Kibibi

lovemyGreys said it best

That's so sad I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. I can't imagine what it would be like to not hear the sounds of my Grey. I agree with FairY - you'll know when the time is right to consider getting another bird.

A wide variety of fruits, vegetables and legumes would be the ideal diet but it's sometimes difficult to give them enough variety to ensure they get all the required vitamins and minerals. This is troublesome for some Greys who don't like or won't eat a wide variety of fruits and veggies. Some of them can be picky eaters So some pellets are also a good idea to ensure they get a well balanced diet. Like Laurie said, seeds are best given as a treat because they aren't very nutritious or healthy. I don't claim to be an expert either but my Grey diet consists of about 50% pellets (Harrisons or Zupreem) and 50% fruits/veggie/legumes mix. I'll also give her a nut (almond, peanut, walnut etc) as an occasional treat.

I agree that it shouldn't be done for cosmetic reasons but an overgrown beak can lead to serious problems. Obviously the best scenario is to get him to chew more stuff Easier said than done as you know A common mistake people make is buying toys that are too large for their bird. They think it's a good idea because the toy will last longer Which is the opposite of what you really want So you may want to try smaller toys. I guess the best advice is just to try as many different sizes, textures, colors, etc etc until you find something that he likes to chew Also provide rough perches (like concrete) which will keep their talons filed down AND their beak as they wipe it on the perch. Having said all that, most people and vets use a file or Dremel tool to gently file their beaks. "Cutting" their beak like you would their talons is very dangerous and isn't recommended. They do have feelings in their beak so it's best to only file a little bit to avoid damaging the beak. If you damage the beak, it will further discourage them from chewing which will worsen the problem in the future.

Most airlines have minimum temperature requirements and will not allow animals in the cargo bay if the temperature is going to be below a specified limit. But will that be an issue in South Africa? Covering the cage is a good idea. It will help keep your bird calm(er). And leaving some of it open to allow good airflow is also a good idea. Please check back with us after your trip and share your experience with us .

Here is some more info http://www.infosuperflyway.com/articles/travelingbird.php And there are links to the major US airlines at the bottom for more information.

Hi Ak1, welcome

Kibibi does it too. She's 9yo so I don't think she's going to grow out of it She usually does it when she's hiding under the covers. I've heard two theories about it. 1) Like Patsyrat mentioned, they do feed on the ground so one theory is that it is a foraging behavior. 2) A second theory that I've also heard is that it's a nesting behavior. The scratching helps them keep their nests (hollow tree trunks) clear of debris.

:laugh: Very funny DanMcQ :laugh: But seriously, I'd be very careful about taking my bird into a pet store around other birds. The recent Petsmart quarantine is proof that it can be hazardous to your bird's health.

Hi giggles and welcome It's great that you're doing the research before getting a Grey You're off to a great start. Have you tried looking for "Nearby Members" on your profile page? Maybe there's someone in your area on the Forum that can give you some local info.

"chirps and flaps his wings" doesn't sound like abnormal behavior. He may just be trying to get some attention and he may be noticing that he's driving you crazy which is probably entertaining to him

They can have a attitude from time to time

Very cool stand giggles - Here's a link for safe/unsafe woods http://www.infosuperflyway.com/articles/woods.php

I agree with Hannah_Rae & BMustee -- they only have to hear something once if they find it interesting. It's also true that they can hear something 1000's of times and never repeat it. I think it's up to them and what they find interesting.

Here's a good website just for toy making ideas and tips. http://www.cheepparrottoysntips.com/

Just a thought .... maybe someone on this forum in your area can help you. You can check out the map on your profile and see if anyone lives near your.

That's so sad and I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. But I'm sure that you have a lot of wonderful memories of Paul that will last forever.

Look up some local bird clubs and ask them. I know there are some good bird clubs in NY and I'm sure they'll have some good recommendations for you. Here are a couple starting points. http://www.manhattanbirdclub.com/ http://www.cnycbc.org/ http://www.windycityparrot.com/page/windycityparrot/clubs

No phallus. They mate by joining their cloacas. Then they have a cigarette :laugh: Here's a good related article. http://www.birdsnways.com/wisdom/ww33eiv.htm

I would recommend that you begin harness training her at as early an age as possible. She might be still be too small to actually use a harness but you can still start by training her to allow you to touch her and place the harness around her. Teaching her at an early age to allow the harness will come in very handy as she gets older.

Great pix

Hiya Fowlgame You've certainly come to the right place to do some research on Greys and I see that everyone else has already given you some great advice. One additional suggestion that I have is to find a breeder in your area if possible. Most breeders request/require that you spend time with your Grey before deciding to take it home. This allows the breeder the opportunity to see if you will make a good home for the Grey. It also gives you the opportunity to see if the Grey's temperament is something that you can live with. I'd recommend that you and your family take the opportunity to spend time at your breeder with your potential Grey. Visiting with the Grey for two or three weekends won't tell you EVERYTHING you need to know but it will give you a better idea of what the Grey might be like. Keep us posted on whatever you decide

Thanks for the update. Glad to hear that he's healthy

Hiya and welcome Tasha. Cool name -> Gandalph

I agree with previous posters that Mattie Sue Athan, Sally Blanchard, Bobbi Brinker ( http://www.parrottalk.com/ ) and Maggie Wright ( http://www.africangreys.com/ ) are excellent authors. I also agree with Ceasarsdad that Irene Pepperburg's "The Alex Studies" is very interesting but not an easy read :blink: Here's a list of bird related books that I put together some time ago that might be of interest. http://www.infosuperflyway.com/articles/justbooks.php