Astro

Vic is still not talking, but she is still whistling and beeping a lot. She gets pretty excited when I go visit her. The next coupla days are gonna be rough, as I hurt my jaw and found out I have TMJ (reverse lockjaw) and am on the mend. But because my jaw is healing and SO sore, I can't talk too much.

Yea, Vic responds at about the same times. I'm still learning her "tells" about when she wants something or doesn't (she "flashes" her eyes when she's scared or about to bite). She'll eat if I hand it to her, but not from my hand. Right now she's loving red grapes, apples (but not the skin) rice chex and stir fry veggies. She's seems to be getting more comfy around me when I talk to her. We're not ready for touching yet, but it seems to help when I stroke the cage near her. She's getting used to my hands being around a bit more, and doesn't growl or flap when I put my hands in the cage. I re-arranged her cage today also (branches, toys and such) and that seemed to cheer her up. I've read that they actually can enjoy a change of environment in their "safe zone", as she has become much more vocal. She's been imitating the beep of a smoke detector, so I might let the previous owner know they need a change of batteries

3 days ago I adopted 18 year old CAG Victoria, and I love her to death. The last year or so her previous owner did not have as much time to spend with her, so she started to regress a bit. They said she was a real chatter box before, but now all I get are some whistles and warbles. She does the same tremble when I get close to her, but have been lucky enough to hand feed her fruits and veggies. Not that I will be much help in this matter (seeing as how I am dealing with an almost identical situation, and a first time CAG owner), but if there is one thing that is consistant on all the help forums I've read, it's patience. Yesterday was her first "step-up" with me (onto a branch), and today she came out of the cage on her own for the first time. I just need to fit into her life, not the other way around. She has had a set routine for such a long time, and I need to find a way to include myself in her habits. I draw, read, and write next to her. I sing to her. She's a HUGE Beatles fan (that's my girl!) and loves when I play guitar to her. I'm figuring out her signs for when she wants something or not, and have also been asking around for the same advise as you. I'll make you a deal; I'll keep oyu posted with all of my updates if you do the same

Hello everyone! I'm a first time CAG owner, long time pet owner. Let me give a quick back story on my new avian friend, Victoria: She belonged to my g/f's grandmother, and I have visited her several times in the past. We always got along, but she was never out of her cage (when I saw her). Due to some sad and untimely circumstances my g/f's Grammy was no longer able to care for her. Her family's first thought was to give her to me. I had been studying up on parrots for some time, and had been looking towards getting one. Victoria moved in with us yesterday, and she's a bit put-off. She's a bit older 10 or so (vet paperwork didn't make it to the house yet) and obviously the change in environment has been a shocker for her. This will take time, and I am prepared to work for her affection. She has let me (albeit briefly) stroke her beak, but any attempt to step-up has led towards nipping. I belive she was on a simple seed and nut diet (i.e. parrot chow), so I began feeding her some fresh veggies. She's starting to open up to me a bit. Her beak looks a bit "worn" about 1/2 way down, but I've read that this is normal. Still, she and I are going to visit the vet this weekend and get her all checked out. I do have an interesting question: What are your thoughts on changing her name? Not that I don't like her name now, but I have read that changing their name can sometimes help acclamate them to new environments. I believe she has always been called Victoria, and had been with Grammy since she was 2. I want to do everything I can to help her become more comfortable in our home, including leaving her alone when she wants to be.<br><br>Post edited by: Astro, at: 2007/03/19 01:50