Dave007

<br><br>Post edited by: Dave007, at: 2008/02/05 20:55

I would never cage 2 greys together. As they get older, they become very jealous,moody and possessive with another bird in the same cage. A grey usually wants it's own *home* with his/her own toys and a cage set up made just for that bird. Another important thing about caging 2 greys together-----Every grey has an individual, unique personality. Having 2 in one cage doesn't allow for those personalities to fully develop. A person/bird bond is better created if that person has a chance to interact and deal with each bird individually according to it's own unique personality. About the only things that're similar about 2 greys in a house are the colors of their feathers. Dave<br><br>Post edited by: MrSpock, at: 2007/09/07 03:31

The Cure for Snoring A man has a dog that snores in his sleep. Annoyed, because she can't sleep, his wife goes to the vet to see if he can help. The vet tells the woman to tie a ribbon around the dog's privates and he will stop snoring. A few hours after going to bed, the dog is snoring as usual. Finally, unable to sleep, she goes to the closet and grabs a piece of ribbon and ties it around the dog's privates, and sure enough, the dog stops snoring. The woman is amazed! Later that night, her husband returns home drunk from being out with his buddies. He climbs into bed, falls asleep, and begins snoring very loudly. The woman thinks maybe the ribbon will work on him. So she goes to the closet again, grabs a piece of ribbon, and ties it around her husband's privates. Amazingly, it also works on him! The woman sleeps very soundly. The next morning, the husband wakes up very hung over. He tumbles into the bathroom to urinate. As he is standing in front of the toilet, he looks in the mirror and sees a blue ribbon attached to his privates. He is very confused, and, as he walks back into the bedroom, he notices a red ribbon attached to his dog's testicles. He shakes his head, looks down at the dog and says: "Boy, don't remember where we were or what we did, but, by God, we got first and second place!"

The Scotsman A Scotsman is sitting in a bar in Cuba and is minding his business when a man with a large black beard walks in. The man goes to the bar and orders a shot of whisky. The bartender serves him, the man drinks the whisky then starts walking out the door. The bartender says, "Hey aren't you going to pay for that?" The man says, "No, I'm in Castro's Army." The bartender says, "Alright then" and the man leaves. A few minutes later another man with a large black beard walks in. The man goes to the bar and orders a shot of whisky. The bartender serves him, the man drinks the whisky then starts walking out the door. The bartender says, "Hey aren't you going to pay for that?" The man says, "No, I fight in Castro's Army." The bartender says "Alright then" and the man leaves. The Scotsman gets an idea and walks up to the bar and orders a shot of whisky. He drinks the whisky then starts walking out the door. The bartender says, "Hey aren't you going to pay for that?" The Scotsman says, "I also serve in Castro's Army." The bartender says, "Hey where is your big black beard?" The Scotsman thinks quickly. He lifts his Kilt and says, "Secret Service"

<br><br>Post edited by: MrSpock, at: 2007/09/16 21:02

Put your grey on your index and go somewhere away from his cage. Go to a safe area in the house. Take your thumb finger and put it across the top of the front claws. Press and hold front claws firmly on your finger. Extend your hand a little bit so that he can't hit your body with his body. Slowly and gently, start waving your hand up and down about 8 to 10 inches. Instinct will make the bird flap wings. At first, do it about 2 to 3 times a day for about 5 minutes each time. As the days go by, increase the amount of time each session. Walk around the room and do it again. Do it every day. Breast muscles will strenghten and your grey will experience uplift. He won't go anywhere cause you're holding his feet on your fingers. If he's clipped, let the feathers grow out. The longer the feathers, the stronger the uplift. Ater a while doing this might very well let your grey feel comfortable when he thinks about flying on his own. Dave Post edited by: MrSpock, at: 2007/09/06 18:51<br><br>Post edited by: MrSpock, at: 2007/09/06 18:56

