chezron

Brutus is more of a sedate gentleman. He has a wild period in the afternoon, but most of the time he eats, gets scratches, or is sitting talking, or sitting staring off into space grinding his beak. I only hear the wild noises about once a month. He is getting hormonal and willful now so I expect to see more incidences of bravado pretty soon. I just think Greys are all so different. He is not hyper or nervous at all like I see in other greys.

I think the "pterodactyl noises" are the only true grey sound Brutus makes. I wish he made them more often because he seems to forget who he is and gets lost in being a wild African Grey, and that makes me happy.

We have an aluminum tree with two rotating colored lights aimed toward it (think 1960's). The "tree" is covered in clear blue glass balls. Brutus seems to like hanging out on the window ledge and watching the tree change colors. He has not given any indication he wants to land on it, which is a good thing. He is never scared of anything, except strange items in his food bowl, go figure...

Walnuts are a big hit at my house! SPECIAL treat when I come home. So good and so good for the birds.

I guess all I can say is "ouch"

I like her style, and I strive to follow her respectful way of dealing with my parrots. Good points in this article on how to avoid getting bit. Birds bite when they don't feel safe, not because they are inherently mean. http://goodbirdinc.blogspot.com/2012/12/respecting-bite.html?inf_contact_key=82a753d3f48795341429f4f392f974cf3675660a187854164fc74499596b7f73

Kristan, Very funny. What a hoot! Thanks for sharing.

Can't wait for the video. Please post soon. Brutus sings the first two lines in, "I Left My Heart in San Francisco", and he whistles the Andy Griffith song relentlessly.

Love your story; so adorable! I am happy for you both!

Hi Louie, What a Christmas present! Please give us as many details as you can so we can provide you with more assistance. You are embarking on a challenging and fulfilling endeavor. We have had a rehome amazon parrot for a year and a half, and I believe he is just now really settling in at our home. It takes awhile. For smarter, more sensitive parrots like greys, it takes longer. Be patient, kind, and consistent. Good luck.

You know my guy can get like that too. I try (TRY being the operative word) to give him better choices, so he doesn't become the "bad guy." I have long ago realized that my door frames will ALL be redecorated by a feathered guy with better taste than mine, and that it is useless to try to have window treatments. Plus, most of my furniture is covered in stylish comforters to keep them intact. That being said, it does seem he goes after the things you expressly don't want him to ruin - first. What i do is distract Brutus by giving him something I don't mind if he destroys. I save little boxes, packing material, and other non-toxic and exciting things for those occasions. It seems the more of a big deal you make about something the more they will be bound and determined to get it. You just have to make safer things the goal. Does that make sense? I just feel that lots of negativity, shouting, name calling, is bad for a relationship with a grey. My grey thrives on words of encouragement, pride, love, and admiration. I try to minimize condemnation and emphasize contribution and praise. I really feel you get a better relationship with your bird if they feel they are a valuable and contributing member of your family. Think "outside the box" to keep relations positive and upbeat. Make a BIG deal over desirable behaviors. They certainly DO know what you are saying. They absolutely mop up praise.

Good job pjbmom! Excited for you and Chico. Only a week- wow!

Get a really good air cleaner for your home. It will help everyone breathe better, including your bird. My friend who is allergic to birds, got one and is symptom-free. Ours is a IQ Air. It is so quiet but processes lots of air. I vote for finding out more information rather than give up your bird before being fully informed.

Several times a day, I flip Brutus on his back and kiss his stomach. Next time, I will listen to his heart beat too. Thx.

How amazing that Dayo says, "beak" instead of "nose." Wow!

Yeah Timmy! Thanks for the update. Glad everything is going so well with Timmy.

What time is it Gracie? Night night time, of course. Thanks for the video.

My parrots are allowed to fly to me only at my request. Unsolicited flights to me are rebuffed (I duck). Only little Jimpster, the quaker, who behaves himself, is allowed to sit on my shoulder. The other two must sit nearby on a chair, if at all. Brutus went through a rambunctious "bitey" phase, but he has since stopped since he realized I would toss him if he bit. Plus, if I feel he is in one of those moods, I grab his beak and kiss it to get his mind off of potential biting. You just have to be smart about everything you do, and give your bird choices that leave biting out of the equation. When Brutus used to try to land on my head, I took to wearing a puffy hat, and I would just dip my head to get him off. Do not allow him to land on your head! Your bird is testing you. Also, do not react to his loud calls. If you pay attention to them, even negatively, you are giving him the attention he wants. Perhaps you can set up a back and forth call that can be used when you are out of the room? Good luck!

Great, You are home a lot AND nearby--Perfect combination!

He is so beautiful now! Once all his feathers grow back in he will be magnificent! I love the new cage. He looks so content. So thrilled for all of you.

You may want to keep in mind that Goldfish Crackers contain GMO ingredients like Canola oil and Soybean, two of the most prevalent GMO products, both of which are extremely high in pesticide residue. GMOs are having negative health effects on lab rats (tumors and shortened life span) and on people too. Until they are proven safe they have no place in my kitchen.

Welcome to the forum Charlie, Rocky and Jared! How exciting to have a new addition. Tell us all about the pumpkin fun! This is a great resource here. Feel free to ask us anything at all.

I don't mean to upset you unnecessarily, but have you considered that he may be having a seizure? When Brutus was about a year old he started having seizures in has cage, and would be panting and startled when I found him. It sounded similar where i would hear him fall. We got his blood tested and he was deficient in calcium. Regular trips outside in the sun, and a cooked chicken drumstick bone once a week was the doctor's prescription. Since then he has never had another seizure. http://www.avianweb.com/seizures.html http://www.exoticpetvet.net/avian/seizures.html

This site is a revelation to me. http://www.birdscomefirst.com/feeding.php

I don't know if it is typical, but my birds pretty much chill until I get home. Only when I am home do they really roughhouse and eat a lot. I am not sure why. It seems kind of like they wait for me to display their more destructive sides. I think it is the comfort of the flock that allows them to be experimental or comfortable enough to eat heartily.