danmcq

What a story! Pippa is so lucky to have found you. Her health issues are certainly extensive, but from what I read manageable. I was worried she was in pain by the description of her legs being deformed from breaks and supposed pain could be an underlying cause for the plucking. But, as I read, it seems you have some pain management going for her, that hopefully is reducing it, if not eliminating it. From the photo's, it does not appear her plucking as nearly as severe as I have seen, but it is evident. Misting with aloe juice wil certainly not hurt, other than her attitude regarding misting or baths. It is good to see her perching there in the photo and not laying on her belly as some crippeld birds must. You have built a wonderful play area for her. Wonderful photos! Does she get in the tube in her cage? I have never seen one contructed like that. Sorry, but I laughed my butt off at the flying into the window incident. It certainly broke up the heavy heartedness of reading the sad story. With the great number or members we have here, I am positive you will receive tons of feedback on questions you have in providing further joy bringers into Pippa's life, as if you are not already doing a GreYt job from what I read and see in that cage. I am looking forward to hearing lots more from you.

Welcome Tweedles and Pippa!! You certainly took on a challenging grey and I admire you for doing so. I look forward to hearing more about Pippa and you.

LOL - I was just joking Penny. As a side note, hard water is bad for you as well and critters. It causes those "Stones" over years to from in your gallbladder, kidney's etc. A 7.5 to 8.o is optimal. It is always best to go midway with most things in life. Too much either side of a happy medium has effects over the long run, as you all pointed out.

I didn't see any greys in the wild video clips with "Test Strips" before they drank that wonderful looking water in the elephant hole they were drinking from. I did see some type of worm wiggling along in it though. We just use the tap water here, it is very good deep ground water from the water tables around 8oo feet down. No clue on what the optimum would be for a bird. They drink from anywhere they can find it.

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for sharing this scary, yet hilarious story... I loved the ((((sound effects)))). I know what your birds will say the next time THEY see a snake. Of course, I would say the same.

That is cold. Is that the temperature where your grey is housed (no heat)? Instead of misting, perhaps get some 100% natural aloe gel and rub it gentley on those bare wing spots. This will not cool your grey any further and actually sooth that area better, deeper and longer than a misting with aloe juice. The toy sounds wonderful and should give him some fun activities to keep his mind off his wing.

I just noticed one thing, your grey is 16 weeks old and only weighs 389? That is on the very bottom end of the weight scale. Is he a small framed grey? Just asking, I am not saying anything is wrong with him. Maybe he is fledging right now and thus they automatically eat less to lose wieght and increase lift for those flying aerobatics. I know you have a vet check scheduled as well, so you'll be in good hands and know what type of health your baby is in. Looking forward to hearing more and seeing TONS of photos.

Welcome Angelo! It's GreYt having you here. Nice job on that video. You have come to the right place to learn tons about Greys before you bring one home. Please visit all the rooms and check out the topics of interest to a person seeking information on Greys, their care, needs and characteristics. Also, one note on birds and reptiles. They don't mix, especially sharing any bacteria from hands, surfaces etc. Most reptile owners keep them in a seperate room amd also ensure they wash their hands before touching anything to do with the bird and it's related items. Looking forward to hearing more from you.

Cuckoo for chicken bones!! Great photos.

Congratulations!!! I wuold reccomend, that if your switching him to pellets, offer a little measured out carefully in small quantities so he can't eat his fill of it and make sure he has eaten pellets before hand. Gradually decrease what he was eating and increase the pellets. Keep the good veggies going, also be aware that corn is valueless nutrition wise and so is lettuce. Replace these with other veggies like green beans, broccoli, snap peas, cooked beans of many different varieites, oat groats etc. Only give a little fruit 2x a week at most. Also give good nuts like almonds, walnuts etc in small quantities as a treat or training aid. Keep monitoring his weight to ensure he does not continue losing. It sounds like you are off to a great start!

The only thing I know Dave, is your post is spot on in regards medical advances. If not for them, I would have died at 5 of scarlet fever, my brother would have died of appendicitis at 8. So heck, I don't know. I figure I'll live until I die. ;p It is sad though, that there is no way to age a bird. Good for them looks wise though.

LOL, know that game well. Thanks for sharing this video.

A few things could have caused this change: 1 - He is starting to mature and perhaps is switching to a different "Favored" person. This does happen at times with some birds. 2 - Perhaps by putting toys in his cage, instead of slowly showing it from afar and moving it closer and closer to his cage over time like a week or two. You could have become an evil human that constantly places monster intruders in his cage, which is supposed to be his "Safe Place". 3 - By leaving him in his cage for days now, instead of ensuring he has plenty of time out each day, you have diffinately pissed him off. 4 - It could be some hormones flowing a little as well, on top of the above 3 mentioned items. 5 - As Jay pointed out, fear and your reaction to a fly-by makes for one heck of a fun game. All I can say for certain at this point, is that Romo may be a year late in terrible two's or he has become very frustrated over somthing that has been building for a while.

Nice introduction Typhoo and welcome! Looking forward to hearing more from you and seeing some photos when you get a chance.

