Acappella

Yep, boings are a must, right up there with bells. Be careful with the bell at the bottom of this boing. If he was investigating it he may be up to the same trouble Dorian was with the same bell. He was obsessed with getting the clapper out of the bell, and managed to break it off in pretty short order. I had to replace it with a larger more substantial bell. Bonus for me: he's still trying to break this bell and it keeps him busy. Bonus for him: the new bigger bell makes a LOT more noise.

Is his cage located where he can observe the activity in the household but feel safe, like against a wall or in a corner? The best thing you can do is let him hang out and check out his new home. Sit beside him and read to him, talk to him, let him know what is going on. Don't rush him. He'll be a happier, more confident bird if he feels he has some control over how he joins into his new flock. Just relax. African grey time is slower than ours, but you'll both get there in the end.

I would also look to see if you have a local rescue. I know the one near me offers boarding, and has also put people in your situation in contact with pet sitters who are bonded and will actually move into your home so that your bird can stay put. Not cheap, but what price can you put on peace of mind when you love your fid as much as you obviously do.

Sounds like you were on the receiving end of a little bit of temper when you had the un-mitigated nerve to deny her royal highness something she felt should be hers! If you have to block her path to something, tighten your hand into a fist, protecting your fingers, and then roll your fist in so the skin is too tight to get a bite of. If she tries, just say 'no bite' with a serious face and voice, then distract her with something she allowed to have. Teaching her 'no' now will serve you well in the years to come. Of course, you still have to let her express herself, so if she's mad, give her a toy or a bell that she can beat the stuffing out of!

Amazing job. Your place looks like a little piece of heaven for both birds and humans. Also, i can't believe how much better Oliver is looking.

Martin, thinking about you and wondering how it's going?

I can't believe I'm about to paraphrase Judge Judy (blame my father - he was addicted), but I have heard her say she'd rather live in a closet that was all hers than in a mansion with people she didn't like.

First, bless you for rescuing him. My grey Dorian was totally hand shy and cage bound when I got him. It was months before he ventured out of the cage on his own, but I never forced it. I just sat by his cage and read or watched tv, or went about my business just talking to him and telling him what was going on. At first I could only leave the door open a couple of inches. Any further and he'd start shaking, his cage was that much of a comfort zone for him. When I was standing in front of his cage I wouldn't look straight at him, as the members here told me they're hard wired to see a straight-on gaze as threatening, as in a predator (Does that make sense?) I'd also just slightly shut my eyes. That also seemed to be less threatening to him. It may work to your advantage that you have other fids that he can observe. If he sees you being affectionate with them it may help him to trust you, and you always have that grey curiousity working in your favour. Even the most abused and neglected birds here still retain that basic curiosity that is always getting the braver and more sociable birds here in trouble. lol If you can re-arrange your living space so that his cage will fit somewhere that backs onto at least one wall it would be best - two walls would be better. He's in hyper-vigilant mode right now. Knowing that no-one can sneak up on him from two sides might help him relax. Of course, if his cage is in the room where you watch tv, or stay up late at night, you might have a problem because greys, and especially your new stressed out baby, need 10-12 hours dark and quiet time. I spent more than 2 1/2 years sitting in a small chair watching a small tv instead of in my living room on the couch because that's what I needed to do to have Dorian around me during the day and getting his full nights rest. It has been worth it. Check out my formerly fearful baby on the video I posted in the Homemade Toys and Playstands room. Dorian is now my brave little boy and he has the run of the house because I allowed him to move at his own speed. We're here to cheer you on. <3

This is exactly how I feel with Dorian. His trust is so precious and his bravery is so valued because I know hard it is for him. Cyber hugs going out to you and to your brave little grey soul.

There's a good reason why there aren't any lower perches. I didn't want Dorian to be able to climb down to get a little snack!

