Dave007

The Wild Parrots of Edgewater, NJ

Yellow-headed Parrots

Everyone will help you out here even though you are gonna rehome an adult grey. Many people here have done that. Loads of people here deal with adult birds. We have a person here that's taken in other species too and you'll also find him to be a great help. His name is Jayd in the Amazon room. We know you'll have fun even though it's your first bird. Just remember that in order for this to happen, you'll have to ask questions, any questions you wanna talk about. Welcome aboard, find a perch and enjoy yourself.

The one that broke off---leave it alone. That feather is now officially dead and the rest of it will come out when the blood supply at the base of the feather dries out. How fast do they fall out? --Most of the time that's a question that can't be answered because most of the time the flight, covert and tail feathers come out whenever they die which is all year long. There's no specific time. Why is he missing 4 right now? Just a coincidence. Probably won't happen again but maybe it will happen again. The most importantant thing here is that new blood feathers will be coming out and pushing the dried up dead feathers out. """he doesn't seem to want to fly lately. """ A bird flaps it's wings and sees that normal lift off is affected because certain feathers aren't there at the present so he doesn't fly. Nothing unusual about that and he'll fly soon enough. It has nothing to do with confidence. It has to do with ability. """""just wondering if i should take him to the vet to get it pulled out""""" No, it's a waste of money. As far as behavior-----when a bird goes through 1x to 2x a year normal body molt, many get cranky, bitchy and short tempered and nippy. Some don't wanna be touched. That's normal too. So relax, have a brew and watch some TV.

A 5yr old grey is sexually mature. What goes on at that point doesn't apply to all sexually mature greys. They can all do different things because the intensity of those changes could be major or minor. A truly sexually mature grey is one that;s 6 yrs old. Some get nippy, others don't. It's best to not do so much interaction when a parrot is hormonal.

