chezron

I am so happy she has found a good home!

This evening I was sitting and customarily watching Wheel of Fortune as I do most nights, and I have Brutus in my lap. He was getting his usual major head scratching, although, he was getting a longer time then normal. This is ALWAYS a silent affair accompanied by closed eyes and looks of complete contentment. Tonight, though, was different. At one point he says, "You're the best." Now, does he KNOW what that means? Because it sure seems like he does. I just about fell out of the chair!

I am glad she is feeling better.

I sure wouldn't even consider amputation! It seems to me that animals and humans make the best of physical abnormalities by using them to their advantage in some way. I would definitely see if it is possible to have a surgery that would allow normal function.

I hope Kito recovers soon. Sounds like you are doing everything possible to help her out. Good Mom!

I am so sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine how horrible this is for you. If you do get a necropsy-and I think it would help your peace of mind-please let us know the results.

Your grey does sound amazing! Check out this very interesting article on bird brain structure and function- http://www.dana.org/news/cerebrum/detail.aspx?id=798

Looks like Zak has great life with you! Welcome.

Welcome to the forum! It is a great resource.

I think Bodhi is a fantastic name for a grey! It means something roughly translated as, "enlightenment." It does sound like you have one smart cookie! I wouldn't worry about her learning to talk because it sounds like she is on her way already. I bet your next post will be about what words Bodhi is saying.

Check out bird trainer Barbara. She solves this problem with positive reinforcement when the bird is making more desirable sounds. http://www.goodbirdinc.com/

Do you ever hear thrashing in her cage while it is covered? If so, she may be having seizures caused by low calcium levels. If the weather allows- one of those 65 degree Pennsylvania days- take her outside in a travel cage. Regular sunlight, 15 minutes most days, cured my bird by allowing him to make Vitamin D which is necessary to keep calcium levels up. No more seizures, broken feathers, or picked feathers since Brutus started getting regular sunlight, and the vet says his calcium levels are now optimal. Artificial full-spectrum lights can also be used, but the real thing is best. You must actually take the bird outside as windows prohibit the correct wavelengths from reaching the bird.

Is he food motivated or toy motivated? An idea is to load up a portable cage with either enticing toys or foods, or both, and maybe he will climb into the cage. Just a thought. A combination of regular trips outside for sun exposure, and weekly baths corrected my grey's early feather-picking problem. The sunlight, 15 minutes most days, really seemed to improve his mood and anxiety level. The vet said it is because sunlight allows them to make Vitamin D which is a mood hormone as well as a vitamin. Weird but true! Good luck!

So cute! Did you make it? Will he stay on it when you pull it?

Sounds like you have a sweet and considerate bird. Has he been to the vet? A visit to the vet may allay some of your concerns. I am so happy about your new family member. I think he is going to be a great addition!

Good luck with your search. I think if it were me in your situation, I would require a visit to the vet before buying the bird, or make the sale contingent on a clean bill of health. It is peculiar that the bird won't fly. Will he allow you to touch his wings? I would seriously find out about his background from the pet store. I mean, they obtained the bird from somewhere or someone, and must have SOME idea about the bird's history. If not, could it be stolen? Just a thought.

Hi Bonnie, My grey also hates baths. The only way we can get him properly wet is to entice him into his travel cage, and shower him in the cage. It sounds kind of mean, but he actually kind of likes it now. We have a flexible and detachable shower head, and I try to keep the shower stream off his face. Since he has been getting regular showers, and regular sunlight, he has had no feather-picking problems.

The vinegar solution followed by some days in the sunlight will kill just about anything. Be careful with antibacterial soaps as they foster resistant bacteria. Good pure soap like Bronner's does as good a job of removing bacteria without the threat of resistance.

Congratulations on your baby boy!

SOOOO adorable!

Welcome. I enjoyed your blog about Pluma. This is a great group if you have questions.

AWWWW! How sweet! Love your bird! Thanks for the video and keep'em coming.

Are they both babies? Cute!

Steal him and put a stuffed animal in his place. I bet they would never notice.

Welcome! Thanks for the beautiful pictures. Polly Anna is a pretty girl! Lots of helpful folks are here if you have any questions.