LNCAG

@terryspear Happy for the update. So glad you're less stressed out. Sending scritches to Corey and glad the meds are helping. I guess we all adapt (humans and parrots) because we just don't have a choice. Wishing you and Corey the best!!!

Instead of 'on top of' where it could roll: I'm thinking, what if this rope perch could be suspended just 2-4 inches or so above cage bottom? Still not the height a parrot wants, but a fall would simply be more of a 'step off' thingie. Best of both worlds: low but a real perch. My rolled up towel did sit on carrier bottom, but yours could be safely suspended at a very low height. I know, I'm thinking and worrying over this too much. But poor little Corey.

Mine always slept on one foot so perhaps your grey is getting a good night's sleep (and stays balanced) at least at night on a higher perch. In mine's travel carrier (kitty carrier) I would roll up a small towel for a ground perch -- I taped the two sides of that towel perch on its ends (not the middle where parrot 'perches') to the bottom sides of the carrier with duct tape, making absolutely sure there was no tape lifting where a parrot foot might get caught. This won't solve the issue of her wanting to perch up higher, but at least, on the bottom of her cage, she would have something for her feet to 'grab' onto. Maybe something like this taped to a large flat square of cardboard that could be removed/exchanged for cleaning, towel-perch re-taping, etc.. Just my way of making a ground perch -- I never even thought of using a rope perch. But I did tape mine so was stationary -- if my make-shift towel perch had any movement at all, I think my grey would have been nervous. Yannoe parrots, one scare and they'd avoid it forever. All my parrots had this rolled up towel ground perch in their travel carriers when we moved 300 miles. Good for vet visits too. Dunno know it would work for you or not. Sorry.

Congratulations! Sounds like a wonderful new home (and land - lots of space!!!) I bet you and your guys will really love and enjoy it! My grey had 2 moves with me -- while he hated change, I found that as long as his main cage was arranged the same inside and was placed in a similar position in the new home -- he adjusted quite well. My macaw, amazon and 'tiel all seemed to enjoy change -- so your guys are in for a real treat -- esp with an outdoor aviary!

@Talon I missed your question and am just now seeing it -- I am in eastern NC -- about 55 miles from the coast. My sanctuary is called Cape Fear Parrot Sanctuary located in Pink Hill, NC -- some 20 minutes or so away from me. They have a website but also a youtube channel named Cape Fear Parrot which doesn't have many videos but there are a few showing the sanctuary where my guys live now. They keep improving the sanctuary, so they have more enclosures (and larger enclosures) as time goes by -- esp big deal is the 60 foot long macaw enclosure! They also have a facebook page you can follow. Ces Erdman is the guy who started the sanctuary and spends most his days there. It'd be so cool if others were inspired to open their own parrot sanctuary. They started with rented land, then raised funds to purchase the land -- have added buildings like a kitchen, gift shop, etc. Started small and grew. They have gotten grants as well as private donations.

The transition went so smooth. I tell myself to stop checking in -- no more Snickers -- but I can't resist checking for new posts. Thanks for all you do here -- it's a good forum -- delighted to see it go forward.

A funny (not ha ha funny) but a weird observation. I certainly knew Snickers mimicked a LOT of household sounds. And now he's not here, I am hearing them for the first time. The fridge does make noises when the compressor clicks on, the a/c (and furnace) have their soft clicking sounds when turning on. I am so used to Snickers making these noises, it is so weird and crazy to hear the original sounds now. I guess since Snickers was a bit louder, all the normal sounds in this household I really only heard when filtered through Snicker's mimickry. There is even something (not sure what) that makes a soft squeaking/whistling noise (maybe something here needs oiling! -- could be the stove exhaust fan???) and I would just swear Snickers is still here. Anyway, I am doing great. Adjusted to him being gone, even relieved that someone else is doing all the chopping and dicing of veg/fruit for him. I didn't realize just how much of my limited energy I was devoting to his care. Certainly I miss him from time to time, but I feel so great he is placed, has friends, etc. and that I can just concentrate on day to day things now. It's a huge relief now that the decision has been made and that I no longer have to stress about caring for him. Just thought I would share that. And thanks again for the support when this was so fresh and raw for me.

