Dave007

udannefitz In your situation, flying has nothing to do with your problem. Clipping won't do anything except making it easier to get to electric wire andelectric sockets. You have choices. Either take out everything in the area he's living in or move him to another room where the risks are much less. Another choice is to close off an area that has low risk with a louver door which has louvers on the top of the door down to the center. From the center to the floor it's solid. The louvers can be easily removed and replaced with a wiring screen that will keep him in the room, let you see him easily and if you wish, you can open the doors to let him out. Many people do this when they have other 4 legged pets which the birds are very frightened by. The animal walks by the door and the birds can't see him. As far as trining him to stay in one spot/spots, that's against the bird's nature. PS--And no matter where the grey is, provide many pieces of wood that are both soft and hard. Greys are chewers and one of their favorite things is to chew on wood.<br><br>Post edited by: Dave007, at: 2009/08/08 21:41

Most vets round off the tips of the upper mandible. As far as the lower mandible, only your vet can tell you if it needs any trimming. We really can't see your bird's beak here so that question can't be answered.

Got any parrot mix? If so, give him some and dropping will return to normal. Don't give fruit every day. It has no health value and will cause very watery droppings. """""The breeder suggested not to leave his pellets in cage at night. which made since. so last night I left the pellets out. """"" Why does that make sense? A parrot should have food in his bowl 24 hrs a day.<br><br>Post edited by: Dave007, at: 2009/08/07 23:29

What you see above that line on the beak is older brittle dried out material which is slowly falling off in tiny pieces and being replaced by a new beak which you can see below that line.

As far as the whistling goes, don't you do it. Greys are known as one of the best natural whistlers in the parrot world and they don't need any outside encouragement. Replace it with constant talking. Most 4 mt old greys are far from the human talk stage. There's some that do but they're in the minority. Just talk to your bird as you would your friend. Just don't expect him to answer your questions or have long conversations with you concerning the state of the world. Stepping up-----At the top of this page you'll see SEARCH FORUM----type in Stepping Up and you'll see hundreds of posts concerning that subject. Scraping the beak. If you haven't gotten one yet, purchase a concrete perch from a pet shop. If a bird likes it, he'll file, clean and scrape the beak on it. He may even keep his claws trimmed and blunt. Can you make him stop scraping the bars of the cage? No. Will he damage his beak? No, unless the bird is a very nervous neurotic type and constantly rubs the beak non stop. That usually happens on the walls of the cage and a neurotic bird will do this type of thing 30 minutes at a time. Up and down, up and down and only the sides of the beak are damaged. Oatmeal is used as a treat. Foods aren't introduced by being mixed in with oatmeal. Greys eat a variety of fruits, veggies, parrot mix and some human foods. It's a trial and error period. Yopu have to try different things and see what he likes and no oatmeal should be present when doing this. Also, a 4 mt old grey is still in the post weaning age and will take time to get used to different foods.

Any warm climate is closer to a wild grey's natural habitat then a cold one. They originated from warm climates. I don't really know how cold it is in Washington and I don't really know how humid it is but a grey does well in a warmer climate that also has some humidity. Most people who live in cold snowy places keep their birds in a 67 to 73 degree temp with some humidity available. Outdoor aviaries in the winter are a no no but I don't know what you mean by outdoor aviary. Aviary in a enclosed area that has constant heat but the outside still being seen? Or outdoor aviary where the birds are in the natural surrounding weather area? If it's the latter then you'd have to change to the former. """I'm anticipating some upset from them not being able to use it year round."""' Maybe, but they'll just have to get used to it. Parrots are adaptable and they wouldn't wanna go out into a cold outdoor aviary that has snow and cold weather and if they would be kept in that surroundings, they would get very sick. """"""Do you think it will be less stressful for them to ride up in the car with all of the stuff with us and be there to unpack, or should I board them (they like their boarding facility and are used to it) and have them shiped up a week later?"""" The ideal way is to have them move with you. It's uncomfortable for them but again, they can adapt to different things. Are they used to being shipped around? Only you know their personalities and their stresses. Plus they're all individual birds. Some may take to it and some may not. Liking their boarding facility has nothing to do with shipping them from the facility unless you've done it before. I had to make a 1275 mile trip from MO to PA. I had 8 greys and 2 quakers and they all were with me in a small enclosed trailer that I bought for them, their cages, their accessories and other items that had nothing to do with birds. Those other items weren't insured by the moving van company. """"Do their diets need to be altered in really cold months to provide more fat?""""" Greys aren't prone to obesity and there aren't different diets fed to parrots because of the state they live in. The only changes that may happen is the availability of other different veggies and other different fruits that would be in your new state. A grey who starts losing obvious amounts of weight is usually a sick bird that needs medical attention.<br><br>Post edited by: Dave007, at: 2009/08/07 06:12

