chapala

I agree totally Dan, and that describes my grown-up Kali. He is confident and independent, and I respect that. I find my new adult male Mexican Parrotlet (given to me 7 weeks ago) likes much more hands-on attention than Kali. But Kali the wonderful Grey bird loves to watch me, have conversations, and be near me. Just not the amount of cuddling as when he was younger. Reta

You know I think mature male Greys just are not as cuddly as they were when younger. At least that's what I've heard from others, and that's been my experience with Kali. He loves to be near me, have his head scratched when he wants it, and is cooperative about being moved around, etc. But, he has changed since he's grown up, more independent I would say. Also, I don't think anyone above mentioned stick training. Very handy for your parrot to be familiar with stepping up to a perch or stick, especially at any time he might be feeling a little persnickety. Pushing an uncooperative parrot for a step-up on the hand can lead to a bite at least with some parrots, so there are times when a stick is very useful. Also works well for the husband when I'm gone! Reta

Yes I agree Laurie! Always go for the more nutritious fruits (and of course vegetables). In fruits that would be berries, papaya, mango, cantaloupe, apricot. It's best actually that parrots be fed more vegetables than fruits. Apple and grapes are not as good. Too much sugar (even natural sugar found in fruit) is not the best. Fine as part of the diet of course. So, don't forget raw leafy greens (kale, mustard, collard, bok choy, dandelion), broccoli, and lightly cooked sweet potato, carrot, or winter squash. Reta

Kali is not a blusher, though I have heard other Greys can be. We do have quite a blusher in our Military Macaw. The only time Kali's face has been red is when he's fallen while beating up a toy. That's obviously bruising, not blushing! I don't know about the full spectrum lights. Our birds get some natural daylight (outdoors) year round so have never used them. I have heard though there is new information coming out, and some of them do not provide what they claim. Reta

Yes, I would agree that no more than one grape a day is plenty. Actually, I personally would limit it to a few times a week. Think more nutritious fruits for daily consumption. Re pomegranates, I stopped giving chunks because of the incredible mess! I scrape out the pom seeds into the bowl, in the kitchen. Much neater! They can still make a bit of a mess, but not nearly as bad Reta

Sounds to me like your Grey is getting enough attention, with someone at home much of the day who talks to him and gives him treats. The one-on-one time also is important, but I think with his screaming he may be telling you one of two things. 1) he is bored just sitting there while you watch tv, and/or 2) he is up way past his bedtime. 9:30 is pretty late for a parrot, depending on what time your household wakes up. With possible boredom just sitting there (Kali is not crazy about sitting either), if you can devote some time, even 15 minutes, walking with him around the house, talking, showing him new things and toys, putting him down (with you right there) in new places, really being with him. My Kali is an active bird, and doesn't really like just sitting except when he's in the head scratching mood. Reta

I have been doing foraging for several years with Kali. He much prefers to search out the food rather than just eat from the bowl. It is fun and stimulating for them. We have these smart Grey birds, and it really helps their quality of life to make every day interesting. Cool toys, a good cage set-up, a play stand in a different part of the house, daily attention, and foraging = a happy bird. I have a lot of different foraging toys where food can be placed/hidden. Kali loves to race around the cage looking everywhere. He likes a challenge, and keeps me on my toes looking for new ways to use foraging in his cage. I also do the same when he goes out in the aviary. Those mesh-like rubber ball or sphere things are great to hang and stuff with toys or treats. Those are sold at places like PetsMart - if for birds, they have a hanging piece, if for dogs, just tie a quick link on with a piece of sisal or Paulie rope. I do use coffee filters, cupcake liners, and Dixie cone cups too. If you search on-line at good bird toy companies for foraging toys, you will find lots of possibilities. In the aviary I have a 3' piece of 2" link plastic chain hanging from a rope perch. Below it is a plastic stool, and the chain reaches within maybe 6 inches of the stool. I put a wrapped almond or walnut on the stool. Kali climbs down to get it. You can encourage your bird to utilize the whole cage by placing fun items and foraging bits in different parts, top to bottom. A tray at the bottom (out of poop range from any perches!) can be filled with smooth pebbles (large enough that they can't be swallowed), scrunched paper, various toy parts, and some hidden treats. Lots of ideas out there, and so rewarding for the birds! Reta

Grey Feather Toys, one that hasn't been mentioned, excellent for toys and toy parts. I also order from Windy City, Drs. Foster Smith, Bird.com, Feather Fantasy. This one comes recommended, but I haven't ordered from them yet: Nalani Toys. Reta

I think it depends on your situation and your bird. Mu Kali is fine with other birds. I took care of a Red-lored 'Zon for 3 months, and he didn't mind a bit. I think they do enjoy watching other birds even if they never interact. Our Macaw and Grey and Parrotlet do not interact because of the potential for injury with the size differences. Kali loves watching the Macaw, imitating her, and repeating everything my husband says to her. He doesn't seem jealous in any way (course the Macaw was here first, but the Parrotlet is new). Very important that your wife agree to any new parrot - I probably would have six or so, but my husband doesn't want that many! Much more important to have peace in the house Reta