Shouldering is an owner decision. If you do allow your bird on the shoulder, make sure you enforce rules at all times for being there i.e. No glasses playing, no pecking, no hard nibbles and most importantly, they step up from your shoulder when requested to. My grey has ridden on our shoulders since he was 14 weeks old. We did have to teach him the rules and he learned we never allowed exceptions to those rules. It did take a few months for him to get them down. My suspected wild caught Conure also loves to ride on my shoulder now as well and has never tied to beak either of us or guests when on the shoulder. I suppose he simply watched Dayo for 2.5 years and learned the rules from a distance. The conure just started this up-close behavior about 6 months ago. I must say, I do get tired of reading the horror stories and people using them as a "Never let a bird on your shoulder" justification for their position on thi topic. However, if a person is cautious and applies the rules above that set the expectations, the will learn very quickly if the bird wanting the shoulder ride is ever to be allowed there or not. An unruly bird should never be allowed on anyone’s shoulder.

Wow, beautiful photos and those appear to be red palm fruit. Your Grey is obviously savoring each bite from that palm fruit. Thanks for sharing these photos.

EeeeeWwWWwwwww........................LOL!!!

Well, that seals it for me. I am getting rid of Dayo's furry porcupine he tumbles around with. He does not shred it, at least not for the last 2 years, but I do not want to chance he may and then have severe issues as Dave noted. Thanks Dave!!!

I don't pay too much attention to the fluffy toy critter materials, other than making sure they are washable. Perhaps others will have some thoughts and comments on this.

When you first start introducing new foods to them. They experiment and play with the items ny beaking them, getting a feel for the texture and perhaps a little nip to see how it tastes. They really do not consume much at first. It is normal at that age to continue begging for and chowing down on the formula. Need photos!!!

Breeding Season with Hormones Ruling! For many who have lived with parrot companions for a while, the passed spring season is looked to with the knowledge that this can bring about changes in their beloved bird. They may still be feeling those strong desires even now in summertime. For those new to living with a feathered family member it can be a surprise for which they are not prepared - especially if they have had their bird since it was a young chick who has always been sweet and, after reaching sexual maturity, has started to change. It can leave the human who loves their bird with hurt feelings and wondering why this change is taking place. So what are those potential changes and what can a human caregiver do to help everyone in the household to peacefully co-exist during this potentially challenging time? Note the sign below mainly posted for visitors unfamiliar wit Parrots, especially Amazons in this season. More is continued below this photo. Very simply, for many birds springtime and afterward into summer is when hormone levels increase, resulting in the urge to mate, protect their territory or perceived nesting grounds (which can include dark secluded areas such as boxes, under furniture, closets, and paper bags). Any intrusion by those who the bird does not perceive to be their mate can be met with biting, flying at, or running after the “intruder”. This behavior can be directed towards other family members and other pets in the home. Males can be very protective during this time. Females may become protective too, or may become especially clingy and seek out nest sites, or pull feathers from the chest area where they would be laying on eggs to create a brood pouch. Some females may lay eggs without the presence of a male. It has been noted though that both sexes may try to set up a nest, chewing up furniture or other nest material. Some will hold their droppings, as in the wild they do not want to soil the nest site - so droppings may become large and may have a more diarrhea type appearance. Keep in mind that in captivity we give them the ideal conditions for breeding – a warm home, plenty of food, and safety from predators. It’s no wonder they react instinctively. Here are tactics which we as their caregivers can take to help ease the effects of this time of year: Avoid petting or stroking your bird’s body in areas that can be sexually stimulating such as the back, under the wings, or tail area. Starches and sugars can increase hormonal behavior, so carefully limit foods high in starch or sugar such as grapes and corn. Be careful with visitors or other family members when they hug or hold you while your bird is out. The bird may view you as their potential mate and your visitor as a rival, and may react in a protective manner (flying at or biting the rival, or biting you to get you to move away). Remove boxes or any potential nest sites from the cage or play area. Allow your bird to get plenty of rest. This may require covering their cage or closing curtains and blinds to darken the room for sleep. Adjusting the cage set up or moving the cage may distract from breeding behavior should your birds start getting into egg-laying mode or try to breed. Stick training can be very valuable at this time, when you may need to limit handling of your bird. It allows for safely moving the bird when necessary so you can avoid an unwanted bite. Please remember – hormones and breeding are a natural occurrence for birds and they are going on instinct, so do not take it personally if you do see these changes. It does not have anything to do with your bird liking or disliking you. Note: Not all birds display extreme behavior changes during breeding season. For other suggestions, or answers to questions regarding breeding behavior issues or egg laying, post questions on this board or speak with your avian veterinarian.

Great post on Tango Jay! What a cutie pie you have brought out in him.

Most of us here absolutely abhor Chet and his whole realm of training videos and terrible advice. I would not recommend wasting your money on this persons very bad, money craving products.

Hi Melissa!! Thanks for posting these photos of Rikki. Jesus, I cannot believe 2 years have gone by since you rescued her. She is looking GreYt!

Lambert - LOL, damn parrots always rat everybody out!!! Thanks for sharing this.