GCC are fine to get. The hybrids are in the same classification of all the hybrid lovebirds. As far as getting along with another bird, color has nothing to do with it. Either they'll get along or not get along or pay no attention to each other. That applies to every bird you bring home where another bird already lives. It also applies to 2 greys being put together.

"""What I have noticed is that her droppings seem to be larger and thicker in texture. I wonder what this indicates.""" It means that she's holding it in longer through the night. Parrots take their biggest dump during the early hours of the day. Some even let go with a mass explosion when they wake up and it has nothing to do with what you're feeding your bird.

Sauce is fine Jelly isn't

Plink For every dollar that exists, there's a person/persons who would feel better if it was in their pocket. What you describe is somewhat unusual. There's a possible answer here though. The person doing the hand feeding wasn't the breeder but might have been a broker. A broker buys a bird/birds for a lower price than you will eventually pay. He feeds the chick and as soon as possible, that person tries to sell the bird even though it needs more weaning. Brokers are also involved in large pet stores although it has nothing to do with hand feeding ( these figures are hypothetical) 1--the broker buys birds from a breeder or breeders( wholesalers) of different birds. Many times, the babies may be poor quality birds and the parents are also in poor shape from be4ing over bred..He pays $350 for a grey. 2--he sells the bird to a pet shop for $650 3--the pet shop sells the bird to the retail customer for $1000. Usually,much more than one bird or species is involved. Stay in touch here and people will help with any potential problems. You can compare it to a puppy mill

I'm gonna assume that you have a regular sized cage that's basically all designed the same way. That means that food and water bowls are very easy to get to. A 4 MT old bird can climb all over the interior of the cage but if it's not there, you need a perch that goes across both food and water bowls. The perch can be 5 to 8 or 9 inches away from the bowl. The bird then climbs over to the perch and steps on the bowls and eats and drinks from the bowls.

Again, I apologise. I thought you were referring to a pre owned bird. I must have been thinking of another post.It really doesn't matter were you put the food as long as he can get to it easily such as a bowl. I guarantee you that he'll find it. Greys and other parrots don't starve themselves. That includes water. What may happen is him showing no interest in certain foods but you'll see that eventually. A 4 mt old bird is extreme adaptable. You really shouldn't have major problems in any area of ownership. I'm glad he took to the oatmeal. Quaker Oats sells 10 pk boxes with all flavors andnone of these items are harmful. Certain stores actuallysell their own 10 pk and it's all the same, just less expensive.

Your bird's new home should seem absolutely calming. It's a new beginning for your new older bird and, often, improved behavior is generated spontaneously. I really don't know if your bird is clipped. A second-hand bird often benefits from allowing his wings to re grow. During the new days in your home, provide your bird hiding opportunities by covering part of his cage with a towel, usually the back of the cage and no more that 8 inches on the top. This provides a bird the ability to go into aan area that hhe can go into Be nurturing, supportive and consistent. Don't handle the bird until he shows interest in you and any other person there. Parrots are curious and eventually they get to that point, Give some food that most parrots can't resisit. Such as nuts, maybe some oatmeal ( flavored). Don't try step-ups from the cage unless your bird first enjoys step-ups in unfamiliar territory. He'll let you know. Again it's curiousity. Newly-adopted parrot might eat nothing but seeds. This is similar to adopting a kid who eats only French fries. Begin mixing a good-quality manufactured diet with what the bird has been eating, gradually replacing seeds with balanced nutrition but don't push it. He may not eat every good thing you feed him. Lots of birds do that and they're still alive and kicking Eventually, offering warm veggies is an excellent bonding experience but on the other hand he may like cold stuff. Onlt time will tell. If your bird is aggressive but can be some what handled, hold him as much as possible in the first days -usually a hand-held perch. Repeat and reinforce any interactions that both you and your bird enjoy, preferably including step-ups. Be playful! Your bird's enjoyment is most important here. When he shows disinterest walk away. Changing homes can be unsettling to a shy and also an aggressive bird. An extremely fearful bird can be the most significant behavioral challenge in parrot rehabilitation. Cover part of the cage for a while. Situate the cage at chest level or a bit higher., then raise it until your bird seems most at ease. Greys like high spots and the dominance talk is nonsense. Step-ups can help a shy parrot understand what is expected and increase confidence. Keep your bird in an area where he can see all that gioes on in the house. These are some things I can think of right now. The rest is using a variety of things until you see your bird's interest perks up. My mistake--I thought you got an older bird--sorry<br><br>Post edited by: Dave007, at: 2009/08/04 17:55

