danmcq

What beautiful photos of Tango and his climbing skills already in the building. :-) Thanks for sharing these.

Well, Ummmmmmm ............... You could teach him how to turn the water off. I like the idea of teaching him to dance. Just make sure you get a video of you doing so. That way others can see how it's done. :-)

Beautiful photos of Toebie! He sounds like quite the adventurous Grey. Thanks for sharing these photos and the update on him. I'll bet he will be over joyed when he reaches his real cage and room. :-)

Sounds like love to me! :-)

Hi Natasha!!! :-) Wow, it sounds like you have been through the mill. Sorry to hear of your surgery and the Internet connection. Thanks God you did go home first. That was certainly a close call! I'll bet Boesman was happy to see you and Hubby arrive when you did. It's good to hear you are on the mend and that Boesman and Torry are just telling you all about the things that while while you were out. ;-) GreYt having you back on here!!

Welcome Linnea! It's GreYt having you here. :-) It is a big step, to take on a bird from a rescue or any other critter for that matter. You've come to a good place for a start. Depending on the type of Parrot you may be considering, you should check other sites as well for those other species. Most rescues will require you to take some classes on Parrots and their care. The can also give you all the background information on the Parrot(s) you may be interested in, how old they are etc. It's good to hear you are thinking this through and considering the facts such as if it didn't work out, you would return the Parrot. If you do not have the commitment from the get go to help the Parrot no matter what and be it's last home for the rest of it's life, please do not adopt. I will be honest, like all pets, parrots have traits that are just a parrot and no matter what, you can not stop them from being a parrot. Looking forward to hearing more from you. :-)

wildiesel wrote: In regards Dave's comments. He is very emotional, which I would more accurately call PASSIONATE about Greys. After knowing him for the 2 years I've been on this forum and been helped tons by his decades of experience and corresponding advice with my Grey. I can say without a doubt Dave is sincere and well meaning in his post. I read his post you are referring to and I find some very good truthful advice, even though written passionately. There are many people out there with horror stories you can read in regards having severe damage done to their Lips by parrots. It only takes once and it could be what would be considered a "Love Bite" to your Grey, but flesh ripping to the delicate and soft lips. I believe Dave's statements on this were true and constructive. Actually, I received a shocking and blood letting facial bite about a month ago kissing him good night as I have done for 2 years...I no longer do that, I just make Kiss sounds from a foot away!! Fortunately stitches were not required and no bad scarring either. I was LUCKY. I also believe his statements on wing clipping were accurate also and therefore offered as constructive criticism as well. Dave is an African Grey Breeder and has decades of experience as such, along with having worked in a rescue for years and rescuing and rehabilitating Greys as he described in his post. He has seen it all and is or resident guru that we all turn to for advice when things go wrong or we are encountering something new that we just do not know how to deal with. Most find that our normal human ways of dealing with things, are NOT the correct way to deal with a bird. One thing I believe set some alarms off here, not only for Dave, but myself as well. Was your first post being very long and putting forth ideas and arguments in almost a debate style. I almost took off on a blast, but refrained just to test the waters and see if I could figure out if you were a friend or a foe. We have had our share of people that join this forum just to wreak havoc by starting a debate and then pummeling everyone that tried to offer advice, not debate. We are a very caring group of people here the care a lot about each other and also every grey and other parrot on this forum. As such, we try to help, not hinder others in making the right decision for their bird and environment. I hope this helps to make Dave's passion and his response more understandable for you to see he was both defense (Of this forum) and truthful in his comments. :-)<br><br>Post edited by: danmcq, at: 2009/08/09 14:01

Welcome William! It's GreYt having you here. Looking forward to hearing more from you and seeing some photos of Modus when you get a chance.

I understand your wanting to limit his flight capabilities now. However, at this point I have greater concern for your Greys health. Namely in an automotive shop full of chemicals and dust in the air from sanding, grinding and all the compounds you Grey would be inhaling. Birds are much more susceptible to fumes and dust from chemicals being sanded an airborne than humans and can die in just a few minutes with no warning at all. I am uncertain of whether you were planning on having him out in the shop with you, but thought I had better advise you of the significant potential life threatening dangers there.

Wildiesel Wrote: "But it was a heartbreaking thing to have to "teach" a three year old african grey how to fly,or rather give it the confidence to be able to do so. To have to strenghten its wings and its self esteem. " It is more heartbreaking, to hear you are going to take everything you have taught him and let become his natural and god given right away now. To restore and take away is cruel, in my opinion. Modify any "Safety Issues" you think exist and allow him his freedom and right to be flighted. Normally, it is more dangerous to a bird to be non-flighted.

