Dave007

I have the same kind as Judy--I get it at Walmart. It really doesn't matter what part of the geology it comes from Lily of the Desert Fruit of the Earth It could actually be called Mist of the Moon or Angel of the Cherry Blossom Anyway, both are the same. Walmart and some pharmacies will order it for a person if they're out of stock. PS---that 100% gel --you should always have a bottle around in the house. it's used on birds frequently. Cuts, scrapes. bruises, bald spots, dry feey and legs etc.<br><br>Post edited by: Dave007, at: 2008/09/28 20:46

I also use Pretty Bird and also Zupreem--all different sizes and they smell real good. Ingredients are just about the same. Both are also good at absorbing the palm oil that I put on the pellets.

Cages----if you live in the US and purchase from EBAY, go there and type in bird cages in their seasrch line. A large variety of pictures with all sorts of cages. There's at least 7 or 8 pages. Press the BUY IT NOW A large variety of cages will open up and all are brand new and have only one price--bidding isn't necessary. Look for the company called DEMSONDDEPOT.com you can get a powder coated , 5 cup cage with playstand on top --comes in different colors and slightly different styles--for a grey, the best size would be 32in. x 28in. x55in The price including S/H will be $200. The difference between this cage and a store cage is that the one on EBAY have no brand name. All of the other bird supply companies sell the same cages but the one I mentioned has the best price PS--a 2 by 2 ft cage isn't a very good idea. There's no room in the cage after a few toys have been added plus there's bowls that also take up room. Post edited by: Dave007, at: 2008/09/28 01:50<br><br>Post edited by: Dave007, at: 2008/09/28 01:53

"""they can use our language but we can't use theirs?"" But actually, you can. Just get a feather duster and tie it to your neck with the feathers pointed up above your head. get some white paint and paint a big circle around each eye. Then take some black paint and paint your nose black. Periodicaly, lift one arm up and scratch that arm pit with the other hand. Make sure there's no shoes on. When you're sleepy, slightly lift one arm, turn your face to that area and stick your face in that area. Have a piece of rope hanging in front of you that you can nibble on. Your bird should be able to see this. This is very important--have a bowl of peanuts around yourself and periodically pick one up with one hand/claw and eat the nut.Share them with your bird. All flock animals share. Make sure the peanuts are unshelled. Almonds are popular. They will relate to you better. All day long have bird chats and more than likely, you'll get answers back which you'll eventually understand. After all, who needs human words? PS--as far as the resting and sleeping during the day, do it when your bird does it. After all, if he's asleep he won't be watching you. You'll get a chance to rest up too.<br><br>Post edited by: Dave007, at: 2008/09/27 19:12

In your situation which is a bit different, it would be wise to go to the vet. We would not be doing the right thing by giving specific advice on a possible medical condition. Many birds shake their heads when nervous or they're naturally hyper but because of him falling off periodically, he might have injured himself. The vet can put your mind at ease concerning your situationn.

Hi Your list has incorrect information in it """Nuts An unknown toxin in nuts can have negative effects on the nervous, digestive, and muscular systems of your pet. Symptoms can include muscle tremors, weakness, an upset stomach, vomiting, depression, inactivity, and stiffness.""""" Nuts have been a mainstay for parrots for hundreds of years. It's the major food staple of all large Macaws. Many nuts have a very high vitamin content as well as doubling as a very nutritious treat. The only nuts that parrots won't eat are the ones they can't crack open or simply dislike. Nuts are also used in different training regimens both for parrots and predatory birds that are on display. """"Grapes and raisins An unknown toxin in grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure and ultimately lead to death. Symptoms of this poisoning can include hyperactivity, vomiting, diarrhea, and irregular heartbeat."""""" Grapes are one of the most commonly given fruits given to parrots. They're not extremely vitamin packed but they're still an excellent fruit to give parrots. None of the above symtoms above occur in birds that eat grapes. In the wild, they eat not only palm nuts but also many varieties of wild grapes that aren't gathered for human consumption. Some people avoid giving them to their parrots only because of the extreme mess that occurs afterwards.<br><br>Post edited by: Dave007, at: 2008/09/25 00:14

Kaskoo Unfortunately but not uncommonly, your bird has become one of those parrots that has to be not allowed on the shoulder. It also happens to many other birds as they get older. With other birds, it doesn't happen. It's nothing to do with aggression. If he's now going for the ear lobes, the next area is the hair, neck, jewelry and possibly part of the face. His bites are gonna get harder and you're gonna get seriously annoyed and because when he's learned how to manuever around your shoulders, and that time comes that you've been annoyed enough and decide to remove him, he'll skirt around the back of your shoulders trying to avoid you taking him off and when you do finally corner him, he'll probably bite your hands. The worst place that you can have a bird who has the propensity for biting is the shoulder cause he can see all of you and you can't see all of him unless you have a mirror directly in front of yourself. Better safe than sorry.