I was very surprised Snickers fit in so quickly. I knew my b&g macaw, amazon and my cockatiel fit in quickly. Sami (macaw) had a couple macaws flying over to land next to her & sidling up close to her on the perch -- within 30 minutes of her arrival. (At first, she clung on enclosure wire side, just watching/looking for me). I was there for their sanctuary placement and got to see them settle in a little. Kodak (cockatiel) had several girlfriends and perch cuddlers before I left that day. And Lukaya (YNA) also fit in quickly. But wow -- amazons are more boisterous -- it went smoother than it looked! I seriously thought Lukaya might have to fight them all to find a place there -- but there was no fighting -- just a lot of racket, screeching whistles, crazy eyes pinning and blurry fly-bys! She fit right in! lol I really thought greys would be slower to adapt since they're more reserved, nervous & shy (well, my Snickers is like that anyway). I have considered that since Snickers was placed in with other greys -- other greys with probably similar backgrounds -- greys who had also been through a 'first day at the sanctuary experience' - well... perhaps those greys are now very experienced in greeting new arrivals. A new grey must have interested them greatly. I suppose if just one or two greys there approached Snickers respectfully, and showed friendly interest, he would naturally reciprocate. If Snickers felt abandoned by me, friendly greys approaching him may have been quite a relief to him. And Snickers no doubt learned the sanctuary routine from them -- when fresh food is put out, which perches are most sheltered for sleeping, which toys are the best, etc.. I don't know. Just guessing. Thankful that whatever happened for him, happened. So I guess greys can read other greys. Even greys kept in private homes for decades.

Ces assures me that Snickers is doing great and is now "part of the gang" there. His words. I am relieved Snickers is fitting in well. So Snickers has new friends and interests... and I guess I don't. It sounds crazy, but emotionally it feels like I just went through a break-up -- that Snickers moved on with his life and I'm left behind. How dumb can I sound??? I always wanted his happiness -- and he needs to be happy in order for me to be happy about my decision to place him. I just need more time to process the changes in my life. And I will, it'll just take some time.

Thanks for the support. I've been a little sad, yet there are many moments I keep forgetting he's gone. It's too quiet and I look over to see what he's doing/why he's being so quiet but in a second I remember it all over again. I'm napping and sleeping a lot and that helps. And I'm trying to stay positive about the new adventures in front of him.

Been a sad and weird day. Ces came by a little after noon-time and picked up Snickers. I've known for a few days when the pick-up would be, so tried to give Snickers a little extra attention. I let Snickers watch a few sanctuary videos on my laptop. Not that he knew he was headed there himself, but he seemed to enjoy watching them. He was super quiet in his kitty carrier when I handed him off, he had to be confused and scared to be leaving me and going off with some stranger. I expect he'll be stressed and somewhat shy/scared for a while until he adjusts there. He'll be the new kid on the block out this week, but I'm hoping he'll make friends soon (a female love interest would help move things along quicker). Knowing he may not eat/drink well for the first few days, I made sure he got his favourite apple slices (honey crisp) more often and that he ate other higher calorie (fattier) foods. I know he may feel too intimidated at first to approach their food dishes if too many other greys (the regulars) rush over to the food dish and monopolize it first. Gotta be scary for him to be assertive in a new atmosphere. Snickers seemed to have slept well last night -- I'm sure it will take him a few days (nights) to settle in and get comfortable enough to sleep there. So those are my worries and concerns for now. Later I expect he will have made friends and be too active to even think about me. Anyway, it's so quiet here. I've never been this many hours without being asked "watcha doin?"

@neoow I remember you posting about wanting the best for Alfie and considering what to do. You love your guy as I do mine -- you get wanting your guy to be happy. It's one of the reasons I've loved this forum - like minded people. People who continue to love and treasure their parrots. For us, parrots aren't just a novelty -- they are a lifetime commitment!