If your grey is getting the proper amount of VIT D3 ( not VIT D) and VIT A, then use of the light is unnecesary. Those are the only nutrients that UVB lighting provides. If your grey isn't getting those nutrients then about 4 to 6 hrs a day is all that's necessary. You should check out RED PALM OIL. That's loaded with those vits as well as many others. Many people use it and swear by it. Dave

Judy Sorry about that. I didn't realize that you had a training room. Dave

There really aren't any DVDs on training that's legitimate. There's a DVD that is put out by a person named Chet Womack but it's been proven that when he first made the DVD, he didn't know what he now knows. His method was to constantly use sticks. He was forced to admit this on an activist board about 1 year ago. The odd thing though is that he's never made a revised edition to this very day. I think the best way for you to learn about training and behavior is to constantly submit questions here where you'll get different opinions and different methods to try out that will eventually work for you and your bird--Dave

Hi Mary There's a few reasons that plucking can happen. One is the age of the bird. Most pluckers start at an early age. One is whether it's molting season. One is the condition of the skin. One is how long the bird is in the cage everyday. One is the activity of the bird and whether it's alone all day. One is whether it's a medical condition. As has been already discussed here, one very important Thing that should be done first is very thorough bathing until all of the skin (not just feathers)is soaked. This should be done very frequently. The best is every day but that might put a strain on a person so lets say 2 to 3 times a week. Bathing/Spraying------many greys don't like bathing or spraying but they do need to get it done, especially if they sometimes pluck and have dander(white dust that they always throw off) which causesdryness of the skin and causes extreme itchiness. Here is a suggestion....First, when bathing/misting use cold water. They like that colder temperature better than tepid water. Second, when you're spraying him, try to get as close as possible with the sprayer, and don't spray his face. Many parrots don't like getting misted from a distance. It's much more annoying to them than when the sprayer is closer. Third, when you do get closer only use 1/2 squirts. The shock of the water isn't as great as it is from a distance. Fourth, your grey won't open his wings when you're spray him so when you're using the sprayer, turn the knob so that the water comes out it would from a water pistol. With him facing you,squirt the water between the wing and his body. The water works it's way in and he will spread it around. Fifth, a grey's feathers are waterproof and it sometimes looks like the water is just rolling off which it is. You should keep spraying the outer wings because the dander is laying on them. Enough wetness will soak the dander and when he shakes off the water, the dander will get soaked and fall down to bottom of the cage. Sixth, never towel dry or hair dry hiom after a bath or spray. The longer he stays wet, the more he benefits from the bath/spray. Sixth, the best way to get a grey used to spraying is constant repitition combined with 1/2 squirts. Do it once a day if you can. Expect squawks, growls and screeching but whether you know it or not, a grey likes the feeling it gets after getting a bath/spray. After your grey is soaked, let him stay soaked until nature tells him to start preening. Also, as has been discussed, it would be very wise to get 100% PURE ALOE VERA JUICE. In this thread, there's a picture and information concerning it. It should be used as often as possible through a mister. The most important thing about bathing is that the actual skin gets soaked, not just the feathers. greys and other parrots have water proof feathers and water just rolls off without any penetration. If he is in a cage for long periods of time, let him out and put him on any playstand you might own. If you don't have one, simple ones can be made ( example-T stand). Take him away from the cage. Add a couple of cheap toys ( preferably smal pieces of wood.) They enjoy chewing and destroying wood. That's common with all greys. It also relieves pent up tension. If you dont have one, you should consider getting a heavy duty cow bell. They can be purchased in most pet stores. They cost about $3.00. Greys love to attack these bells, making them bang against the cage and actually getting hit by the bell. It might scare you cause when the bird is being very aggressive with the bell, he is usually growling and yelling and squawking at the bell. It's all play though. That too relieves extreme amounts of tension. If it's molting that's going on, you should expect your grey to be pulling on many old feathers in order to have new ones grow back in. At this time of the year, many greys are agitated and nippy because they feel discomfort. Medical attention---If none of these things work, you might consider a vet visit. He can see if there's a problem and can advise you about what to do. Good luck---Dave<br><br>Post edited by: MrSpock, at: 2007/09/04 22:26

