danmcq

Acapella gave excellent advice and from experiencing a Grey much like your own. She described key components of being successful in helping your new grey overcome the issues within. 1 - Your emotions. They are very keyed to your emotions. If your apprehensive, nervous etc. They will be also. If our relaxed, calm and happy, they will remain calmer. 2 - Fear inducing items. See if you can find the item(s) that may be inducing fear in your grey. 3 - Make your Grey want to come out of the cage. A favorite toy or new one similar to it. A treat that is looked forward to etc. 4 - When your grey does come out of the cage. Do not do anything that will make it a fear inducing experience. If you see the breast feathers quivering. He is scared or nervous. If you know trying to get him to step up induces fear, don't do it. Let him feel at ease and just get to know that you and your surroundings pose no threat to him. Once you get all these things going. The out of cage journeys will come sooner and last longer. This guy obviously had some bad experiences that left him relying upon his cage as the only safe place to be. Just know that people like Acappella and others that have Greys that were once Cage bound can give you rock solid advice based on real world experience. You are doing a wonderful job and obviously have a love for him that surpasses the pain of seeing him in his present state of being. Kudos and karma to you!!! :-)

If there are no added vitamins or minerals in Tops, then why feed a pellet at all? Your bird can get everything it needs in real and tasty wholesome foods. Vitamin D it will get from the avian lamp or natural sunshine. If your going to stay on pellets, then Harrisons is the best. Price should not be a consideration when it comes to your Greys health. :-)

LOL!! Did you and camera survive intact? Thanks for sharing another video of Emma. I always enjoy them. :-)

Happy belated Birthday Dorian!!! My, My how you have come a long way under your loving mothers care. Make mommy smile while she is sick and get on that Atom for her. A smile and laughter is good medicine. :-)

Welcome Caey!! It's GreYt having you here. In regards your question on any type of possible saliva exchange from a critter or human to your bird. The answer is it can be deadly. It's always better to be cautious, than to hope a deadly bacterial exhange does not take place. Keep the towels in and perches low until your new baby has gained some coordination and solid roosting. I have watched chicks fall from the top of the cage many times. So leave the towels until your confident that won't happen. The photos were wonderful. Viewing baby photos always makes me want to go get another baby grey. :-)

Happy Hatchday Chimay!!!!! {Characters-0002005C}

particle77 wrote: Yes, Dayo readily steps up and most times lifts his Talon reading himself for the step-up. The method I used completely reversed his biting issue. I must also mention. Every time he complied when I started this, he received tons of praise which he basks in. I also started praising him for stepping up before I even asked him for it. They respond to a light heart and praise very well. You can not be telling someone what a "Good Boy" they are and be nervous or apprehensive at the same time. The persons emotions are read by all critters at a level that is close to being ESP. :-)

Ok, here are my Dobermans past to present.... Kodak - Our first we enjoyed from 6 weeks until death at 6 years old from very aggressive bone cancer. Pepper - We rescued her when she was 4 years old and Kodak was 5. They had tons of fun together. Our next Doberman - Blade, we rescued after getting over Kodak's death. He and Pepper enjoyed each others company. Although Pepper was getting older and bitchy as all women. ;-) After Pepper and then Blade passed on, we rescued Chloe and Bentley both at once. They became friends in the slammer and we just could not bring ourselves to leave either of them. Bentley - He loves to chase the pool sweep when it's running and will jump in the pool after it. Chloe - She is just a sweetheart and a beauty, except when Bentley gets on her nerves. She then turns into the most evil looking doberman you have ever seen. Again, like most women. ;-) <br><br>Post edited by: danmcq, at: 2009/11/28 22:24

First, I totally agree with the "contra freeloading" theory and have seen it displayed many times with my two parrots presently. I believe this to be true of all creatures. Working for something always gives a good feeling of accomplishment. It has always worked with my Dobermans as well. An example of one thing I disagree with, is her description of punishment and or negative feedback. All creatures receive punishment or negative feedback in the wild as they are growing up. It is a necessity to get along in life with others in understanding that there are boundaries. If you cross them, expect an equal an opposite reaction. My Grey was becoming a prolific biter at times. I first applied the technique of not offering the opportunity. This does of course work to some degree, but not always. Example: A step-up is required, not optional in that moment. I soon learned that he needed negative equal and opposite feedback. Using the balled fist, back of hand and just pushing against him gently enough to push him backwards and force a step-up worked. Now when I ask for a step up and he observes my body language the foot goes up and he complies. If it is not a demand, but an offer to step up and he does bite. I do not back off and again ball up the fist and let him beak it which causes no harm while telling him NO BITE. He has now learned that he can simply push my hand away without biting and the bites I have taken have been greatly reduced. There are times that negative or what some may consider punishing techniques are clearly necessary with a creature that is starting to get out of control. One note, I would never inflict any pain or damage to any critter in applying negative feedback. It is totally unacceptable and not necessary. It only induces fear and that is the last thing you want to do. I know this can be argued from many different view points. This is just one, that does not fall into alignment with hers.<br><br>Post edited by: danmcq, at: 2009/11/28 17:29