There are a lot of things you should know before deciding to buy a bird as a pet. We want you to be happy with your bird, and we've found that it's best to prepare potential bird owners by pointing out the down side first. After falling in love with and buying a bird, many people find that birds just don't fit into their lifestyle after all. We take in many unwanted birds and try to find homes for them. It's heartbreaking when someone has no choice but to get rid of their bird, even though they've grown extremely attached, and perhaps it's sadder for the bird, as birds are capable of forming strong attachments to humans, and it can take months or even years before they can adapt to a new home. We try to do our part to help anyone and any bird in such a situation, but we'd rather prevent it from occurring in the first place. That's why we want you to make an informed decision, so that both you and your bird will be happy. The following ten points are the most frequent concerns and complaints we hear from new bird owners: l. ------This is the most demanding animal I've ever had. Don't be mislead by salespeople and magazines who try to popularize birds and promote their suitability as pets by selling them as an easy animal to care for. They are anything but easy to care for. Not only are their nutritional and environmental needs exacting, but also mentally and emotionally they are so extremely sophisticated that many people find the relationship to be too demanding. Birds in the wild are either monogamous and bond for life or live in flocks and bond periodically. In a natural environment they would not be exposed to the experience of being alone. They are together more than most human couples would find tolerable. Although it is true that a bird, even a large parrot, can adapt to a nine-to-five person's schedule, many people find after buying one that this is hardly the best situation and feel guilty for leaving the bird alone for such long periods. This leads to another problem at times, when people decide to get a friend for their bird and find owning two to be nothing short of twice the difficulty of caring for one. 2.------ He's bored and unhappy. He doesn't do anything. She's laying eggs all the time. It's pulling its feathers out. I think he needs a friend. Deciding to get a companion for your bird is a difficult thing to do. In many if not most situations however, birds are happier when paired, and at some point in a bird's life, one of its owners, if not the only owner, decides to "set the bird up" with one of its own kind. This will inevitably lead to some degree of what can only be called the loss of pet quality. Once a bird has bonded with a bird mate, its attachment to humans has to decrease somewhat. Many people find the bird's new behavior difficult to handle. The closeness they once felt with their pet is now absent. Even worse is the frequent outcome where the birds don't get along at all and the owner simply finds himself with the problem compounded. Of course there are solutions. Keeping birds of different species who can provide company if not companionship for one another is a good idea. Birds can also get along with other animals, and if approached creatively, keeping a single pet bird can be quite satisfying for the owner, and a happy situation for the bird. 3.------- My apartment is a mess. Birds are messy. They don't really care where they go to the bathroom. It is possible to "toilet train" some species, but this is difficult and time consuming. Birds also tend to scatter their food, and feathers seem to be around all the time. The flapping of wings can make seed and feathers travel some distance from the cage or play area as well. Although there are measures you can take to minimize the mess, you cannot hope to eliminate it. 4. -------He chews on everything. Birds, especially parrots, love and need to chew. Toys are designed to provide an outlet for this very natural behavior, but unless you limit your bird's mobility and access, he will make toys of your books, picture frames and furniture. Again, this is more of a problem with larger birds, but even small chewers like lovebirds and parakeets are capable of being extremely destructive. 5. ------I can't stand the noise. This is a major problem for some people. Birds make all kinds of sounds and noises. There are some that are quieter than others are, but some people find even the low-volume chattering of finches to be monotonous and annoying. Among the larger birds, cockatoos and amazons are the loudest. Conures are capable of incessant screeching, and even parakeets and lovebirds can give rise to complaints from neighbors. 6. -------It doesn't talk. Many people find the capacity for speech to be the most appealing reason for buying a parrot. Be forewarned. Even if you buy a bird with an outstanding reputation for talking such as an African Grey or an Amazon parrot, there is no guarantee that it will ever speak. If you have your heart set on a talking bird, you would be well advised to buy one that already speaks. Otherwise you may be very disappointed. And besides, even the most talented of talkers needs time to learn. Birds usually don't start talking until one or two years of age. 7. -------It bites. And it's true. Birds bite. They sometimes even bite the hand that feeds them and the person to whom they've bonded. It's not like a dog biting. Birds certainly do bite out of aggression, but it's more likely to be out of fear, frustration or anger. Birds bite one another as part of their natural interaction, and they expect us to tolerate some degree of this natural behavior. It's a means of communication that leaves many people feeling hurt and rejected. To put it simply: birds are excellent communicators. Biting is a way of saying "I don't like that," and a very effective way of saying it at that. We humans are often not so direct or assertive, and we tend to hold a grudge when somebody or some bird is more assertive than we are. I personally think that if any of my birds didn't bite me whether it's soft or hard, then there's something wrong with that bird. 8. -------He doesn't like anyone but me. I'm the only one who can handle him. Birds are often purchased as family pets, and many birds are quite gregarious and friendly with a variety of people. But quite often, birds become closely bonded to individuals and will not tolerate handling by anyone but their chosen person. In fact, many times this turns out to be someone in the family other than the person who wanted the bird as a pet in the first place. Flock birds tend to be more social, whereas birds who spend little or no time in flocks in the wild will be less likely to get along with more than one person. 9.-------- I've spent hundreds of dollars on veterinary bills. Avian medicine is very specialized. There are few avian experts around. Tests, procedures, and treatments tend to be expensive. In addition, birds tend to exhibit symptoms only at the point where they are fairly if not acutely ill, and treatment at that point is often of an emergency nature and therefore more costly. l0.------- I'm moving. I'm getting married. The baby sitter is allergic. Etc. Birds live a long time. Budgies, or parakeets, can live well into their teens, and among the larger parrots, ages of eighty years or more are well documented. However, the statistics may be misleading. Most birds succumb to illness or accidental death long before nature runs its course. Still, it's important to remember that your bird may outlive you or your current lifestyle. In fact, many birds will outlive more than one owner. So consider this: birds all last a long time. Pets don't "grow up" like our children do. They are forever dependent on us for their continued survival and well being. If you still want a pet bird, there can only be one reason. Birds are fantastic pets. To those of us who love them, they are truly incredible and capable of the most amazing expressions of charm, intelligence and love. If you have what it takes to be a bird owner, and you know what you're getting into, then you're probably in for the pet experience of a lifetime. Also remember that the bird who is called a *pre owned* is a bird that will give much happiness to people even if it's not the specific happiness that people are looking for. * Pre owned* birds are in a class of their own and also unique. One other important thing here--- A person should really take the time to check out whether certain species of parrots should actually be good as a pet * for anyone*, There's a few that I really don't think should be pets at all but that's another subject. Congratulations on making a responsible decision, whether it's to own a bird or not. Good luck and be happy.

Not that visual sexing doesn't work which it doesn't, but any person deciding on visual sexing would have to wait until the bird is at least 5 yrs old when everything is fully developed. Stay with the DNA tests. Visual sexing is only good when a person gives birth, sees what's there and can safely say that visually, it's a boy or a girl. Then they can have a party and the next day check out blues or pinks.

I remember 1 other vet saying the same thing a while back. I don't remember why because he addressing that problem to a friend of mine and he eventually told me the reason. Lucky you concerning those double doors. Companies that make outdoor aviaries also have double entry doors so it's impossible for a bird to get out. Because of the well made construction and design, these outdoor aviaries are extremely expensive.

