Acappella

I've never dealt with a baby so I don't know how much I can help. It may be that Obi is just natually more cautious than some other member's birds. I got Dorian in late September after he'd been cage bound for most of the first five years of his life. He is very cautios by nature. It's taken soooo much patience, and he's still very fond of his cage, but I leave the door open and he spends a great deal of time climbing around it. I've slowly added a couple of exterior perches and his world is getting larger every day. Have you asked the breeder for advice on how she handled Obi, maybe specific tips on how she got Obi to step-up, onto a hand or a perch, even on how she vocally prompted him. With food, I know if Dorian sees me eating something first he's more inclined to try it, and he doesn't like food to be cold. I don't know it that's true of all greys, but it is with him. Good luck with Obi. It's so worth it!

Obi's curiosity will probably get the better of him. They all have their own personalities. Some roll with the changes, some need more time to look around and decide they're safe. Keep spending time by the cage and talking to him, offer treats and make being outside of the cage look like fun. Something that works a charm with Dorian; I sit on the floor by his cage and open my mail. He can't resist the sound of me ripping open the envelopes, and before I know it, I have company on the floor beside me!

I wish I had a camera so I could film him doing it and post it. His regular breathing is always effortless/imperceptable. He only does this panting thing when he's really excited about something, like a treat, or when I'm really praising the heck out of him.

Congrats on getting your new baby home. Have fun getting to know each other!

Does this only happen when you are in the room at the same time as the kids are interacting with him? Could he have picked you as 'his' and be saying to the kids, "no, I don't want you I want mom" If you think this is a possiblilty don't let him succeed in driving away the kids and bringing you to him. Even if it is to scold he may think he's winning because the kids leave and you come to him. Maybe if the kids just say 'no bite' and then everyone, including you, leaves the room for a few minutes he'll learn that biting means the whole flock leaves him and his behaviour might change.

You know how the site says 'there's always one'? Dorian's previous bowls 'locked' when you turned them into the holder; he figured out how to turn the dish until it unlocked, then tossed it! Silly bird doesn't know what to do with foot toys, but figured out a bird proof dish.

There's a bunch of info in the food forum, lots of members with picky eaters and what they've tried. You're right to be concerned. My vet told me that sunflower seeds are the McDonalds of bird food! If you navigate around this site you'll find lots of great information.

Sometimes when Dorian is excited or happy about something he bobs his head up and down and pants/hyperventilates, usually to the count of 4,like a dog panting really quickly. I tried to search for info on what this behaviour means and I read on some posts here that could be the sign of a breathing problem, which freaked me out for a minute, but I swear he only does it when he's really happy! Do all greys do this behaviour and I just haven't read about it?

I got my bottle in a health food store, so it's worth a look.

I second Dave on the bell. Dorian isn't big on playing with toys, but he and his bell do battle a couple of times a day. He also uses it for communication, like in the mornings when he hears me up but I haven't gone in to him yet he rings it gently, at least at first! Make sure you get one that is bird safe and meant for a bird the size of a grey. It will have the clanger in the bell secure so that your bird can't get to it and possibly detach it.

He is sooooo precious!

Great response Dave, karma. Well cared for greys generally won't scream as a behaviour problem, but they will repeat sounds they find interesting, often ones you might not want to hear over and over again. Dorian heard a (female) scream on TV a couple of times, and it was his favorite sound for a few days. So you have to learn how to handle that and not reinforce it when it happens. If you're going to a great breeder you should be able to visit the clutch. Many members here found their bird when it chose them. Have fun researching!

You're one of the reasons I try to log onto the site every day. You've been a great source of information and support for me as I learn how to make Dorian healthy and happy. You're doing a good thing here. Congrats!!!

One picture didn't post, but you get the idea.

I have this cage and stand I inherited with Dorian. It's actually from a retail display meant to hold 2 cages. I have the cage on the bottom because I don't feel it's stable enough on the top. There are a couple pictures attached. Here are my questions. 1. Is this cage large enough for a sleep cage, or to take Dorian out with me now and then this summer while I garden? It's 17 1/2" x 17 1/2 " x 28"H 2. The metal bars of the stand have a few chipped spots. I cleaned it off well. Could I spray paint it with pet safe metal paint (this spring when it warms up), or I thought I could wrap the bars with sisal rope. Then would it be safe for Dorian to climb on it? 3. Dorian doesn't have a play gym. Could I make the upper part of the stand into a gym by wrapping it and adding ladders & stuff (here's where I need the creative help.) Thanks in advance for your input!

I've had very good luck with this dish which my friend at the pet store found after Dorian discovered the water dumping game. I've watched him try to get it undone and no success 6 months in. I don't know what it's called though, or where it came from. Anyone know the manufacturer/supplier?

Talon, that's a great idea. Something for me and Dorian to work towards!

The only idea I have is can you hold piece of paper or cardboard under her until she does the deed, then maybe transition into doing it over a trash can. Then again, that won't work if she's hanging onto the cage wall. Is she 'flinging' towards the same area every morning? I have heavy clear plastic vinyl around and under Dorian's cage which makes clean-up easy. Just air it out before you introduce it because it throws off wicked fumes when it's new. Hope you find a way to curb this behaviour!

Yeah Spence, don't ever feel stupid about observing changes in your baby that might mean illness. Greys hide being ill so well you were right to act fast when you saw something. It's good to know there's another grey soul out there that has found such a great home!

Your pictures made me laugh out loud, which I sorely needed. Thanks and karma to you and nikko!

Dorian also discovered that he could spin his stainless dish until he unlocked it from the holder, and nothing could discourage him from doing it. My friend at the pet store found this dish, and he's had it for a few months. He hasn't ever been able to dislodge it, and I've watched him try over and over again! Now I use his old water dish for treats. He doesn't fling it until it's empty!

Dorian's bad with new food, but if I sit beside his cage and he sees me eating he's becoming curious enough to at least beak test something new before rejecting it, and sometimes he eats it! It's also a good social activity, makes your bird feel more like part of a flock to eat together. I know what it's like to dread a vet visit. I actually wimped out and had one do a house call, but your bird does need to be checked because it's sounds like it has been very neglected. Patience is the key. It's so worth it. Good luck!

I don't know if the eye has anything to do with lack of sleep, but it sounds like he's not getting enough sleep time in the dark and quiet. They can get cranky, like an over-tired child. Finding a way to get him a better sleep routine might make him more open to training, toys, hands . . .

Dorian is still recovering from a bad clip about 8 months ago, before I got him. He was clipped very unevenly. When the vet saw him a couple of weeks ago he evened out what he could and left the feathers on one side that are about ready to molt out. When they do he should at least be balanced. Physically, that is. Mentally, I think he's always going to be a goofball!

Dorian's favourite 'toy' is his bell, it's the one thing I never take out of his cage. Lately at night he's been 'attacking' it, like the pictures a little while ago of Dayo hanging upside down and screaming at a hanging toy. He hits it so hard it swings back and hits him in the head (even though I keep telling him that's what will happen lol). His twist on this game? Instead of screaming at it, he says 'hello, hello,' over and over again in every variation of voice and tone in his repertoire! Very entertaining if you're watching or listening. Now I'm waiting for him to start saying 'kill the bell, kill the bell!!!', because that's what I say when he's in full swing. Who needs tv anymore???