MazyAK

Justin: Great to have you with us. My mainstay advice is PATIENCE , and taking things SLOW for the bird's sense of security, during any transition. The only thing I may caution you on is that you're having trouble with your ringneck and thinking of re homing him. A grey will take no less effort and can be just as sensitive as a ringneck or even more. Taking on a 4 year old may require more attention and work than a newly weened bird. Ask yourself are you prepared to possibly have to deal with behavior that requires intense time and effort? Re homing can be very stressful on a bird. Good luck and ask anything you need. Bruce & Mazy

Welcome Marty & Charlene: It sounds like you have a wonderful enviornment for Pepper. Many loving grey owners here with a lot of knowledge, we hope you enjoy this group and ask away. As to Pepper's behavior change, could you give us a little description on what behaviors have changed or emerged as of late? Good luck and let's get those pictures up for us. Look forward to hearing from you further. Bruce & Mazy<br><br>Post edited by: MazyAK, at: 2008/02/08 07:54

Mavus: Would there be anyone in the house while you're at work and other activities? If there is not , then I would say these hours are to long for a grey to be in the cage and not have companion interaction. So many people who get greys or other high maintenance parrots end up having to re home them due to a bird's poor spirits and behavior resulting from too many hours alone. This is hard on both the bird and owner. Greys live long lives, and often bad behavior doesn't change. It is sad to see a bird who's long life will not be a happy one. I don't mean to sound so harsh and I am so glad you are researching this before entering into this life long commitment. I commend you for being responsible and thoughtful. Good Luck and be sure to ask anything here, we are more than happy to respond. Bruce & Mazy

Heather : What photo software are you using? Bruce

You guys crack me up. Funny how we're all fanatics about our little buddies. Only a grey owner will truly understand a grey owner. Keep warm. We're trying to. Bruce & Mazy<br><br>Post edited by: MazyAK, at: 2008/02/07 02:53

Artoaky: If you have access to the internet where you're stationed you'll be able to keep in touch with this fine family of grey owners. There's tons to read and learn here and besides you'll be able to ask questions and get answers. Bruce & Mazy

What Dan said!!!!

That is an exciting moment when you hear the first word, I remember it well. Now you have to quit cursing around the house. Being a commercial fisherman, you'd think Mazy is also. lol Bruce

Isn't it great that our birds can train us so easily.

Welcome Krystin: You are are about to embark on a new and wonderful lifelong relationship. Do you have any other birds? As Dan said visiting your bird often before she arrives at home is great for you and the bird. Have everything ready for her before she arrives. Her cage should be in a central place of social activity in the home as greys need to be a part of the flock. My biggest advice is to take it slowly insuring that the bird has a secure safe feeling. The other advice is to have infinite patience on your behalf. A baby grey is so cuddly and loving, but make sure you remain the boss. Greys may tend to pick a favorite human to bond to , so if you want her to accept other s in the household make sure she gets equal attention from both people. Try to keep pet and kid exposure to a minimum at first while she gets used to her new home and people. If the pets or kids pass the cage often, be sure her door is closed. This will keep her feeling safe. You have found a great family of grey lovers who will be valuable help to you. Take advantage of this time before your baby comes home to read the threads here and post all the questions you need. It's a wonderful helpful bunch. Can't wait to hear from you and see the new addition. Good luck Bruce & Mazy

chickendog: Mazy will go to the top of her cage and poke between the bars and lift and drop the top tray with a loud banging much to her delight. When she was younger she did it a lot and I had to work hard not to respond as I didn't want her to think she could get my attention this way. Soon she stopped it altogether for a year or 2 and just the last few months she has begun again. This time she only does it when she's in the extreme get my attention mode. It appears to be at times we would regularly be playing together in our daily routine, but for some reason or another I am unable to. So, she is using this ploy to strongly get her point across. I'm finding it to be her way of emotional expression and her putting an exclamation point on her statement. Like a kid calling for you, and when you don't respond they then yell for you. Ignore it and it'll go away. Bruce & Mazy

Muse : You are definitely on the right course. Patience and consistency are your tickets. Keep up the good work. Bruce & Mazy

Welcome codindme: We look forward to hearing more from you and especially seeing some pictures of your flock. Sounds like you may have lots to add to our forum . See you out there Bruce & Mazy

Yeah, more birds.

You've given me a new idea for a hanging toy with the suspended rack. Excellent. That's why we like pictures, it gives the rest of us ideas Bruce & Mazy

Alfie: looks like we need to start a birdie AA.

Nice northern lights shot. We are truly blessed to have natures show. That's great about the volcanic heat for your house. How great is it to have free heat sources. Alaska has tons of hot springs also , but I'm not as fortunate as you to be able to harness it. Looks like Vaskur likes your boyfriend also. That's a bonus. My Mazy hasn't shown my wife much love at all. Real stand offish, but the last week things have changed and Mazy is really interested in spending more time with her. This sure has made my wife's cockatoo jealous though. We finally got over our subzero cold spell and are back to more snow but at least the temperature is tolerable. Speaking of which , it's time to go plow if off. Stay warm Vaskur. Bruce & Mazy

Welcome Debbiesgirl: This sight and the people who make it up are so helpful and loving towards the well being of our birds. Don't be shy and be sure to ask what you need. There are many threads to read on plucking and many have experience with this. Good luck and look forward to pictures. Bruce & Mazy

Welcome Chickendog from Alaska: Your story tells me you the the most important ingredient to being a grey owner. Patience! Keep it up and you will be greatly rewarded. Bruce & Mazy

volux: It's really cheap to make your own birdie play gym. Plastic PVC pipe is great to use. There have been some great ones made that you can find in the threads here. Mine is just big tree branches. I cemented a PVC pipe in the bottom of a 5 gallon bucket and then just stick the big branch in and attach toys and perches and bridges all through it. When the birds finally have chewed it up and broken off many of the branches, I just take it out, go cut a new one and use the previous remnants in making the next one. There are pictures of mine in one of my threads. Good luck and glad you are enjoying your new friend. Bruce & Mazy

fidmom: You definitely do not want a cockatoo if you live in a condo. They are definitely are one of the nosiest Bruce

Welcome from Alaska Markh: Since this is just beginning and your bird is young this is the time to work with heavily. Your bird has chosen a favorite but now is the time for you to gain the birds affections and respect. Bribe with treats, be non-threatening always making sure the bird feels secure, and just be soft and calming when you are around. Exposure and patience by you at this early stage is the time to gain the trust. Bruce & Mazy

Excellent material, seems like there are a few that can use this now.

Yes the squeaking is normal for a youngster, and the clicking noise is also. There is a grinding noise that's different from the clicks and that usually means nap time. You're right on course. Bruce

Independent little things, aren't they? Bruce