Acappella

Summer, wipes like that don't have a heavy fragrance, so as long as there's no chance your bird will ever beak the item you've used it on I think it should be ok. If you're unsure wipe down things with a clean damp cloth after you use them. Wash your hands of course after using them. Do Zulu's current family have papers from a DNA test, or do they just call him a him? If they got him directly from a breeder there should be some paperwork that came with him. There's soooo much info here about cleaners, toys, safe wood etc. . . Kill the time you're waiting to meet him reading and you'll be ready for your new family member. My heart breaks a little for the ones giving Zulu up, but I'm glad he's had such a loving home. It should make his adjusting to your home easier. Keep us informed.

Glad to hear the vet visit went well. I'm not sure I could have watched the feather pulling - I'm such a wimp I don't even like to watch Jac (my cat) get his shots. Now we all have to look forward to the end of all this she/he - ing:P

I think you're right to go with your gut. If I were you I'd use the $450 credit asap. I understand that life hits us all, but if they can't find the time to respond to you, even with a 'I can't talk right now but I'll call you within -- days' then you've got to worry the babies are also not getting the attention they need. Good luck with your search!

Have you tried stepping up onto your arm or a perch/dowel? Approach slowly with the perch if you decide to try it. Some birds, like my Dorian, are scared of moving sticks. He's just recently decided the broom is not out to get him:silly:

It's unusual for a grey to be a screamer, isn't it? Maybe it is his contact call. I like the idea of responding to him in a whisper. I used to lead junior choirs, and talking softly was effective when they were geting loud. I figure if it works for grades K - 4, it might work with a parrot! Let him see your mouth is moving so he knows you're speaking to him, then when he's quiet enough to hear you, make a sound that's more acceptable as a contact, maybe saying hello, something totally different sounding than his scream. If he repeats that sound let him see he's made you happy but don't get loud. You're really trying to re-set his volume control:lol: I've no idea if this will work, but we'll keep trying to help and offer suggestions until you get this solved. Hard to believe how much time we spend trying to figure out what's going on in their little grey heads :blink:

Guys, who makes the jukebox toys you mentioned? Dorian had one a couple of years ago and he totally wore it out. I'd especially like one I can change the tunes in (for my sanity as well). My friend at the pet store can order it if I can find the manufacturer/distributor first.

Glad to hear Zero is ok. It's incredible the things they can get into isn't it! David, I'd watch the zipper. Even if Shanti does't manage to mangle it, I remember a thread from at least a year ago where someone's bird got some sort of toxic metal exposure from constantly playing with the zipper on a pillow cover. Does anyone else remember this?

Dorian also has days when he is more quiet, or napping more during the day. The 'tiel we have at the store talks a lot more when he's nervous about something or someone. Is it possible Rita is talking less because she's feeling more at home? Every bird is different. Is she grinding her beak when she's sitting quietly? Karma to you for taking in an older bird.

Hi. I was just wondering how it's going with kiddy?

We're patient, we can wait . . . . . .:whistle: NOW can we see pictures????

Shady grey, eh? I like it. Sounds like an old blues tune, or an underground poker game gambler:P Welcome to the forum Shady

Until your conure learns that he doesn't have to scream for your attention, I have two words for you - Ear Plugs:P

So cute! Maybe Kelly temps could hire her as a receptionist and she could start paying for her own toys:laugh:

I think that's a good plan. You don't want to throw too much at him at once, especially until you get to know his personality and how he reacts to change. Some handle it better than others.

Mathematically, an acute angle, get it? A CUTE angle!!!!

I wouldn't worry too much about out of cage time or clipping his wings until you get the new cage and get him into it. His hesitation to go back into the cage after being out may be partly because the current cage is just too small for him to comfortably stretch and move around. Once you get the new cage, bring it into the room in pieces and let him see you put it together from a safe distance. Depending on how fearful or curious he is it may take a few hours, or a few days, for you to move it closer and closer to him. Take him out and let him investigate it but don't force him in. What works with Dorian is using a dowel or rope perch and attaching one end to the old cage and one to the new, building a bridge for him. Then I let him see me put a favourite treat and a favourite toy in the new place and let curiousity take over. Since you're not in a bird safe room yet, this will all have to be while you're around to supervise, but this way it's his decision to go in. You're doing great. One baby step at at time and soon you won't believe how far you've come.

I, and Dorian's previous owner, have always been very careful about what he hears. That being said, my brother was over at Christmas and I caught him down here saying "s**thead, say s**thead" Needless to say my 40 going-on-6 yr old brother is no longer allowed any unsupervised time with Dorian. Good luck holding in the giggles until you're out of sight and sound of Kofi:P

It's good that you can step him up in case you ever need to get to him in a hurry. Is he biting as soon as he's on your hand, or is it if you hold onto him for a couple of minutes. If he doesn't bite right away, maybe try a quick step-up, a treat, and then step him down right away before he even gets a chance to think "ok, and now I BITE":P Essentially break the habit by not giving him an opportunity. Then try holding on to him for a few seconds longer, step him down, lots of praise and excitment every time he's up and down without biting you. If he does get a bite in, step him down and quietly leave the room for a few minutes, don't answer if he calls for you (that's the part I stink at lol) He should start to put it together. No bite = praise and treat, bite means alone and no treat. It may take awhile, but patience is alway key when we're working with these guys, isn't it? P.S. Dorian loves walnuts and peanuts,so I always hold these out as treats.

