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

:woohoo: That is soooo funny! :lol: You've got to try to get that on youtube! Lisa

That's a good point Berna. I did have to grab my female ekkie that way when I had to give her some medication a few weeks ago. I gave up on the towel and figured if I got a bite, I got a bite. Didn't though. Worked like a charm!

Super sweet, aren't they :silly: . You can definitely find the Aloe Vera Juice at Walmart (it's the only place I can find it). It's in the pharmacy section. I'd definitely get it. I put mine in a spray bottle and spray them after their shower. There are a lot of threads about this great stuff too. You might have to go to a natural/health food store to find the Red Palm Oil. Or you can get it online (Judy gets hers at www.swansonvitamins.com). It's thick and "solid", not like what you'd expect from something called oil. It seems more like "Red Palm Butter" :laugh: I only asked about the showers because if they're too frequent they can dry the skin out, but that's definitely not the case with Charlie. It took my Grey a long time to get used to showers. I continued to take her in the shower with me (i have a shower perch for her). I turn the hand-held shower to a lighter spray and I aimed it up and over her, not directly on her at first. I started with room temp water, then went a little warmer than room temp, and then finally found that she actually likes it quite a bit cooler than I would have thought. Well, she doesn't "like" it, but she tolerates it more. She is actually getting to the point where she will sit long enough for it to penetrate down into the skin on her back, not under her wings yet though but I keep trying. She lets me spray it right on her from different angles to get under the feathers better. She even grabs a few drinks from it every once in awhile now. I hope you find these things help Charlie. I'm sure others will join in with suggestions as well! Lisa

Ooh, and I forgot...get him on the best, most varied diet possibly as early as he's able. Lots of fresh veggies, etc. Keep trying new foods even if he doesn't dig them at first. Changing to a better diet later in their life takes a L-O-N-G time...I'm only half-way there. Lisa

Honestly, the best advice I ever got is very simple (in words...less so in practice). Decide what behaviors you do and do not want and be 100% consistent with rewarding the ones you do and either ignoring the ones you don't or distracting from them in such a way that it's not inadvertently a reward. (By the way, this works with kids, husbands and in-laws, too! :laugh: Other than that, the things that can help him be a good birdie citizen is to socialize him early and often to a variety of people/places (safe of course) and situations. Don't give more attention at the beginning than you think you'll be able to continue (this one's REALLY hard!!). Teach him how to play with toys and entertain himself (foraging opportunities, a variety of toys/shredding material) for times when you can't be directly with him. Mine were all adults when I got them so I'm having to start from scratch with some of these things (like playing with toys...who knew?). Last, but certainly not least...enjoy your parrot for the parrot he is. Don't expect him to be like a dog or a cat or any other type of domesticated animal. Rejoice in his parrotness! :woohoo: You're asking really great questions ahead of time. You'll be a great Grey parront! Lisa

Many greys have a definite favorite, and for yours it sounds like that's your mom. I don't know if any way to change that but there are a couple things you can try that could make your life with him a little easier (other than kicking your mom out of the house :-)). 1) You should be the one to give him his favorite treats. Never your mom. Each time you approach him you can give him a little something so that he relates you to something he enjoys. 2) Once he steps up, hold your hand so that your elbow is down by your side and your hand is up (in about a 45 degree angle if you can picture what I'm trying to say). That way, he would have to bend down really far to bite your arm and your hand will be at a slight angle which makes them work a little harder also (not hard, just different). If he bends down to bite your hand by his feet (the only place he should be able to reach in this position), tilt your hand slightly forward, not enough for him to fall but just enough for him to have to lean back to keep his balance. Just a slight change in the position should work, nothing drastic. Might help save you some bites. Another way is to make a tight fist (not clenching and tense, just to tighten the skin) with your arm still down and have him step onto the back of your hand. if you're holding your hand so that your skin is tight, it is more difficult for them to find skin to grab and bite. It certainly keeps the fingernails away from reach. You say he does step up but gets bored easily. What do you do with him when you are holding him. How long is it until he gets "bored"? In my experience with my three, they each have difference tolerance levels for the amount and type of direct holding they want (for instance, my CAG only wants head/neck skritches, one of my others will sit on your arm/shoulder as long as you'll let him but doesn't want to be touched at all, and the other would rather sit by us but not directly on us and also doesn't want to be touched at all). At 2-3 years old Finlay might be coming out of his cuddly baby stage and so that's why you're seeing this more lately. He might be getting into that "teenager" stage where he's becoming more independent and stubborn and maybe even hormonal...but others with youngsters can speak to that much better than I can. Just a thought though due to his age. I'm sure you'll get some more good ideas. I do think his age has something to do with it and maybe some of the ideas I gave can at least help you manage through it. Lisa

I think it's good that he's spunky enough to be pissed off at the vet! :-) Poor thing. I hope he recovers quickly for his sake and yours Marguerite! Lisa

To make it more weather-tolerant, you could make the frame out of PVC pipe. It's relatively inexpensive and very easy to work with. You would probably have to use ties to keep the mesh on though which may not be as pretty to look at. Just another idea I thought I'd toss out. I'm considering doing the same so we can have ours outside with us in the warmer weather. Lisa

I have boarded mine as a nearby parrot supply store (they don't sell birds) that gets vet health certs from anyone who boards there. Mine use the cages already at the place (they're 36"x24", so decent size. I bring all my perches and toys from home so even though they're in a different cage, they have some familiar things surrounding them. They get a lot of interaction through the day there and I have never had any problems with them when we bring them home. I agree with taking them overnight or for a short weekend before then if you can. I think it's better to do it now while they're young. Then in the future it will be a familiar place and they'll likely adapt easily. Lisa

I always give mine a little space and time in their cage (doors open so if they choose they can comeout) when we come back from the vet. Sometimes they're fine right away, sometimes they want more TLC from me and sometimes they want to just sit and sulk for awhile. Any behavior after a vet visit should just be observed as you might get a good indication of what makes him feel comfortable. In this case it's being in his cage and I think that's just fine. As to the question of talking, I think it's just like kids. Some are really early, some are around 1, some are later, and some really never do much. It's very individual. I have a male ekkie known for also being good talkers and he hasn't spoken a word (in English, at least) in 11 years. He's my best little cuddlebird though and has the cutest little "coos" ever. Lisa