danmcq

I have belonged to a group for a long time that was started and is moderated by Michael Dalton. It is Parrot Speech forum on Yahoo. He created this song and video, he has had a book "Another kind of Mind" published on this for a long time and tours to various speaking engagements about this topic. Thought you might enjoy his song/video:

Oh, Barbara is great! Enjoy those baby greys and keep us updated. We love photos and videos as well.

Welcome Branden! You are training them from the day you brought them home. Also, the breeder was training them as well in those first months. Birds minds are like sponges and they of course go from egg to flying and finding food with the flock in just 10 to 20 weeks. Learning is the key to survival from them. Parrots use their beaks and tongues for analyzing everything in the world. As you are interacting with them, give them real time feedback just as they receive from their parents and flock such as gentle sounds/words for things that are ok. Let them know you don't like the way they are beaking by simply removing your finger or hand and saying no, if they start applying too much pressure or are grabbing something like your ring that is perhaps off limits. This is the time to also introduce them to an abundance of chew toys, wood blocks, all types of various foods and also flight harnesses. Videos are ok, but if you are talking about videos from "Bird Tricks" they are older birds and most of us here find their methods and knowledge lacking. But, that is of course up to you to decide. We have many members here with a ton of experience that are always here to answer your questions and help you along this life long path with your Greys. Browse all the rooms we have, as you will find a wealth of knowledge and ideas.

Jay - You have changed. Just because someone posts something different, that may conflict with what you post. I think you should leave your opinion and thoughts others can see additional comments an views on subjects as well for consideration. Then if someone has a question on ANY posts, they can quote and ask for further comments on it. I personally am saddened when I see posts deleted out and left blank.

Dave - I know I have always valued and looked forward to all posts you have ever done. Thanks for hanging in there all this time and also for the ton of articles you have written in the Health Room!

Yes, 65F is fine. In the winter thats about what we let our home cool down to at night in the winter months. During the day, we have the heat set to 72F and run humidifiers to keep plenty of moisture in the air.

Yes, it is too cold. Your African Grey is a tropical bird that requires specific temperature and humidity ranges. Going outside the boundaries can lead to health health issues and death if the difference is extreme. Thus, the reason Zoo's move any tropical bird species inside during winter months to avoid hypothermia and illnesses caused when lower temperatures and inclement weather arrives. Here are the facts on the area your grey is from. You can see the climate range you should provide for him/her: Cameroon and the Central African Republic is a region where temperatures remain high throughout the year. At lower levels near the equator they rarely fall below 18°C/64°F, even at night. Daytime maximum temperatures, however, rarely rise above 35°C/95°F. Humidity remains high throughout the year and rarely falls very low during the hottest part of the day, so that the weather feels sultry and oppressive most of the time. Except during occasional thunder squalls, winds are light so that the temperature feels higher than the thermometer might suggest. Temperatures rise rather higher during the daytime in those areas where there is a pronounced dry season; at this time humidity is also lower and these higher temperatures may not feel so oppressive as the lower temperatures during the wet season when there is higher humidity, much cloud, and little sunshine.

Hahahahahahahahaha............. Uh............. No!

Happy B-Day Talon!

