Devin Corso

How do I clip Korra's (Congo African grey) wings, but still have her able to fly to the ceiling, and not traumatizing her? I was able to clip her nails, but she was angry at me for 4 days. I don't want her to be scared because this is something I have to do. I don't want an accident to happen, and her fly out the door. But I want her to be able to fly because I don't want to take that beautiful ability away from her. I also don't want her to hit the fan.

I have good news! Instead of changing all the paper every day, I change the paper with poopoo on it (I'm more likely to do so), then I turn on the fan and open the window for a few hours. I change the paper with feathers and pellet food here and there. *But not too long, otherwise the birds flap their wings, and it looks like it's snowing! The bird room smells fine! I also use a oil burner/warmer a few rooms away in the bathroom, and it wafts slightly through the house, but not enough that I think it would hurt them. You can only smell it a little when you go in the hallway. I also use a scent necklace that I wear around my neck with a few drops of sugar Mailbu rum cupcakes, root beer, or one of my other smells I got in a pack! It's not too strong, but I get a nice whiff once in a while. I'm very sensitive to strong smells too, so I that's another reason why birds are pretty good for me. Even someone passing me in a store with strong perfume nearly knocks me over with a headache. :rolleyes: Thank you for all your non-smelly support!

Why was it the last day you used it? Essential oils are usually too strong of smells for me. They give me headaches.

Thank you all of you! Birdhouse and Giannine I will try your ideas, thank you for them. If anyone else has recipes or recommendations, please keep posting!

So scented pine cones are ok? Like buying a bundle from Micheals? or popeuri?

I have been reading on this forum and around the internet about ways you can have scented things in your house. I am very sensitive to strong smells like strong air fresheners or incense (which would probably kill a bird quickly). I have read that you can use soy candles. Is this true? Also, can I keep a window open in the bird's room? There is a strange smell that gathers in that room. **What about candle warmers that melt candles with no flame? **And what about wax melters with a unscented tea light under them?

Ok, I will only use the squirt bottle if she is being bad, since she hates it.

Ok, I see what you're saying. I read that African greys are really emotional and you have to be really careful, so that was my direction of thought. I'll take your advice though. I have to be firm. Also, I have been trying to bathe her with the spray bottle. Should I save the spray bottle just for punishment, or should I continue using it for bathing? I don't want to give her mixed signals.

Gosh thank you both so much! I read a few books and really educated myself before getting her because when I got Yoshi (conure) I could already tell there was something going on upstairs! Something more than other pets. The bottom line of all the research I did came down to one sentence "They are toddlers." I have read yes and no on the time out method and the squirt bottle method, so I'm kind of flimsy about it. I'll keep my foot down this time! :cool:

_Hi everyone! When I let Korra out she stretches her wings and does her bird yoga. I put out a lot of toys and foraging/rip apart things for her. The problem is about 20 minutes into being out she flies over to me and starts either biting my laptop, or biting my fingers, arms, or toes. I absolutely understand this is because she wants attention, so I stroke her head, pet her belly, and talk to her. Sometimes I will sing to her, have her dance, and put her back on her perch. She does this over and over again, and every time she bites harder to the point of leaving marks and sometimes drawing blood. I try to talk with her and interact with her from across the room and put many toys and chewy things out for her like I said. I always put new things out for her with water and food. She throws all of her toys and food out, rips apart her chewy things and throws them too. _I get that she is trying to get attention, but I have to do my work. How can I keep her entertained and calm? She knows biting me is bad because when she does she leans back and says "Oooh!" or "No!" and pins her eyes. I watched a video on how to stop biting and the guy said to use repetition, a firm (not loud) voice, and make a screech-like sound so they understand that it hurts. I also read to give her "the angry eye" and talk sternly to her as if she was a toddler misbehaving. None of this seems to be working. Please help! :mad: -Sincerely, Devin

UPDATE 12/7/16 - 10:00am: I gave both my pretty girls some ice cold water in their water bowls with ice in them as well. I sprayed both of them with cold water which needless to say they hated! Yoshi crawled to the back of her cage, and Korra went "Woo!" Pinned her eyes, and did her "I'm in a naughty mood now!" dance. I let her out to stretch her wings (and hopefully preen nicely). I put her temporary perch (her bigger one won't fit through the door in the new house :rolleyes:) near a open blind (for light), closed window (no draft), so she could look outside and hopefully get inspired by the outside birds. *She just burped and cleared her throat.* She is playing a bit rough with her toys to let out some anger which is a good sign. I'll update again. Thank you all for your help, she's soaked! ^^ Being naughty too:

Oh Korra does that too when I leave the room! It's like a "Where are you going?" noise. I'm going to try using cold water and ice cubes, it sounds great. I'm also going to try the fine misting bottle. Thank you so much for your compliment!