Nigel, karma to you for doing your research. A grey is a big comittment, and it's one too many people make without doing this step. You can spend hours here reading about and learning from others experiences. A couple of things specific to your post. Do the fish tanks have good covers on them? With a grey around you have to make sure they are protected from landing, and possible drowning, in things like tanks and toilet bowls. If your bird is going to be by your computer a lot I can virtually guarantee that he/she is going to be facinated by your keyboard and try to pick off the keys! :ohmy: Take it from one who has had a letter or two stolen right under her nose! Are you going to cover it, but continue being busy in the same room, watching tv or using the computer. Some have birds that can sleep no matter what is going on as long as it is dark, but many greys are such flock animals (and nosy) that they have trouble settling down if there's still activity around them. A grey needs a minimum 10 hours good sleep a night, 12 is better. Without this they can develop problems like plucking, and just be plain grumpy like a sleep deprived human. Are you thinking about getting a baby, or re-homing an older grey? There are challenges and advantages to both, and lots of advice here from people either way. If you go for a baby you can learn here how to tell if you've found a good breeder as opposed to someone in it for the $, and there are lots of those. If you decide to re-home, there's lots of info here on what you need to know and do to make it easiest on both of you. Enjoy the site and getting to know about these wonderful creatures. Like anything worth while, they take some effort, but they're worth it.

Yes, please get him to a vet quickly. It sounds very much like he is ill. Let us know.

You're right, greys need baths/showers, but you may be rushing him. After all, he's had alot to deal with the past few days! A way to ease him into bathing is to take a spray bottle, put it on mist and spray above his head. I, and many others here, use 100% aloe vera juice when spraying him. You can find it in health food stores. I dilute it about 50%, some use it at full strength. Do a search here for aloe, bath or shower. I was wondering, if you put his whole cage in the bath, how big is his cage? It sounds like it may be on the small side for a grey. They need room to stretch their wings fully, and room to play and climb around. It's great that you've heard him talk a little. Sounds like you have a closet talker. It took a long time for Dorian to talk around me, and he still clams up around anybody else. Hope you and kiddy have fun getting to know each other. We'd love to see pictures of your new addition when you have a chance.

I don't know about me, but Dorian couldn't live without his bell! He swings from it, attacks it, uses it like an aristocrat calling for his servant, uses it as a launching point to attack his other favourite thing, his swing. . . Buy a good quality one and make sure you like the sound it makes. You'll be hearing it alot!

Hi Bryan. I read your blog and about you wondering if you're doing the right thing bringing a baby grey into your life at this point. I understand with your health and with the economy, it's smart of you to really think about this. Many people jump in without knowing what they're in for and the bird suffers for it. However, you've had birds in the past and know the kind of time and effort it takes to keep them happy and healthy. I have had fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition, for 12 years, since I was thirty. Money is tight, and energy is limited and I really thought about it before I brought Dorian into my life. Although there are fleeting moments of frustration (like him pooping on my head once when I'm was cleaning his cage for example:blink:) having him, and my cat, keeps me going on tough days. When I wake up in bad shape I can't stay in bed till noon because they need me to take care of them. Dorian, especially, makes me laugh every single day, even on days when I don't think I can even crack a smile. As for the expense, most here know that you can buy the most expensive toy in the world and they'll want to play with the paper towel roll or the legos you got at Goodwill! I've also noticed my diet improves with Dorian around. He wants to sample what I'm eating, so I don't eat as much junk, not because it's bad for me, but because it's bad for him:laugh: I'm sure you and your new baby will be good for each other. Now there's just the waiting and then, of course, lots of pictures for us grey addicts!

I'd like to know what other more experienced members think about freebird's suggestion to have him clipped. Ollie could have more time outside the cage, but he would be more dependent and less able to attack you. Obviously the end goal would be to have him fully flighted again, but you have to establish yourself as the boss. Have you done research on bird behavourist web sites like http://www.goodbirdinc.com/ Karma to you for your patience and love for Ollie. So many greys end up being re-homed when this type of thing happens. The fact that you're out looking for answers after 2 years of being bitten . . .Ollie's lucky to have you, even if he doesn't seem to know it right now;) oh, p.s if you do one day decide to try clipping him, make sure he doesn't associate either of you with the clip, and be sure someone who really really knows what they are doing does it, as a bad clip can lead to all sorts of trouble. Good luck with solving your problem.

Congrats on your new grey! Like others have said, let Kiddie tell you how fast he wants things to go. Don't rush him by trying to pick him up too soon. If he's letting you give him scratches you're already ahead of where I was with Dorian at this stage. Spend some time sitting by his cage talking to him, letting him observe the activity in the house from the safety of his cage. He won't start talking until he feels confident and safe so no worries if he's quiet for awhile. As for treats, whole walnuts in the shell cracked in half by me are a big hit around here!