Acappella

Guess I'll buy some chamomile tea and 'fake' drink it until it looks enticing enough to demand a taste of. Oh the games we play . . .

It's just so cute. He's so happy just sitting near me. He climbs down off his cage, walks across the floor, climbs up a desk leg until he gets to the desk top, then waves one little foot in the air blindly until I put an arm out for him to grab on to, and place him on the desk. I do love the little turd.

That's something to consider. I don't care for tea in a stainless travel mug, but I've got a ceramic mug with a silicone lid around here somewhere. I only drink water or tea, and I guess I just wanted to be able to let him share with me since it makes him so happy. This is a very recent (this week) habit so it shouldn't be too hard to break. Lol

Well, my house is warm, but the same way that my cat likes to sleep under a halogen lamp, I'm sure the computer generates heats for his feets. As for bribes, the only one I have is pistachios, and I'm already using that at bedtime lol.

I need to vent to people who know greys, so bear with me for a minute. You see, Mr. Dorian has decided that my desk is his new favourite hang out. He's been having a grand old time turning last years IKEA catalogue into confetti while he hangs out on 'his' side of the desk. When he needs a break from destruction he perches on the computer mini tower that is laying on it's side underneath my monitor. He sits there beak grinding, even napping some times. Cute, right? The problem is when I have to move him off the desk back into his cage, like if I have to leave the house. He's gotten aggressively defensive about his right to be on the desk, while I am trying to inforce some rules about being there like not severing cables with his beak. Unfortunately that's involving taking a few bites from him as I take the stubborn little turd off my desk for a time out. This is after not being bit literally for years. If he keeps it up I may have to step him up onto a perch, but right now I'm just doing the sad face and voice while I ignore him for a couple of minutes. What do you guys do when it's time for a battle of wills in your home?

They want to be with their flock, which is you, above all. When he bites shake your head 'no', make a sad face and use a sad voice, turn your back on him or leave the room for a couple of minutes. He has to associate his biting with being left alone or ignored for a minute. I wouldn't let him on your shoulder if you can't trust him. Earlobes don't grow back lol. Problem is, I'm not sure how you keep a fully flighted bird from landing on your shoulder if he's used to landing there. Maybe others could chime in with ideas?

My baby boy has become obsessed with my tea mug and its contents. As soon as he sees it in my hands he heads in a dead run for it. Once he'd gotten a sip of the Earl Grey tea inside he was hooked. Now, every time I get a cuppa he demands one tiny sip, once it's cool enough of course. I don't drink it very strong. Is this safe?

Most of you know my Dorian was a re-home situation. Even though I missed all his baby 'stuff', I wouldn't change a thing. We've developed such a deep bond, even though it may have taken longer to earn his trust than it would have a baby's. I would encourage anyone who educates themselves on the matter and still feels like they have the ability to put the time into the relationship to look for a rescue or re-home. There are so many birds out there looking for a forever home and the rewards for the person doing the rescuing are huge.

Hello and welcome to the forum. Lots of great folks and great information here.

I'd also be concerned about theft. Having a grey be so visible I'd urge you to take good precautions against him/her being stolen. We don't like to think about it but it does happen.

Dorian lets me take the very very tips of some of his nails off. I still take him to get them properly trimmed because once he moved just as I clipped and I hit the quick. I had styptic on hand and he didn't sulk, but he didn't have to. I felt so guilty. I agree, if you lack confidence or experience, leave it to the pros.

Thanks guys. I went back to an older, different style mask last night and managed to get a couple hours sleep, although I woke up with a crick in my neck and a pounding headache. At least this mask didn't trigger a panic attack. Gonna try again tonight. Then at least I can go back to the Dr. with a real record of trying and what the results were. Might earn me less of an attitude.

