chezron

Don't worry so much. My husband has been persistent with his affections towards Brutus, and he gets treated almost the same. Larry can pick him up, cradle him like a baby, and pet him sometimes. True, he is not the chosen person, but he has a fulfilling and close relationship with Brutus, nonetheless. Brutus likes my husband more in the morning and he likes me a night. The other day Brutus even let my husband put him to bed, which is an unheard of honor in our house. Don't give up you can still get a good thing going.

Myshelf, Please let us know what happens. I am so excited for you!

Brutus used to do this with me, but I have discouraged it even though it means he has chosen me as his mate. It is sweet, but I do not want to confuse him later when he wants me to "go all the way." I tell him that's sweet, but i don't feel about you that way. He knows I love him because I constantly tell him or show him, plus i don't want him to waste a perfectly good dinner for no reason. Instead he kisses me now by touching my face with his beak which is awe-inspiring too. He has taken up the behavior with Jimpster, our Quaker, who will have nothing to do with our little Romeo. Now I see him gazing wistfully at Pancho, the Panama Amazon, and I know this will not go well. It is that time of year again folks!

Is she new to flying? My guys take off like that but they also know where to land. Maybe just a little inexperience? I'm sure it will get better in the future.

Congratulations Rosie and Lisa! You guys are on your way.

Hi Emma's Mom, She looks normal to me. But my guy was about that age when he started barbering his feathers. My vet said 15 minute trips outside in the sunshine, most days, should help and it did. He stopped destroying his feathers, and has never started back up after regular sunshine. You live in sunny Florida so you might want to give it a try. We also supplement with nutrient dense marrow found in the one cooked chicken drumstick he tears up and eats every week.

Myshelf, Sure you could! It doesn't sound like Lily would be anything other than a scruffy delight. I live in SD too. You have me and the whole forum to help.

Here is what her owner said, "Thank you so much for your suggestions. Yes, we are naturally distressed about Lily's plucking and I will try your ideas, but that is not the reason we have to give her up. We love her just as much even looking scruffy! We have other big life changes coming up very soon...retirement, reduced income, a move to a new city with a much smaller space in our home than we currently have. We love Lily, but we know that we will not be able to care for her the way she deserves. I do appreciate your concern!"

I have three already. My husband would kill me, and we would soon have babies with my little amorous Brutus.

I just found this heart-breakingly sad ad in a list I subscribe to. It sounds like the only reason they are giving her up is because she plucks. She is a very sweet bird according to the ad. I bet she just needs a better diet, more interaction, and some sunlight. She only developed the plucking when they went away for a vacation. Please help! http://bird.rescueme.org/California

I think it is because you both have blue eyes.

Even if he doesn't like chicken he might like the bones. My guys took to it very instinctually. Also, i find that my birds benefit health-wise from exposure to real sun when possible. Just 15 minutes a day when you can. It helps their mood and appearance of plumage, and who knows what all inside.

A cooked chicken drumstick bone has nutritious marrow loaded with Calcium, Phosphorus, Vitamin A and other excellent nutrition for your bird. Its a dense nutrient supplement in a food. Great stuff! BYI Is there a reason why you are worried? I also add a little organic red palm oil to their beans and grains mixture. African Greys rely on palm fruit as a large part of their diet in the wild. With all the beans, grains, veggies, and fruit, I supplement with a nice nut like a walnut which is high in good oils. I don't overdo fruit, but the more colorful it is the more phytochemicals and antioxidants it has which help with immune defense and health. Fruit is not just sugary water.

You guys look related some how. Call me crazy...

What a sweet little pink face.

Your post really makes my day. A great big "thank you" to you and Timmy. i am happy for you both. How old is Timmy?

I totally agree with you Acappella. I always try to end any interaction on a high behavioral note, so that is what gets remembered and reinforced. My husband has a tendency to perpetuate interactions beyond the time of good behavior, and he gets nailed sometimes. I tell him, "he's had enough, look at him" but sometimes he doesn't listen. I agree short and sweet to start is best. Bad behaviors decrease when they are not allowed to happen. Pay attention to body language and let it guide you as far as timing goes. Always end on a good note even if you have to manufacture it with treats.

Yeah! Jeff and Gracie. So Sweet! Congratulations, you are doing everything right.

Wow, self-manicuring African Grey. I knew they were smart but that's impressive! I wish my guy did that.

Brutus absolutely mimics my husband's voice. He says a couple of things in my voice and the contrast is remarkable. Mostly though, he speaks in "Larry." He tries really hard to sound EXACTLY like my husband and most of the time he does. I wish he would learn phrases from me, but he waits for Larry to teach him.

Congratulations! It is so amazing when they fly. My guy just bursts with pride when he lands well or executes a tight turn. He knows he's good!

So happy for you both!

Poor little sweetheart! Give her plenty of sunshine to build up her calcium levels!

It is nice to know he is comfortable enough to rage around a little. It is warm where we live and my guys are starting to demonstrate elevated testosterone with willful, domineering behaviors (especially the quaker). Just like Dan says, try to out smart the bird. Get good at reading his body language and soon you will know what he is about to do before he does it. I totally know the moment to duck when Brutus is in one of his "moods."When he is feeling cocky and ornery, I know it now. One strategy is to call him from room to room and have him fly until he is tired. The other is to know when to duck! Brutus loves to hit people in the head with his full body weight, and he weighs 500 grams. It must hurt him too, but what can I say, Mr Tough Guy. I try to avoid the impact, and save his little body the wear and tear. Also, when I am handling him, and he gets a little rambunctious with the biting, I grab his beak loosely and redirect it while saying, "kind and gentle boy." He knows what that means now and will play nicer when I get his attention. He just wants to roll around in my hands and flip upside down. What a goofball! He has never broken my skin though. Now my husband, on the other hand, ignores obvious signs of trouble in Brutus and has been nailed a couple of times.

What a cute little smarty pants! Thanks for posting Gracie. Sounds like you are on the right track with her. Yeah!