To birdhouse: I'll try that! What color do your parrots like? I got a green spray bottle, but can return it. I'll also try giving her a bath in the sink or bathtub. I have tried giving her a big water bowl (dog bowl) on the bottom of her cage but she won't go near it. Korra poops on it to show her enthusiasm. :rolleyes: Yoshi used to LOVE playing in her water dish. She spread it all over her like a cat with cap nip, but it seems like she has lost interest for the time being. To Timbersmom: I will try the vacuum method. Do you have any idea why that would calm them? Korra is scared of our vacuum moving. I think she thinks it's an animal running on the ground. She looks down at it like it might pounce at any moment, and Yoshi does her "I don't approve of what's going on here" screech. :rolleyes:

My Korra girl has always been an overpreener. I got her as a baby and she is now 3 years old. I never see her pink skin, but her super fluffy small grey feathers are always showing; instead of the longer more flat grey feathers. It makes me upset and nervous because she preens SO SO much. Her tail is a bit raggedy too. I have her out for hours everyday (at least 4). I have been reading around the forum that a humidifier and misting is good. I got a spray bottle and turned it to only mist, but she is SUPER angry at it and tears it apart. She bites it super hard (or the finger holding it), her pupils pin and feathers puff up. I tried tying it to her perch so she can get used to it not moving, but she rips it off and throws it. :rolleyes: I'll put on a humidifier, but I was wondering if there is anything else I can do? I'm trying to get her into the shower, but she is scared of the mist that bounces off my head and the shower head itself. How do I get her to: -stop overpreening -enjoy the mister -enjoy a shower or bath (shallow & safe) *As an edit, I just saw the thread from Dave called "Bathing--possible method 1." I'll try that for a few weeks and get back to you guys on how that is going. The overpreening is still an issue though. I know she is such a pretty girl, but she could be so much prettier! I want her to be happy. She takes all of her convert, and contour feathers out of her wings, belly, and legs. I only see down on her belly, and patches of down on her wing. She also picks out a lot of bristles, semiplumes, and filoplumes. I used these pictures for feather information: https://www.google.com/search?q=parrot+feathers&rlz=1C1NHXL_enUS688US688&espv=2&biw=1242&bih=580&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj-wb6CjszQAhUO62MKHf51DfgQ_AUIBygC#tbm=isch&q=parrot+feathers+types&imgrc=B8AS3XtAbYkC1M%3A https://www.google.com/search?q=parrot+feathers&rlz=1C1NHXL_enUS688US688&espv=2&biw=1242&bih=580&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj-wb6CjszQAhUO62MKHf51DfgQ_AUIBygC#tbm=isch&q=parrot+feathers+types&imgrc=K5MS0rARtOs8uM%3A This is Korra today, as you can see her head has normal feathering. I give her many toys to keep busy. I also give her water bottles and cardboard to pick at (hopefully instead of her feathers). *she has bigger thicker perches

Ok, I'm going to try to order one of these harnesses with the "poop catch" on it then. When I get her to the point of going out in public with me, is the AC in the car bad for her? When I take her to the vet I point the vents away from her cage and I make sure it doesn't get cold.

Very good! Try the "crawl up hand" method that I mentioned, and keep interacting with him. It takes patience. The point that Korra is at right now took me 3 years. Keep going, you're doing great!

