LisaM

I haven't been here awhile and forgot how to post pics...let's see if this works...

I also use Oxyfresh...I love it! It dissolves everything quickly and makes it easy to wipe up. I have acrylic cages and it also doesn't leave any streaks. I put about 10 sheets of newspaper on the bottom and then pull one sheet out every day. I wash the cages themselves once/week. P.S. I use Oxyfresh as my general cleaner all over my home...counters, floors, everything. Lisa

I think mine all enjoy having the company of other parrots in the house, but none of them get along as far as being able to be on the same playstand, etc. My ekkies are MUCH louder than my CAG, but it may be because there are two of them. My CAG is actually very quiet for the most part (she is a parrot after all, so some screeching and smoke-detector imitations are to be expected! :-)). All three cages are in one large room with two large aquariums and the kid's computer desk (the room formerly known as our "living room"). When we're home, however, they're usually out of their cages and hanging out on their playstands (they each have their own). All three have very different temperaments and personalities...so they fit in well with us! :-)

I had my male SI Ekkie first (he's 11 and I have had him for 3 years). I got him at the same time (from the same home) as my CAG. He does barb some of his secondary flight feathers, but only on one side (of each feather, but on both sides of his body). About a year and a half ago, we added a female SI Ekkie to the family (now approx. 5 years old). They contact call often throughout the day, and definitely whenever one is in a different room (and loudly, too!). They cannot, however, be on the same playstand or in the shower together without fighting (not really agressive, but enough to keep an eye on for sure). If she for some reason flies to the floor, he will fly down and start chasing her around and will pick a fight if he gets close enough to her...but she is a better flier so she gets away easily). Both are fantastic birds for us and will go to anyone. They both play the "blinking game" with us humans, but show no actual affection or liking towards eachother. We're fine with this arrangement because we aren't looking to breed them, just wanted to provide a good home for adult birds that needed one. The noise level and hormonal behavior have both increased greatly since she has been here, but that's not too unexpected. He continues to barb, but it has been a consistent level since we've had him (hasn't gotten better or worse). I think it will be hard to say whether having her in the home will help the barbing, and also whether they will be "friends". It seems about 50/50 from the stories I read in that some people have the birds take to each other great and some, like ours, just don't...but maybe someday they will, who knows. I'll PM you a great ekkie message board I have frequented as you can maybe get some more answers there as well. It's not nearly as popular and busy as this one, but the moderator is very knowledgeable and responds pretty quickly. Good luck and keep us posted on how the two are doing! Lisa

Great job Gina. I can't imagine how difficult those situations are and you're exposed to many of them (and will be in the future). I just cannot comprehend how someone who clearly does not and cannot care for the animals in their care will not give them up. It must be some sort of mental illness, just to varying degrees. I'm so glad you got him out of that environment and that the damage done will not have harmed him in the long run (the plucking, the CIGARETTE SMOKE...UGH!!!...). These pictures and stories always bring tears to my eyes and make me go over and give all my feathered kids big treates, kisses, skritches, etc. Thank you Gina and to everyone else out there who is able to help these birds. I feel so fortunate that all three of my birds came from homes that were not neglectful/abusive. I hope to someday be able to help a bird like this but I have a lot more to learn (and with three I'm currently at my max capacity). Warmest regards, Lisa

Hi Deanna - yes, the feeders are 4" endcaps. The only glue I used on this entire thing was to glue little 1" pieces on the underside of the endcaps so that they would sit in a 1 1/2" tube (for stability. I let them air out for over a week in the garage before bringing them into the house. I also didn't bother cleaning off the stamping/printing as it was only on the legs of the stand (where my birds won't go) and I figured the stuff you use to remove it was pretty strong. The pieces themselves fit together very tightly. In fact, it was very difficult to take this apart when I wanted to. It was very stable even without the glue. An alternative to vetwrap is using a small safe rope and wrapping it around. I always meant to do that but never did.

