chezron

Thank you so much VStar Mama! Such helpful words that mean so much to me right now. I sure am a flip-flopping emotional mess right now. It WILL get better. I just have to have faith that it will.

So my husband left me for his best friend's wife. Get this, they are all living under his friend's roof because the husband either doesn't know or is ignoring what is going on. This couple used to be our next door neighbors and even attended our wedding! I am alone now and I feel so bad for my parrots because I am so sad and quiet. I am giving them attention, but I am only one person, and a depressed person at that--not so fun to be around. I wonder if they would be better off with another family?

Sorry to hear about your illness. I wish you the best, and hope you have a speedy recovery.

Sorry he is plucking. Let me share with you what worked for my bird. He started barbering his feathers when he was about a year old. My vet said to take him out into the sunlight at least 15 minutes a day. Spraying your bird with aloe and other sprays is just putting a bandaid on a larger problem. Sunshine is necessary for your bird to make vitamin D which is crucial for calcium assimilation. Sunlight plus one cooked chicken drumstick BONE a week supplies many essential vitamins and minerals in the marrow. Take a look at some of the ways a parrot utilizes sunshine: It produces strong bones, beaks, and aids in feather production. It builds the immune system. It kills germs and bacteria on the feathers and skin (and it has been recently discovered that direct sunlight kills the deadly PDD virus on surfaces.) It minimizes the chances of developing certain cancers. It reduces anxiety and depression. It enhances a bird’s vision. Natural sunlight can only be reached outside. Setting your bird’s cage by the window isn’t enough. Sure it will give them something different to look at during the day, but glass blocks out 90% of the sun’s UV rays, even screens block out 30%, so there is no gain or vitamin D production.

Thank you for posting this. My guys eat Golden Feast. Thankfully the one they eat is not on the list! whew!

Ya gotta do what ya gotta do sometimes

My Amazon is the worst! We had workers over at the house today, and they were like, "What is up with your bird?" How do you explain that????? I know it means he is happy and healthy, otherwise he wouldn't have nearly the drive he has. Between the Quaker and Amazon it gets kind of loud in here. All the panting and heaving sounds...

I am glad you're back. Do you take your bird out to socialize with other people? I would just try to get him less in a routine, and add a little variety to his life by introducing him to other people and situations in a calm way. Expand his horizons so to speak. It is really more healthy when your bird knows and trusts more people. I know you are trying.

Thanks for sharing little Emma. She is precious!

That's so sweet! I am glad Emma is getting some sunshine. Doesn't it relax your parrot? I call it "birdie valium." Such a great free gift!

My boys are obsessed with sex lately. It seems weird since it is the end of the summer. Both my Amazon and my quaker "pleasure" themselves at least twice a day. Brutus, my grey, is frequently horny but he doesn't display the obvious actions of my other two. I really have not seen this topic addressed on this forum before, and I am curious if your parrots are acting sexually or not.

I think Jake wants to go outside and water the flowers. What a thoughtful boy.

I LOVE the spring peepers! i wish they had them here in CA

Sooo funny and cute! Thanks for sharing.

Nice job Gracie!

Brutus does this A LOT! His basic state is chill and talk. Once a week or so he gets a little rambunctious, and flies around like a crazy person, but that's about it. I think I would be worried except he is very healthy.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10200415963505699&set=vb.1354368545&type=2&theater I posted a new video of Brutus. I know he is really laid back. Are your greys like this too? He is relaxed most of the time - very unlike, say... Biscotti. Are your greys hyper or chillin' like Brutus?

Sweet space for a bird. Almost as big as a New York apartment! Good job!

Thanks for the support you guys! It is amazing how many kind friends (that I didn't know I had) have appeared since this all came down. I hope to get through this and i know it will take awhile.

Soon-to-be ex is often not home as he is pilot and gone for 1-2 weeks at a time.

I am getting divorced. Brutus loves us both, but I am his favorite. I am keeping the parrots. What will happen once he no longer sees my husband? Will he be sad? I really hate to do this to Brutus. There will be no visitation since he is moving across the country. I know Brutus loves it when we are all together talking, and he will not have that anymore.

Love the story. Please post a video so we can all hear his singing voice. How fun!

Wow! I have nothing to add but my sympathies because it seems like you have a lot on your plate right now.

Hi Pearl's Owner, I know this is heartbreaking for you. Let me tell you what worked for my guy. He started barbering his feathers at about 6 months. Our vet suggested 15 minutes of sunshine a day and one cooked chicken drumstick bone a week. After a few days of trips outside he COMPLETELY STOPPED mistreating his feathers and has NEVER hurt them since! He gets his chicken bone every week and most days we wheel his cage outside for some sunshine. Please try this. "Fortunately, many of the ailments common to the African Grey, such as feather plucking and calcium deficiency, can be resolved with a few simple environmental changes, the easiest of which is the introduction of natural sunlight."

I believe what Dave says is valid. I would also like to add that I have found great mood-altering power in regular sunlight. It kind of acts like birdy valium on my guys. It really mellows them out. Just 15 minutes a day, most days is all it takes. It is worth a try since you seem pretty upset. "The Healing Power of Natural Sunlight: It is very common for birds to have a vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency that can lead to myriad health problems. Providing a sick bird with beneficial rays can lifts its mood and potentially remedy any deficiency that could have contributed to its health problems ... In sick birds, the light exposure helps in remeding any immediate need for vitamin D, as well as BOOSTING THE MOOD of a sick bird -- another important healing factor." Try it! Good luck Just to make sure: 1) Is your bird getting good nutrition aka fresh fruits and vegetables, beans and grains? Hopefully organic? No processed foods, no dyes, etc. 2) Only allow your bird to land on you if it is invited and only then 3) I think it is important to go to the vet to be sure that a health problem is not the cause