No problem! I'm glad I could help. When I trained Korra, I trained her to stay on my hand. Not my arm, shoulder, or head. If he stays on your arm, he will want to climb all the way up and probably want to get onto your head. I let little Yoshi do that, and now she only wants to be on my head, no where else. It's very cute, but it messes up my hair, and I have to wear a towel on my head so I don't get poop in my hair. So if I wanted to go out on errands with Yoshi I couldn't. So train him to either stay on your hand or shoulder. Being on your hand is practical because you can get him comfortable enough to be fine with your hand moving like when you type and use your mouse. Having him on your shoulder is nice because it looks cooler, but you have the poop problem again. When he steps up onto your hand, you have to make it a place he wants to be. For instance, during Thanksgiving, would you rather sit in a chair alone, or sit at the dining room table where all the action is? The table of course! You want to have him understand that your hand has the most action, and is the most interesting place to be. Right now, your desk is more interesting because he can chew it. When he steps up on your hand, celebrate!!! Say "Oh my goodness! I am so happy to see you!" Dance with him! Then put him on your preferred place. Maybe a table top desk perch, a lamp, or on top of your computer. Make sure there is newspaper under where he is going to be sitting. If you want to make your desk look nice, you could use scrapbook paper with cool colors and patterns on them. (I don't know if you ever have meetings, and would want your desk to look nicer). Here are some examples: https://www.google.com/search?q=scrapbook+paper&rlz=1C1NHXL_enUS688US688&espv=2&biw=1242&bih=580&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjYtYyJlsLPAhUDS2MKHaUWC_UQ_AUIBygC#tbm=isch&q=masculine+scrapbook+paper When you put him on your preferred place, make sure you tell him to "step up!" Then give him something interesting like: a bell, cardboard tube, tissue or tissue box, or an unsalted sunflower or pumpkin seed, or a peanut in shell. Remember to not give more than 3 peanuts a day because they are fatty. Also, be sure that he is not swallowing tissue or cardboard that you give him. Basically, make sure that your preferred place becomes his preferred place. Make it interesting. As you are working be sure to take breaks to talk to him, dance with him, and play peek-a-boo. If you want to work on "touchy-feely," be sure to pet him once in a while as well. He will realize when your hand comes to him it either means a toy, treat, or petting; he will look forward to your hand coming his way. This will also make it less likely for him to get down and chew your desk. Korra likes to grab my keyboard, mouse, and lcd computer screen (eek!). I tell her "no!" In a firm, but not loud voice. I point my finger at her (not too close) and give her an angry look. After you do this for a while, you will realize that he will look up at your face to see your reaction to different things (especially when he is doing something wrong). That is an important connection to make with him. When you take him into the kitchen or bathroom, carry him on your hand and put him down on the counter or floor when you reach your destination. Sometimes the sink faucet works well too. When I'm in the bathroom I put her on the floor, or in front of the mirror. Make sure if you take him to the kitchen, he is not near non-stick pans, or the oven (bad gases). Make sure to talk to him in a soothing tone. Have him realize that walking, doors, stairways, shadows, and new places are not scary. Try to keep him calm enough that he won't fly away. If he does, say "you're ok" or "oopsie!" and have him "step up" onto your hand. Say "wow you are so good at flying!" Show him that it's ok, and you will always show up to help him wherever he lands. Point things out to him like "I washed our hand towels yesterday, see how clean they are!" or "Look out that window! It's such a pretty day!" or "Look at the magnets on the fridge!" It will switch his thinking from new-scary to new-interesting. The bottom line is: ∙You need to show him that you love him. That you care about him, and that you are interested in him. ∙He needs to understand that he can trust you, and where you take him is good and interesting. That he can come to you if something is scary. (Example) When I move Korra's huge rolling stand, she gets very scared. So I say "*gasp* Oooh Korra! I see that you're scared. This is so big right? It's pretty funny that a tree should be rolling across the floor hmm? It's ok baby girl. Ok, I'm almost there." And then "Ok! We are all done! Are you ready to step up and go on your perch?" A quick tip: If you can't get poop off of a surface, spray or pour water on it, and let it soak for 5 minutes. It should wipe right away quickly!

Hi Abaddon! I started typing a response, but it turned out very long, so I made it into a separate thread. It's under "Training" called "Tips for New Parrots Parents." I hope it helps.