OMG that is SOOO funny. Yeah, I can see him strutting around like he's "all that". :laugh: :lol: :laugh:

Continuing the training will help that. Up to this point, you have left it completely up to him whether he wants to step up or not. In some cases, this is doesn't seem to be a big deal. There are times, however, when you will need him to step up (at the vet, going to bed, etc...). What I have tried to do is read the body language before even going for a "step up". I can tell if my parrots are just wanting to hang out in their cage and instead of battling it or telling them to step up and get bitten or walking away when they don't, I don't even try. I want to only go in with it when I feel there is a good chance of success. That way, they don't learn that it's an option, but it's not "forcing" them. That said, if they're on their playstand and they need to go to bed and don't want to step up, I do "make" them (gently, of course) by pushing up into their tummy so they lose their balance a little. Then they step up. I have never walked away after an unsuccessful step-up as I think that would reinforce that it's an option for them. Also, try reinforce the step-ups with a little of his favorite treat. Not every time, but fairly often. And really make a big deal out of it when he does it "Oh, GOOD BOY...what a good Paco...etc..." everytime he does it. He needs to associate stepping up with good things! Good luck! I hope this helps a bit. Lisa

Kyle - From what you have been saying, I think you would provide a fine home for a Grey (probably better than many out there). Yeah, maybe you should look into whether a CAG or a TAG would fit more for you (based on the generalities, that is). I think you would do fine with either though. Baby vs. older bird...you can find older birds that don't have a lot of baggage, but it takes a lot of patience and the willingness to turn down some along the way that you might want to "rescue". If you want a baby, I would find yourself a really good breeder. One who asks you just as many questions as you ask them is a good indication that they are like Dave and care about the babies they are bringing into the world. Thankfully I have come across some breeders who are absolutely wonderful and won't sell a bird to someone who hasn't come to the "social Sundays" to learn about handling and to help socialize all the babies, including yours. They are out there. One thing I would add though...even if your family is home almost all the time, I would work to ensure your Grey can entertain himself/play/forage on his own. That will just help make for a happier bird down the road when you are out of your family home and starting a family of your own. It sounds like you have a good support system around and if you get one (whenever that is, now or later), you will ALWAYS have US at greyforums! :-) We all do our very best for our birds, yet we all have different strategies in dealing with all sorts of topics. If you read through enough threads, you will figure out what makes sense and will work for you and what won't. None of us claim we are perfect and do everything perfectly. Most of us are still learning as we go along as well. The final decision can only be made by you. I think you'll do fine either way. Keep us posted on your decision making process. There is much to learn almost every day here. Lots of FUN too! Lisa

GREYT video Dan! Dayo is clearly having a blast!

Yes, that's very good. I just meant to give a large variety of things (which it sounds like you do). My birds came to me only eating some seeds and a couple other things. It's been a long road to get them to eat a better diet. Lisa

danmcq wrote: Ahem...yeah, right Dan. I think there are a few folks on here that could use an intervention. You guys are ALWAYS on here (thankfully as you help so many people through your kind words and helpful information here!). This was hilarious though. My hubby and kids play WoW so of course I had to send this to him! he he he...

chimaysmommy wrote: I'm sorry, but I chucked at this statement because if anything, I feel out of control quote often with my birds. There's always something more to learn or do better or a new situation to address or behavior to assess. The good news is that this forum is the absolute best place to bounce ideas off and get a variety of opinions/suggestions (as you've been doing). (For medical issues always consult an avian vet though!) You probably have learned a lot more than you realize and are very well-prepared to bring this little feathered baby into your lives. Spend this time making toys or even making up a batch of birdie mash/bread/muffins to put in the freezer for when he arrives. Your nervousness will pass, but is very understandable. Parrots are a big responsibility and a lot of work, but they are SOOOOOO worth every penny, every minute, every tear (yep, there may be some of those along the way). You're life will never be the same! Though I did a ton of research prior to bringing our birds home, I completely underestimated the bond and connection you can have with a parrot. Completely. It's so much better than I ever would have believed. Lisa

darth_mint wrote: That in itself would be a miracle around here. The second I pick up a pencil with Kenya around she grabs it and throws it on the floor. She has something seriously against pencils/pens I guess! Keep us posted on your progress. It is interesting to think that he applied the word book in a broader scope than the items he was previously shown. Best of luck with this... Lisa

RoadSpawn wrote: Not soon enough for us! :-):laugh: Congrats. Can't wait to see them. Are you going to have your baby DNA sexed? Sounds like Day 1 went really well! I'm very happy for you. Lisa