Hi Chris welcome to the board. I'm sure you'll enjoy yourself. Sounds like you've got your hands full since you also have a wife but you forgot some necessary facts which Judygram would normally want to know but she forgot to ask--- 1--Did you date before marriage? 2--What is your favorite food for each day of the week? 3--Your favorite TV shows? 4--How many children do you intend to have? 5--Are you happy in your job? 6--Does your wife beat you periodically in order to keep you in line? 7--How much alcohol do you consume on a daily basis? 8--Your opinion of used car salesmen? 9--Do you believe in fixed rate mortgages? These facts will be immediately listed in your membership file which will then be put into the membership archives.<br><br>Post edited by: MrSpock, at: 2007/09/04 00:29

Weight span for CAGS and TAGS---small, medium, large boned Congo African Grey 380-570--can vary Timneh Grey 300-360--can vary<br><br>Post edited by: MrSpock, at: 2007/09/03 01:56

"""""Since its juice it wont be sticky ? This is juice you drink right? I just dont want a sticky bird. """"" There's absolutely no stickiness or greasiness on a parrot's body. The juice is as light as water. The body of the bird that doesn't have water proof feathers will quickly absorb the juice. It also promotes proper preening ( no unnatural plucking or chewing). The longer it remains on the skin and feathers, the better it will be for your parrot. As with water, hair dryers shouldn't be used to dry a bird after bathing--this is the way it works--the bird gets soaked. He then sits on a perch and doesn't do anything. He's quiet. After about an hour, he starts to preen him/herself. The preening is productive. Biting at the skin and chewing on the feathers no longer happens. I've done this for at least 15 yrs. A friend told me about it a long time ago. he's a breeder of TOOs which have a worse dander and plucking and chewing problem. I would never recommend something I wasn't sure of. I've stopped using water when misting. The only time I use water is when I take each grey to a sink that's filled with 4 inches of water where I soak each bird as they stand in it. Don't do that if you're afraid of getting bitten. Some will bite. When spraying with water /juice make sure that you get under the wings and soak the white feathers on the body. Do this on the breast area too. Also do it under the vent feathers.

""""""""""the aloe juice I can get anywhere like a cvs/drug store?"""""""""" ALOE VERA JUICE can be purchased in any of the drug stores you mentioned plus Walgreens, Rite Aid etc or in health food stores. Walmart has the best price $8.75 per gal. The juice is used by people internally and externally for birds( usually by misting) If swallowed, it can't hurt the bird. If accidently sprayed in eyes, it can't hurt the bird. I've used it for years on my birds and not because they have any problems. It makes the dry skin of a grey very supple and relieves itchiness. RED PALM OIL is used by people who have intestional problems. For birds it supplies many different vitamins that many birds don't normally get. It also is good internally for bird's feathers. You're doing your bird a big favor by using both products. It really doesn't matter what species of parrot you own Item is on the left Post edited by: MrSpock, at: 2007/09/01 00:45<br><br>Post edited by: MrSpock, at: 2007/09/01 00:50

That's dryness. First, bathe the bird frequently making sure that those feathers get as wet as possible. It'll be difficult because those of a grey's feathers are waterproof. Then get some ALOE VERA JUICE ( not gel) and spray on feathers 2x a week. Comes in 1 gal containers. Can be purchased at Walmart or other large drug stores or health food stores. When you get a chance, buy some RED PALM OIl--1/2 teaspoon 2 x a week --mix into food, or bread or oatmeal or into pellets. Pellets absorb the oil. It's one of the best items for a bird's feathers. Health food stores sell it or you can purchase it online. Your TAG is one of those who's tail feathers will get to a lighter marroon color. Some go in the opposite direction. Also,it's molting season and they could be close to falling out. They won't fall out at the same time though. Most feathers look drab, blotchy and dull when molting season is around the corner.<br><br>Post edited by: MrSpock, at: 2007/09/01 00:00

If you're really serious about getting branches but aren't able to get them,just go to your local PARKS DEPT or any YARD DEBRIS DEPT in your county that collects branches, grass, bushes and all other * green* stuff that people discard from their property on a weekly basis. Either of those depts will be more than glad to give you all the branches you want--all sizes, all thicknesses, all lengths, bent, knarled, curled, different wood shade colors etc etc... And there's no charge.

