loviechick

Well it could still be growing in, their plumage can be thin as a baby, or it could be plucking or being plucked by a clutch mate. I'd ask the breeder about it. As far as weaning I think it could be a bit young, but then again, not uncommon. I would just keep an eye out, and have some handfeeding formula, and ask the breeder how to handfeed just in case something goes awry!

I agree with Judy! My birds talk a lot more when I talk to them and interact. If I'm quiet, for the most part, they're quiet!

It really sounds to me like a molt, the timing is right. And if she's eating right, playing and vocalizing like normal, I would say that everything is fine. And you can always call a vet and get advice over the phone whether or not the situation warrants a visit to the vets office!

I think it's understandable that your Grey is more bonded to you, especially considering that you sound like the "primary" caregiver being that your partner isn't there all the time. I unfortunately can't give the best information here, as I live alone, so my fids are forced to love me:laugh: That and your bird might just start perferring females over males in general, and that might be something that your partner will have to consider. These birds are known for that! Good luck!

First you have to keep in mind you have barely had him over a week. Birds aren't like dogs where they are constantly seeking affection. When you first bring home a bird, emotionally they act like they don't need you. They are scared of everything and getting used to new sights and sounds. Keep doing what you're doing as in making sounds and feeding him treats, but don't try to force your bird to trust you, it will have very negative results. I'd suggest dimming the lights a bit, as this will be more soothing to the bird, and just talking gently to him and offer him a steady hand, if he doesnt' take it fine, but don't reward him unless he does. Oh and FYI, I've had both my CAG's a while now, and neither of them will step up off their cage for me without a bribe involved, anywhere else they will just not the top of the cage LOL

Birdsnways.com is a website I've looked at for breeders and classifides. Also maybe look into rescue or rehoming a bird like on Craigslist for instance. You can usually get them for a bit cheaper, and it is so rewarding!!

I've been lucky in that both of my Greys will eat their pellets, but they definitely prefer when mama cooks for them LOL Neither of mine particularly care for peanut butter, but they both go bonkers for unsalted peanuts!!!

Yep, means he's comfy around you!! Don't necessarily "force" your bird to do anything, especially like the petting from the front thing, but with issues like stepping up etc(which doesn't lok like an issue with you at all) just try to be stern to establish that you rule the roost lol

Oh man that looks like a blast!! I'd love to get something like that for mine when I get a home!!!

Both my my Greys were rescued and I'm not sure how many others on here were, but I know what I did with my Greys has helped them tremendously in taming them. That is how I've dealt with them, as both of them were untame, and didn't understand the concept of stepping up. I would recommend going into a dimly lit room, sitting on the floor, and practicing the stepping up command. Also bring a stick with you and teach them how to step up on a stick in the event it's ever needed. If you sit in the dimly lit room they won't be able to see as much and get spooked as easliy by you. Just remember to praise and reward them everytime they step up. I would try to do this if possible at least 2-3 times a day. DO NOT worry about being bit I promise you that Dorian WILL bite eventually. But she will only get nippier with you if she thinks she has the upper hand. One of my Greys was caged bound 10 years, and had no idea what step up meant and was terrified of hands. She now steps up everytime, and loves to be around me, but it's because I was stern and she knows I'm the flock leader and it doesn't matter if she bites or not I'm still gonna be the boss LOL And if you have any other questions, you can always feel free to message me privately:woohoo:<br><br>Post edited by: loviechick, at: 2007/11/20 19:34

