Greytness

Peggy, someone just posted a link to an article that addresses various undesirable parrot behaviors. https://blogpamelaclarkonline.com/2019/01/31/parrot-and-start-buttons/?fbclid=IwAR3uc7jvv84yWVBMBd4ZWv1ffY_IauCRWxeTSLJKIfjPhn-sdMbt6bsu8jI

Well, it took awhile but finally loaded. First, if it were me, I wouldn't keep offering my hand when she's actively showing signs of wanting to nibble/bite. Wait for her to tuck her head before approaching her. If she's reaching for you, that's not the best time to offer her your hand. I'd like to make a safety recommendation for you to consider. Her rope perches are super frayed, which is actually a huge hazard for birds. Many birds have become stuck in the hanging threads and some parronts have actually lost their babies. I'd replace those as soon as you can, ideally with non rope perches, such as manzanilla or dragonwood. Until you can change them out, you can actually trim off all those loose strands. Your baby looks like she's full of personality! Very sweet girl!

It's not downloading for me. With grays, it's best to monitor their behaviors in real time. I have 3 grays, and watch their queues to see when they want some lovin' or to be left alone. They can start out looking for affection, but then switch mid stream. If you learn to read them, then you'll know when they'd like for you to stop doing what you're doing.

Schooner is a beauty! Sometimes the best we can do is to honor what our birds want. Biting means that you're asking him to do something he doesn't want to do. Avoiding situations that potentially can elicit a bite is one of the best approaches. It sounds as though Schooner has let you know when it's okay to pick him up. It's all about their wants; not what we need. In time it will likely improve for you. Seven months isn't really that long, especially knowing that he was previously abused by 'hand things', if you know what I mean. Your hands, whether covered or not cause him stress; hence the bites.

Am not sure, other than perhaps some of the grit from the new perch became imbedded into her foot. I'm assuming that you removed the perch after the swelling was detected? After this much time and still having some swelling, you might want to consider taking her back in so they can take another look. And yes, they do seem to know when you're attempting to disguise medication!

Hi Snowghost! You're doing a great job introducing him to a new healthier cuisine. Foods that they can't eat are onions, garlic, chocolate and especially avocado. Radishes aren't a good choice for him, either. Soybeans, too. Birds become very used to their food and turn their beaks at new things. Many have experienced good luck by starting with his original diet and adding the good foods to that, and then reducing the bad stuff over time until only the good food remains. It's also a good idea to weigh him daily to make certain he's not losing weight while you switch him over. Many of my 13 birds don't enjoy pellets. I have had good luck with adding a little fruit juice to their Harrison's pellets, such as pomegranate juice. Greys need a rich source of Vitamin A. I give each of my fids some cooked yams daily, and also add organic environmentally safe red palm oil to their chop. Sprouting at home is another great item for them. My fids all love sugar snap peas. They love to remove the peas from the outer shells. My fids also don't like raw carrots, broccoli and green beans, so I slightly steam them before serving. Welcome to Greyforum!

My baby, who turns one in a few weeks, has discovered the phrase, 'Hello bird' which he's picked up from our eclectus. He says it over and over and over again. I love to see how he practices things until he masters them. So endearing!

That's great news! So glad you were able to think things through before bringing your new little one home. Would love to see pics of your baby once he arrives. We're here to support you!

Yep. All 3 of my greys love to whistle! And pop, click, imitate annoying sounds & talk!

Our baby is 11 months old, and just started saying a few words. Up until that point, he's been an avid whistler. Now he says his name, hello and boo boo.

Yes. If this is a new condition, then he could have something going on that might require medical attention. Blood panel might be needed to rule out any chemical imbalances. He could also potentially have a skin infection

Yes, pics please!

Mine growls, too whenever they're having fun attacking toys.

The other consideration is that if they didn't get along, they'd be able to attack each other through the partition, possibly biting toes off, etc.

I have this cage for one of my macaws. The downside is that the center 'slider' space is a collector for poo, shredded toys, etc. It's a very annoying cage to clean. I have a painted one, which my macaw has chipped away in places. I need to replace it due to the exposed areas of metal.

Personally I'd have a different cage for the new baby. Just because they are young doesn't mean they will get along. with each other.

Was this a one time occurrence, or is he still biting you? I'm thinking that when you stepped back he became startled and then took it out on your toes, etc.

Do you give him any fresh fruit and veggies? Greys need a well balanced variety of both. They are prone to vitamin A deficiencies, so foods rich in A is a must. Sweet potatoes, for example, are loaded with vitamin A. Absolutely no avocados as it will cause liver failure and death. I'm actually not familiar with this particular brand of pellets.

Tell us a little more about his diet. Is he only on pellets? If so, then that could be part of the problem. Has he been checked for mites?

I, too, give both RPO and hemp seeds to my fids daily.

If he's a baby, twitching and already plucking, then I believe he has something going on with him.

We do the same and use low VOC paint. There's very little odor and the safest paint to use around small children, pets and, of course, us.

Sorry, I don't have any recommendations to share with you as I'm not in support of breeding when there are so many homeless babies and adults out there. I would like to welcome you to Greyforums!

They love tinkering with stuff and trying to undo things. And yes, that's a floofy molted feather. Get used to them, because you're about to be bombarded with a whole lot more!

That makes me so sad to hear. Have they switched him over to a different antibiotic in case the current infectious organisms are resistant to it?