A very good method of making natural branch playstands/floor stands is to first find dead trees/branches. Make sure that they're different thicknesses. Dead branches are very hard in the interior. Take these branches and soak them in water until the outer gray bark is very pliable and somewhat soft. Peel all of the bark off and you're left with very hard wood that can't be destroyed by parrots. The larger the parrot (macaw vs grey--amazon) the larger or smaller the branches should be used. The branches should be bent, knarled and different thicknesses. The base piece should be vertical. The rest of the branches can be nailed or screwed together using your own imagination. Parrots aren't fussy and appreciate what they would normally have in the wild. For a long time I've made approx 25 for friends and myself. I have woods in my backyard and every year trees have to die.

Adopting a pre-owned parrot is a different thing and with it comes some difficulties and situations although the new, previously informed owner is able to understand what they're actually seeing in that parrot. Usually, those people already own or have owned other parrots and are able to ease the pressure that the pre-owned parrot is going through. These parrots have usually lived in either one or a few homes in the past. With each home, the parrot develops habits that pertain to what's going on there. Parrots don't forget things very easily and when that parrot moves on to that next home he/she takes those habits with him/her. It's frequently referred to as 'baggage' which involves many aspects of the parrot's personality and habits and ways of thinking. The ideal adoption of a pre-owned parrot is getting one that has no 'baggage', but that's impossible. First of all, the parrot is older and very sure of itself. The 'baggage can't be gotten rid of. Usually, a person that adopts a pre-owned parrot forfeits the experience of that parrot living and acting like a baby. Many people, be they experienced or inexperienced don't have a problem with that phase of ownership. The people who do have a problem are the ones that don't expect that experience. They don't get that experience. What they do see is an obvious amount of previous 'baggage' and they sometimes become disillusioned and many times, the parrot will soon be off to it's next home. The amount of 'baggage' that the parrot stores away when living in that other home depends on how long the parrot has lived there. Part of that newly obtained 'baggage' are the personalities of all the different owners and the methods used to make the parrot conform at each home. Again I say, parrots don't forget and they have the natural ability to store away more and more situations. Some of these owners should have never taken on the adoption of a pre-owned parrot and some of these same people should have never taken on the task of owning any parrot because they didn't do their homework but I'm not referring to you, only some people in the general population. Talking is something that might not happen in a new home even though the bird was known to talk before. Any new owner of a pre-owned bird should be prepared for a few surprises, some disappointments, some great moments etc. Good luck with your new family member.

This farmer has about 200 hens, but no rooster, and he wants chicks. So, he goes down the road to the next farmer and asks if he has a rooster which he would sell.The other farmer says, "Yeah, I've got this great rooster named Roy. He'll service every chicken you got, no problem."Well, Roy the rooster costs a lot of money, but the farmer decides he'd be worth it. So, he buys Roy.The farmer takes Roy home and sets him down in the barnyard. He gave the rooster a pep talk. "Roy, I want you to pace yourself now. You've got a lot of chickens to service here, and you cost me a lot of money. I'll need you to do a good job. So, take your time and have some fun," the farmer said, with a chuckle. Roy seemed to understand, so the farmer points toward the hen house,and Roy took off like a shot. - WHAM! - Roy nails every hen in the hen house -- three or four times-- and the farmer is really shocked. After that the farmer hears a commotion in the duck pen. Sure enough, Roy is in there. Later, the farmer sees Roy after a flock of geese. Once again, - WHAM! - He gets all the geese. By sunset he sees Roy out in the fields chasing quail and pheasants. The farmer is distraught -- worried that his expensive rooster won't even last 24 hours. Sure enough, the farmer goes to bed and wakes up the next day, to find Roy dead as a doorknob--stone cold in the middle of the yard. Buzzards are circling overhead. The farmer, saddened by the loss of such a colorful and expensive animal, shakes his head and says, "Oh Roy, I told you to pace yourself. I tried to get you to slow down, now look what you've done to yourself." Roy opens one eye, nods toward the buzzards circling in the sky and says, "Shhhh, they're getting closer... =================================================<br><br>Post edited by: Dave007, at: 2009/03/12 05:53