No, there's no preservatives in aloe gel--that's why the bottle says 100 % pure. Aloe gel is usually purchased by people for their own use such as dry or brittle skin, skin moisturizers and scales. It just so happens that aloe gel is also very good for parrots who have extremely dry areas, minor cuts or wounds from overplucking etc. It can also be used on beaks that are extremely scaly. Some people use it on their bird's feet and legs which are also scaly.Some people use it on beaks simple tolessen the amount of scratches that all parrots will get as they get older and do much more scraping of their beaks on things such as mineral blocks or other sandy areas. Aloe gel is totally non toxic so if a bird ingests it, there's no problems. It's best to get the type that's pictured. It doesn't have to be the same brand, only 99% to 100% pure. As I said, pharmacies are your best bet. The bottle in the picture costs approx $5. Aloe Vera Juice does have a small amount of preservatives in it but only people who drink it should be worried about that but they usually drink it much quicker. It's usually recommended by a doctor for digestive and othe stomach problems. That's why it also has added vitamins ( for people) BUT Aloe Vera Juice is only used on the skin of birds to act as a skin softener and to releive extra dry skin which all greys have. Many people use it on their birds even if they don't need it. It's always good for the skin which is the area that a person should be aiming at. The juice on the outer feathers does no good because greys'' outer feathers are totally water proof. Aloe juice can be kept in the fridge or room temperature. 1 gal should last about 8 to 12 mts depending upon how often you use it. 2x a week is very good. Some use it 1x a week. Some use it 5x a week. getting the skin soaked with it is your main goal. It's also non toxic, very inexpensive. Also, you can get another brand if you like. Just pay attention to the label--99% to 100% pure. If you have a Walmart near you, try that. Also, if they don't have it, they will also order for you. The bottle above is 1 gal and costs approx $9 Dilute--forget that. old bird wive's tale--use it straight.

You'll pay more at any health food store for any products they sell. Aloe Vera Juice can be purchased at large department store that have a pharmacy located inside the store. A popular place to get this item is Walmart but other places also have it.It's very inexpensive. Aloe Vera Gel can be purchased in just about any pharmacy and if they're out of the product, they'll order it. Some departmant stores also carry it in the pharmacy section. But your best bet is a pharmacy. Also very inexpensive. These are samples of both. Pay attention to the wording on each.

Having 3 is a bit different than having 1. More personalized effort has to be given to each one but on the good side, as they get much older the diferences in their personalities shows up more easily so tending to each gets easier when a person knows how to deal with each one. All of them are different than each other so I know exactly what to do. Some require more attention than the others. Adoptees are probably the hardest to find out about because they have personalities that have already developed from the past.

Googling won't help because it's simply a state of mind. Mine are 8--11--16 yrs old and still my babies even though all are mature adults.

They're classified as babies until you feel he's not a baby. Official average time until they change their personality and start acting like greys is about 1 yr old. My greys are much older adults but they're still my babies. Even the ones I adopted.

He looks great--weight sounds great. Now get some solid macaroni like gnocchi. Use tomato sauce on it and let him hold it. It's like a dough ball. Will be messy but worth it. It's good for the internals periodically. You and Maggie will like it too. Matter of fact, give it to all the birds.

3yrs to 4 yrs--puberty---sexually aware:confused:---has heard about it but too afraid of that knowledge and what to do with it. 5/6 yrs on up----young adult---sexually mature:cool:---knows how to do it--it's time to go out and practice and refine the technique before settling down. 1 1/2yrs to 2 1/2 yrs----pain in the ass:(--the age says it all and the owners says it all.

Well, we've been clearer about things. Opinions frequently clash. Misunderstandings are a way of life especially when typed on a PC. Good luck in whatever you decide to do.

Well, luvy You'll be very satisfied when you do that. It does a real good job on people too. As a matter of fact, when sold as a *medicinal* aloe in stores, it's meant to attract people, not for birds. The same goes for the aloe vera gel that's in a bottle.

Well, you're much clearer now. You've added on many more specifics. I'm not a mind reader. The same things weren't said in your original post but as far as your hrs and times away, I did say that I could have been misnderstanding you in that area. You wanted an opinion about another bird and I stated that it was an opinion. You wanted to hear something from people who had other birds and I told you I did. They're much older and very set in their personalities. I said that you have a good thing going for you because he's a baby. You won't have that kind of luck with mature birds. I gave you an opinion about how 2 birds may or may not get along. That comes from experience. I didn't say what a breeder's ulterior motives may or not be because yoiu didn't mention that part of it so I simply talked about getting or not getting another bird. I'm familar with different types of parrot breeders. You talked about getting another toy and I gave you an opinion about that. Others here may feel differently. I spoke about bonding and gave and simply told you the truth and others her will agree with that. I told you about greys' personalities and that's an absolute. I told you that getting another grey may or may not work out. That's also a fact and loads of people here will agree with that both here and other parrot boards. On this board we give out information that's only aimed at each person. Call it *personalized information* I spoke about game reserves because it may not be healthy for your bird. In that situation, I was only thinking about the bird's health. Why ddid I do that? Because every wild animal whether running or flying around whether loose or in game reserves has fleas and many have fleas and lice. It's a natural thing. I was only thinking about your bird. I didn't say that you were definitel gonna bring your bird outside. So, if there's a misunderstanding here, it only happened by accident.