Aw, thanks for the compliments guys. It's nice to be among people who have the 'wow that's great' reaction, instead of the 'all that for a bird? Shouldn't he be in a cage?' reaction. When I got Dorian his first Java branch I knew I wanted to make him a playstand out of it. To me it's almost sculptural, and it's also a really hard wood. It's expensive, so for a while I was a member of a branch-a-month club, until I had enough to put the stand together. The only thing I don't like about Java wood is it stinks when you drill or saw into it. Also smells a little when it gets wet, but that fades fast. Anyway, after all the help and education I've gotten here, I'm glad I could inspire some creativity. <3 from Dorian and his slave!

With the phone book, or any new toy, the way you introduce it is important, especially if you have a bird that considers anything new a potential parrot killing device. Like Nancy said, if they think it's something they shouldn't have it'll be much more attractive. I'd sit infront of the cage, (with Dorian, if I sit with my back to him it's even more effective) and 'play' with it. You know, flip through the pages, rip up some pages, split it into smaller pieces etc... al the while telling him what fun you're having. If he comes down to investigate offer him a small chunk, but if he doesn't move toward it right away, take it back and make a big deal about playing with it yourself. Do this for a while, then offer it to him again. Repeat this a few times and he might be chomping at the bit impatient to get at the thing that he was terrified of an hour ago.

Welcome to posting! You sound like you have a busy household.

There's also no such thing as a stupid question. Welcome to the forum. Those big black baby eyes get me every time.

I just wanted to give you lots of credit for sticking with this and working so hard to find a solution. So many birds get re-homed when a behaviour like this happens. You and your husband both deserve big time praise. You're great parronts. Sounds like you're on the right track. If you can intervene when you see he's beginning to even think about screaming you have a good shot at breaking the connection in his brain between him screaming and then getting what he wants, which is one-on-one time with your husband. If he starts screaming when he hears the truck, I'd try Wingy's suggestion. Just for a while, have Joe park further away, then walk to the house. That way he could be in and saying hi to your demanding little one before the scream switch get triggered. Once Sam starts screaming he's likely just like a little kid throwing a tantrum. The screaming upsets him more/the upset feelings make him scream . . . and you're all caught up in the cycle with him. Keep us updated. You can always come here to vent when he makes you feel like screaming! lol

If you have a vacuum that uses bags, buy extras!

I actually made the playstand almost a year ago, then did the video a few weeks ago, but just got around to uploading it finally. I built it in front of Dorian, and he surprised me by getting right on it. I think it also helped that he has a few java perches, so the materials looked familiar. Anyway, have a look, and try to ignore my shakey video.

Jac's nickname is 'the white steak of fear' 'cause that's all many people see, a white streak running past them to hide under a bed!

Your babies, feathered and furred, are both precious. Those baby squeaks make me wish I'd had Dorian from babyhood. Although, I never had to live through the terrible twos, so there is an upside to everything lol.

lol. It's me that has to vacate the area so he can go sleepies. If he wants to go to bed and I'm not getting the hint he'll start ringing his bell to get my attention.

Well, I'm in Ontario Canada and I got mine at http://www.parrotdiseperch.com/parrot/index.php Any good decent sized avian store should have them. Just make sure you get one sized for a grey or bigger. If you get a bell too small greys can get the clanger out, and they will try. Dorian is constantly trying to dismantle his bell

Here's a video of Dorian winding down at the end of the day. I also could have named it Narcissus the parrot. I didn't count the # of times he says he's a pretty boy, but it's a lot. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xe1NZEvIy4E&feature=youtu.be

Don't be too upset if he does pluck a little bit. I'm sure his little grey head is trying to figure out whats going on, and that might cause some anxiety plucking. Just don't react. If he truly loves getting wet you're lucky. Most greys act as though water will melt them! Take advantage and get those pin feathers good and wet to make them growing in more comfortable. Congrats on your new family member. <3

Dorian going to war with one of his favourite bells. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZV4JIeqiU8&feature=youtu.be

I swear she's smiling in these pictures. Looks like a happy fid.