Hi --welcome to the board. """I'm Suzzique's daughter. Ima nutcase,""" I can understand that. After all, you're her daughter. I hope that living with your mom hasn't been a hardship. You sound very chipper this evening PLUS, I can definitely see that you're an extremely pretty girl so at least you can thank your mom for that because she's also a very pretty woman even though she's also a nut case. We're very glad to have 2 lovely nut cases here on the board. Enjoy yourself and come around often. Bye bye.

Some people put down vinyl cloths and anything that drops there is usually easy to pick up. Other people wait until the feces hardens and then gathers it. Also easy to pick up. Some people lay down newspapers and simply roll them up and dispose of them, but most people who have a few birds flying around are pretty aware that there's gonna be some kind of constant mess. It all goes with territory. Parrots are messy. Always have been and always will be. This is a rough timetable 1st dump--biggest, within 30 to 60 seconds after waking 2nd dump--smaller but still solid--about 30 to 45 minutes later 3rd dump--mostly urine---about 1 hr later Rest of the day expect small amounts of droppings approx 45 to 50 minutes apart. Bird has been eating throughout day. In the evening, expect droppings to be thicker yet small---about 1 hr apart. Then it's finally time to sleep. The digestive system works on the remaining contents, stores them away, the bird has a good sleep, wakes up the next morning and *splat*--a new day--some new dumps.

cflanny is right and another thing you should consider doing is taking that wood and soaking it in warm water for a couple of hours and then pull off all of the bark that's on those branches. You'll be left with clean hard wood.

You're giving your bird too much credit. Birds aren't **purposefully disobedient**. Obstinate, yes. They also don't try to **prove a point** You're talking about fecal matter here. When a bird has to go, it will. Nature is telling a wild animal that it has to do that. You tried for 20 minutes then walked away with her and she immediately dropped a load on your carpet. You think she did that on purpose? Well, if you had waited 23 minutes, that wouldn't have happened but of course you didn't know that. You might be having tremendous luck by arriving with that paper towel just before she goes but it's just luck, not a science. """I'm at my wits end, and really don't want to get angry with her. """ A person really shouldn't get mad at any bird just because he/she doesn't drop it's poop where a person wants that bird to go on command. """that doesn't stop her from going on her own if I forget to ask periodically, she is normally very good about following my command.""" It's a good thing that she went on her own because for a bird, it's not natural to hold droppings until a command is given. I'm against potty training because of this and many other reasons that cause problems. In the end, it's the bird's fault for not adhering to the so called science of potty training. What about the people who have a bird that's out of the cage all day? You think there's a designated area that the bird will go to every time it has to drop fecal matter? Some birds do that but many don't.<br><br>Post edited by: Dave007, at: 2008/09/23 22:03

First off, No one else can *make* two or more birds like each other. The most important thing to remember concerning clipping is that it should be done right. The end result should allow a bird to go 6 to 8 ft horozontaly ending off with the bird gliding to the floor. A more severe cut which causes that distance to shorten can cause some damage to the body and basically it isn't fair to the bird, especially one that now knows how to fly. One major problem concerning clipping is that many times, it isn't done properly. A proper clipping doesn't allow for vertical lift although that's not always true. There's the chance that some slight vertical lift remains and as the wings grow out, it increases. Also realize that if you ever wanna let the wings grow out, they will more than likely take a long time before all of those wings are even on both sides.

Almost all greys will not accept everything you offer even though you might think it's the best. That also goes for fruit or human food or treats. Since you're new in the veggie/fruit thing, you'll need to know that the time of trial and error has arrived. Almost all grey owners go through this but some don't.

""""Maybe you can get one of those seed trays for your cage or if one could be ordered for your cage?""""" Some people like them, others don't. Some people say they work, others don't. But buying a generic set of skirts is difficult because they usually come with the new cage. If you know exactly where you bought the cage, you might call and ask if they have any for your sized cage. All that's required is the measurement. Sometimes, they have some put away that were taken off a cage that they couldn't sell because it was defective. Worth a try if you really want one.

Both methods are good. There's so many reasons to do it or not do it. I can tell you that whatever method you do decide will eventually be what the bird accepts all the time and will be pissed if you change that method. Some use it cause of visible movement. A cover may let the bird relax when that happens and he/ she continues sleeping. Other people wanna always see their bird. Other people have their birds near areas (windows) where some night time creatures are roaming around so the bird spots or hears it and yells so a cover is used. What they hear is nothing compared to what they see. Other people cover their birds because of lightening or the instant loud cracks of tremendous thunder. Other people don't cover. Some birds are near TVs. Some people stay up very late. So called "night frights" aren't as bad as you think. They happen a lot less than you might think--greys are clumsy. They're sleeping and then then they fall off the cage. Some people think that's traumatic.Some people label it as * night frights* Actually, the bird is more surprised than hurt. So the the choice is yours. PS--just remember that what can happen to a bird that's uncovered can also happen to a bird that is covered. Post edited by: Dave007, at: 2008/09/22 18:45 Post edited by: Dave007, at: 2008/09/22 18:49<br><br>Post edited by: Dave007, at: 2008/09/22 19:04

There's people here that have insurance on their birds. I'm sure that as soon as they read your post, they'll explain how it works and how good or bad it is.

