Talon

Thank ou for haring this with us everyone, for those of us who have not experienced this first hand, but know of others that do, it is wonderful to have this type of insight and understanding.....I will continue to follow this thread and learn and REMEMBER all I have learned so that I can be more enlightened and u derstNding for those that suffer with this illness. Again, thank you.... Although I am sorry for all you have to handle...makes me feel selfish when I complain about the little things in my life..on those days, you will be in my thoughts...

Beautiful pics!

You are so right. If you are able to take te time to read the body language of a Zon, then you will have a very fullfilling relationship with it. They will bring you love and comfort, yes comfort on bad days, they sense it, and will resort to just being quiet, being there with you, and cuddling when you need it. Not at all like a grey, on a bad day, they are usually close by and quiet. Nilahdoes all the signs, eye pinning, tail flared, omitting her cologne, but no growl.....hisses like a snake only. She will step up when she is doing that if tell her too...good bird! But she does this behaviour when she is mad, guarding her cage, she is VERY protective over her cage, we are NEVER allowed to put our hand in her cage as far as she is concerned, or she will bite hard, doesn't stop me if I have to tho. she also does this behaviour when she is excited, and we have company and she is flirting with them.

We decided on Piper fr a name. He loves to climb out of his cage and hang around the top, but is scared of hands... so we have our work cutout for us. The greys could care less about him, but Nilah......well thats a completely different story....

Why do you say girl? I'm told he/she says pretty bird, whistles the theme song from Zelda, and says a few other things I can't remember....... Better let me know, we're name searching.....

As you can see, he had one wing clipped...

Here is a quick cell phone picture of our newest flock member. He really doesnt have a name, they shelter didnt know it, and the woman who took him from there named him Patsy, but he doesn't know that, so.....we will be naming him something...?? not sure what. He does not know how to step up, but I am told he likes scritches on the head. He's still a bit overwhelmed and settling in, so I am just talking to him for now every time I am in the room. My other birds keep whistling and he whistles back! Will get better pics later and keep you updated on his settling in.

Waiting........10 more minutes.....Lol

Tomorrow is the day! (saturday) at 11am!!!!!

Oh my Judy! That is a scare! Hope she's okay and hope your nerves have settled in, I've had that happen and it sure scares the margaritas out of you!!

Hi and Welcome! Happy to hear you are a forever home! I too live in MA about 2 hours from you. I look forward to seeing pictures and hearing more!

I just got an email from the woman looking for a forever home for the cockatiel that she rescued from the animal shelter. I told you all about her about 2 weeks ago.......well, I guess she was checking me out here on the forum, and has decided that Pats, will be happy here!!!! I can't wait!!!!!! I am so excited! She wants to come to my house with Pats on Sat. Am to bring him and see my birds........yippee!

You have the patience of a saint!! AS others said, most would have re-homed him by now, but you have such a kind understanding heart to want to help him work thru this...and you WILL get thru it. Unfortunately, it is up to us humans to try and figure it out, he certainly cant do anything but scream to tell you he is completely addicted to your hubby! Have you tried the bird sitter dvd, it plays non stop and it is very enjoyable, my birds love it. It has babies, humans feeding and interacting with many species, birds outdoors, playing, feeding, etc. It was made for birds to watch. I have good luck with that calming my birds when they act up. You could try that for the dhort term, or my birds love cartoons, nick jr, and music.....calming music.....sometimes opera is a calming one to try. It may take time, but he in between screams, he may like it.....

Grab some popcorn and a recliner...sit back....this is fun!!

Beautiful photos! I am an animal lover, and Have dogs, cats, birds, horses too. Love seeing your family! P.S. I LOVE LOVE LOVE te banner!!!!!

I have been following your story. There is DEFINATELY something wrong in HIS mind, as this behaviour is not normal. Some screaming occasionally, yes, but mostly no. If it is as bad as you say, then I can Imagine that he is stressing himself out so much, that is unhealthy for him. I have a grey that goes frantic with panic when I try to mist her, she screams, flips out, climbing around her cage, thrashing her body around against the bars, falling until she almost passes out from exhaustion. The area around her eyes turns bright red like she's going to bleed at any moment during this event. I have tried every way possible with bathing her, and this is the result of it, so I chose to go against all the advice and warnings from all members here and let her bath in her water dish on her tree stand when she wishes. In my mind her emotional well being is FAR better and more important than her dusty little body. That being said, I would try to find out WHAT exactly sets her off, is it your husband? If so, can she be put seperate from him where she can't see him? Le time know and I will offer more advice as you can describe when she is quiet and happy, and when she throws these fits. It has to stop, it's very unhealthy for her well being and YOURS!

I think you misread Dave's intention in his post. We all know that things happen and no matter how hard we try, our bird may die for some reason which is beyond our control. As for your statement regarding not posting here a lot or not being a serious owner...that's crazy talk! We welcome ALL members, those who post a little or a lot, many different opinions. Perhaps if you feel you would be happier at another forum.....your decision.

I LOVE that!!!! Thanks for sharing that, its great!!

Don't see how the perplexities of an African grey could possibly be put in a quick user manual......trying to determine only 10 things is impossible in my mind. IMHO But feel free to be the first one here to figure it out and start writing! We can add it to our stickies.

Oh wow, he's beautiful!

Omg! How precious and sooooo very tiny I Had no idea!!!!!! Thank you for sharing that photo!

My birds 2 greys and an amazon have all learned what "step down" means. I never use "step up" unless I am asking them to step onto me. If they give me a hard time about stepping down, I explain to them why they have to step down, so etimes telling them to 'hop down' and that mama will be right back.

Wow, my greys LOve to go to bed and seem to look forward to it. I do cover them with a dark sheet, I would ignore the screaming and after a while, if nothing happens when they scream they will stop, it's hardly worth the effort to them. Giving them any kind of attention will only re enforce it.

Congrats! Luv the picture, and especially LOVE the name!