Acappella

I wonder if he would be more receptive to a step-up after an hour in the near dark, without putting all the light back on. Make the room dark, but not completely dark. Leave the room. All this will signal the day is at an end. Then after a little while go back into the room quietly, say 'bedtime' and try getting him to step up, onto a perch if your hand is still too piercable lol. Try putting the perch (or brave arm) infront of him, and a hand behind him on his back if you can reach. I know Dorian is much more maleable after he's already half asleep. Like Jay said, even if you end up having to use a small towel on your hand behind him to guide him, it's not the end of the world. They actually like routine. If you are consistant and don't let him win, he'll soon know that bedtime is non-negotiable. Dorian used to make me chase him around his playstand and night, but he soon got the message that once the lights were low he was never going to win this particualar battle, and now he steps up with little fuss. Other than at bedtime, it sounds like he is a joy. Can't wait to hear more details about his emerging personality.

Well, sounds like your new buddy has some baggage. Right now it's important to safeguard yourselves while not breaking Fred's trust. If he gets shoulder access from the back of the chair, try making the chair inaccessible. Tie a "scary" stuffed animal onto it so that he won't land there. Try wearing something oversized around the house when he's out. That way if he does manage to get onto your shoulder you can pull the fabric down, or pull it off all together. A top with a hood would protect your ear. Make sudden movements, a sort of 'birdy detachment dance'. (You might want to lower the blinds, & make sure no one has a video camera running lol). The idea is to immediately make your shoulder an unstable, and therefore undesirable, landing spot. When he flies off praise him like heck so he thinks it was his idea Try using a perch for step-up. If you have to use your body, use your arm instead of your hand. Make a fist with your thumb inside, and bend it down so that the skin is tight across the back of your hand. It will make it hard for him to grab onto any skin. I'm really sorry for the bites you and yours have taken, but it will get better. The tough thing about dealing with such an intelligent animal is that you have to out-smart them. The good thing is that they can learn quickly if the lessons are consistent.

So, how's it going?

The pet store I worked in had a pet 'tiel and breeding budgies, and I miss both. I might one day consider getting a tiel. I love budgies but wouldn't have them here because of my cat. He doesn't really register Dorian as a bird, but budgies would be too much temptation. I don't want a situation that is either an accident waiting to happen, or something that will make Jac (kitty) feel like all he hears is "no!" Budgies can be hilarious characters, big personalities in little bodies.

Thank you for re-homing this fid. like Dan said, coming to the front of his cage could be defensive, it was with my Dorian when I first re-homed him. Take a look at the body language sticky in the training room. It will give you the broad strokes, although each bird has their unique twists on standard behaviours. I wonder if Tyson is a plucker because he's been overstimulated in his former home. Who knows, your quieter home with one on one time may be just what he needs. Just be patient and keep reading and asking questions here. <3

Right now just give him time and space to assess his new home and flock. Sit by his cage, talk to him, even read to him. Let him know what you're doing when moving around. His little grey brain is furiously trying to figure out what all the changes in his life are about. You don't want to add to the stress too much by asking him for things he's not comfortable with yet. Learn his body language so that you can tell when he might be ready for more interaction. Here's an excellent thread on body language http://www.greyforums.net/forums/showthread.php?109373-Body-language-most-frequently-seen If he does come out of his cage, try placing a perch on the outside of the cage and asking for a step-up from there. If he does step up, praise him, offer him a treat as a reward, and put him back down. The best way to build trust is to always leave him ready for more. If he learns that you respect his limits he'll be more likely to trust you. Remember, you literally have decades to interact with your new fid. Learn to think in 'grey time', and take some of the pressure off you and Isak to get everything done and experienced right away.

I with the others, I wouldn't risk it. I know you would be careful, but what about someone else. We all have occasions when others are cooking in our home and all it takes is one person who doesn't take your warnings seriously. My brother is an a** who, when over visiting my dad, refused to follow basic rules in our home regarding Dorian. I had to protect Dorian from him. He would not have hesitated to use teflon, light scented candles, spray aerosols if I had them in the house. I know that the two babies available right now are calling to you, but I'd try to wait. You'd have the time to prepare, save up a birdy fund, buy the best supplies, cage, etc... and set your house up for success. You can live here vicariously in the mean time.

I will never get a 'too because. . . ( insert link to this video ) lol. What was the cause of this birdy meltdown?

I agree with aw64, take a look in the toys and playstands room. Lots of ideas and advice there on making your own, which can be a lot less expensive. If you do want to buy, I like Java Wood because it is really durable and easy to clean. It is slippery, so for a baby I would wrap sections of it with vet wrap until baby is secure navigating it.

Another thought. Is it possible the light at night is casting a strange shadow? I'm glad this TAG found someone as experienced and caring as you, but I feel so bad for the poor baby and the family that's out there missing him. Hope he settles.

