Keywe

Well I don't want to be the one that changes the hazy daze here...Just want to say that I guess I was a little bit on the defensive in the last posts... I appreciate all of the comments and one in particular came to mind about the children and "punting" or stepping on the birdie by accident...I had NEVER thought of that EVEN when I have almost done it myself. I've almost rolled over her with my office chair not knowing she was right under me. If she had been flighted, and I had come TOO close, she most likely would fly to safety. The biggest reason for her not being flighted now is because I do take her out a lot...I actually bought her the adventure cage but I haven't been able to get her warmed up to it yet. I'm thinking I may just get her used to it, and always use that when she's out... It's been about 6 months since I've had her clipped, and I may just see what happens and not do it... Thank you for all of your comments and posts...You all are a tight group of knowledgeable Parronts and I have learned so much on this forum...

well its obvious that there is a strong opinion on here about this debate... I feel like I've been persecuted on here because I stated that I am for clipping... I am trying to keep an open mind about this, reading all of the pros of having an unclipped bird, and although I am far from a bird specialist, I am a bird freak, and have only the best intentions for Keywe. The Doctors at the vet that we go to are all avian specialists, certified and what not, and all have birds themselves. They are all for clipping as I stated earlier, and yes, I know even though they are doctors, they don't always know best. That's why I am trying to be open-minded here. Comments like the "clipped camp" are a little ridiculous to me...Just because you have such a strong opinion about it doesn't necessarily make it the correct one, not to say that mine is right either. I'm not calling you all the "unclipped cool camp" or anything though. By no means do I feel that I am being selfish because I have her clipped... I feel I'm being responsible, just as you are for not clipping. Am I handicapping her growth and development by doing this? I guess I wouldn't know until I let her grow out her flight feathers and see the miraculous difference in her behavior. She's yapping and talking away right now as I type this, and seems to be as happy as ever...Maybe I'll take her outside to enjoy the nice evening here

I got Keywe about 5 years ago when she was 3 months old, and she was already clipped. I bought her at a petstore, and if I had known what I know now, I would never have bought one, but rescued one in need. I LOVE animals and have NEVER been a bird lover simply because I believe that they should never be kept caged up. Well that all changed after my wife talked me into her and she chose me as her parront... I love her dearly, spoil her ROTTEN, and give her the best care that I can. I work out of the house 90% of the time and she is always out of her cage. When I first took her to the avian vet (we've been going there for over 30 years with cats and dogs) I asked the Dr. about clipping. They ALL strongly agree with clipping for their own protection. They "trim" the feathers about every 4 months so that she can "float" and not crash... They said that any responsible bird owner should do this because if some accident were to happen and they were to escape, they would most likely starve and suffer a slow death out in the environment. Keywe has never flown, so, does she know what she's missing? I'm sure there are instincts, but she is the most happy bird I've ever seen, and I know she's safe... I take her outside and for car rides, I built her a giant playhouse outside when it's not too hot (in FL) and those times she's outside you never know when something is going to spook her... a car backfiring, a plane flying too low...whatever... I'll never take that chance of her being able to fly and harm herself. We have a 17 month old daughter and one on the way, and know all about childproofing...we are extremely responsible adults, and I believe that clipping is being a responsible parront...to protect them from the "wild" that we make them live in...

what she said!

I just went to the "goldencockatoo" in Deerfield Beach, FL, and what a great store! They also have a great site and they ship free over $99

Awesome pics!

We bought Keywe in a petstore about 5 years ago.. not knowing much of anything about greys at the time.. After MUCH self-education about AGs, I would have definitely rescued one. I had no idea that there were so many birds that need homes...That said, I feel that since she was born and raised in a store, and then we've had her since 3 months, we are all she knows...her life, home, everything is based on what we've done for her. She is totally happy, and yes, I wonder if she's looking at the other birds and wishing she could do what they are doing. I'm sure there's an instinct in her, but the life we've made for her is all she knows, so we try to make the best of it. I feel for all the other abandoned and mistreated ones that are isolated....If we were rich we'd start up our own rescue and take any bird that is in need. It's really hard to see what the world does and how cruel the human race is...we can only give our babies the best life possible and can't worry about what we can't control.

wondering the same thing... anyone?

Keywe goes in the kitchen sink with the sprayer...Doesn't care too much for it but it works and she sits there while I wash her down...EASY AND QUICK!

What a horrible situation and a sad outcome so far...I was ready to call the INS on his ass and send him back that SOB... Guess that was wrong. I hate reading things like this, and pray that you find your baby.

didn't have time to read the entire thing, but as far as Harrison's goes, I buy the small pellets and then add a little water to them. They turn to "mush" and Keywe loves it! She won't touch them if they don't have water.

I'd get one if I could afford it, because it won't rust...Not because of the beauty of it. I've rusted 3 powder coated ones...they are crap, but still the ss are way out of reach... glad you can get one for your birds...good for you.

they are a much greater responsibility as far as keeping them "entertained" with toys, attention, etc... So many don't feel this way, and therefore the parrot suffers from neglect, which really sucks.

Joolesgreyuk wrote: I totally agree...I'm always telling my neighbor "if only your dogs were half as smart as my bird..." It's because we care about their happiness and well being because they are so dependent on us.

Keywe doesn't really like my wife and usually act jealous of her when she shows affection toward me. She's actually chased her away from me. I've read this thread to her and she is going to try and find her type of relationship and make that grow. We've had her since 3 months and she was attached to both of us, but over the past 2 years has taken up with me. She also LOVES my dad and almost treats him like she does me. Mom, on the other had, is scared to death of her because she acts the same way toward her as she does my wife. It's almost as though she feels that females are a threat to her...Sad and funny at the same time...

I used the galvanized wire from Home Depot and then I realized that's not safe for her, but I washed it with vinegar and she rarely climbs on the wire, so I figured she was safe. She spends 95% of her time sitting on a branch in the corner observing her surroundings and talking to other birds. It has been the greatest thing for her... I usually can't get her out of there until dark when she's ready to go to sleep. She absolutely LOVES it! I recommend it to anybody who is considering an outdoor enclosure. They NEED it for their happiness!!!

Good Karma to you because anybody that feels the way you do about your babies deserves it... If only all animal owners cared this much.

That is my cleaning routine during the summer days!!!

Holy crap! Awesome cages....If you are RICH!

It's the paint for pregnant families...VOC free. Don't do it RED... I wonder if they hate their tails??? I know Keywe hates RED

That's not her permanent home of residence...She only goes out there for a few hours here and there...Talks the same...She has PLENTY of contact with us. She does make more native bird sounds now!!

Thanks for all of the great comments... Sometimes I can't get her out to come out and she becomes quite a brat, but it's funny. I'm glad she loves it. I used weed cloth and then pea gravel over the top. I'm probably going to put some rubber mulch over that because she does fall once in a while and I'd rather her land on something a little more forgiving.