Acappella

Oh my, look at those a precious big black baby eyes.

Hi JoJo, and welcome to the forum. Have you got a grey now, or are you doing research before getting one?

I know it's heartbreaking, but they still did the right thing because they got the birds out of an environment that could have made them very sick. After they get the mold problem solved maybe they can keep their ears,eyes, and hearts, open to find a bird in need that could be welcomed into their family

My thoughts are with you and your flock, whether feathered or furred.

I am glad the trial is over. I think counselling should be offered to jurors in cases like these where you've had to see and hear things nobody should have to. It's so sweet that Gracie tried to take care of you. I have Fibromyalgia and migraines. If I'm having a bad day and I need to lay down through the day for a nap, Dorian sits quietly, plays quietly, and let's me, even if it's through his normal "loud" time. There's no doubt they can pick up how we're feeling and empathize.

So, today the adventure continues. Dorian has been climbing off his cage and walking about the office, spending time under my desk shredding paper. Today I was on the phone and he walked right by me, and Right Out the Door!!! He toddled on out of the office and down the hall, turning to go into the bathroom. I follow him in and he's exploring the small room, totally laid back. I had to intervene when he seemed intent on climbing into the cats litter box, and when the cat noticed Dorian was on a walkabout I put myself between them, but otherwise I let him explore. When he walked out the bathroom door past the cat he looked right at Jac and said "Hi". Then he walked back to his room/the office. Just as he was in the door something startled him and he flew up, hovered around for a few seconds, then made a very gracefull landing on his cage. I made a big fuss about how good he did, and what a big brave boy he is, and he climbed down to an outside perch, wagged his tail, and put his head down for a long scritching session. Usually he's so nervous after a flight that he retreats right into his cage, but today he actually seemed happy and pleased with himself. He is such a different bird than the one that moved in here years ago. Sometimes I forget how far he's come, but days like thus make it clear. I'm so proud of my boy.

Wouldn't it be amazing if both our fids got up to courage and self assurance to use those wings of theirs the way they were meant to be used, not only when something scares them? Adding maching tape is Dorian's favourite way of making work for me. I really scored in a second-hand shop in the fall. I got a box of around 70 rolls of tape for $15. That will keep him busy for awhile.

Ah yes, I also have a meowing birdy. When he and Jac (the actual cat) are both caterwauling at the same time it can make me want to pull my hair out, or at least dig out the earplugs.

I'm glad Gus is ok. I have a lot of long distance affection for the little stinker!

Oh, everything is on the birds side of things. We merely inhabit their world and serve them. lol Make sure you talk to your bird, describe what you're doing and why, maybe even sit and read outloud to him. You never know what they're storing up in those little heads of theirs.

Just be sure you tend to Rascal first so she knows that you and Charlie know she is ahead of Rascal in flock status. You don't want to make her resentful of the baby by making her wait for her food, water, attention before the baby gets his.

I'll be in the same boat this spring. I'll have to hire a pet sitter to come in and take care of Dorian. I know he'll be a little ticked off when I come in the door, but it usually only lasts until we can get back into our regular routine. Your flock will be ok and once they get over the inital moodiness they may be more cuddly than usual. You try not to spend your whole time away worrying about them, OK?

I don't think I could do that with Dorian. He took 2 years to get to the point where he would perch on my hand and I can't break that trust. Today I tried a gentle up and down movement while he perched on my wrist, and he started trembling and wanted off right away. I had a heck of a time getting him back on to take him back to his cage. Sigh. All those people who poked and proded at him in his cage in the pet store and made him so afraid and distrusting of hands have a lot to answer for.

There are some things you should do if your bird is laying eggs. I've never run into this so I can't think of them all but I know one of them is to provide some extra calcium in her diet. Maybe some other members will chime in with more info.?

Just wish I could figure out how to encourage him to fly.

Yeah, I know, be careful what you wish for right? It's just I've always been so sad for him that he never fledged. This new house would be great for flying because the central room has a cathedral ceiling (without beams that he could perch on out of reach, thank goodness), and he would soon get his wind and not be so out of breath when he flies. All the windows have good screens, and I'm putting a screen door on the front door this summer. I'd love it if he could decide where he wants to hang out instead of having to rely on me. It's him calling me to come to him, or to come get him and bring him somewhere else, that earned him the nicknames 'bossy feathers' and 'demando'. I'd trade that for a self propelled fid any day.

We just had a big moment here. I'd left Dorian on my desk happily tearing up paper while I quickly went to the kitchen to get a cup of tea. All of a sudden I hear wings and when I stepped into the room Dorian was on his cage. I think he just flew on purpose!!!!!!!!!! 99% of the time he flies it's because something has startled him into flight. I mean, a successful landing alone would be a cause for celebration, but I strongly suspect this was what he wanted to do. On a couple of occasions I have suspected it was on purpose but I have no way of knowing for sure, but I can't think of anything that might have startled him badly enough in the minute I was out of sight to cause him to fly. Of course I made a BIG deal of him when I came in, and he was shaking his little tail feathers happily. If he could just get the idea that these wings-things are meant to propel him around it would be a huge thing for him. He's my brave boy today!!!!

He was 4 when I met Dorian so I don't know his first word. He does pick up partial things from the TV. I realized I watch a a lot of questionable TV when he started mumbling "viewer discretion" from the "viewer discretion is advised" warning, but he's never said the whole phrase.

It would be pretty easy to make a wall perch. Just take an existing piece of Java or manzanita and unscrew the bolted screw from the end. Then go to a hardware store and get a double ended dowel pin. It has a wood screw on both sides, not just one, the way the pin you just removed does. Make sure you get the longest one you can get. Then screw one end back into the perch and with the other end find a wall stud and screw the perch into it (that's why you need a long pin, to go through the drywall). The biggest problem with this plan is you may go through all the work and wall damage and your bird may not want anything to do with it. Not a huge fix though if you need to repair the drywall down the road. One more thought. You may want a stainless steel washer between the perch and the wall to stop your fid from chewing at the drywall.

That's an Aviator harness Nancy, to safely take his bird outside.

Awww, look at your cutie pie. It lookes likes a regular molted feather to me. If Luna had plucked a healthy feather there might be some sign of blood in the shaft. Just keep offering him a stimulating environment and a healthy diet and don't stress - they pick up on our stress very easily.

Dorian also slams his door when he's seriously cheesed off at me, like when I tell him I have to leave to shop or go to a Dr.'s appointment. It always makes me smile (after I turn my head so Dorian can't see me smirking). They're very good at communicating their moods aren't they.

Cute picture, but I have a suggestion. Be careful wearing jewellery around your baby. They have a bit of the magpie in them, and I'l hate to see you with a broken necklace or more ear piercing than you want.

Some people's birds here love watching other grey videos, some don't. My Dorian is in the 'don't play that' club. He gets very upset if he sees or hears another grey. I'm sure they perceive the birds on screen, much like a human toddler does, but not sure if it would be helpful in training. The best thing to do with a new or new-ish fid is to work on the trust relationship. When that is firmly established much can happen. I'm curious what members who have birds who don't sulk when they see or hear a grey on video will think.

They need 10-12 hours every day to stay healthy and happy. If your babys cage is in the main living space for the family that's great for the day, but at night it's less than ideal. Some members here with a similar set up to yours use a sleep cage. A small cage in a quiet room would let Breezy catch his ZZZ's, and you wouldn't have to tip toe around your house after birdy bed time.