MazyAK

I don't think I could walk away from a situation like that either. Face it we're all softy's. Bruce & Mazy

normal, let it go, you're the second to bring this up today. Relax. Bruce & Mazy

Rik: You just can't go wrong young or old with this group to help and support Bruce

Welcome Fidmom: I have a 13 yr old grey and just last year we got a cockatoo and put the cages a few feet apart from day one. Slowly over tjhe last year they've gone from testing each other and being a little aggressive to actually developing their own play style together. I look for their friendship to improve at this rate. That's my only first hand experience. But you never know each grey and other birds have their own personalities and attitudes. I think many combos are possible. Good luck Let us know about yourself in the welcome section, and we love birdie pictures Later from Alaska Bruce & Mazy

I hear a couple of ideas above,,,, saying the vet gives a physical clean bill of health. Turn on a video camera on the cage 20 minutes before you leave and leave it on when you go,,,,when you get home and he's plucking watch the video, you may see something. The other idea is take a video camera and sit in a chair and read a book out loud and video it for an hour or longer. Then just before you leave turn it on where the birds can see and hear it. Be back before the tape is over. If no plucking, the next time you leave turn on the tape, and be gone at least an hour after the tape ends. If upon returning to a plucker, you are on to something. Then it's time for some serious work. when you leave the next time be back before the tape ends. The time after, get back just before or as it ends. Even wait outside and come in as it ends. The next time come in 4 or 5 minutes after the tape ends. Each return thereafter should be just a few minutes more each time, therefore increasing the time from the end of the tape until you walk in the door.Hopefully the problem fades away in this type of longterm be43havior modification training. Just an idea! Bruce

Works for me nychsa. Mazy and I have a kind of a boxing, dodge the fingers game. It always moves on after a few minutes to a catch the finger game. This is fine and she loves it, but sometimes she thinks she'll show me and clamp down harder. I instantly stop my movement, look her in the eye and say "no bite" then she lets go. If I just stop and hold on, she continues to clamp until she hears the command. Then sometimes she gets my finger and when she's just holding on I shake it easy while she holds. When I stop she stills holds waiting to see if I'll say "no bite". When I don't she starts shaking the finger herself to get me to play more without ever clamping down. So verbal commands have worked for me. Buzz words trigger a reaction. So when I say "dinner" she comes out of the cage for a ride to the table where she gets what she can off my plate before I do. What a pig! The dinner command only works in the evening. Try it in the morning and no go, but then say "breakfast" and out she comes. Bruce

Rik: Glad you could join us. I have a 13 yr. old grey and she is constantly bringing on new words and phrases. They continue to learn and mimic. She expores her world and exhibits new behaviors all the time. They grow as we do constantly changing. An older bird probably has a set routine and progressing slowly and with infinite patience will be your keys. It will take a while and there is definitely going to be a transition period for the bird, but if done right you can make this easy for him. Read about bringing home a new bird in many of the threads in this forum. This is a great and helpful group of grey lovers. All your questions will get answered. I hope you get your bird. We'll get into bringing home and how it specifically relates to your circumstances when you make your decision. Since we're world wide there is always someone on to help. I'm looking forward to your decision. Remember this bird at 10 years will probably be with you the rest of your life, so ask yourself first , are you ready to make that commitment? Good luck Bruce & Mazy

Icegudi: You'd probably survive. We just pull the bird cages closer to the wood stove, and turn up the floor heat. Do you have any problems keeping yours warm? Today is the warmest in 10 days it's +2F. I'm going to have to find a temp. converter on the internet. We live 6 miles from the Canadian border with is also in Celsius. In fact us Americans are probably the only ones not on the Celsius. How stupid of us. Still waiting to see a picture of your baby. Later Bruce & Mazy

Welcome from Alaska Hanna: I think Dan has hit it. Start to notice what is going on when Gizmo starts to scream. I bet he's jealous of your fiance. Gizmo just doesn't give your sweetie much rank in his flock. I agree, let him offer treats. Make sure Gizmo feels secure when your fiance is around. Have him talk to Gizmo through the cage with the door closed in a soft calm manner and then slip him a treat. Slow and patience are your main weapons. I'm with judygram, let's see some pictures. Good luck and see you out there. Bruce & Mazy

ABettua: Good to hear from you , yes it is currently much colder here than you. I think there is a 100degree temprature difference. The last 10 days we've been between-12F and -27F. You really got me when you used the "G" word. I love to golf, it's just hard with 6 feet of snow on the ground. Heck I'll settle for Laurie's weather in Michigan. I do spend part of my season as a salmon fisherman in the gulf but I mostly catch king (chinook) Salmon. It's even better than sockeye. Well better pull the bird cages closer to the wood stove. Later Bruce

Rhonda: the toos, if you have a pair still seem to like the contact, any contact with their human counterparts. They will be fond of each other but toos like lots of best friends as far as I've seen. Your big problem will be that when you hold one the other will want to be held at the same time. But what a great problem, two birds wanting and willing to get your affection even if they have to share. Bruce

So I guess Alaska is out of the question for a grey gathering,,,lol. The one thing the cold clear does is give us natures light show which is something that must be seen for yourself. Here's a shot of the Northern Lights above our house. Bruce <br><br>Post edited by: MazyAK, at: 2008/02/01 03:21

Rhonda: Do you already have a grey or another bird at home? Also 2 toos won't crave the need to display as much as one as they will have each other to keep company. Displaying is definitely an attention getting device. They spread their wings, put up their top feathers and scream like there's no tomorrow. Our too , being my wife's bird seems to get along great with me, even knowing the grey is my main companion. The too likes the kids also, where the grey doesn't consider them high in the flock and basically won't give them the time of day. Bruce