Looks good with lots of toy additions to make it an interesting hang-out. REta

Check the baby oatmeal to make sure it's not fortified with iron and vitamins. Human babies have a higher iron requirement than parrots, and best not to feed fortified foods, unless they're designed for parrots. Reta

Males do pluck also, but I don't know if there are more female than male pluckers, percentagewise. Reta

Hi and welcome. I'm new here too, but my Grey is nearly six years old and I've had him more than five years. They are such wonderful birds! What's his name? Reta

Congratulations on your new baby Grey! If you haven't weaned a bird before, I suggest you google "abundance weaning" for lots of good information on weaning a happy, healthy bird. Reta

No, I don't think they need a heat lamp - I think they don't do as well treated as hot house orchids. They have "down vests" and they will be fine at 60 degrees. Two of our parrots are outdoors on a covered terrace. The lows right now are around 50. They are protected from wind, and do just fine. It is pleasant during the day, mid 70's. Reta

Is your bird acting sick? Is he sitting in one place, not active, not eating? Is his poop normal? If there are any signs of him being ill, he should be examined by a vet experienced with parrots asap. Thie boy temperature is higher than ours, and sometimes the beak can feel warm in comparison. If he is acting sick at all though, he should be seen by a vet. Reta Reta

Yes, I agree with the person above who suggested you monitor his weight - that's how you'll be able to tell if he is packing on the grams Also, if he'll be going to an avian vet for any reason, be sure to ask for his/her opinion on his weight. They will feel how much padding there is over the keel bone, and give you an opinion With his diet, you might want to eliminate "empty calories". Any processed food made from refined grains instead of natural, whole grains could be eliminated in favor of a variety of fresh vegetables, whole grains, legumes, sprouts, some fruit, and a few nuts. Hard to overeat with a natural diet. Pellets and a seed mix as part of the diet are fine too, but I always feed the fresh food first thing in the morning when they're hungriest. The dry mix comes later. A little bit of egg is fine once a week, but is pretty fat heavy for several times a week feeding. Broiled or grilled chicken or fish is fine once a week, but again every day is not necessarily beneficial. Too much protein and fat can cause health problems. It's great to have such an eager eater - I would just suggest making the food choices that will give him the best nutrition and less fat and empty calories in the diet. Reta

I've never noticed any blushing on my Kali. We do have a Military Macaw who is a major blusher Reta

I can see why this is such a frurstrating situation for you, because you have been trying to do all the right things! There are so many reasons for barbering or plucking that it's often hard to figure out why a bird does it. I don't have personal experience with pluckers, but have heard that the giardia test often has false readings. Giardia as I'm sure you know can make them itchy and uncomfortable. Has your bird had blood tests recently? Might be worth checking out her general health if she hasn't a check-up lately. It does sound like something might be bothering her because of the increase in biting at the same time. Just more irritable in general. Hope she can get some relief. Bathing is good. My Grey will bathe in a large water bowl in the aviary, or in a big Pyrex baking dish on a table where he plays. I got him used to it by putting almonds and little toys in the water until he would go in. Took a week or so of daily exposure before he bathed. I also mist him regularly - I talk about how much fun the shower is while I'm misting him (I always use plain water, no chlorine), and he actually asks for a shower sometimes. He fluffs his feathers up while I'm misting him. You may want to try various approaches to getting your bird misted or wet at least once a week. Misting wasn't an option for Kali in the beginning (now he likes it) - I figure it rains on them in their native habitat, and they can't do anything about it. So, when younger he just got misted. He does not like the human shower, and I don't take him in there. I think the spray is just too hard. Reta

It sounds like your Grey is just being a normal parrot. Parrots are loud at times. Screaming all the time is not normal, but mumbling and chattering is a certainly what they do. Maybe you're expecting too much for him to be very quiet at certain times of the day? Reta

9 weeks sounds so young to be truly weaned. I have heard of some breeders force weaning their Greys at 10 weeks, and that a high percentage of their Greys end up feather plucking (this is a breeder in Texas). It doesn't sound like this breeder has done that, but still if he's on a night feeding, he is not weaned yet. I would insist on waiting until he is eating completely on his own and is no longer having the night feeding. Reta

It sounds like he is just nibbling, not biting, but you don't want it to escalate in the future. One thing you could try is holding a foot toy of some kind in your hand, and putting that in front of his beak so he chews on the toy, not your flesh. Your bird also can learn what "no bite" means. These Greys are very smart and they do learn quickly if you're consistent. Reta

Thanks Birdmom for sharing all that info on non-stick coatings! It is SO important for all parrot owners to know about these very dangerous hazards. Reta

So glad this story did not have a tragic ending! And yes, agreeing with everyone above that rinsing her off well to get the chlorine out of the feathers was good. Anything you can do to prevent a repeat of her escape through the doggie door is a priority. Smart little stinker Reta

Almonds are a good treat for Greys (in moderation of course because of the fat content). They have calcium, protein and good fats. Walnuts are good too, but not as high in calcium. Kali and our Macaw both get a few almonds and walnuts hand fed to them as treats every day. The Parrotlet needs a lower fat diet, so he gets very little in the nut department, and not every day. Reta