Here are some tips that I have found works well with Korra. I have had her for 4 years this Thanksgiving, so I'm no expert, but I hope I can offer some guidance. Take a deep breath! I got Korra (Congo African grey) as a hand fed baby, but she bit a lot and was very skittish. I will offer a few suggestions that I have found work with Korra. I was so nervous at first because she was my first (and still only) big parrot, although I do have Yoshi (conure). I wanted her to like me so badly and have a good relationship with her. I understand your frustration. Not all of my tips will work because parrots are like toddlers. They are smart, they like different foods, toys, play places, they are loud, they are adorable, and their comprehension and thinking is that of a toddler. Keep in mind when you feel blue that he wants a relationship with you too! You are his best friend and his parent. He needs someone to love him and not quit on him no matter what. ∙Play Time: The more stimulation you give, the better he will behave. It's like locking a toddler in a room versus them playing in a park. There will be less screaming and stomping! Having him sit on top of his cage is a easy and cheap option, but doesn't give him that "away from my cage" experience. It can also be boring for them, and it is hard to get them down. They like to run to the back and mock you as you try to reach them. I would invest in a stand that is heavy, rolls, and has multiple branches. Look for consignment and parrot stores. Mine was $100 and is worth hundreds more for how happy she is with it. It has to be heavy because if it moves a lot they will get nervous. You will want to have multiple branches so they have options, climbing experience, and toys on different levels. They can be expensive, but it's like sending your kid to school; their outweighs the price. Something like this is great: http://www.manzanitahabitats.com/store2/image/cache/data/Trees/SB51M3/amazonman-1334336480-2588a-875x1000.jpg A metal one like this is great, but they can't chew on it, and will probably go to the top which isn't a good grip for their feet. https://www.google.com/search?q=rolling+bird+stand&rlz=1C1NHXL_enUS688US688&biw=1242&bih=580&tbm=isch&source=lnms&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiFus3io7rPAhUG2WMKHWXHA9MQ_AUI2QEoAQ#imgrc=AVKqsOdh7yyirM%3A *If you can't afford a perch, have him sit on the bed, a medusa lamp (or other lamp with an arm), or the bed frame. ∙Toys: I have bought fantastic toys for Korra. Very creative, colorful, fun, learning toys. They are so cool! But honestly her favorite toy is a tissue or a toilet paper roll. -.- Make sure any toy that you give them has no zinc or paint that they could chew off (poisonous). Always watch how they play with a toy the first few times you give it to them. If they are chewing it then great, if they are chewing and swallowingit, it's not good, toss it. You can get great parrot toys at a store or online, but some cheap ones that are great to try are: toilet paper tubes, tissues, loose-leaf/computer/tissue paper, an empty medicine bottle with a marble, penny or screw inside to make noise (make sure to replace it before he gets to the penny or screw (zinc poisoning), pinwheels (dollar store), a chunky necklace (thrift store, wash it in dishwasher, no removable/choking hazard parts), a water/Gatorade/1 liter soda bottle (empty), some type of box like a shoe box, bells (craft store, watch out for zinc), and dog and cat toys are fantastic as long as he is not swallowing any material when he chews it. Korra rips toys apart and throws the pieces on the ground. The first time you give him a new toy, talk to him a lot! Don't clap because that might scare them. Korra is usually terrified of anything new whether it is a toy or a bell pepper. Talk to them like you are leading a kid through a haunted house: a soft voice, reassurance, positive and "cutesy" talking when he goes near it, use a high voice, tell him that he is doing a good job, and when he is about to fly away, hold him close to your chest to comfort him. Describe the toy/food and show why you like it. Point out different things and act like you are playing/eating it. Make sure it looks like the greatest thing in the world, that anyone would want to have. You can also talk as if you are selling it on an infomercial. ∙Conversation: Every time you pass him whether he is inside or outside his cage, talk to him. Play games with him, tell him what you are doing, how your day is going, and what you are going to do later. Korra loves whispering and peek-a-boo if I do it slowly as to not scare her. She says "pee-a-boo, "Hi Korra," or whispers to me when I pass her now. It is important for him to understand that you want everything to do with him. He will soon look forward to you passing him. ∙"Step up": The conversation paragraph ties hand in hand with getting them on your hand. If every time you go to him you put him in his cage, he will dread you coming and may bite. Go up to him often and talk, play peek-a-boo, take him on your hand around the room, or have him dance on your hand (bob your hand up and down slowly and make a beat). I didn't know about this for a while, and whenever I passed her she would lean out and try to bite and hiss at me. ∙Biting: There is a video that I feel describes the method well. The video is long but worth it. The short term training like spraying them with water or flicking their beak only frustrates them, and has them dread seeing your finger get close to them. It's like hitting a kid's wrist, it doesn't really do anything but have them fear and dread doing something wrong as opposed to learning from it. As in the video, make the loud screech-like noise, tell them "that's not very nice" or "that hurt," and walk away. ∙Wing Clipping: Everyone has very different opinions on this. I personally like her to be able to fly around the room freely, but clip her wings a little so she can't hit the fan or fly out the window. (Make sure to keep your windows, and toilet lids closed). ∙Wing Belly Time: I have found that one of the most important things to do with a bird is to have them on your tummy, especially when they are under a year old. This lets them know who you are, how you smell, and how you breathe. They will get relaxed and realize that you are their personal Lazy Boy recliner! It shows that it is fun to hang out with you! But most importantly it builds a connection. I recommend doing this a least 2 hours every day when you first get your bird. If you don't have much time, let them climb on you and your bed while you sleep, BUT be careful and understand if this is a good choice for your individual buddy. ∙Personal Assistant: Take them everywhere you go in the home. Whether it is making a sandwich or going to the bathroom, take them along. It lets them adjust to movement, objects, and noises. It also lets them explore and makes you more interesting to them. Just make sure that they don't get close to pots & pans, zinc, chemicals, candles, air fresheners, and open water. Parrots aren't exactly Michael Phelps material. ∙Monkey Hear - Monkey Talk: Don't say anything that you don't want repeated every day. Whether that is yelling, whining, crying, or curse words, if you say it, your parrot will say it. When I have people come into my house I explain to them that there is no yelling or cursing because Korra will repeat it. It is also important because if anything ever happens to you, and your parrot needs a new home, people will most likely not want a parrot who sounds obnoxious. Make sure they have a bright future. ∙Touchy - Feely: African greys are generally not cuddly parrots. You give up cuddling for talking. That being said, personal touch is very important. When you first get your grey, show him that your hands are gentle and understanding. Act like a mime so he understands that hand movement is not a bad thing. Talk with your hands! If he is scared of your hands, crawl your hand up to him very slowly (while talking to them) and give him breaks. Let it sink in. Eventually you should be able to touch him. To parrots, your hand is huge and very scary at first, even if they are hand fed. You can also give them a treat that you know they love occasionally. Tissues or a piece of paper or cardboard is a great thing to hand them. This shows that your hands mean good things are coming.