Stay in shape, watch and learn from your Grey and other parrots. You'll drop those pounds, become very flexible and build muscles that have never been worked!!! I'm at that age where doctors like to talk to me about the importance of exercise and a healthy diet and while they're at it stick various implements into my body where implements do not naturally go. They're right, of course, and in deference to them I've designed the perfect exercise regime for all parrot lovers based on the activities of my parrots. You should speak to your own parrots and probably a human doctor or at least a decent vet before beginning any exercise program. We begin with the all-important stretch. Standing on both feet, slowly lift one arm and the corresponding leg and foot behind you at the same time. Lean an inch or so forward as you do this. Hold for about 30 seconds. Repeat with the other arm and foot (after putting the first foot back on the ground, of course). Not only will this stretch and warm up your muscles, it will also air out your armpits, for which your housemates will be grateful. Too many exercise programs neglect the facial muscles, but my parrots have the perfect solution. Periodically, scratch your ear with your toes and then yawn eight times in rapid succession. Sneezing may occur during this exercise and should be encouraged. If you're not feeling very cheerful lean your head forward a little, slick down the hair (or skin) on your head, and hiss at the nearest object/person; this will strengthen those all-important air passages. While we're in the neighborhood of the face, let's not forget the eyes. Turn your head 90 degrees to either side and stare at something, preferably something no one else can see. Do not blink or move. Keep staring for up to three minutes without moving. To give those neck muscles a real workout, turn your head 180 degrees and preen the skin (or hair, as the case may be) on your back. When you've finished with your back, turn your head back around and preen the skin (or hair) on your chest, working downward to your toes. To finish up, run those long strips of skin (or hair) of your tail through your beak . . . er, teeth. This exercise not only helps your neck but will add luster to your teeth. As an added bonus, try to perform this exercise while sitting on someone's shoulder to enhance your balancing skills. Speaking of teeth, lip grinding is a nice way to relax. Simply rub your lips (and teeth, if you desire) against each other until you're making a weird noise. It often helps to halfway close your eyes during this. For those times you're bored, nothing beats a session of heavy arm flapping. It's more enjoyable if there is a lot of loose paper and dust around when you do this, too. After strenuous exercise you'll want to have a nice bath. Fill the tub with an inch of tepid water and step in. Dip your head into the water and fling it over your back. It helps if you have long hair, but even bald people can do this. Bend your elbows and use a flapping motion to distribute the water all over your body. To dry off, commence preening or wait for someone to wrap you in a towel. Before leaving the tub, don't forget to take a few long sips of bathwater. It's important that you get enough liquids through the day, and there's no sense in dirtying up a glass when there's perfectly wet water right in front of you, now is there? My favorite, though, is the five o'clock screech. When I get home from work my parrots greet me with loud bouts of screaming. After the kind of day I usually have at work I always join right in. Sometimes even the neighbors like to stop by during these sessions. I promise this exercise will make everyone feel better. So there you have it -- the perfect all-body exercise regime for those of us who live with parrots. Repeat all of these exercises daily, and before you know it your doctor will be talking to you about special care reserved for very special people!

Enjoy... http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/01/rescued-crow-walter-_n_1929598.html?utm_hp_ref=fb&src=sp&comm_ref=false#sb=562535,b=facebook

LOL, cute story, but you did put that Lid there, so a bite/nip was in order.

Good Saturday morning - - - Enjoy!

What a story. That is the downside of fostering. You become attached to them especially after that long and they become pretty much an intricate part of the family. I am personally hoping that that it is determined that your home is the best place now.

They want to "Phone Home" as in E.T. Then have big fun destroying once the call is completed.

I suspect the head phones for whatever reason are something your TAG wants badly. If I want my grey to step up when I know he has no desire to, I get something he loves like a food item or perhaps my cell phone, the minute he see's it, the foot goes up . As others have said, normally something odd on you like a hat or headphones causes an action of not wanting anything to do with you. But, something about those headphones are a "Must Have" to your TAG.

I agree with this statement wholeheartedly. Your right, there are some poisonous aloe species. I do know and understand that you of course are only referring to the common aloe plant we are all custom to having the extracts from and the plants themselves. The scientific data out there right now is inconclusive as a whole for both humans and parrots as far as ingestion. Some humans benefit from it and others experience gastrointestinal problems from it. However, it is all referring to drinking the juice that has been extracted and processed, not the entire plant. As I am certain you know, the skin layer is a problem IF ingested. The photo clearly illustrates that parrots do feed on the Aloe plant in the wilds of Africa. As I am certain you know, most parrots when eating anything with skin, does not eat the flesh and only drinks the juices and meat, thus the flesh becomes a mute point other than a small quantity of any juices that will ultimately make it's way in as well. But, one thing I believe we all know, is parrots and even birds eat one type or another of clay or dirt in the wild, which protects them from toxins by absorbing them. Our parrots at home can only get clay if it is included in their diet from pellets such as harrisons or some other manufacturers. If they are not eating food containing clay, they do not have that protection. I must apologize for my very short posts many times that do not communicate at all why I have such an opinion. I am so busy at work during the day, that when I do post it takes all of 30 seconds as I am on the phone with a client in need of software engineering help. This is a very interesting topic and ultimately, based on the scientific data out there right now, each must come to their own conclusion. Obviously, today the phones are slow so far.

