Greytness

Yesterday, my 5 1/2 month old Jardine's parrot, Bogart, died suddenly. The day before he showed early signs of labored breathing, so we immediately took him in to the vets. Unfortunately they couldn't save him. A necropsy was performed, but all they could see was a lot of mucous in his airway. Everything else was completely normal. Needless to say I'm devastated. Maalik's and Bogart's cages were next to each other by the window. Bogart loved to look outside and make the most darling sing songy chirpy sounds that were so endearing. He loved his little window spot, and he was extremely happy there. Yesterday morning, before I'd found out that Bogart had passed, Maalik, out of the blue, began to sing Bogart's song to me. It was so spot on that I actually looked over towards Bogart's empty cage, half expecting to see him there. Maalik had never before mimicked Bogart's song, which was so eerie. I received the news at work that Bogart had passed. Tried to keep it together all day long, which was extremely difficult to do. But somehow I made it through the day. As soon as I walked in the door last night, Maalik immediately started to sing Bogart's beautiful song. That's when I lost it. Looking back, I wonder if Bogart had passed around the time that Maalik began singing to me. Even this morning Maalik periodically chirps exactly like Bogart. Maalik is comforting me in ways I can't even express. My Bogart is truly here in spirit, and Maalik is giving him a voice for me to embrace.

This is the most wonderful news ever! I'm SO HAPPY for you! Don't you wish that Brutus could tell you about his adventures these past 72 hours?

I'm in the San Diego/Escondido area. I have several friends in East County who are putting out the word for you. I've added your poster to my FB post as well.

Happy 6th Hatch Day, Anna Grey! Enjoy all the goodies your earth mommy is going to give you today!

I live in San Diego and have posted his disappearance on FB.

Oh, how I can relate to the interactions between Greys and Zons. Nice work, Nilah, with guarding your domain!

Our fids are in a very active part of our household, so yes, we cover up all 8.

Very cool! Hearing your Grey say his very first words is the best feeling ever!

It must have been in the air last night or something. My son had accidentally kicked their toy box which got both duskies startled into flight, which then frightened the daylights out of Skittles, my pineapple GCC, followed by Harley, my zon. Maalik hadn't been let out of his cage yet. Once the dust had settled, I opened Maalik's cage for him to come out, but he wouldn't, which was a first for him. Took him 30 minutes to venture out of his cage after everyone's frantic flight around the room. You're right, Sterling. It was 20 seconds of pure chaos!

Oh my gosh, when these guys become startled, it's total mayhem!

I was taking it a step further and visualizing 8 flighted Macaws! Crazy thought!

I'd also like to add giving your bird the evil eye to Ray's methods. If Maalik doesn't stop biting after using Ray's tried and true techniques, I'll place him back on his perch or cage, give him the evil eye, and growl, 'no biting'. The visual look of displeasure does seem to work for us.

He could very well be sending you a message about having to spend long chunks of time away from you. Have you always worked 40 hour weeks, or is this new? He could be in need of more stimulation. Perhaps when you leave for work you could play some music or birdie sounds for him to listen to. You could even call your answering machine if you have one during your work day to leave a little message for him! How old is he? Is he clipped? If so, then might be showing signs of anxiety or frustration by not being able to freely make it from point A to point B

Eight Macaws? Wow! I have 8 fids, but can't even imagine what it must be like to feed, house and entertain 8 Macs!

I was eyeing a harlequin macaw which just arrived at our local bird store yesterday that was absolutely GORGEOUS and oh so sweet. I could give her beak kisses and everything! Never thought much about owning one until I laid eyes on her. I can only imagine how excited you must be about bringing your sweet new baby home soon!

I'm fairly new to this forum and have enjoyed getting to know you through this post. I'm so thrilled for you that you are now reunited with Maggie! This is one of those stories that brings a smile to your face.

Maalik actually likes to perch on top of his water dish, making it his very own portapotty. There's no perch above it. He IS the perch!

My baby turns one today!!! And what a first year it has been. From a cuddly baby who used to make the cutest baby sounds ever, to his now becoming an engaging, complex, funny and even bratty one year old. His first mimacked sound as a baby was 'uh oh', to his now saying, "going poop!" and "I love you" Mwwaah!" among other phrases. Can't wait to see what he chooses to pick up next! Happy first Hatch Day, Maalik! <3 Looking forward to sharing more life adventures with 'my boo boo'

My kids have told me that every time one of them leaves, I get 4 fids to replace them. So...2 kids out of the house, and 8 fids have come in. :-)

Amazons are such remarkable birds. Lulu is so very lucky to have you!

Paul, your new baby's breeder, does not advocate wing clipping. Paul is actually a free flight trainer for his Macaws and CAGS. I love having Maalik whooshing over to me whenever he wants.

That's WONDERFUL news! His CAGS are gorgeous! I had a very difficult time choosing which one that I'd wanted. LOL! Please tell Paul 'hello' from Sandy, parront of Maalik whom I got from him last fall.

Hilarious! I can't wait until Maalik can communicate that well.

OMG, Inara, that's brilliant! Next time I change his water, I'm going to sing this to him. Love it!

Maalik unfortunately has taken to sitting and chilling on top of his water bowl. Several times a day I have to change his water because he's always pooping in it. Drives me crazy. Usually I'll ask him, "Maalik, did you go poop in the water AGAIN?" Today as I was on the computer, Maalik blurted out, "Uh Oh. Poop in the water. POOP!" I couldn't stop laughing!