Greytness

Relationships formed with our birds is vastly unique. I love the communication channels we develop with them. Opening ourselves up to understanding their needs rewards us in so many ways. Until you own a bird you can't truly understand this connection.

She is loving that! So adorbs!

Your compassion and dedication towards your little lady is a breath of fresh air! So many don't realize that we must conform our actions to their needs and not the other way around.

No you are not alone! Relationships with these beautiful birds are empathic. Once you sync with them the connection simply flows.

It becomes especially evident just how incredible they are once they become a part of your household. I do experience pangs of guilt whenever I allow myself to think about all that they miss out on as a captive bird. Yes, most don't know anything else, but still.

Your story is such an important one to tell. The sacrifice and commitment we must make to these magnificent creatures is great.

It could definitely change over time. One of my greys who was rehomed to me at the tender age of 3.5 months was a little cuddler with me for the first month. Then I made the mistake of allowing his first owner to come visit him as he was having a difficult time letting go. During that visit Fynn nipped me for the first time, and from that moment on he wouldn't have anything to do with me. I know now that it was a mistake having his first owner come over, because this little smarty pants put 2 and 2 together that I was the evil one who'd removed him from his first home. Fast forward to today, 2 years later: Fynn allows me to scritch him through the cage bars and occasionally flies over to me, but he remains cautious of me. My daughter became his chosen one soon after his first owner's visit, so he gets plenty of love and attention. I've accepted Fynn's choice of people 100%, and believe that eventually he'll allow me to freely interact with him. I also have a Panama Amazon who, from day one, chose my sons as his favorites. Both sons have since left the house, and now, 7 years later, he will freely step up for me. Point I'm trying to make is that it takes time. Lots and lots of time plus a huge dose of patience to establish a relationship with a bird that's clearly chosen another as his favorite.

I always wanted an African grey, but didn't realize how much I needed one until you came into our lives. Happy 7th Hatch Day, Maalik, my intelligent, cuddly, sometimes bratty, and loving Bubba Bird.

Greys are quirky. Once they bond with a human, they oftentimes don't want anything to do with anyone else. It's something that he may have to accept over time, but for now it's too early to know. I'd suggest that he do more talking and treating rather than actual physical touching until she relaxes around him.

The avatar harness is used by many. There's a learning curve for birds though, but there are YT videos and a CD that comes with the harness. I have the avatar, but didn't take the time to consistently work with my adult birds. Consequently they never accepted having it put on.

If they don't fly then their chest muscles atrophy, which is why she's short of breath. But that can change if you stage situations where she may want to fly a short way as she did today. My macaw came to us clipped before fledge. He was almost 2 when we got him, so we taught him how to fly by 'tossing' him back and forth to a family member. He was quite winded initially, but became less so over time as his chest musculature developed.

We use a combination of rope and dragon wood perches. The key is to have a variety of surfaces that will place different pressures on their food rather than with, say, a dowel, that only puts pressure on one place. We also have a sold shelf in each cage so they can stand on a solid surface whenever they choose.

I love listening to her talking! I'm not sure what she's doing. It looks like she wants to step, or be moved higher up. My macaw does that, but also tells me 'up up' while lifting his foot. Once I do lift him higher, he's happy as a lark. I do see some nervousness coming from her. Is she a flighted bird?

In San Diego Dr. Jenkins is a renowned and highly recommended avian vet. Quite the character, too!

What's in the dandelion mix? If it's pure veggies or greens then it will be fine. FYI: spinach should be fed sparingly, as it's been known to bind to Calcium. Small amounts on occasion are perfectly fine.

It's a good start, and she certainly seems to be doing pretty well with trying new things! I would also throw in some cooked yams. Very rich in vitamin A, which greys, in particular, need. If you can eventually find kale, chard or dandelion greens (even those growing in your lawn can be fed to her as long as you are certain nothing's been sprayed on them), and if she doesn't touch them, then finely cut some up and incorporate it into the yams.

Welcome! You will find a wealth of knowledge posted in the stickies. Enjoy, and looking forward to learning more about you and your feathered baby!

I don't have any pluckers (yet) in my flock, so unfortunately I don't have any first hand experiences to offer. There are some avian organic teas on the market that are believed to help birds experiencing various behavioral issues. I actually use some of those teas to steep grain blends for some of my freeze dried products.

Love this!

I'm not a fan of those sunroofs due to having read about closing accidents. Just not worth the risk is just my humble opinion.

I truly enjoy seeing what everyone looks like.

Yep! Conures can be nippy little guys at that! My pineapple GCC is the worst.

Thank you for your kind words! If the diet you mentioned has been her diet for awhile, then slowly bump up the variety of veggies while reducing the amount of fruit. Foraging toys can be a great way to introduce something new that she has to work at to get. Leaving pieces of the new food in places away from her regular dish may also create curiosity. Also vary the size of the pieces. I've found that starting with finely chopped veggies added to 'sticky' fruit helps them to 'accidentally' eat the veggies if you catch my drift. If they can't remove the new scary food from the sticky pieces of fruit, they're more likely to consume it! Making up vegetable skewers is another great serving option. Bottom line is to be creative and to switch slowly.

She has to come out sooner than later, but you should always have a gentle plan as to how you can return her to the cage. Most birds will step up for you away from their cage if they were already accustomed to doing so. Quarantine should last at least 30 days whether she's a single bird or not. What other birds do you have? With her having always been alone, she may not ever warm up to another bird. Of my flock of 13, only a few get along great out of their cages. One will bite to harm if given the chance.

Yes, peanuts can be a source of fungus, especially if they're still in the shell. It's best to eliminate those from the diet as you already have. In looking at the diet you're starting her out on it seems a bit heavy on carbs. The goal over time is to have her on mostly fresh veggies: kale, chard, broccoli, snap peas, carrots, sweet bells, etc. etc. That is where your greatest sources of nutrition will be. If she wasn't on all the fruit before you got her, then I'd adjust the ratios soon before she becomes accustomed to sweets. Parrots can definitely be picky eaters, so take it slow as you transition her onto a healthier diet. Please keep us posted!