Your lucky! GreYt photo. :-)

Thanks for the links. :-) I do agree with many of Friedmans and Brinkers opinions and theories. However, some of them, not at all. Each person must carefully weigh what they read and what they observe dynamically through experience in real life. When you are dealing with a living, adapting and changing creature. You must learn it's personality, traits, likes and dislikes. As the quote says "Be the creature". I have a degree in Electronic Engineering, but it has no weight in the the animal world. ;-)<br><br>Post edited by: danmcq, at: 2009/11/28 14:52

As Jill has said. All feathers when damaged or molted out grow back. The only exception to this, is if they have been a plucker and actually damaged the follicle itself.

Congratulations David and Shanti!! There is nothing you can do to stop the trial and errors. Thats how they learn flight and control. It's much like a child learning to walk and falling. :-) You could try perching Shanti and use targeting to get him to fly to your arm or shoulder in shorter hops.

Like Sheila said, slow as you go. It sounds like you two are getting off to a good start. :-)

LOL Penny, I can not help but laugh at the replies here. :-) The forum was started in 2001 in Israel by a Grey lover named Geri. He has ensured this site was maintained and still does. However, he has not been heard from in years in this forum. There is an admin named fairy that was actively posting up to about a year ago and she is still around in Israel and helping the owner by ensuring the servers stay up and get maintained.

Thats a tough one Sheila. It could be many things that do wake him up. Storms, high winds, thunder, creaking house when cold, cats fighting, dogs barking etc. Sometimes our birds do just wake up, have a little food, bat a toy or 2 around and then go back to sleep.

Very cute description of that endearing moment. They are very intelligent and it would not surprise me one bit if the word "Love" was used in the correct context. Your right on getting those spots they can not preen themselves. Birds preen each other naturally as a part of the flock to help each other out and show love, especially to a mate. Most of us with just one Grey, get the honor of being the "Preener" which we all call giving scratches. The reason this is true, is that they view us as a loved and trusted flock member. Thus the automatic bowing of the head so we can preen the neck for them. :-) Thanks for sharing this touching moment. :-)

Congratulations on bringing your Grey home! That is one beautiful Grey. Your home, surroundings,you, wife and any other people are strangers to the new baby. It is completely understandable that your wife is nervous about trying to have the new arrival step-up. One thing to understand also, is they test everything with their beak. This is especially true of anything they are about to perch on. It is natural instinct for them to "Test" how solid and sturdy a perch is before they step up on it. They test and feel everything through their beak for taste, texture etc. There is a huge difference between a "Test" beak and a bite. You will soon learn the difference. It will take a few days for him to settle in and get used to this whole new world and people. Just take things slow and let him feel safe in his new home. It is actually best that your wife not try to have him step up if she is nervous. The automatic reaction for most anyone that see's a bite coming or receives one, jerks their hand away. Then the parrot learns it can keep you at bay by doing so. After your wife see's you have him stepping up properly and even eagerly. She will feel much more comfortable in having him step up for her. Babies are very pliable and trusting once they get used to their new home. Thanks for the photos and update. Looking forward to many more. :-)

What a wonderful find. I am looking forward to reading it. Thanks for sharing this. :-)

Stunning photos of your trip. Thanks for sharing these with us. :-)

Emma is such a sweetheart and brilliant also. GreYt combination that will have all the boys chasing her. :-) Thanks for sharing this wonderful video. I always enjoy watching them.

Oh it's GreYt to hear the homecoming has gone so well and that Gabby is such a friendly Grey literally right out of the box. :-) Yes, you home will now become your GreYs hangout, not yours and it will become decorated accordingly. Can't wait to see those photos and hear more. :-)

How are you today Cassandra? Hopefully you are back to normal now after a days since your last update.

Wow, what a cool update and photos of your continued exploration of distant galaxies and beings! I think you are starting to break a few regulations on not interfering with other world populations though Spock. YOu can't just beam up these guys for your amusement and entertainment. I am afraid the council will be sending you a message soon regarding this behaviour. However, I must say I do love observing all you alien friends and hearing about them. Live long and prosper!! Oh, and have a GreYt Thanksgiving!!!!!

It's wonderful to hear Juno is seeking out scratches, contact and closeness with you Dee. I am so happy he is turning out to be the grey baby you were eagerly awaiting all those weeks. :-) They do love to go after those flash boxes don't they? I hope you got your lens back on. We need to many 1000000's more photos still. Love the photo!!