@Greytness Yup. Parrot freedom has its costs. Ours has enclosures where a large corner (picture a 15-20 foot triangle with that clear greenhouse-style roofing material) is affixed on top and sides with extra perches beneath it. Gets them out of the sun, wind, rain, etc.. That said, while they may prefer to sleep in that corner together at night -- they actually prefer (daytimes) being out in the open even in rain, wind (even snow - which is rare here, but it happens every few years). They just acclimate like the outdoor birds. Hence they accept no new parrots in hot summer or winter -- parrots must arrive in spring or fall to acclimate. That's why Snickers will go mid-April. Though overall, it's a mild climate here. Late/early placements often end up indoors until temps are good. We had crazy unusual cold temps here a week after I placed my first parrots there in April 2017 -- Ces ended up removing them from the sanctuary and taking them inside for a week (he actually took them into his own home). There is also an indoor garage area in a true emergency (hurricanes (sort of rare here) or such) but it is a HUGE deal to move all the parrots indoors -- must be a true emergency to do so. I used to have a cool picture of the hundreds of cages in that garage one year when we got a hurricane (which thankfully turned out to be no big deal). But what a chore they had to move all these guys indoors for it.

Awww, thanks for some support. Overall, I feel good about my decision. It's sort of less about concerns re: Snicker's happiness - I truly believe he will get a good life there. And he can fly -- I don't clip him. So, um, yay for freedom! It's really more about selfish me missing him. If for whatever reason his sanctuary placement doesn't work out -- he will be cared for and at least be around other greys even if in an enclosure on his own. But I have a feeling he will probably fit in well though, and gain many friends (or perhaps even a girlfriend) there. The owner of the sanctuary once took in a severely self-plucked parrot he ended up having to keep in his own home -- no parrot there gets poor treatment regardless of their ability to adapt at the sanctuary. This guy (Ces) is a big-time parrot lover. Very empathetic and sensitive to parrot needs. There will be super hot days and super cold days when I will question my decision to place my guys (and worry for them) -- but I have to make my decision based on the norm days, when he will have friends and eat well. I didn't really mean to come off "I've been through this and know the deal more than you guys" but I have been through it before, and am needing to go through it again with Snickers. That's all I meant, no offense to anyone. I just ended up with poor health earlier in life, and had to reach this point sooner than many. Thankful this is years away for most of you. Love, huggs, good wishes to others here. And PM me if you want to know location and more details about my local sanctuary. I write so much because my mind is spinning and thinking about Snicker's placement 24/7. And about how much I will miss him.

@neoowThe euthanasia option probably does seem extreme; I get it because the thought of your dear parrot living but being unhappy is horrific. I am realizing now how extremely blessed I am that I have a nearby sanctuary I trust. I truly had no idea how rare such places really were. I was typing if I had a magic wand I'd wish everyone had a good sanctuary nearby (but I backspaced), realizing I'd instead I'd use that wand to make everyone here healthy forever instead so they could keep their parrots! I called the guy there at my sanctuary and have set it up for my Snickers to go in mid-April. So I am fairly sad at the moment. Yet hopeful for my Snickers. I have serious PAD in my right leg -- my leg is dying. I've got other serious health concerns, but my mobility is my main concern. I can barely walk these days, and I need to see my boy settled and happy. Happy most of all for Snickers, though perhaps not happy for me. I will miss and grieve for Snickers. Without the sanctuary. euthanasia would be a serious consideration otherwise. I just don't want my guy to be unhappy. I owe him a good life after me.

I was 30 when I adopted my first 'parrot' - a cockatiel. I'd had zebra finches for years but not quite the same thing. Next year got my b&g macaw. I had a husband, and I don't guess I really thought much about who'd take care of the parrots when I died. Or if I got really disabled (I was disabled then, but got about pretty well). I just figured it would all work out somehow. Time flies! And needed threads like this come up! I'm enjoying learning how others approach this dilemma.

@Greytness I messaged you the location and name. Not sure what you mean by 'flighted' -- sorry. My parrots' wings weren't clipped. But they're not loose in the wild -- they are in enclosures -- some very large which allows flying around. Some parrots can't even fly, so they just climb around. Enclosure size depends on parrot size and quantity, I suppose. Mine only recently built a larger macaw enclosure. They have a kitchen built on the premises, making such things as pasta and veg casseroles for the parrots. Plus they do provide seed and pellet mixes, fresh fruit/veg and can't get enough nuts!!! Mine receives a lot of donations. When I could get around better, I would buy up and donate the bagged nut mixes the grocery stores have at xmas time -- the larger birds just dote on them. The thing is, the guy who started this sanctuary was just like us. He needed a place for his own parrots to be free -- to be outside, to fly -- mostly just to not be caged. And now people from all over contact him with birds needing a forever home and sanctuary. Some, like my parrots, were planned additions. Some parrots are abused/neglected and rescued (by police, etc.) and end up there too.