***I had a few questions. The bird was not taught the 'step up' command, so every time you bring your finger around, he or she makes a noise and seems unfriendly in terms of getting onto the finger. It does not bite though.*** You need to start to enforce the step up command immediately. This one on one time will not only help increase your bond a bit, but also let it know that you are the alpha, the flock leader. Gently put your hand up under it's belly and while lightly touching the belly say step up and nudge your hand a bit. Most of the time it will eventually try to step up. Say step up again, and PRAISE the bird and offer treats. Do this as often as you can. I recommend doing it in a slightly dimmed room when they lights are lower and they can't see as much, they won't be as jumpy. I would suggest doing this at least 2-3 times a day. ***Second, what really concerns me is the fact that she doesn't seem too active. If we leave her outside of the cage, she will climb to the very very top (taller than us) and just sit there the entire time. If we leave it in the cage, it will just sit on one of the perches and not really move around.*** As long as she's eating fine, not acting sick with drooping wings, poor posture, poop looks ok, I'd say it's just adjusting. You didn't mention how long you've had the bird, but I'm assuming not long. I know that I've had mine for months and one of their favorite things to do is just to go and sit up on top of their cage, lift one foot up, and relax! Also your bird is probably still scared witless so naturally is not going to be making much noise to attract attention to itself. They usually loosen up after a few weeks, depending on the bird's personality and will start making whistles and other noises. However don't expect them to talk right away, as you can see from a recent poll it takes about a year for them to really start jabbering. ***She is very quite, and really makes no noise. We have some toys in the cage and outside, but haven't really seen her play with any of it.*** None of my Greys will play with a new toy until it has been in their cage for at least a couple weeks to a month, and even then they will just touch it, not play with it. I would suggest a variety of toys foraging toys, preening, shredding, chewing etc. Someone on here has mentioned that the toys sort of become the wallpaper of the cage and its very true, I didn't know that my younger Grey ZsaZsa loved untying knots until I had had her almost 2 months! Now she's destructo bird!:laugh: ***Occasionally she will rub her beaks together and make like a cracking sound. Is all this expected with a baby CAG? Shouldn't she be a bit more active, walking, climbing around etc?*** This is called beak grinding...this is absolute heaven to me because it means that they're relaxed and happy. She's nervous and in a new environment, if she's grinding her beak, you're doing something right! ***She doesn't seem to have 100% perfect balance yet as its even difficult for her to balance herself properly once on the finger.*** Keep an eye on this as balance problems can mean illness, but more than likely its comparable to when a toddler first starts walking. They don't have perfect balance yet and are still "working out the kinks" of walking, your bird is doing the same thing. Also maybe offer her the side of your hand or wrist to stand on, it might be easier for her to grip, and also for her balance. ***We have a perch high up in the cage, is there a danger to this if she falls down from it? Should we just leave a perch on the lower portion of the cage for the time being?*** With all my greys I had a perch lower in the cage in the event that they got spooked by noises in the night when they first came to live with me. I did this for about a weeks, it was about a foot from the bottom. I just did this so they could get used to the noises, and both of them fell once or twice in their first week, but haven't had problems since. I have high and low perches in their cages, but I've noticed that they're more apt to go towards the higher ones. Greys look at height as a protection thing, not as a territorial thing. When they go to a high perch or on top of their cage, it's just them making themselves feel safe. I know that for the most part my CAG's have a lot of trust in me, and earning more everyday, and even they still both love to hang out on top of their cage and relax! Hope this was helpful! Post edited by: loviechick, at: 2007/11/20 19:22<br><br>Post edited by: loviechick, at: 2007/11/20 19:23

What a cutie!!! As far as your question on the video, I'm yet to meet a Grey that would let you pet them from the front. One thing you have to keep in mind is that in the wild they are prey, so anything coming at them from the front can be deemed threatening to them from what I understand. Mine will let me pet them on the back, but not for very long, these birds just aren't known for that. You also haven't had your baby for very long, let it get used to you and your company, before you know it I'm sure you'll be able to have a good bond and be able to do a lot more things with your bird!

Both of my Greys do this, and usually they will step up for me, if not then I get the stick, if that doesn't work then a treat. I personally won't let any of my birds sleep outside the cage since they're all in one room and I don't want anytoes bitten off in the middle of the night. My CAGs know I'm serious when I go get a chair they come running to the edge of the cage cause they know they're gonna get a time out if I have to use the chair to get up and grab them. You need to show your bird that YOU are the flock leader!!!! Darn right he pleased with himself, because he has now crowned himself flock leader and you've let him, and this will continue until you make it stop. You have to literally grab him, and I know it sounds bad but I've pried their little feet off the bars, nicely of course, but I grab them and put my hand underneath them and tell them step up very sternly so they know I mean business. If your bird doesn't understand what step up means, then you have to show him/her by putting your hand underneath them and saying it. Greys are one of those birds that will walk on you like a rug if you don't set up rules, I've learned that and very quickly in my house! Good luck!

OMG how incredibly tragic!!! My heart goes out to you, thank you for the warning!

As far as rehomes and rescues go, I would give them time to adjust. Don't try to hold or cuddle them or anything like that. Just hang out by their cage, give them treats etc and lots of praise. If they act curious like they want to come out then let them out, just don't force it, let it be on their time! Congrats on the rescue!

I think what it ultimately comes down to is what you feel is right for the bird. I clip and I know some people are against it, however my house is very decorated and I have vases, sculptures and all sorts of other obstacles around the house. That's not to say my CAG's couldn't avoid them if they took flight, but I live in a small apartment, add in all the obstacles, and I just see more harm than good coming from them being flighted at my house. I've tried using a harness on both of them and they both scream and freak out while it's on, so for now clipping will work. Go with what's best for you and not what others think is morally right, or what is done for so called convenience:P<br><br>Post edited by: loviechick, at: 2007/11/19 18:35

I'm just curious what everyone is doing for Thanksgiving? I'm going to Hawaii!!!!!:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: And actually I'm trying to see if I can meet up with Makena, not sure yet but I'm gonna try! I'll be there for 2 weeks I am so jazzed! I'll be staying in Kaneohe which is a Marine Corps base on Oahu. My best friend's husband(my cousin) is stationed there in the Navy, I 'll come back and post tons of pics I'm sure! How about ya'll any plans?

ok so I've been sooo bad I have forgot to check in here!! I've ben so busy with shopping and prepping for my vacation and holidays etc etc I've forgot! i've lost a pound this week, my goal is to not gain anything while I'm in Hawaii!!! I'll check in with ya'll in a couple weeks!

M-F they're out for about 3-4 hours and on weekends they're out from when I wake up around 10 until around 9 at night!