So frustrated. I'm supposed to be using a Cpap machine at night, but every time I put it on I have a panic attack and end up ripping the mask off my face and gasping for breath. Then I get attitude from doctors because I'm not complying with instructions. I can't help it. I get totally claustrophobic. I'm on the 4th mask they've wanted me to try. I'm dreading telling them I had the same reaction to this one. Honestly, if I could do it I would. I have friends who had a dramatic improvement to their health when they started to use a Cpap and I was so excited when I was first diagnosed because I thought maybe it would make my Fibromyalgia better. Now it's just another in a huge list of frustrations. I'm in pain and exhausted all the time. Sometimes going to bed and surrendering to that exhaustion is the only relief I get. Now bedtime is being turned into just another ordeal. Grrrrr. Sorry guys, I just needed to vent and you're the unlucky recipients.

Welcome to you and Trigger. If my Dorian was on that table all that would have been in the picture would have been his red butt feathers as he tried to get into everything lol.

I agree, you can't over estimate the extent to which these little grey monsters take over. If you do it right, having a parrot affects most aspects of your life. How you vacation, how often you go out, what you eat, how you entertain in you own home, how you use your space (what kind of cookware you use, not burning candles or scented products ...) , how you value and protect your home (think grey nibbled door and window frames), and these are just the things I thought of off the top of my head. That being said, they add a lot of joy to our lives and most if not all the members here love their little grey bosses. I think the fact that you're doing the research is a great indicator of what kind of parront you would be. Still, read through the forum rooms and you'll get a good sense of what kind of trials and frustrations grey owners go through. Also, as you consider your options please consider adopting a re-homed parrot. As much fun as a baby is, as the mother of a re-home I can tell you that they add an extra rewarding aspect to adding a bird to your life. Sadly, there are lots of birds out there looking for their forever home. Of course you have to do what is best for your life and your family, I just wanted to put that thought in your head lol. Enjoy your reading and welcome to the forum.

So glad you're not one to get your feelings hurt by seeming to be rejected. My theory? She takes out her frustrations on you because you are the constant presence and the most dependable one. Sort of how we sometimes save our worst behaviour for our loved ones because we know they're not going anywhere. Re: the feather molt. Dorian had a big scare and a bad flight a few months ago and lost six feathers from one wing all at once, plus a couple tail feathers. Like Gilbert's, most of them we blood free, so they looked like they we ready to molt out soon anyway. He just looked uneven for a few months. Since he doesn't fly, at least not on purpose, it hasn't seemed to slow him down at all. Hope GG's feathers grow back soon.

A late Merry Christmas and an early Happy New Year from Dorian, Jac the kitty and me.

Kudos to you for getting that many fids in close proximity to each other to take a picture. I have trouble getting clear pictures of one bird! Belated Merry Christmas to you as well.

Hi. Just thinking about you and wondering how things are going? I know you're extremely busy. Update when you can. <3 from Dorian and I.

So sorry Pat is hurting. I'm sure you've gone throught all the possible triggers. I don't have any advice re: a Too's hormonal problems. The worst thing that's happening around here because of hormones is that I'm on the receiving end of some regurg if I don't pull away fast enough. Lol.

Soooo funny. Dorian has a temper tantrum when he sees me putting on makeup or jewellery because he knows I'm going out, but it doesn't freak him out anymore. I agree a monthly primp followed by an out-of-the-house date is called for. What are the odds of that actually happening?

C'mon guys, give poor Lisa a break. We've all gotta preen sometime!

I would try to train him to poop on command, and then take him to a place to poop every 20 minutes or so. When he's perching someplace other than on you and you see him doing the 'I'm gonna poop' butt wiggle, tell him "go poop" and then make a big fuss with a small treat when he does. It may work, it may not, but it's worth a try!

At least he's eating, the rest will come. I know it hurts the heart to see an animal scared but I also know that you and your son will give him the time and space to figure out that he's landed in a good new home. Sending thought hugs to Oli and your son.

My dear little grey monkey. I have an apology to make. I'm sorry I let you get hold of a Skittles. I agree they taste yummy. However, they're not exactly good for either of us. I've never seen you move as fast as you did when I dropped one on the floor. Thank you for not biting momma when I had to take it away from you. I promise I won't eat them again, at least not in front of you.