Well, I can understand your concern. The subject of buying birds that are too young or aren't weaned can't be totally put on the shoulders of the breeder. It's a subject that's been discussed not only here but on many boards. That breeder is a business person. An unscrupulous business person. He will sell items ( in this case birds) to people who either haven't checked out the problems arising from purchasing unweaned birds or were never aware that problems could arise from buying an unweaned bird. In order for him to succeed, he needs a buyer. """I guess my question is "is there a way to get the breeder investagated and maybe closed down?""" No. You bought the bird and only in Europe is it against the law to sell unweaned birds. The excitment and anticipation of hand feeding a bird is very appealing. No matter how many times people say to others not to buy an unweaned baby, they still do and will continue to do so. It's a losing battle. Birds who are weaned don't eat formula as a necessity but only as an add on when the bird desires it. Solid parrot food is what's given to a weaned bird. """""" Not to mention I have caught her in numerous lies during the past 4 weeks i've dealt with her,""""" That should be your first clue that things aren't what they seem to be and a person does have the choice of walking away even though the desire for that bird who is possibly a final reality is only a short distance away.<br><br>Post edited by: Dave007, at: 2009/08/04 05:31

"""""This morning, my husband did the exact same routine and YoYo said "kiss-kiss" back, so my husband thought it was okay to get up close for a kiss. Then all of sudden, YoYo did this pecking motion instead of his usual gentle "leaning" and slashed my husband's jaw.""""" That's not something he should do anymore. a grey has his moods and you're husband is taking a chance doing that espesially since he's succeedsed. Any bird that bites any part of the face or surrounding area shouldn't be trusted. If he did it once, he'll do it again

HURRY UP------PUT A $40 ORDER IN AND YOU'LL BE CHARGED 1 CENT ---S/H--CHECK IT OUT TO SEE IF THE DEAL IS STILL ON.

First of all, all parrot's feathers don't look good at one time or another. They're dying or close to dying and minor molts should be around the corner. Simply put, you shouldn't have clipped her wings. All the things she's used to doing that have something to do with wings ( and that doesn't only mean flying) has now been stunted. Are her breast muscles built up and strong? Is she pissed? Yes. Will she hold a grudge? probably not. But these 2 things you're worrying about are extremely small. What you now have to think about is the length of time it's gonna take for all of the flight feathers to come back. They won't come back evenly and it may take quite a while for a new complete even set is finally there. Was she used to flying from point A to point B? Well, she can't now. Will her personality be altered? Who knows. After clipping some birds become to dependent on their owners and for greys, that's not natural. So give up the idea of *grooming the wings*. Wanna get her claws clipped? Fine. Wing clipping goes against the nature of birds. They were given wings for a very good reason. This is the first time I ever heard that when wings finally grow back in, they'll look better.