A doctor was having an affair with his nurse. Shortly afterward, she told him she was pregnant. Not wanting his wife to know, he gave the nurse a sum of money and asked her to go to Italy and have the baby there. ''But how will I let you know the baby is born?'' she asked. He replied, ''Just send me a postcard and write 'spaghetti' on the back. I'll take care of expenses.'' Not knowing what else to do, the nurse took the money and flew to Italy. Six months went by and then one day the doctor's wife called him at the office and explained, ''Dear, you received a very strange postcard in the mail today from Europe, and I don't understand what it means.'' The doctor said, ''Just wait until I get home and I will explain it to you.'' Later that evening, the doctor came home, read the postcard, fell to the floor with a heart attack. Paramedics rushed him to the ER. The lead medic stayed back to comfort the wife. He asked what trauma had precipitated the cardiac arrest. So the wife picked up the card and read, ''Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti - Two with sausage and meatballs, two without.'''

A guy goes into a costume shop. He says, "I'm going to a costume party, I want to go as Adam." The girl brings out a fig leaf. He says, "Not big enough." She brings out a bigger one. He says, "Still not big enough." She brings out a huge fig leaf. He says, "Still not big enough." She says, "Listen, Ace, why don't you just throw it over your shoulder And go as a gasoline pump?"

The new, very modern, Supermarket near our house has an automatic water mister to keep the produce fresh. Just before it goes on, you hear the sound of a thunderstorm and the smell of fresh rain. When you approach the milk cases, you hear cows mooing and witness the scent of fresh butter fat. When you approach the egg case, you hear hens cackle and the air is filled with the pleasing aroma of eggs frying. Thus far I've been too afraid to go down the toilet paper aisle.

[b [color=#FFFF00]It is with the saddest heart that we must pass on the following news. Please join us in remembering a great icon of the entertainment community. The Pillsbury Doughboy died yesterday of a yeast infection and complications from repeated pokes in the belly. He was 71. Doughboy was buried in a lightly greased coffin. Dozens of celebrities turned out to pay their respects, including Mrs. Butterworth, Hungry Jack, the California Raisins, Betty Crocker, the Hostess Twinkies and Cap'n Crunch. The grave site was piled high with flours. Aunt Jemima delivered the eulogy and lovingly described Doughboy as a man who never knew how much he was kneaded. Doughboy rose quickly in show business, but his later life was filled with turnovers. He was not considered a very smart cookie, wasting much of his dough on half-baked schemes. Despite being a little flaky at times, he still, as a crusty old man, was considered a roll model for millions. Doughboy is survived by his wife, Play Dough, two children, John and Jane Dough, plus they had one in the oven. He is also survived by his elderly father, Pop Tart. The funeral was held at 3:50 for about 20 minutes.[/color]b]<br><br>Post edited by: MrSpock, at: 2007/08/27 19:50

1. It is important that a man helps you around the house and has a job. 2. It is important that a man makes you laugh. 3. It is important to find a man you can count on and doesn't lie to You. 4. It is important that a man loves you and spoils you. 5. It is important that these four men don't know each other. REALLY!! So that's what you're looking for!! http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v50/DaveVP/1-womenwaitingforperfectman-1.jpg Post edited by: MrSpock, at: 2007/08/27 00:12<br><br>Post edited by: MrSpock, at: 2007/08/27 00:20

Thank you for the nice things you said. I'm always glad to share info if it makes the parrot and the owner feel contented. I make the carvings periodically when I come across an interesting or unusual bird . I did one of my German Shorthaired Pointer in the second pic and a wolf head in the first pic. Both are behind the tops of the cages. hard to see.