siobha9

dal wrote: A CAG and a TAG cannot breed together as they are different species. She could not have any young from them. And as you saw any eggs she may have laid would be infertile.

You are so lucky! I still havent heard those 3 little words from my greys Pogo has obviously figured out where the treats and toys come from {Feel-good-000200A2}

Hi and welcome to the forum! Siobhan

Hi Julie and welcome to the forum. Well done for taking in an older grey. The others have given excellent advice, I don't really have anything to add. But I do wish you the best with your new grey, and look forward to hearing all about your progress with him. Siobhan

I think Saphira goes well with Shruikan

There is no guarantee that a grey will talk, and if they do generally people don't seem to have much success with repeating phrases over and over to a grey in the same tone. The best way to encourage your grey to talk is to talk to them, describing what you are doing, naming objects such as food, water, grapes etc. If you want to leave the tv or radio on when you are out this will keep your bird company and they may pick up a phrase or 2 from it. One of mine sings the MacDonalds theme tune:unsure: She must have picked that up from a tv advertisement! Siobhan

Thanks for the explanation Let me guess... You're the "date" he wants?:laugh:

:laugh: How many hours, minutes, seconds?

Hi Falconeer, Welcome back! Really like lovemygreys says they are all different. One of mine was into everything straight away, and the other who was older was very nervous. Gizmo is doing great, he will do everything in his own time;)

If its comfortable for you, your grey will adapt to the temperature. Just be careful he isnt directly in a draft;)

Hi Natasha, Welcome to the forum. You must have read a few of the welcome posts here already because you know the first thing we ask for is pictures:laugh: We are excited you joined us too, and we look forward to hearing all about Boesman, and helping you with any questions you might have;) Siobhan

Hi Norm, I think clipping is an entirely personal decision weighing all the factors of your home and lifestyle. I have one clipped and one not clipped. I clipped one for several reasons, none of which probably would have been a big enough reason for me on their own, but all of which helped make the decision a no brainer. He chewed furniture and doors, he continually landed on my caiques cage, he was very afraid of us and flew away from us constantly and he wasnt the most graceful flier and had a few near misses with walls etc:unsure: There are many threads here about clipping vs non clipping but at the end of the day only you can make the decision as to what suits you and your grey. Two comments I'd like to make though are since he has been unable to fly for so long he won't really miss it. In fact right now flying is probably scary for him. And cats and birds don't mix so unless you can keep the cat away while he is out, I'd be leaning towards clipping for your grey's saftey;) But, it's your bird, your life, your decision. Good luck with it, its a hard decision to make! Siobhan

she wrote: I think you just answered this one yourself;) It will take him a few days. He is doing brilliant to be so comfortable in the cage already, and no doubt curiosity will get the better of him and he will be investigating the play top before you know it! Great jobB)

Congratulations! Tigger is gorgeous! And he is at least a temporary cure for MBS He'll be nervous for a little while, but he will come round with a little TLC;)

danmcq wrote: I must confess that's what I would have done too But not until AFTER I had taken a couple of photos:laugh:

Hi Haggis, Welcome to the grey forum. Congratulations on your first chick after what sounds like a very long wait! I am delighted that Jack and Loui are being such good parents. The links Lovemygreys suggested are well worth a read. And of course if you have any questions along the way please ask. Are you planning on keeping this chick as a pet or are you going to sell it on? Siobhan

My Liath decided a few weeks ago that she hated me. She wouldnt step up, fluffed up and tried to bite if I tried to make her step up. If she was out and I went near her she flew as far away from me as she could get. I must say I was very upset at her complete change of heart. I knew what caused it but that didnt change her view of me. What I did was just kept behaving normally. I acted as if nothing had changed at all. Spoke to her like I have always done. Offered her crusts of bread, or pieces of pasta like I have always done. She wouldnt take them, but the offer was still there. I let her get out of the cage herself. Asked her if she wanted cuddles. I played with her foot toys myself telling her how much fun I was having. After about a week of sulking, she finally started to accept treats from me again. Then she started playing with the toys with me and eventually she started stepping up and looking for her cuddles. I think the key thing was not to let her know that her behaviour was upsetting me in the slightest, that I still loved her anyway. She took her time about it, but she is completely back to herself about 3 weeks on. I hope this helps Siobhan

Oh dear! That could actually have been quite serious if he had swallowed the bell:ohmy: But stuck on the end of his beak it must have looked quite funny. I'd say Charlie was going mad trying to get it off:P When do you think hubby will be allowed move back in out of the doghouse?

Peanut is so cute:P What does he make of Skippy and Scookie? Berna did you say HIS name is Ethel? Was a DNA test done at some stage or something? Poor birdy will have a complex!:laugh:

:laugh: Thanks Matt! I have been puzzling over what are taters. I'd never heard of them but was afraid to show what a sheltered life we lead over here:P Skippy is adorable!

This is such sad news. Marcia was a trooper who despite her problems kept a great outlook and truly loved her birds. She will be missed. Siobhan

I have noticed lots of questions about how to have your bird step up. Hopefully this will help! Stepping Up The step up command is the most important command to teach your bird as it gives you some control over him and helps you to interact with him. Many birds will have learned how to step up before you get them home, but if they haven’t this short guide should help you. 1. Choose the command you want to use and stick with it. It can be as simple as Step Up but it should not be a question and should be short and sharp. 2. Choose a time to train when you have the birds complete attention. You may need to go into a neutral room such as a bathroom away from the cage to begin training. Make sure there are no distractions for the bird’s attentions such as other pets, or people. 3. Hold your hand at the bird’s abdomen above the feet and give the Step Up command. The bird should step up. If he doesn’t try pressing lightly on the birds abdomen. 4. When he steps up give him lots of praise and his favourite treat. As he gets better at stepping up you can decrease the treats, but keep praising. 5. You can have him step from hand to hand to practise. But when it seems he is getting tired or losing concentration, stop at the next successful step up, give lots of praise and end the session. 6. When it seems he has mastered the step up away from the cage you can begin practising it from inside the cage. 7. Have different family members practise the step up with him A couple of things to remember when you are teaching your bird to step up; 1. Never get cross with your bird, always be positive and ignore any unwanted behaviour 2. Keep the practise sessions short, but frequent. 3. If the bird appears to be going to bite your hand, relax, he may just be testing to make sure the perch (your hand) is stable. If he does bite, say firmly “No biting!” but keep your hand steady. Use a perch as a last resort. 4. If he doesn’t seem to want to step up, or understand what you are expecting him to do a gentle push on his belly will help him to make the step. When he steps up, remember lots of praise and treats in the early stages! 5. And lastly remember if a step up always results in a negative outcome such as being returned to the cage, your bird may start refusing to step up. Keep stepping up fun!

That's such a funny picture! How did they like the car? It looks like that stand is secured to the seat, did you buy it like that?

No sorry I havent. They dont do that on birds here yet. Let us know how it goes though won't you?

Its like waiting for a new baby isnt it? You even have the nesting urges many women get just before they deliver:P I am sure Morgan will be grand when you get him home as he has met you a few times already. I can't wait to see the photos now, your excitement is contagious!