Hi, I was hoping to get Korra out and about more. Her behavior has made a 360 and she is doing fantastic! I am now able to take her out of her cage for the whole day with her special tree perch. I was hoping to harness train her, so I can take her to do errands with me. I have two harnesses from Echo (rest in peace). A foot harness that holds onto her leg, and a body harness that might be a nightmare to put on her. I also saw this and thought it might be good: http://www.flightquarters.com/bird-diapers/category/flightsuit-bird-diapers.html *You can velcro a harness/lanyard onto it. She is an African grey and as you know they are very emotional. How do I put it on her without freaking her out, and how can I train her to not poopoo on my shoulder and hair? Is there any way to get her to stay on my shoulder? The other question I had was what signs to watch for her being overheated, and how to prevent that. I live in one of the hottest and driest cities in the United States, (Mesa Arizona).

I haven't given her Cheetos for a while, I don't want her to think it's an every day thing. I have good news! Korra and I are having a special day, so she has been out since 7:30am (now 4:30pm where I am)! I tied 2 carrots and a piece of a fresh baked chicken wing (with bone) to her perch. She flew off and wouldn't get off me until she was far away from it. She seems to get scared of food a lot. I kept encouraging her, and acting like I was eating it (and loving it) and she eventually stepped onto the edge of the perch. It took a few hours and I went to take out the dogs. When I came back she had eaten 1/4 of the chicken! I'm so happy that we may have found a new treat for her! This is her at first. Scared, skinny, and looking at me for reassurance. This is her a few hours later! Happy as a clam, and puffier than a pom-pom!

Yeah the fluffy toy is a hut and she scratched the fluff off the bottom, so I think she is done with the destruction stage. I touch the bottom sometimes to see if more of the plush is gone, but I just feel crumbs. I think she brings her pellets up there. Either that or when she snaps the pellets through her beak some pieces fling up into the hut. Her hut is just like this one: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=5687&cmpid=04cseYY&gclid=CjwKEAjw652_BRDfkebVrdOGkDISJAD0Q2Rusqllf_nWSR3edVmgdtgc8eb_C1lxgvJzaRPjzZsyDhoCRGnw_wcB but bigger and has a ugly design on the outside. I put ribbons on the outside of her hut so she would play with those instead of destroying her hut, but it seems that her ribbon stage is over. It seems that Korra caught on though and likes threading ribbon through her beak (but not eating it). I didn't get her a sea grass hut because I was worried that her talons would get stuck. She got her toe stuck in a bell yesterday, and I specifically got a big bell so that wouldn't happen. I guess like children they will get hurt one way or another. :confused: She got into a super cranky stage less than a week ago and would even bite the cage when I passed. When I changed her toy or gave her food she would try to find a way to bite me. But I put my hand in the other day and she put her head down for cheek rubs and neck tickles. I'm not sure what was going on (maybe molting) but I'm glad it is over. She has been very silly though since the day she found me and loves her special toys and being on my head. ^^

I'm sorry I didn't see it until yesterday. I'll sign it next time.

So very true! Exceptionally relatable and hilarious for all types of parrots! When I thought about getting Korra (African grey) I thought to myself, "I'm buying a permanent toddler..." *SORRY the picture is so big

When I click the link to sign it says that the petition is closed.