Tango """""""Worst advice ever. It's like saying: "I'll not spend the extra time I have throwing a ball with my boy because next week I have to be out of town." Obviously not a good plan. I'm sure that Judy was not trying to give the worst advice ever. All birds are in very dividual households and those birds are very adaptable to different ways of doing things. You have your method which may be good for you. Judy has her method which may be good for her. You have feelings about methods as well as everyone else who is experienced with greys and other parrots. Either method may work for different people. As a matter of fact there's even more methods than what was mentioned. Her opinion wasn't aimed at you. She was trying to help. I may totally differ with the way you do things but my advice would be totally different and would not be the worst advice given.<br><br>Post edited by: Dave007, at: 2009/08/03 00:42

You need a lot more than a couple of days. Maybe weeks. And if you're keeping them in the same cage, that's another no mo if you intend to have both birds as pets. Each one having their own separate cage allows each to develop their own personality to the fullest. One cage only hampers that. They'll eventually become good friends and will be able to be out of their cages playing with each other but the time will come when each has to be put into their own cage which is actually a homethat each bird designs physically and mentally. The so called feeding between a 16 and 19 week grey means nothing. Or yes, she could be ok left alone but it's up to yopu. You can either raise 2 greys or 1 grey and if you've never had a grey before, my opinion is to stay with one grey but you say you may have to travel or start a family. Only the traveling if it's for long periods of time will affect one bird. 2 birds will occupy themselves very well. Do you know if you have a introverted or extroverted bird right now? Lots of things to find out and it takes lots of personal time to do that. Everyone will tell you how unique they are. You can also get another type of bird but living situations will have to be the same. Also, any 2 birds no matter what the species need to be separated because it's impossible to know if they'll get along and only time can answer that question.

The reason that most parrots have such long life spans is because they're not living in their natural habitate in large flocks. We humans provide them with what they get in a pet environment. In the wild, the average full span life of a grey is 28 to 30 yrs.

Davey Thanks very much for the nice words. GOD!!! Who would have known that we would have a Poet Laureate mixing in with us common people!

Parrots who produce their own dander aren't allergic to their own dander. Some other species of birds who aren't normally around parrots that produce dander can possibly get respritory problems.

So much for Weight Watchers: Yesterday I was buying 2 large bags of Purina dog chow at Walmart, for my dogs. I was about to check out when a woman behind me asked if I had a dog. What did she think I had? Since I had little else to do, on impulse, I told her that no, I didn't have a dog, and that I was starting the Purina Diet again, although I probably shouldn't because I ended up in the hospital last time. On the bright side though, I'd lost 50 pounds before I awakened in an intensive care ward with tubes coming out of every hole in my body and IVs in both arms. I told her that it was essentially a perfect diet and that the way that it works is to load your pockets with Purina nuggets and simply eat one or two every time you feel hungry and that the food is nutritionally complete so I was going to try it again. (I have to mention here that practically everyone in the line was enthralled with my story by now.) Horrified, she asked if I ended up in intensive care because the dog food had poisoned me. I told her no; I had stopped in the middle of the parking lot to lick my ass and a car hit me. I thought the guy behind her was going to have a heart attack, he was laughing so hard! WAL-MART won't let me shop there anymore.

Problem solved. Didn't take long, right?

It's hard to pin down why he's acting like that. If what happened to him was the first time it happened, it could have left an bad impression of the whole incident. You were involved in that incident even thogh you had good intentions. It could have been the paper towel that scared him and you were holding it. It could have been you picking him up too quickly after this accident happened. When a bird does something like that it's not a good idea to rush over to help unless an obvious injury is visible. Heshould be allowed to walkaround and get his bearings. If the feather was not broken, he would have eventually put it back in place. It could be his losing his balance that upsets him. Anyway, you have to go back to that old tried and true method of picking him up with a perch and putting down. As time goes on, shorten the perch. Don't force yourself on him cause he'll only bite harder.Let his curiousity rebuild itself concerning you. Do what you normally do but ignore him until he shows interest again. "Their cages are together and Hiei loves to get out and play on both cages and play inside the smaller cage for the quaker (we usually put the quaker on a play gym so they only get together when we're watching.)""" Changing that routine is only gonna be a new experience that neither bird will like so leave well enough alone. A quaker has a very loud squawk. Obviously, something happened and it would only be guessing at what it was so you have to begin a basic relationship again and if things really aren't as bad as you think, your relationship should be back to normal very shortly if you ignore him.<br><br>Post edited by: Dave007, at: 2009/08/02 00:49