Acappella

What a big, messy, job. Sorry things seem determined to go wrong. Are the birds doing the heavy equipment noises, backup beeping etc...? Do the dogs pause at the door and let you clean them off before they venture into the house, or are they destined to track some of your new dirt into your home? I'm sure it will be worth it in the end when you're not listening to a bullfrog chorus next spring! Hope things settle down soon.

As far as reading goes. reading all the 'stickies' here at greyforums is a good place to start. There's so much good info here, tried and tested by actual grey owners. For books, when I got Dorian I got a book called "The Second Hand Parrot" that I liked.

It was less a need for some quiet time and more an out and out sulk. lol The napping was what let me know how exhausting the experience was for him. I can count on one hand the number of times I've seen Dorian have a proper nap, head tucked back and all. He just never does it. Sometimes when he's sitting on my computer he'll tuck up a foot and close his eyes for a few minutes, but I never see him in full sleep mode. Poor little guy. Even though I've found good groomers that I trust, I heartily wish I didn't have to go to them, it's so hard on him. Oh well. Into each life a little rain must fall, eh?

Welcome to the forum. There's lots here to read and absorb while you wait for your new baby to be weaned.

May I revise my above comment? She's getting to be a big girl. You're doing a great job with her. lol

Well, it was that time of year. His Nibs nails and beak were a little long (I wish he could learn to chew so he could keep his beak trimmed himself), so off to the groomer we went. I cram his travel cage into the front seat of the car and we drive the half hour to see Carol. She also boards birds, so there are always lots of big and littles there for mom to play with. lol I got lots of 'Too cuddles! His eyes got huge when he saw and heard the U2 named Peaches, and when she opened up her wings and had a flap Dorian panicked and had a bit of a flight, ending up clinging to some wall mounted metal art and needing a rescue from mom. I think he remembered being there last year because this year he didn't growl or scream as much as he did the first time he was there. It was like he knew what was happening and while he wasn't happy (he did 'cry' a bit) he didn't fight or bite. She always has two people there, one to hold him in the towel, and one to do the actual trimming. He chewed the towel a lot, but otherwise he was a very good boy, and then I swooped in and rescued him. lol So I got him home and he wouldn't come out of his travel cage. He sat in there with his back to me for hours, until just before bedtime when he decided he would finally step up for me onto his play stand. Then he had a little preen and a nap, which he never does during the day, and then he stepped up and I tucked him into bed. They did a great job. He had one talon that was quite long (he never lets me trim the tip off this one like he does with most of the others) so they hit the quick on that one and it bled a little, so I imagine it was a little sore, but what an improvement as far as how flush that nail is with the floor now. I was feeling like a bad mommy looking at that nail. We had a quiet day yesterday, with him napping again, but he seems to have forgiven me today and everything is back to normal. He's a little clumsy without his needle sharp talon tips but I know he'll get used to it, and get them sharpened right up lol. It always hurts my heart when I hear him in any kind of distress but I know it needed to be done and they're very good with him which is why we drive all the way there instead of going to the non-avian vet who is right here in town who does beaks and talons. I trust him with my cat Jac but not with Dorian. Lots of treats and desk time for Dorian today!

Oh my goodness he's getting to be a big boy. What a beauty. You're doing a great job with him.

This is sort of what happened with me and my Dorian. He was in a less than ideal situation, and he decided that I was his person. He would do things for me that he wouldn't do for his owners. After a few months of witnessing this, his owners decided to sell him to me. I hope Peanut's transition to your home is a smooth one. Post pictures when you can, we love pictures.

You and Miss G have now officially surpassed Dorian and I when it comes to cuddles. He will let me give him scratches when he's perched almost anywhere, but he's never stepped down onto my knee or my lap. He doesn't seem to find those places solid enough for safe perching. I'm so happy for you, and I'm so happy that Miss G has allowed her heart to open up to all these new experiences.

Glad to hear that you and GB are getting along so well. I remember clearly the thrill when enough trust has been established to get that precious step-up. Like Nancy said, just really reward both the step-up and step-down. It doesn't have to be with food all the time. Sometime just an excited voice and lots of praise works as a reward.

I can't see this picture for some reason. I love that Pat is so sweet with Kane, well, with all your fids.

Welcome to the forum. Do you have a grey, or are you thinking of getting one?

Welcome to the grey family. Sounds like you have your hands full!

Oh no, that's terrible news. I'm so sorry this is happening. If it's just the one post is there any way to just replace it with a new piece, or would you be afraid the whole thing is infested? I guess there's no way to fumigate it that would be safe for the birds?

The best way to introduce new things to a fearful grey is to start out with the new, scary, things across the room where she can see them. Let her see you handle and play with them and gradually move them closer and closer to the cage, stopping if she shows fear. You'll gradually get them near the cage, then attach them low down on the outside of the cage, moving them up slowly until it makes sense to move them inside. This is how I successfully introduced Dorian to his Boing. It took a while.

What a lovely update. Glad to hear your family is thriving. Give Inara a kiss from Dorian and I.

Welcome to you and Congo (I read that as his name. Correct me if I'm wrong.) I'm glad you come prepared with patience because you're likely going to need an abundance of it. There's no telling how much baggage your new buddy has brought with him into your home. It's amazing he's allowing any physical contact, but then again, you're in what we call the honeymoon period of a re-home so don't be surprised if there is a little regression in his behaviour in a couple of weeks or so. You might want to start a thread in the Rescue Bird Haven room where you, and we here on the forum, can keep track of his progress as he settles into his new forever home. Thank you for taking in this bird needy of a fresh start. You can always come here for support and encouragement.

I didn't want to read this post because I didn't want to read about a bird in distress. Glad it's had a happy ending.

You do need to get him a good, big, bell that he can go to war with. It's the rare grey that doesn't like to beat the snot out of a good heavy duty bell. Especially if he's been toy deprived. Welcome to you and Winston.

Very pretty birdy. Glad your training is going so well.

Wow, great work. Kane is a lucky little guy.

Our most famous mis-named member is Gilbert, or Gilly, Gil Girl.

Welcome to our grey family. Izzy is a pretty Tag.

Happy Belated Birthday to you!!!

When I get up from the desk I have to move the phone, the keyboard, the tv remote and the mouse all out of reach of Dorian or I come back to flying keys and phone and mouse on the floor. For some reason he really hates the sight of the phone and attacks it with vigour every time he gets his beak on it.