chezron

That is hysterical! I would love to see a picture. Post one please! Brutus likes to flip over my fingers and lay on his back, but he doesn't "sleep" that way.

This is a great forum for African Grey owners. I am a newbie too, and I have received invaluable help from so many helpful folks! Enjoy your new baby!

I now wear a hat indoors so his feet don't get tangled in my hair. Also, if I see him coming I stick out my hand and he lands on my fingers instead. The reason this whole thing started is I have another bird, a quaker, who lands on me, and Brutus, the grey, learned by example. The quaker is no problem because he is small and sits quietly on my shoulder. Brutus, on the other hand, weighs over a pound and does not sit quietly. They sometimes compete for my time and affection. I know I could lock them both in their cages, but it usually just a temporary annoyance. So Reggieroo, if you figure out an answer let me know!

I hope you get her back!

That straw toy is soo cool! I am definitely going to make one for Brutus. He loves big pasta shapes threaded on a rawhide. The toy is reloadable, but it makes a mess. He sure loves it though.

My grey can turn on the garbage disposal better than your grey.

Good luck with Mojo

Does your grey try to land on your head? How do you get him to stop?

Good luck with your situation. I hope it improves.

Brutus hates water, so I have to put him in a small cage and soak him in the cage. It seems kind of mean, but he is getting used to it, and much more tolerant of the spray. It is the only way I can get him wet. I avoid spraying his face though. Who knows, he may start to like it. According to the vet, even if they get 15-20 minutes of sun a day, it is enough. I had the same experience as Ozzy's Mom as far as positive behavioral changes. He completely stopped mistreating his feathers almost immediately.

Apparently the UVB rays, that are so important, do not penetrate glass. Also, if you like in a rural neighborhood and have hawks in the area, you might get a dog crate to put your little cage in. Also do that for back up in case you have a little escape artist-like mine... I would have lost my bird two days ago if I hadn't had him inside the other crate.

The temperature is getting hotter here and too uncomfortable to take the guys out near noon. Is it as beneficial to take them out early or late in the day when it is cooler? I want to make sure to provide them with UV for their calcium levels.

Try getting him out in sunshine at least 15 minutes a day, either before or after work. It made a big difference in my bird. He stopped mistreating his feathers right away. The vet seemed to think the feather mistreatment was due to low calcium which is direct result of not getting sun. He is much happier too. My bird is also very bonded to me and I figured it was behavioral, but I am relieved that the cure was so simple!

Adding sunshine to my bird's daily regimen has helped them immensely! They are calmer and happier with daily sunshine. My vet says it helps with hormone regulation and calcium levels from the Vitamin D activation. I don't know the science but I know it works!

I have no idea how you got the idea that this site is clique-prone? I never fail to receive valuable advice and unwavering support from its members. I hope you can find your solution. I think a new cage without hinges or using many exterior padlocks would help. Greys are smart, no doubt, but YOU are smarter, and I know you can figure something out. How about posting picture of the problematic cage? Or bring a picture to the Big Box Hardware store where you will find helpful handypeople who can assist you with solutions.

Hi Talon, That is good to know. I am glad you figured it out.

Brutus tries to eat his light, that is, WHEN he gets near enough to it to do any good. My vet suggested a higher wattage reptile light instead. Maybe this winter...

I figured out what to do and it works! After a visit to the vet we found out Brutus' calcium was low. It turns out they need sunlight to turn Vitamin D3 into D which helps with taking in calcium. Plus this process is closely tied to hormone regulation which could explain his recent nervous feather shredding. Well since the vet visit we have done two things 1) He gets put into a small cage and brought into the shower every Sunday and 2) Brutus comes outside with me into the sun for about an hour every day. We set up a dog crate outside and we put his small cage in it, so there is a good foot above and around him. Even though I sit right there with him I still worry about hawks. The good news is he is totally back to his old self- goofy and fun-loving. He has not hurt his feathers since we started taking him out, and I feel the sunlight (especially) changed his physiology! I cannot tell how happy I am for him. I am so glad he is obviously feeling better and happier!

I figured out what to do and it works! After a visit to the vet we found out Brutus' calcium was low. It turns out they need sunlight to turn Vitamin D3 into D which helps with taking in calcium. Plus this process is closely tied to hormone regulation which could explain his recent nervous feather shredding. Well since the vet visit we have done two things 1) He gets put into a small cage and brought into the shower every Sunday and 2) Brutus comes outside with me into the sun for about an hour every day. We set up a dog crate outside and we put his small cage in it, so there is a good foot above and around him. Even though I sit right there with him I still worry about hawks. The good news is he is totally back to his old self- goofy and fun-loving. He has not hurt his feathers since we started taking him out, and I feel the sunlight (especially) changed his physiology! I cannot tell how happy I am for him. I am so glad he is obviously feeling better and happier!

Thank you for the information. Brutus is just turning two and I had a suspicion... He is acting more dominant with our other bird, and showing off for me. Plus, he makes a special cooing kind of noise when he sees me that he never made before. And he is into EVERYTHING and scared of nothing! I have developed eyes on the back of my head to keep him out of harms way. Regurgitating, etc.

How old will a male CAG be when he goes through puberty? I have googled myself silly, and have been unable to find any information specific to African Greys.

I found this product called "Goldenfeast" it is a mix of dried fruit, vegetables, and hulled nuts for birds. I am worried about mycotoxins. Do I have reason for my concern?

Hi Grey lovers, Brutus will not bathe! We take him into the bathroom and he sits on the shower door, but he flies away if we try to get him wet. He seems to be shredding some feathers, and I imagine his skin is dry and irritated. One time he stepped into some water, but that is it. I am desperate to get him wet! I think I will try to put him in a smaller cage and take the whole cage into the shower. I don't know what else to do. I know he will feel better if I can get his skin wet. Thanks, Chezron

I do not let Brutus sit on my shoulder because things could go really wrong and i have little control in this position. He is used to sitting in my lap and getting scratches. He will stay calmly for as long as pet him. He loves it! I think consistency is the key. Brutus just flies away if shake him off my shoulder.

Hi all. An avian vet said this, "One cherry pit in a bird the size of a Grey should be followed up on, but chances are that a healthy bird will be able to metabolize the cyanide. The liver is a magnificent detoxifier. Still, have him checked out by your vet to be sure - mainly knowing for sure his kidney and liver function are good. What you'll want to look for is any change in balance, vomiting (as opposed to regurgitation), a change in droppings (especially the color of the urates) and anything else that you just feel is off. Trust your instincts on this. That's why I want you to stay calm and not panic - you see?" Good advice, I thought. Anyway, good news, he is fine today. Thank you for your concern.