KatB

Hello, and welcome. I've learned from the 2 whole months I've been living with a Grey that consistency is the key. Oliver (my 21-month-old TAG) and I were doing fine, he was nuzzling and asking for scratches, hardly ever bit and when he did, it didn't hurt. Then we had to go to the vet and I had to be firm about putting him into his travel carrier. That was 2 weeks ago, and he hasn't forgiven me yet. Every now and then over the past couple of days he has let me scratch his head, but more often than not I'll get a bite, and if I'm not careful it's a bite that breaks the skin. So I'm back to trying to win his trust again. Sooo, to get to my point, could something have happened to annoy your Grey? Kat

I have a metal halide pendant light that I used on a reef aquarium in the past. Would that work, if I fit it with 5000 - 5800K lamps?

Matt, I just today came upon this thread and read from beginning to end. You came to this site for advice because you thought Rafikki might be getting sick, took him to the vet, went through a couple of days of speculation and waiting for the results, then the terrible news. I feel like I know you and Rafikki just from these few posts, and my heart goes out to you and your fiance for your loss. Birdmom had some wise words for you, I think. Don't act too quickly. Take some time to grieve, then consider honoring Rafikki by giving a home to a homeless African Grey. Kat

Welcome, Frank! This is a great place to get inside info on AGs. Seems like no matter what the question, somebody here has the answer. I know you'll enjoy the site as much as I do. Kat

I'm so glad you asked this question, Kaedyn. My Oliver also makes soup daily. I usually change the water when I notice it, but have often wondered whether I should leave it a while to give him a chance to eat his creation. What's the consensus? Kat

Hello, Lee, Great intro! In the IM window you were saying a couple of weeks ago your one-year-old grey started to drop his wings while making a weird moaning sound. Could it be his mating dance?

Hello, likk25. On the TAG or CAG question -- I was sure I was going to get a CAG, but when I met this little TAG I couldn't resist him. A couple of plus points to the TAG -- I'm fairly petite, and the TAG doesn't weigh as much as the CAG's I've met, making him more comfortable to carry on my hand/arm. Also, he seems a little more sociable. Although he isn't particularly friendly to anyone but me (and only to me when he feels like it and I DO have to watch for those sucker punches when he pretends he wants a head scratch but really is just luring my unsuspecting hand in for a bite), he isn't traumatized by new things and people and places the way I've heard CAG's can be. I'm new to the breed as well, so I may have formed the wrong ideas about CAGs, these are just some things I've read and heard.

Good tip. Thanks!

Except for the apples, that sounds like Oliver's tastes. The apples hit the floor as fast as I can hand them to him :pinch:

What does Josey like?

Yep, the pine nuts are a hit. He loves them -- thanks for the tip!

Pine nuts it is. Thanks!

Thanks-- I'll hit the grocery this afternoon and see what I can find. He does like grapes occasionally, but it isn't a sure-fire thing. We gave him spaghetti the other night and he seemed to like that pretty well, but neither grapes nor pasta is something I can carry in my pocket for the "good bird" reward

It sounds like various cereals are a big hit. I'm having trouble finding treats Oliver really cares for. I want some reward-type treats, but the only thing I've found so far that he never turns his beak up at is mild cheddar cheese -- which of course I don't want to over-do because of the dairy -- and fresh bananas (forget the dried fruits). I've spent so much buying nuts and treats that I think he'll love that he won't even touch -- including almonds and cashews. Does anyone know of comparatively healthy treats that he's likely to love?

Agreed. And one at a time, calmest dog first

Hi, WonderMomma -- Welcome! I vote for Juji. It sounds like a "heap of love" describes her perfectly! Kat

Thanks, Joe. Things are moving slowly, but even at that I think they're moving more quickly than I really expected. He isn't talking or even chattering yet, just an occasional "beep" like the sound a smoke detector makes when its battery is low. Sometimes he seems to like me and want my company, other times he acts almost like an un-tamed bird -- scuttling away from me as I approach as if he's afraid of me. I haven't introduced him to my dogs yet. I'm not worried about the dogs' reaction to him -- they'll do what I tell them to do -- but I'm not ready to take the chance Oliver might flail around his cage in fright and maybe hurt himself.

Yes, I think he likes it here. He just today has started exploring the outside of his cage -- from play gym, down the back, across to one side, up that, back across the top to the other side -- and he's even gone inside all on his own a few times. I have one of those long spiral rope perches attached to his play gym and hanging down the front of the cage with the bottom attached near the bottom of the door entry, and that's his favorite place to sit -- like an old man sitting on his front porch watching the street traffic go by:)

Hi, Debbie -- So far so good! Haven't seen a creepy since Saturday and I brought the cage back in Sunday afternoon. Joanne suggested there might be eggs, so I'm keeping a sharp eye out for any hatches. I'm not sure what their gestation period is, but it's been almost 4 days since I saw the last one, so I'm hoping there won't be more. Oliver is doing great! He's eating like a horse, although he doesn't seem to like veggies -- He wolfs down just about any protein, fruit and bread, though. He's learned when I say "Be nice" to duck his head for scratches -- if he's in the mood. If he isn't in the mood, I can say "Be nice" all day long and will just get a nip for my troubles! --Kat

Congrats, Jazz... You've come to the right place, the folks here are great! I'll be right beside you on that learning curve KatB

Good to know -- both the name for it and the hint to scratch it. Ollie and I will have to try that out if he's in a good mood tonight

Ha! He was on his play gym, and lemme tell you it took more than one attempt!

You know, loveMyGreys, you might just come to regret that open invitation :evil:

Hello, Shelly, Welcome! I'm new, too, but even in the short time I've been visiting the forum the members here have given me loads of info and advice. Great folks! --KatB

FairY -- So glad you asked about his name According to the previous owner, the pet store personnel had named him Pegasus (he was there til he was 15 months old) and she didn't change his name. I debated over whether he would be confused over a name change, but finally decided the goal is for him to forget his past traumas and maybe a name change will help. Not to mention, I didn't think Pegasus fit him at all. So he is now Oliver, as in Oliver Twist. My son jokes that we should teach him to fetch money and send him out into the world to collect cash for his own pellets