chezron

Have you tried taking her out for some sunshine? It may sound weird, but it really calms my birds down to get regular trips outside in the sun. I notice you live in Texas, so that should be possible there. Just 15 minutes a day should do it. If you try it let me know how it goes. I wish Lillie well. Also, do you pet her before bed? Maybe if you had a little calming time before bed she might transition better. Just a thought. Feather-plucking is heart-breaking.

Sorry, I will be the only one who does not see her grey do that with his wings. My guy tends to let his wings droop when he is relaxed and they hang rather than cross. I am sure, since so many have replied affirmatively, that it is normal to see wings cross. She sure looks busy in that drawer!

I agree, do take her to the vet for a check up. Also, I suggest you let her wings grow out, so in case she is frightened she will not hurt herself when she falls. You need patience, and kindness to take your relationship to the next level. Good advice to check out the section on nutrition for greys. Please avail yourself of all the great information on this site. It is amazing! Plus, there are people with some experience here, they can answer any questions you might have. Good luck!

It's so funny that our Amazon is the only sweet one in the bunch. I got them all outside the last few days and it seems to have calmed them down a little. They do get 12 hours+ of sleep at night. As far as roles go, Jimpster is definitely the security guard, but with the other two birds! He watches Brutus (CAG) and if Brutus flies to a place he shouldn't go, Jimpster is quick to chase him off. Pretty funny at times and helpful too. Pancho, the amazon, notices everything outside, and at the door, so he is the home security guard. If someone comes to the door he calls out, "hellllllooooo" and he sounds exactly like a little girl, so hopefully we will never be burglarized. If I come home he says, "where are you?" or "Hello Pancho!" I just bought them some new toys, but only Pancho LOVES his toys. The other two hone in on me or my husband. I guess a little cage time is in order here. I am sort of glad (sorry) that i am not the only household suffering from Springtime hormones-Geez! BTW Cute picture 007! And I do think Wingy that "piss pots" is an apt description. Quakers are amazingly productive and focused on their task! You CANNOT talk them out of it. IT IS their mission in life.

Normally my three guys hang out together just fine-except in the Spring. Lately my quaker has been flying over to Pancho's (amazon) cage and charging him. Pancho doesn't know what to do because he is kind of a laid back guy and prefers peace and quiet. I usually end up putting the quaker in his cage. I hate keeping him there. What should I do? My grey is also full of hormones and has WAY more energy for mischief than normal. He bonks us on the back of the head as he goes flying by making pterodactyl noises as he goes. It sometimes seems that the quaker and the grey are POSSESSED by hormones and not recognizable as their usual selves. It a little hectic around here right now. Brutus (CAG) keeps trying to regurgitate for the quaker, and the quaker takes his advances as an assault to his personal space and fights back. These two have been at it like this for several years now, and they seem to work it out without incident. The main problem is the new found aggression that the quaker has for Pancho. The quaker (Jimpster) is trying to claim ALL three cages now. Usually, Jimpster tries to run off Brutus from his cage, but they have worked it out, so I guess the excitement is not there anymore. I am afraid if I allow Jimpster out he may get hurt by Pancho (not that I blame him) at some point. Jimpster really is a little terror right now. He still will sit nicely on my shoulder at the computer, but he has been preoccupied with flying over to Pancho's cage and acting dominant. Sometimes Pancho flies off instead of dealing with him, but I foresee a time when Jimpster could get hurt if Pancho gets tired of his antics and nails him. Pancho and Brutus are easily three times the size of Jimpster. What advice do you have for me?

I think it sounds like a nice bedtime ritual.

So fun when they learn stuff!

Competition and role modeling are great for changing behavior, particularly bad behavior. My grey always hated to go to bed, but Pancho, my Amazon goes to bed easily. After watching Pancho for awhile, Brutus goes to bed easily, as well. It worked for showers too. Sounds like a great start.

I bet this is a phase. I don't know for sure, but I bet Archimedes will get over it.

I really don't see a problem. I think you should get your bird.

I have never been bitten by my grey. True, I err to the side of safety when I observe his body language. Since he is older now he is much more trusting and I can pretty much manhandle him and not even get a hard squeeze from him. But there are definitely times when he DOES NOT want to be handled, and I respect that and abide by his wishes. Read the sections on body language because they are helpful. A grey's body language is sometimes subtle, but once you learn how to read him you will have no problems. My grey loves my husband and me. What kins2321 says is true, your grey will love more than one person if brought up that way. Socialize your new parrot, get him out to meet people, and get him accustomed to new situations to keep him flexible and not fearful. I also agree that keeping your bird flighted helps him develop more confidence, so he is less fearful. I agree with Steve that greys like to be respected, and like to feel they are contributing members of your family.

That's hilarious! They do like to be "helpful!"

So funny! I hope you post one when he is out of the cage, so we can get a good look at him.

Pancho looks out his cage unto our deck and directly out to a hummingbird feeder. The other morning he was staring out and making "concerned" noises. I thought there was a predator or something, but there wasn't. I finally noticed the feeder was almost empty. I cleaned and filled it and that seemed to satisfy Pancho, who got much calmer. Is it possible that he was caring for the hummingbirds? Really wild but it is the only thing that makes sense.

Brutus is four years old and a TOTAL cuddle muffin! He will sit in my lap, until the end of time!, getting head rubs and kisses. He really gives me no indication that his enjoyment of this activity will end.

Way to go Gilbert!

I have tried various puzzle toys and he has figured out all but one. The problem is, once he figures them out he gets bored. I like to come up with stuff on the fly, like vegetable parts or cardboard tubes with walnuts wrapped in newspaper. Puzzle toys are too expensive to have them ignored so soon. I also like the birdie pinatas, he has fun with those. Pens without ink are fun with the little clicker button. he seems to be interested in whatever i am doing, so I usually have a "sacrificial lamb" to keep him occupied while i am working. Boxes, pasta, and other stuff work for that purpose.

Exciting times! Glad it turned out okay. Good hint to wear a reflective vest and id bracelet. i ride my bike to school and work, sometimes in the dark, and this is good advice. Thanks.

He did it! Yeah Isaac. BTW, who's Pedro?

So glad you got through the biting stage! Way to go! It says a lot about your patience and kindness.

luvparrots, The link to the picture didn't work. I am glad for you and Sully.

I wish Koko a speedy recovery!

I am so sorry.

I think never allowing your bird on you head OR your shoulder is a good policy. It is just too easy for something bad to happen. Not that it will necessarily, but you never know. Who knows what made Roxie bite, but she was in a position to cause damage and she did. I am sorry you were bitten.

I am completely whipped. I just bought a stroller to take them on walks. I am certifiable...