Cindy : Sounds like you're on a roll. Remember take it slow, be patient, and make sure your bird feels secure. How about some pics? huh,,,huh,,,huh,, Bruce & Mazy

Nychsa: Count me in for anything. I may not be the one to set things up as far as the financial structure but I sure can implement and hold the line to anything put in front of me. It sounds like you and a few others are experienced, and have good insight as to how the financial end should be set up. This could be a great and exciting thing. I'll be standing by. Bruce

Rhonda477: Lots of good advice on stores vs. breeders. Lots to consider. I'm against general pet store purchases of birds, but another way to see it is that you would probably be helping the bird from the store to a better life. Pet stores aren't as concerned about who the bird is sold to as much as the fact that it's a sale. We also don't want to contribute to stores who don't properly care for their birds, but when bird lovers such as ourselves walk into one we just want to help and save them all. As far as a cockatoo goes, I do have some input. We got a newly weened med. sulfur crested too last January. He is now 1 1/2 yr. old. I had a grey (13 yrs. old) first but my wife needed to have her special buddy. I tried to tell her how loud it would get with a too in the house but she didn't realize it until we had the full experience in our home. These birds tend to "display " at least twice a day, to show themselves off and alert the flock to their presence. This is one of the unpleasant things that comes with any too. When I say loud , I mean LOUD! definitely not apartment material. Your neighbors will soon let you know that. A too is more cuddly than most breeds and seem to not just favor one person as much as a grey will. This makes them good family bird. Our grey and too have always had their cages next to each other and after one year they are developing a good friendship that when fully in place will be great for them both. I love our too and wouldn't want it any other way. The noise usually is the big drawback for too owners and cause lots of re homing. "Avi" short for "Avalanche" is going through the terrible toddler stage but will come through well and loving his flock. Good luck and keep us posted Bruce & Mazy & Avi

ABettua: your bird definitely loves you. Throw up = love try to ignore this behavior and if she continues, put her in her cage. It's wonderful to be loved by our birds but we don't want them to think anything sexual can come of it. These are all the signs of sexual maturing. Make sure you confine your petting to the head and neck area if the behavior starts up . Nothing to worry about, it's just a chance for you to control this behavior. My 13 yr. old has been doing the same thing for a few years. I just shut it down (even though I'm flattered and just want to cuddle her more when she does it. Bruce & Mazy

nikkismom: glad you could join us. I know you will find mounds of helpful information from this wonderful group. I must admit a balding spot where it can't be reached has me a little stumped. It could be due to a molt, but it sounds like it's been there too long. Do you think you could get us a picture of this to look at. "Dave007" is one of our most knowledgeable family members and I'd track him down to get his input. I know many others will be helpful. That's what happens here. Isn't it great? Keep us posted and try to get a picture for us. Bruce & Mazy

Bailey: That's pretty good news from the vet, and if it indeed stress related you will get it nailed down and turn them around. One thing I didn't notice while reading through this thread is if the birds are in separate cages. If not it may help with their individual security. That is all I can see that hasn't been addressed. You are doing a wonderful thing, so here's a karma. Bruce & Mazy

Teluhlasmom: I also convey my saddness for your loss and my happiness at the gaining of a new lifetime friend. I also lost my father in a sudden traumatic way (murder) so I completely understand the void that is suddenly there. You are taking great steps to help yourself heal through the grieving process. When a death occurs suddenly such as our case, the grieving is usually a longer process. If you want to talk to someone who's been there feel free to e-mail me at "alaskas2s@yahoo.com". Keep yourself and your bird well. He will be great therapy. Sincerely: Bruce & Mazy

Hey Muse: Big strides were made there. I'm so glad you felt good about the day. You should. Greyce is warming up. It sounds like you have a good pace going so she can maintain her secure feeling. Keep it up. Bruce & Mazy

From Alaska to South Africa to the U.K. to Iceland, this is a super idea and something we can all be involved in to help others and the birds. Count me in for any help and a donation also. With todays technology geographics shouldn't be a barrier. To form a board and make these decisions are well within our abilities and interest. I'll be watching for any developments and am a willing participant. Great idea , let's try to roll on this. Bruce & Mazy

I just love all your pictures. Keep them coming Bruce & Mazy

It is getting ridiculous now. At least the snow stopped for a few days. The downfall is that it has gone to -20F to -27F. Many more days of this cold and I'll welcome the snow again. The birds are staying warm near the wood stove though. They spend a good deal of the day upstairs where it's a little warmer and besides nobody here is spending much time outside. We throw old rolls and bread out on the lower roof and they love to watch the magpies get it. I included a picture of the birds observation window. As you can see there is plenty of the white stuff. Bruce & Mazy <br><br>Post edited by: MazyAK, at: 2008/01/31 20:51

Jopalis: I agree with the others as to a vet visit. Most will help make the financial situation easier. From the great pictures you posted the perches look just fine. The cement perch should file the nails down naturally. Tobis' nails look good to me from the second picture. Does he use his cement perch often. You can also put a new perch way down low in the cage for him so help avoid a fall. I think there is enough concern to see a vet as a grey shouldn't fall off their perch as much as Tobi is. Sometimes they do but not as regular as you have stated. My Mazy is 13 and her nails are longer than Tobi's. We're glad you found us and look forward to hearing how it goes. Bruce & Mazy