Acappella

So sorry for your loss. I'm picturing her running around fully sighted chasing butterflies as we mourn your loss.((()))

Alfie shreds paper like Dorian does. In little bottom beak size pieces. Very efficient.

Dorian here. Did your mom make it back safe from that scary sounding paradise place?

Now, that might work. Or maybe just one super colourful post at the top of each room with a title like 'What Is a Stickie?' Anything that might encourage members new and old to read through them. Barring that, I've found referring people to an existing stickie in response to a new post saves some typing.

I'm so happy that GilGirl continues to expand her horizons, and I literally lol at her reaction to snow on the deck. She's just saying what we who live in the north are feeling. I'm right there with ya girl! When Dorian first started stepping up for me I started by only taking him to a chair in full view of his cage. When he stopped shaking at that I started taking him to other rooms out of sight of his cage. Like GG, he could only handle being out of sight of his safety zone for short periods of time. I got to the point where he would go anywhere in the old house with me because I became his safe place. Now that we're in a different, much smaller, house he goes anywhere with me except the basement. I have a full playstand down there for the day when he can tolerate being down there any length of time. For now he just sits there frozen, beeping his alarm sound, with a foot up in his 'take me away from this evil place' pose. The fact that he will not hang out there with me is a bit of a pain because I like to keep him close by me when I'm home, and I have stuff down there that needs to be sorted through. We'll keep working on it until he figures out there's no parrot eating machine down there lol. btw, Dorian does the demented Donald Duck as well. I think it's him mimicking the tv or radio being on in the background. It has tone and inflection, but no actual words.

I think you both did wonderfully. Maybe practice taking it off on a stuffed animal so that you're smoother the next time you do it with Chappie.

So sorry for your loss Nancy. When we bring these souls into our lives we know that the odds are good that we'll have to say goodbye one day. Let the memories of all the little moments of joy you had with your babies start to fill that hole in your heart and maybe one day it will be healed enough to let another heartbeat into your life. For now just concentrate on healing yourself and your flockmates. <3 from Dorian and me.

Yes, DNA is the only sure test. You wouldn't be the only one on here with a mis-sexed grey. That's why we have a Miss Marco and a Miss Gilbert. I'm sure there's more, I just can't think of them right now.

I'm wondering if what you're describing is just normal parrot behaviour. While Greys are considered to be one of the quietest medium to large birds, most of them have a period in the morning and at night when they run through all their loudest sounds and, if they're flighted, fly around doing what others here have described as a pterodactyl scream. In the wild the whole flock would participate in this activity. It doesn't usually last long. My advice is to join in on the fun. What you're seeing sounds like a happy healthy African Grey.

I have to admit, I skipped to the end to make sure you got him back. I can't read these stories otherwise. So glad you were reunited. Bad Bad puppy lol!!!

Welcome Grey Bird. I love the one little red factor feather at his neck. I know you have other big bird experience so you know this, but that cage is really small. Do you have plans to upgrade it after he settles in a little bit? My Dorian was totally cage bound for his first year+ with me, but at least his cage was a decent size. I know you can't make too many changes too fast.

I got bit last night. I take Dorian into the washroom with me when I shower. He really likes hanging in there. All I have to do is ask him "wanna go shower?" And up comes his little foot. He has a perch mounted on the outside of the shower glass wall, and he likes to run through his sounds and hear them echo off the walls in the small room. Well, maybe he likes it a bit too much. Lately it's been harder and harder to get him to step off the perch when I'm ready to leave the room. Even the magic of a pistachio isn't a guarantee of cooperation. Sometimes I've had to leave him alone in there in the dim light for a few minutes before he's happy to "come with mom". Well, last night all those things failed. He got very defensive of his position every time I approached him and clamped down on my hand when it was in range. Finally he bit my thumb really bad and, for the first time ever, I had to get a portable perch and step him onto that. He was in a truly ugly mood for the rest of the day. I think I have to stop taking him into the bathroom if he is going to get so aggressive about staying there. What do you guys think?

That's a beautiful pictur and update of a smarty pants little girl. Glad you're both back to the forums.

I agree, the toe search and kissing needs to be video taped.

Welcome Jessica. Are you researching to get a bird? If so, this is the best place to do it, IMHO.

Welcome to you, Grey Bird, and the rest of your flock.

Welcome to the forum. I love Chappies name.

Welcome to you and Simon. Your video makes me wish that I'd had Dorian as a baby. Simon's already a skilled flyer.

He/she is a very pretty light grey, but within the variations for a CAG. Is she in a pet store? Is she going to become yours?

I agree that for newbies most of the most important info is already here in the stickies at the top of each room. Better to rely on that information initially than look to specific members, although I know there have been times when we refer people to Dave. If people really take the time to read that existing information they'll have a good running start in knowing how to bring a grey into their lives.

Have a happy day Phoenix. Make sure you're spoiled well.

I hope that this change will help Issac stop plucking, but please don't beat yourself up. If I had a bird that would allow that kind of contact I'd be very hard pressed not to give in to tons of cuddles. So, instead of a kiss, give him an almond for me. <3

I would worry most about the Jack Russels. They have such a strong prey drive I don't think it could be trained out of them and, as others have said, it only takes seconds for a tragedy to occur.

Dorian, Dorian, Dorian, why do you hate the very sight of my phone sitting in its charger? Why do you have to first throw the phone on the floor then spend some quality time beating the crap out of the base? Why are you such a weirdo? Why, why, why?

WooHoo Bongo!