siobha9

Another idea... I have noticed that when the birds are in the shower I can handle them anywhere. I can lift their wings, and their tails. I can move them around and they dont seem to mind. I do this every time I shower them as I think it will give them more trust to be handled getting the harness on!

I would still handle him, but just not actually "on" you. Pet his head on a stand. Let him sit on the kitchen table and give him rubs. Just dont have him on your shoulder. When he is up there firstly he thinks he is bigger than you,and secondly you cant really see what he is doing or read his body language. You can give great cuddles with your bird right in front of you and bond that way. Oisin does that too, he is much better now though. I could be happily petting him, he would have his eyes closed as if he is really enjoying it and then like a switch goes off and he whips his head around and bites. When he is in front of me 90% of the time I can see it coming and tell him no bite without actually getting bitten. Of course I bear scars for the other 10% of the time :angry:

I dont mean to be funny, but I wouldnt pick him up! I would start by trying to pet him while he is on a stand or something - that way you can get away if he turns nasty. Eventually he will trust you and then you could hold him. That is what I have had to do with one of my guys. I have only been picking him up for about a month and I have had him for nearly a year. I would put him on the back of a chair and try to pet him. Or on his stand.

Thanks Tracey! "quinoa may not be a household name just yet, but it is set for a starry future - as far as grains go." Not in this household I am afraid, if I have never heard of it, I am unlikely to be cooking it :unsure:

That's very brave of you to say that Johnny :P

Awwww he is GORGEOUS. I love the sloppy baby with food everywhere! My guys were practically reared by the time I got them. Has he got a name yet?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Wow, I am 21 too.... (plus tax at the high rate )

Dave said "Cocerning what I said about those identical cages, when the end of the day arrives, even though each cage is absolutely identical in every way, each bird will go back to the cage that he *owns*. That allows nature to help each bird develop in his/her own way." I absolutely agree with this. My CAGS cages are practically identical, as I feed them the same things, if I buy a toy for one, I have to get one for the other etc. But they know which cage is theirs. Sometimes one will perch at the doorway of the others cage and have a look around, but I havent seen either of them go into the others cage. And when they are out, Oisin loves the play top on the cage, and Liath loves the kitchen table. And thats where they hang out. Unless of course Liath is on me and Oisin is on his Daddy

Please forgive my ignorance but what is quinoa?

Heather just think... if you had 2 greys you would have twice as many subjects for your photography. It would be good for business

Its like wing clipping isnt it? Some people think clipping is the only way, some thing you shouldnt clip. Same with greys sharing a cage. Some think its best for the greys, and some dont. I would love to have them share a cage, and seriously considered it in the beginning. But as time went on, I decided against it. They get lots of time together and lots of time apart. And that works for me and them. It is definitely a very personal choice that depends on lots of factors. I really hope it works for you... and it looks like it probably will!

Don't be sorry, of course it would have been better to do your homework first, but at least you are here now Unfortunately I can't help you personally because I got my babies weaned. There are some threads in this room on handfeeding that could help you though. Some of our baby experts will be along later and can probably help with pictures! Welcome by the way, and feel free to ask questions!<br><br>Post edited by: siobha9, at: 2008/04/28 10:53

I keep mine in separate cages although as you can see from this thread they get along wonderfully! http://www.greyforums.net/forums/the-photography-room/74689-so-sweet.html I think it is matter with 2 definite view points. I was worried that they would love each other more than us if they had each other all day. Plus of course the cuddles dont last forever and if they fight they can't get away from each other if they are stuck in the same cage! Much as I love my hubby I would hate to be stuck in a small room with him for most of my life :laugh:

It was unbelievable - they sat there for about an hour. I even went to get the camera and they didnt move. I took loads of pictures and even the flash didnt bother them. They were too busy cuddling! Its a good job they arent in the same cage isnt it?

danmcq wrote: Aw you are probably right... didnt think of that, but a baby bird is a baby bird... still ugly and bald right:lol: :lol: :whistle: ? I dont think presenting the birds at home after the fact works for men... you see we still hold the childbirth card, that one is good for about 60 years

The costs mentioned do not include the cost of the cage which can be substantial as a grey needs a large cage. Or the cost of the vet bill for the initial checkup. Or the cost of toys. A grey needs lots of toys to keep it amused although these can be homemade. And most grey owners have a stand or playgym of some type separate from the cage. These costs can run to more than the cost of the grey!

We were watching television tonight, and Liath and Oisin got cosy! <br><br>Post edited by: siobha9, at: 2008/04/28 00:34

Yes Rosie and Jim is about 2 rag dolls living on a barge somewhere in England... Rosie was named for her rosy cheeks, and sure the 2nd lad had to be Jim! Well truth be told Dan, I brought home the birds, and then made the excellent points :whistle: But a Jenday is really cool. Yes lots of pictures for the Nursery room please!

HeatherStrella wrote: I quit a year and a half ago, and had used the lozenges. I also quite those about 4 months afterwards. Unfortunately I had some tough times earlier this year and reached for the lozenges again. I am still on them . But I had my pharmacists check and double check and there are NO side effects from long term use. None! So suck away Heather and worry about them later. The way I look at it is I could just as easily have reached for a cigarette!

OK OK... WAY too graphic... horrible thoughts coming into my head as I sit here sipping on tea! YEUCH! :sick: Thanks Dan :pinch: :pinch: :pinch:

Honestly, arent spouses just the limit? My hubby got a bit miffed over our little guys too... but as I pointed out, I'm the one that does the washing, and feeding and changing... of his grey too! He soon changed the subject :evil:

And this is Rosie and Jim!

This is Tweety pie... Obviously the yellow one! <br><br>Post edited by: siobha9, at: 2008/04/27 12:35

The only thing I can suggest is that you read the various threads on the forum about different foods to give greys (including this one). Perhaps the way you are presenting the food is the problem, if you give raw veggies, try offering cooked etc...

I have to confess that Multiple Bird Syndrome struck again in my house. But I am DEFINITELY blaming the kids. We bought a cockatiel buddy for our lonely cockatiel and fell in love with a little yellow budgie as well :whistle: Our cockatiel is called Rosie, so the new kid is called Jim! (Kids program about 2 ragdolls called Rosie and Jim). And the yellow budgie was christened Tweety. If anybody knows of a cure for this disease PLEASE let me know, before I have to move out of the house to make room for the birds!