitized? For me, grey enthusiasts who have years of experience in rearing and caring for this unique parrot are one of the best source of information. I need all the information I need before I make a decision. Thanks in advance.

My cousin adopted a 9 week old that he got from a friend who, due to serious health reasons, sold the parents of the chick and placed their babies for adoption. However, the chick has less feathers around its neck compared to the feathers on the rest of its body. The feathers on its neck look like they were cut and short portions were left. My cousin has no way of asking his friend about the matter because he is terribly ill and he alone knows everything about his greys. Though my cousin noticed the same thing on the other chick. Is it normal for a 9 week old to have feathers around its neck with slower growth rate compared to the feathers on the rest of its body? Can plucking occur on such a young age? But my cousin never saw the chick pluck or feathers on its bedding. Plus the presence of less feather or slow growth (?) is found all around his neck so it cannot possibly reach the back portion to pluck. Or is it possible that he bites or chew them off? Again, how can he possibly reach the back of his neck. Opinions please. Thanks in advance

Hi to everyone! I just got my first grey. I received a lot suggestions to sign up in this forum because it is one of the best fora wherein I could get valuable lessons and pointers about our feathered friend. I will be posting several questions and I hope a lot of you will have the patience to answer them. Cheers!