chezron

How old is she? She may be discovering that she has choices now. Don't worry, just be clever. Meaning that, make the choice you want her to make something she "chooses."

How sweet Gracie's story is for us. What is it about a bomb dropping? They all do it. Where do they learn it?

That picture of Noodle cracks me up! He looks so defiant. Good luck with the move. I know nothing that can help you. i hope it goes smoothly.

Yeah Solomon! Congratulations on this level of trust.

I am so glad your bird really enjoyed the box, and I am glad we found it, it could be potentially harmful. A learning experience for all of us. Thanks.

I really think greys have a sense of humor. How old is Biscotti and how did you find him?

Your Biscotti is SO funny! What a little comedian. What a treat to listen to him.

Don't take it personally they live in the moment. i am so glad Gracie is okay! Wow, that must have hurt though.

I know the beach you were on! I've been there before. Anyway, your daughter is adorable and so is your grey, although it did make me nervous that he had no harness or cage. Dan is right about that. i would hate for you to lose your sweet grey.

How old is Lucy?

Love it! Thanks for sharing.

Brutus has figured out if he asks a question he gets a response. So now the tables are turned because he is asking what I used to ask him. He says, "What's a chicken say?" and I cluck like a chicken. He thinks this is funny, so he asks the question over and over to get me to cluck. Plus, we tried to get him to sing, "I Left my Heart in San Francisco" by saying, "Hey Brutus, where's your heart?" Now he is asking me, "Where's your heart?" to get me to sing. Funny and annoying because as soon as finish my answer, he asks another question.

Good job with Bravo!

Gosh you guys! Great advice! I had no idea the harm i could be causing Pancho by bringing him back to the store and to Raphael. I thought I was being nice. oops! Pancho is quite happy here, maybe not as you say,"having a love fest" but happy nonetheless. The other day was indicative of some of the trust we are building. Something strange startled Pancho and he ran up my arm for comfort. The fact that he chose me rather than run or fly away was, I think, symbolic of how he feels. Thanks for the advice.

That was funny! thanks!

Pancho seemed quite content at our house. He sang often, enjoyed his toys, and enjoyed his baths. Every six months or so, we take him, and the others, to the pet store where Pancho spent three years. We purposefully go when his favorite person is working. Pancho LOVES Raphael! Anyway, we went to get their nails clipped the other day. Pancho immediately saw Raphael and couldn't take his eyes off of him, until he came over. Pancho's eyes were pinning and his was tail fanning like crazy. Raphael can do anything to Pancho, scratch his head, stroke his body, etc. After we went home Pancho has been subdued and not as happy, and I feel bad for him. I wish Raphael had the time to take Pancho, but he already has a double yellow head, and he works a great deal. We can sometimes scratch Pancho's head, but more often than not, he nips at us when we aren't doing it right. At no time does he act as enthusiastic about seeing us as when he sees Raphael. We get a little eye pinning and my husband gets some tail fanning, but I feel we are cheating Pancho of a great partnership with someone who really floats his boat. What do you think? Should we try to find a better match for him? Should we work harder to engage him with the two of us?

These stories are sooo funny! I look forward to more. I mean how much more literal can you get than a police siren sound. I guess Dayo is having a real emergency!

Good job Jla! You are on the right track with Tango.

Patience, kindness, acceptance, and open-hearted love are essential to developing a good relationship. Dominance, harsh words or tone, and control will not work. This process takes a long time. I hope your house is peaceful and nurturing. These creatures are smart and sensitive, so you must be consistent with good emotions because they remember. Let your bird tell you what he is ready for and accept it. Good luck. What an exciting adventure! We are here for you on the forum.

I tried really hard to get our guy to make the R2D2 noise, but he wouldn't. He does, however, make really good laser noises! I got a recording that I play, and he mimics it identically. He uses the noise to signal excitement about his current situation. We do not have a microwave, so no other beeps. He does do several outdoor bird calls. He whistles, the Andy Griffith song, and a Woody the woodpecker impression. Fun topic!

In some cases calcium deficiency can bring about behaviors like feather plucking. In my bird's case, he was low in calcium. The vet suggested regular trips outside into the sunshine, for at least 15 minutes most days. I see you guys live in Bakersfield, so I KNOW it is sunny there. Windows block the rays needed to affect change, they actually need to be outside to get the benefits. He also suggested feeding him one cooked chicken drumstick bone a week (for the nutritious marrow- high in calcium and other good nutrients). I thought that would be a hard sell, but he LOVES them and so do my other two parrots. If you want to know the science behind it, it has to do with how the bird converts sun energy into Vitamin D which is needed for calcium assimilation. If they don't get sunlight it is difficult for them to get adequate amounts of Vitamin D and calcium. Plus, Vitamin D acts as a hormone, as well as, a vitamin. It really calms my birds down and mellows them out. I call it "birdie valium." Remember African Greys are from equatorial Africa where year-long, 12 hour-a-day sunlight is the norm, they evolved with THOSE sunny conditions and need them. Please email me if you have questions. Long story short, my bird has never plucked or barbered again and stopped within a week or so. He was barbering his feathers similar to your pictures where the feather ends are frayed or chewed. Good luck.

That is so AWESOME! My guy kisses me every chance he gets, but not my husband. Tonight Brutus actually kissed my husband first which is a new occurrence. So happy. Such a great sign for you that you are developing as a family! Neato! Keep us posted.

Take her to school. If she is in an unfamiliar situation she is more likely to try new things. I do think you should widen her circle to include more people. It is ultimately in her benefit. I know you will do what is best for Gracie and I know you care.

Hope it all works out! Please supervise closely. Stuff happens...

If you say it with energy and emphasis there is a good chance you will hear it again from your bird, and chances are it will be with unsuspecting company.