I wouldn't worry about step-up right now. To put it in perspective, Dorian was with me almost four years before he stepped up for me, longer before he would step up from inside his cage. I also wouldn't worry about taking him into school. I know your intentions are great, but kids running at break, bells ringing, school announcements on the PA, these would all be hard on most greys. They tend to be hyper-vigilant about new things, loud noises, fast movement. Your new fid must already be nervous because he's been removed from his 'flock' and plunked in a new place. If you want to make taking him into school for a sort of show and tell day for your class that's great, but I'd resign myself to it not happening this year. Of course all birds are different. If yours turns out to be one of the more resilient souls than you will be able to speed up the timetable. The important thing right now is to focus on building trust. Give him some control over his environment. The cage time while you're at school isn't necessarily a bad thing right now. Right now his cage is his safe zone. Make sure the cage is up against at least one wall so he doesn't have to guard himself from all angles. Leave him some simple foraging toys, a roll of adding machine paper, whatever type of toy he's comfortable with. Leave a tv or radio on low. I'd even turn down the phone ringer. (That's experience speaking. When Dorian first came to me the phone rang and it scared him so much he took off and flew into a wall). A little quiet time during the day to check out his new home from the safety of his cage might help him settle in. Then when you get home spend some time sitting by him, talking to him. Open his door and let him choose whether to come out or not. Don't push him to step up for you. He may do it right now out of fear and insecurity about what is happening, but that's not a good basis for a relationship long-term. If he does seem willing to step up, hold him for only a few moments and them return him to his safe zone. "Alway leave them wanting more" is a good axiom to remember. There's a good reason that patience is one of the most often used words here. If you can slow down your desires and expectations, the rewards are huge. A re-homed bird that decides to trust you and form a new flock after losing the only one he has known is a gift. After all, he's only 15 years old. Yes, he'll be more set in his ways than a baby, but he's still got decades to go in a healthy life. Try to start thinking in terms of weeks, months, years, and one day you'll look back and be amazed at the unique relationship you've established. We're here to cheer you along the road. Lots of us have walked it before you. If you want to read about one of 'our' fids journeys, check out the "Gilbert is Home" thread in the Rescue forum room. <3

I would just make it a habit to keep your bird in the cage while you are cooking. They move so fast and even vigilant members here have had close calls, some after months or years of incident free living. If you do this from day one, are consistant, and provide a treat and something to occupy him while he's in the cage, he'll quickly become used to the routine and it will be no big deal. That way everyone is safe and worry free.

A good rule of thumb is to make sure there is room for your bird to stretch his/her wings, at least one side at a time fully, when they do their birdy Tai chi. As for hanging toys and placing perches, there is an art to it that only experience can provide. I've gotten good at placing high perches so that poops do not land on lower perches or toys. Makes cleaning easier. You might want to add some perches to the outside for out of cage climbing adventures. I love perches made of Java 'Wood because it is so durable. Little hard to get the nooks and crannies of the branches clean, and boy does it stink when it's wet, but Dorian loves perching on them. For a new baby I'd do some shallow notches to roughen up the surface for easier gripping. Or wrap slippery perches with vet wrap. The blanket or towel on the bottom is a good idea until you see your baby navigating without difficulty. Same thing with perches. Keep them low and gradually raise them as baby gets better at hanging on and climbing. I second (or is it 5th) the bell thing. A big stainless bell that makes lots of noise, hung with a decent length of heavy chain for swinging on and beating up. Seems to be essential for grey life. Pick one you like the sound of. You'll be hearing it a lot! lol

Dorian hates baseball caps, always has. His previous owner had a theory that they look like huge beaks. I think it's just the grey 'Change-Bad' characteristic.

Should teach Jellybean to sing "If you can't be with the one you love, love the one you're with" lol

You're doing great. One word of caution. You describe Claire as timid and easily frightened. I would never allow a bird with that temperment onto my shoulder. Your ear and your cheek are at serious risk if something scares her. She probably wouldn't bite out of malice, but if she is startled she'll look to hang onto anything handy. Plus, you can't see her to read her body language when she is on your shoulder, and body language is the most effective way right now to read her mood. To keep her from climbing up to your shoulder keep her on your hand or wrist, and keep your hand higher than your elbow. That way she would have to climb down to your elbow. Climbing down like that goes against their instincts. As for getting her back into her cage, if it's at night get into a routine. Tell her it's time for bed, then start gradually dimming the lights in the room. Let her see you put a favourite treat in her food dish, (You may have to do some trial and error to find a treat that works for bribery). It may take some time, but she'll learn the routine and be more inclined to go back at night.

Anyone know where I can buy brain bleach?!

I bought a portable ethanol fireplace, and a couple of table top ones. The plan is if I ever lose power here for any length of time I close myself off in Dorian's room and light them all. They burn clean with no smoke and no off gassing. I'm also thinking about having a solar panel installed and hooked up to a generator, if there's $ enough when my Dad's estate is resolved.

Welcome. How long has Gracie been a part of your family?

Welcome darren. Think about starting a thread in the rescue room about Charlie. There are a lot of people here who have re-homed birds and we can be a great resourse for information. Thank you for getting Charlie out of a bad situation.

Thank you for re-homing this grey. I'm looking forward to hearing more about your journey with your new flock member.

So cute. Doesn't it feel good when they trust you enough to get that close?

Some people shouldn't even have houseplants. grrrrrrrr Poor little girl. I hope she does well in her new home.

I am so sad for you and Darby, but I commend you for doing what is in the best interest of your bird. Here's a good criteria for weeding out people. Have prospective parronts log on here and go to the rescue room to read Gilbert's journey from the start. It sounds like there are a lot of similarities between Darby right now and Gilbert when he first took over Dee's life. If they're still up for the challenge after reading the thread from beginning to end with all the frustrations, tears, and victories, they may be contenders.