Here's some ways to do it It's pretty easy to cook. takes about 15/20 minutes Here's How: Soak the asparagus in cold water for several minutes. Swish it to remove dirt and grit. Bend each stalk gently until the tough, woody end snaps off. You may cut the ends off with a sharp knife. Discard the ends or set aside. If the asparagus is particularly tough or old, remove the skin from the stalk with a vegetable peeler. To boil, tie the asparagus in bundles (this makes them easy to remove all at once) and immerse in boiling, salted water. Blanch for about 10 minutes, or just until tender. Remove bundles immediately, remove strings, and keep warm. If using an asparagus cooker or tall pot, tie and stand the asparagus upright with the spears above water, then cover and cook just until the stalks are tender but still firm. To microwave, arrange the spears in a round baking dish with the tips toward the center. Add 2 tablespoons of water. Cover and cook on HIGH (100% power) for 8 minutes or until crisp-tender, rotating the dish a half turn after about 4 minutes. No matter what method you use, asparagus has to be cooled to room temperature or slightly warm temperature. PS--Forgot. The green area is the best but none of the other areas will hurt him. Better still, make broccali--the green area is jammed packed with healthy goodies for your bird.<br><br>Post edited by: Dave007, at: 2008/09/22 02:07

Ok,Dan Anything you SAY is cool with me! AND I CAN SEE that you DID SAID something WITH FERVOR!!!!! I've just purchased your well know book Bright World On the Horizon that you recently published. I'm all aglow just waiting to read PAGE 1. I feel that it will be an enlightening experience. PS--when I have my milk and cookies tonight, I'll be thinking of you.<br><br>Post edited by: Dave007, at: 2008/09/22 01:28

Matthew """"""I'm starting to wonder if he's deficient in vitamin D. His pellets have D3 in them, but I've read that birds can't use D3. Does everyone have lights on their birds?"""""" You've got it backwards. It's the D3 that's needed, not VitD. That either comes from foods that have D3 added or more commonly, the outside UV sunlight which supplies all the D3 that the bird could possibly need. Unfortunately, quite a few years ago the UV rays all windows were made with that special UV filtered out. That's why full spectrum lighting became popular.

It's a common thing that a grey will do. If your cage has skirts on it, that's where they'll go. Some even manage yo slip down to the floor. Not many though. One of my greys does that just to be with the dog. They've been buddies since the bird was born. Because yiour bird doesn't talk yet, just listen for a verbal reaction that seems to be the same all the time when he does that. In other words, for now that sound is what you'll be aware of when he starts to climb down. Many greys do that type of thing with many other situations they're about to do. They have nothing to do with cages and in the future, you'll see what I mean.

Basically, you would have to be on guard and also do something constantly which is tomake him step up on your hand, put him where you want while saying *oh no you don't* with an inflection in your voice or whatever other thing you wanna say. It needs to be constantly done over and over. A bird eventually gets the idea. Now, if your bird actually talked, he would be warning you that he's about to do that because he would start repeating that phrase just as he's starting his descent.

It happens to just about 95% to people who's birds eat pomagranites. It about the messiest fruit to give birds. Have a good spray cleanerr nearby. When it dries, stain is hard to get off. It looks like your wall is starting to bleed. It's a great scene that belongs on the SciFi channel. Only thing missing is the guts and the gore.

The cage should be in the general area where there's people around constantly. That's how young birds get used to people and visa versa. It really doesn't matter what room it's in as long as it's in an area where the cage won't get bumped into a lot. If your cage is one of those special cages that can only go in a corner then you'll probably have to use the corner. Sorry, but I don't know what you mean when you say ""create a corner for him maybe with a piece of darker cloth??"" As far as toys, put whatever you want in the cage now before he gets home. That way, when you put him in the cage, everything in the cage will be the first thing he sees and more than likely, he'll accept it more easily since he doesn't know what an empty or full cage looks like.

I totally agree with your husband. Doing that is an accident just waiting to happen and if even if your bird wasn't clipped, He could could fly away and you take the big risk of never finding them again. Just because a bird is clipped doesn't mean that it can't get spooked and try to fly away and that also applies to flighted birds.<br><br>Post edited by: Dave007, at: 2008/09/18 20:50

The dandruff you see is actually called dander. Greys are second on the list for having heavy dander and constantly shaking it off making for a generally dusty area all the time. First on the all time list is the Cockatoo. Spraying /bathing will remove surface dander but there's always more just around the corner waiting to surface. Some people that have serious asthema or serious breathing problems may not be able to keep these types of birds. A handi-vac is a good item to have nearby. This dander will be with those 2 species permanently.