I can only imagine the emotions discovering this Penny. You may also wish to consider perhaps switching to a new home alarm provider that would have a package deal including the sensors. The biggest question in my mind is what set them all off? Was there actually a burst of CO2 from some source? Was it a short or opening in the sensors wiring perhaps from a chewing mouse or rat? Either there was actually CO2 present or there was a temporary wiring problem. Webcams etc. are great, but in the case of a poisonous gas, you would not know anything is wrong until you see your birds all laying on the bottom of the cage, verses an alarm with sensors that would notify you.

It is a tough decision when an opportunity or offer comes along like that. My wife and I have been in the same position over the years. We have 2 parrots, a grey and a suspected wild caught peach front conure. Both want attention all the time and deserve it. Macaws, amazons, greys etc. have been offered many times, each thought about and discussed. We of course wanted to take each and everyone, but after considering it for a few days, always came to the decision it would take away from the two we already have in terms of the attention each want. We have taken in many as a foster home to work with them and find a permanent home for, but never to keep as our own. One other thing about us, is we are at an age that we know we will not be around for the entire lives of our parrots. Thus the other issue of when the time comes to rehome our dearly loved parrots, we do not want a flock of 5 having to all go to a rescue due to not being able to take time and find a proper home for each and everyone that would love, care for and provide for them at same level we do and also lots of out of cage time everyday. As others have already stated, this is a personal decision only you can ultimately make.

Now back to the actual thread topic. Aloe Plants are toxic when it is eaten. I will just provide some good links on this and just say I only use the 100 percent juice for misting my birds and the gel only if needed for a scrape or cut. http://www.livestrong.com/article/446586-is-the-aloe-vera-plant-toxic/ http://www.aspca.org/Pet-care/poison-control/Plants/aloe http://museum.gov.ns.ca/poison/?section=species&id=66 http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Aloe+vera

Pumpkins, their, flesh, seeds etc. are normally very well liked by parrots. Cooked, raw. seeds roasted etc.. They love pumpkin pie as well. We also buy the small miniature pumpkins and wash or cook them, then let the birds have at them. It is also a great source of vitamin A.

I remember that poor member from Hawaii. He had unfortunately preparing/skinning Garlic cloves and they were laying out and by the time he noticed it, his grey had consumed an entire raw garlic clove. When the necropsy was performed, the tiny pieces were found... in his intestines and it was diagnosed as an obstruction and they were perforated and black, it was a very sad occurrence. It is a very serious and unfortunate accident. It is also one others here should be aware of if they happen to have a bag of garlic cloves hanging or laying around. It is unknown if the garlic actually played any role in this or not according to the avian vet. Here is the actual thread from 2007 if anyone would like to read it: http://www.greyforums.net/forums/showthread.php?45455-My-Parrot-Died

OMG, too sad. You have my prayers and condolences.

The others have given good thoughts on this. At 3.5 years, I doubt it is hormones. The reason I say this, is hormonal displays are very different than what you are describing. the problem here is, I believe, that Taco has come to view this as a "Lets get each other" game. The way a parrot "gets" the other is little nips. I would strongly reccomend stopping any interactions in the manner done that switches it to "Game Mode". Your lip, eye arm. finger.. any body part becomes fair game and can become disastrous at times. I had a similar issue with my grey Dayo and it all started with playing with toys, towels etc. at about 2 he started becoming more and more aggressive and I realized I had made a serious mistake. I stopped those types of interactions with him, by throttling back on how I did it and how long. You will learn very rapidly by watching body language when it is switching in to game mode and your going to get bit.

LOL, cute video. That is certainly the inner pterodactyl coming out.