Very cute baby videos. Somebody needs to feed that poor thing a little. The dog is trying, but has nothing to gurge up for the baby. :-) Love those baby squawks!! Thanks for posting these.

Jan Tobie just keeps on amazing us all. These two videos are probably the most entertaining videos I have seen yet of a Grey on the net. His timely vocabulary, body moves and singing ability just seems to become more amazing each week. I love watching all his videos. It's better than TV!!! :-) Karma to you and give Tobie a treat for being such a "Good Boy".

wildiesel wrote: Welcome to the forum! It's GreYt having you here. :-) I am with you on the thoughts you have expressed and also that "Public Opinion" is all over the place, especially the web. I think the root of the problem IS "Static Environments" where they are kept and nothing changes for a long time other than toys. With that said, Greys are a very cautious bird by nature and keeping them in a static environment, I believe magnifies that cautiousness. Those Greys that are well socialized and introduced to new toys, people etc. at the breeders. Then are also introduced to new items, outdoors ventures etc. by their new owners are also very less likely to be fearful of every change introduced to their environment. I know a guy that is a construction worker and just walks around with his 17 year old flighted Grey everywhere he goes. He takes that Grey to work, parts depots, stores etc. That Grey will for the most part stay on his shoulder, but at times fly to a nearby tree or other roosting place and just watch and look around. Then return to the owner when he wishes or is called. The owner did say though, that you can not do this with a younger Grey that has not yet become used to a changing environment, loud noises, surprises etc. He said it was not until 6 years of age that he could trust the Grey was comfortable and reliable to always return. His first outings were in more "Friendly" environments, no loud bangs or scares like very open parks and fields. I must say though, that some Greys are very reserved and afraid from birth and remain that way for some reason through out their lives. Others are outgoing from birth and always the adventurer and down with anything you wish to bring their way. My Grey is exposed to change constantly, however any "Strange" looking new items in the way of toys at times will not be touched for a week or two. However, he is still only just over 2 years old and perhaps he will become less fearful, I hope. This is a GreYt topic and I am sure many replies will be made to this. :-)

Congratulations on your new Grey's arrival!! What a fine looking baby he is. :-)

GreYt photos of Emma's first Soccer match outing. Which team was she rooting for? ;-) Thanks for sharing these photos.

Awwww, what a precious baby!! I love these photos, thanks for sharing them. :-) Karma to you.

Oh Tango is a Beauty!!! I love these photos and he looks like quite an outgoing character already, as most Zons are. :-) I was at the vets Thursday and a Zon was brought out to the owner. It was saying "HI" to everyone as passing through the waiting room to its owner. They are wonderful Parrots. Looking forward to lots of updates on Tango!!

Cool!! Congratulations, but just know, your honored by us all, whether your up on the featured members or not. :-)

I love those photos Jill, and it's obvious that Harvey loves that Millet and is oblivious to his wonderful outdoor surroundings. :-) Thanks for posting these wonderful photos!

LOL Caitlin, I love that shot. It is a photo contest winner. YOu should enter that photo on websites like birdchannel!! Thanks for sharing it, he is definitely a "Little Rascal". :-) Karma to you for sharing this awesome photo.

Well, perhaps teaching Dayo to "Turn the Water Off", wasn't such a GreYt idea. He now turns it on, turns it off, then turns it on and walks away, if we are not paying attention to him. :ohmy: I have created a Monster!! I guess this lesson just goes to show, choose wisely on the things you teach your Grey!! Here's a video of the water monster doing his thing... :pinch:

windchimetime wrote: What I said applies to all Macaws. Just enjoy your Grey and as time and life proceeds, you'll be better equipped to make your decision. I think we are all enthralled with all Parrots and want everyone we see But, then reality sets in and once we've taken all into consideration, time, money, space for them, attention needed etc., we decide to stick with what we have. :-) A few have MANY parrots and do well at it, due to their unique circumstances.<br><br>Post edited by: danmcq, at: 2009/08/07 17:38

Caitlin is spot on. Baby noises and trying out his sound box. :-)

Congratulations! The little avatar of Pebbles is showing a beautiful B&G. Looking forward to large photos this weekend and an update on how the big homecoming went. :-)

Some do wean much earlier than others. Yours does seem to want to go fly with the Big Boys rather than hang around with the ground dwellers. The only payment we request for our services, is TONS of photos, videos and updates. :-)