Well, you have one good thing going for you although you probably don't know it yet. You've had the bird for only 4 days and that isn't enough time to make any judgments concerning how he is concerning his personality. I absolutely don't agree with getting another bird. He doesn't seem to be a sad bird. You're only thinking ahead. You can't do that until your bird has developed a true definite personality which is impossible right now. It may take a couple of mts to see how a bird acts with different situations. Right now, you can't see that. Your bird needs time to adjust to his new first environment. That takes a while. Birds adjust to different schedules. You have your schedule and he needs to experience and learn about it. Birds are very bendable. It's good that you feel that way about talking because many times, the happiest, most well adjusted bird won't talk. No one knows why but is simply a fact which isn't important. You got him as a pet and that's what you should be working on. """""however my concern is, what with staff leaving and coming...he will become wary of different people looking after him each time..""" That's simply another thing that your bird has to get used to. It's called * adjustability* PS---I have 3 greys and all are different from each other and none are kept in the same cage. You may get another grey who won't like your present bird. That's not uncommon either. You're also right about jealousy. Greys can be jealous and possessive as they get older. That's their personality. A new toy every week? I doubt that it's gonna make any difference. Of course you can get another bird but the 2 would have to have their own cages. If not, they won't bond with you. Another bird is more attractive to the other bird as opposed to finding the owners attractive. On the other hand, having that bird might not be a good idea because from what you say, you're basically away the whole mt. Some of the time for work and some of the time for leisure but if you're not home during that leisure time it's not too good for the bird, although I may have totally misunstood your sentence. The bird can't be out with you in a game reserve because it's not healthy for the bird. The bird does a lot of time to bond with the owner. Yes, you say he's sweet and friendly right now but understand that he's only a baby. Many people here will tell you that their bird changed as time went on. I don't mean being nasty but the grey becomes more independent and actually as a grey gets older he becomes a less cuddly bird. It's a known fact that the african grey species aren't known for being cuddly when they get older. So, it's up to you. Just remembr that at his age he can get used to another owner with little problems. I'm not trying to sound like a pessimist but you did ask for opinions. PS--You may get another grey or other species and they not like each other. That can happen and it isn't unusual. Or you may get another bird and they'll like each other. There's no way to predict the future.

Dan said it all. Beat me to the punch. The % of getting a bird back just because it's chipped is low to say the least but chipping is generally safe if done correctly by the proper person. My opinion is that it's not worth spending that type of money on an animal that's wild and who's only direction when loose is up, up and away.

Jayd Arizoa has one of the best climates in the US as far as Cacti and succulents. Most of the small cacti/succulents that are sold on the east coast are harvested in Arizona. When I say most, I mean in the thousands. Mass production.

The plant you purchased is called Aloe Varieta. It's a hybrid. It's a succulent just like cacti and when opened will have a bad odor. The brown internals aren't gel, it's sap. Stores do sell that type of plant because it visually mimics the medicinal version. Cacti will emit a white substance ( sap) which also has a bad odor when opened. It's also toxic. PS---more than likely, you purchased that plant at the end of the selling season.

Take a scisser and cut across a leaf you only need a small bit. That piece will still have the skin on it. You use 2 fingers, hold the skin and rub the contents across whatever area you need. It's used for cuts--holes made by a bird who's constantly plucking a certain area and causing irritation to that area. Scrapes, cuts. It's used on dry, scaly feet to soften the scales plus other areas that are irritated. It's used on wounds that the bird got before and is healing. That protects the bird from getting scabs and if that's protected, the bird will lose interest in picking at those scabs. It can be used very often. It's used on very dry scaly beaks. It's used on areas where the bird obviously over plucked and caused a rashy area. It's not toxic and won't hurt a bird if swallowed. The skin quickly aborbs it. People also use aloe vera gel as a softener for their dried out skin. There's nothing harmful about it. All aloe vera gel whether it's from the plant or gotton from a drug store acts like a salve. 1 inch across and 1/2 inch high Goes a long way