lovemyGreys

A great post Dan, for those of you who get the nice weather

http://www.greyforums.net/faqs/page_2.html

A picture would help, but if the nare is blocked or there is apparent discharge then i suggest a call to your vet would be in order.

Great up date Sameera, your perseverance has definitely paid off.I agree with yourself & hubby & i imagine those damaged feathers played a big part in Zahzu's troubles.fingers crossed this is a new begining

Hi shirley, It really depends on the individual bird & the reasons as to why the grey is being rehomed.If you re-home through a rescue you will find that these greys will probably have more baggage/problems than if you was to purchase one through an advert.I suggest you go visit where possible & observe the bird,of course some may be weary of you as a stranger but you will be able to get a general feel for the birds disposition.Ask many questions of the owner, why is the bird being re-homed ? diet ? any health issues ? likes & dislikes ? How many previous owners ? can the bird be handled ? see how the owner interacts with the bird ? etc.. Many members have re-homed older birds & hopefully they will be along to share their advice.

Twice a day is fine,you need to start offering your baby a variety of foods to explore,veggies raw or cooked,fruit,seeds,pellets,pulses, etc..Leave the fruit & veg in chunks so your baby can become accustomed to eating as opposed to the mashed apple & banana.Make sure there is always fresh water available at all times. Here is a list of safe fruit & veg you can offer.. http://www.greyforums.net/forums/bird-food/59809-complete-veggiefruit-list.html Droppings are wet,with only formula & mashed banana & apple they may be loose,i imagine when you introduce solid foods you will see a change.. Young greys can loose up to 10-15 % of their body weight when they learn to fly..A good idea is to keep a weekly chart..Any signifigant weight lose accompanied by any of the following would indicate illness & should be checked out by your avian vet... Eyes should be clear and full of life. Nostrils should be clear. Vent should be clean. No signs of poop on their feathers. Perching at the bottom of the cage all fluffed and sedated, eyelids heavy Behavior is sedate when usually cheerful and playing. Significant weight loss (10-15%). Weigh your bird regularly and keep a chart readily available. Unusual droppings. Know what is normal for your bird. Labored breathing Loss of appetite Lethargic

You have to go with what feels right for you,just because someone breeds more species of birds or has big clutches doesn't necessary mean that you are going to have a neurotic & unadjusted baby on your hands,they can be equally raised as with the breeder who only has a few babies.It depend on how long your prepared to wait & how soon you want a baby.

A valid point M2MM, good breeders here in the UK & i gather across the globe always have waiting lists for babies,i know my breeder never has to advertise her babies for sale,it is always personal recommendation which has to be a good thing As they sale good things come to those who wait

Siobhan we have spoke via pm & I'm pleased what could have been a potential disaster has had a happy ending

{Love-0002011D} He is adorable Susan.

Mel i really wouldn't worry to much about speech right now,they all vary as to what age they mimic,enjoy all those baby babbling noises If you have to return to work then limit the time your baby is out,but at times are routines change,so a little extra time here & there doesnt hurt Many greys get to have extra time at weekends, they kind of know that their owners are around more, it wont confuse him.You need to find a happy medium so he is equally as happy playing in his cage as he is spending time with you

Definitely "fate" but with the added time & effort spent by yourself fully researching every avenue possible to come to the right decision for both Talon & Rikki

Lovely pictures Claire,Violet certainly has grown from the little baby pictures you posted a while back,she looks great.

Hi & Welcome to the forum,we look forward to hearing more from you

Thanks for taking the time to share Smokey with us,we just love pictures here & you didnt mess up at all

From researching on the net this is what i have found.... Rice will not expand in the stomach. Uncooked rice expands by absorbing hot (usually boiling) water. Though the water doesn't have to be boiling for absorption to take place, absorbtion slows greatly at normal avian body temperatures. So, even if the water was available in the bird's stomach, it would take hours, perhaps days, for the rice to expand significantly. Acid in the stomach would break down the rice and pass it through to the next stage of digestion long before this became an issue. Moreover, birds just don't drink a lot of water, because the weight makes it harder for them to fly. And what little water they do drink passes through their digestive system much faster than the rice. But, even if the water and the rice stayed there in the stomach for long enough for full absorbtion to take place, the total volume of the rice and water does not increase when the rice absorbs the water.

Personally i feel it's imperative to find the right breeder that you are 100% happy & comfortable with.A breeder who genuinely cares for their babies & doesn't see them for just the money there is to be made from breeding.I know i waited until i found the right breeder for me who had the same values & passion about her greys.A baby grey that is well socialized,loved,handled,feed a good diet etc.. in my opinion has the very best start to life,then it is down to you as the new owner to continue the hard work & effort put into that baby by the breeder. Yes babies not weaned,raised in this kind of environment do adapt with equal ease to their new homes, but if i had a choice i would go for a baby raised by a caring breeder .

Hi Mel, well now is a good as time as any the younger your grey is the easier it will be to introduce a variety of activities to him.Personally i suggest switching toys around once a week,this makes it far easier when you want to introduce a new toy. As for time out of cage,yes in the evening is fine but if your around during the day then let him out,if you have to work,then try for a little time out before you leave.Personally i think as much time out that is possible in your personal cicumstances. I have included a few links that are worth a read... http://www.greyforums.net/forums/the-nursery/73556-harness-training.html http://www.greyforums.net/forums/the-nursery/73105-teaching-your-baby-to-play.html http://www.greyforums.net/forums/the-nursery/73094-socializing-your-baby-grey.html

Thats great to hear, keep up the good work

you have been given great advice...here are a few links on Socialization & Harness training... http://www.greyforums.net/forums/the-nursery/73094-socializing-your-baby-grey.html http://www.greyforums.net/forums/the-nursery/73556-harness-training.html

{Feel-good-000200BB} Great moves Liath !

Your very welcome guys

Hi Mel & Welcome to the forum,Please have a look in our Nursery room where you will find some good information on baby greys

{Feel-good-0002006E} Yep you said it :whistle:

It may be a pure one off or is it possible your baby had a little formula left on from feed time ? ! i know you are fully aware of the potential dangers of handfeeding & your rightly so have checked his breathing, nares etc.. i dont think you have too much to worry about but consulting your vet was the appropriate action