Thanks for posting this. Planning is so crucial. I am blessed to have a local sanctuary where 3 of my flock currently reside. Mine are always happy when I visit, but they tend to fly away from me before I leave -- they have made parrot friends and have their own lives now. They get emotional when I visit, seem so delighted to see me again, but as I mentioned, before I leave, they are already being distracted by their parrot friends who want them to go play, cuddle or what have. Granted mine were well socialized and easily transitioned. It was bittersweet -- I wanted them to be happy, but I suppose selfishly, I also wanted them to really miss me. My sanctuary has many large designated enclosures (well, the place has macaws with other macaws, amazons with other amazons, etc..) Eggs are taken -- no breeding allowed. It's a forever home -- they never adopt out. I also wondered if euthanasia would be best. I knew I didn't want my guys to go into private homes. I couldn't trust someone else to give them the home I'd given them (I had my guys for 20 years). I know people get bored with parrots and parrots are nearly always rehomed many times during their lives. After the novelty wears off, many parrots never get time out of the cage or receive fresh chopped fruits/veggies, rice, noodles, "people food" etc.. Many are lucky if their water is changed regularly, many end up on all seed diets. I just write all this out because it's all our fears, really. I kept my grey though and he is still with me. I only kept my Snickers, CAG, because he is an intense parrot and very attached to me -- had him almost 26 years now. So I do get it. But I admit, now having visited my guys at the sanctuary for 6 years, they also have an excellent grey set up there too (they have 2 huge grey enclosures so that greys who get along well are kept together in one or the other) and all their greys seem happy and active there. Actually, there is a third enclosure (smaller) where a lone grey resides. He was bullied so gets the benefit of being near other greys without having them pick on him, No idea the full story there but he seemed happy (talking, curious, NOT doing repetitive crazy behaviors or feather picking or anything). When I die (or sooner, since I become more disabled by the day) my grey will also go to that sanctuary. I say do your research, make sure it's a place with good back-ups in place, a board of directors, a place that gets lots of funding. I had to pay big bucks to place mine. And if you decide to euthanize instead, well, I get that too. And if you decide on a trust for them, knowing ahead of time who will take them -- I get that too. I was lucky a sanctuary was created just 20 minutes from me. I am in a rural area and so is the sanctuary. The macaw run at mine is 60 feet long. Not the same as free in the wild, but still, they do fly, have lots of fresh healthy stuff to feast on, friends to groom (and be groomed) and have lots of stuff to climb on. The guy who opened mine had macaws and saw a need -- his were the first parrots in the sanctuary -- now it has a staff and 450+ parrots. Don't rule out sanctuaries if one isn't near you -- if you're dead, you wouldn't be able to visit anyway. I am disabled, hence the blessing of placing 3 of my 4 before my death and getting to see them happy and settled. My only goal is my parrots be happy and healthy. But happy most of all. Sorry this is so long. But I've been down this path, and Snickers will also go down this path.

Gracie finds the joy in everything! Too funny!

Congratulations!!!

Nice vid! I never trained my grey. I suppose he trained me. 25 years for me and Snickers - a lost opportunity. In spite of all lack of real training, I can say I always know exactly how he feels. lol

Snickers was very intimidated by my amazon. Lukaya (YNA) was so loud and boisterous and it made Snickers resentful and shy. Snickers believes the grey parrot should be the most vocal and know the most words. lol

I used to make toys for Snickers (usually just refurbished 'old' toys) but like Timber -- mine prefers paper and cardboard these days. Happy for your grey's new toys! Mine is sort of afraid of new toys, such a shame given the absolute joy I had in making them for my guy. Little grey stinkers!!!

I was educated and made self-aware when mine started mimicking my 'hello' when the phone rang. Apparently I pause and sigh before saying a low and slightly irritated sounding 'hello'. Who knew? I sound like I really don't want to answer the phone! Parrots really pick up on such things!