Hey there, how exciting I just love TAGs!!!!!!! Here are my tips that differ a bit from bringing home a baby as mine were rescued, but I think they can still apply. You are about to take this bird away from everything it has known in a short time. It will see new things, hear new noises, new smells, people etc. I would give your bird about a week of hands off time and just have the family hang out near the cage and talk to it, read books etc, and give the bird a treat and praise it for coming near you. I've noticed that even sometimes when they look like they really really wanna be picked up, its just them being curious and then they get super scared when you wanna go pick them up. IMO I think a week is enough time for the bird to "get the basics" down of its environment. I personally gave my birds about 3 weeks to adjust and only trying to touch them a couple times a week until I was sure they trusted me. This was after a week of having my 3 year old CAG I gave her time for herself, and just rewarded her when she came near and this was what *I* got rewarded with

Wow you're getting a 7 week old baby Grey, I'll second the notion of everyone else saying that is REALLY young, hopefully you can handfeed. As far as sleeping habits I won't leave my birds outside of a cage at night, as if they get spooked they could fall to the ground, hurt themselves, and bleed out by morning if you don't hear them. I keep mine uncovered in a cage, as they don't get a cover in the wild, and they all do fine. Based on where they are in the wild geographically, they get about a 12-12 ratio of light to dark, so I turn the birds lights on when I get up at 7:30 in the morning, and they go to bed at 8 on the dot every night.

Yeah it's definitely safe to say that you haven't had her that long and she is still getting used to her surroundings. My best advice would be to back away and let her get used to things. You persisting with trying to get her to step up only stresses her out, and gives her all the less reasons to trust you. I would suggest taking a hands off approach for now. I'm sure it's been said a hundred times but the best thing to do is leave her in her cage and just sit by it and talk to her, read the newspaper outloud, read a book outloud, talk to her. Just sit there and let her see you're not going to bite her, or harm her. If she comes near you to "investigate" offer her a treat and leave it at that, don't try to bet her through the bars, just give her a treat, praise her, and go about reading or whatever you're doing. Continue to do this daily for a good week or two. Eventually she will get used to you, your smells, the sounds you make, the way yo ucommunicate with her and will calm down when you try to touch her or get her to step up. Another tip is when trying to pick her up, dim the lights a bit. Leave it to where the two of you can see eachother, but it's not as bright, it will be more soothing for your Grey and get them to trust you more. One more thing, was she taught step up at her prior home? I know one of my Greys wasn't and it took me about 2 months for her to understand what I was asking and even then, she is still funny about being picked up! Good luck!<br><br>Post edited by: loviechick, at: 2007/11/16 21:16

LMAO BMustee!!! I haven't changed my mouth really, if she learns something sobeit. LOL However I have learned from all my birds, and definitely my Greys is unconditional patience. I have, and am still trying to gain their trust. Especially Red, she was cage bound, hated people, was mean, nippy, you name it. Everytime she let's me scratch her, or calls me and wants to be around me willingly, fills me full of a joy I've never experienced! There is nothing better than her calling to me "Come ere pretty girl" and when I bring her to hang out on my shoulder while on the internet she will put one foot up and start grinding that beak of hers. That is the sound of angels to me! Aside from birds, I've learned about people. I've learned that unless you've owned a parrot, you will NEVER understand why they are DIFFERENT from any other animal you will ever own. 38 million Americans own dogs, 36 million Americans own cats. Only 4 million own birds, which right there narrows it down to a very special group of people that make up this small percentage, and that they are some of the most unique, interesting, and caring people I've ever met. Not that there aren't any people like this that just have cats and dogs, but I'm sure you all know exactly where I'm coming from. I've also learned that a good majority of the time, because birds are different from cats and dogs, people tend to look at them as a more disposable creature. Possibly because they're a caged animal, that I'm not sure of. I have seen more birds in crappy horrible situations than I have cats and dogs, and I've seen horrid conditions for them too! I've learned that people can be very cruel, and don't deserve to ever own any kind of animal. I've learned that for the most part when it comes to other animals what you see is what you get. Other than different breeds having different personalities, but with birds, they are an investment. What you invest into their personality you will get back 10 fold, this is true with other animals I'm sure, but because birds are not domesticated I feel that it takes a bit more work, and I had no idea just how much work that was. I think that some people grossly underestimate that, and for selfish reasons get rid of their bird, or ignore it, instead of putting effort into it, or rehoming it do to the fact that they put expectations on it to stay this sweet tame little baby that would stay this way and be super talkative. You get what you give with birds, and some aren't always able to give that to them. Wow, apparently I've learned a lot LOL

I have a good friend in Sweden and she said that they now have a similar law there about registering birds and you can't have more than 2 birds per household I believe luckily she only has 2!!!

I agre with what Mr. Spock said but from what I've read and from personal experiences I have seen this happen, and I've heard that this behavior is most prominent with CAGs. LOTS of socialization is key, otherwise they will bond to one, then find another later. I've never experienced this because I live alone, and all mine are older and past that stage