MazyAK

Welcome irwin: yes you've come to the right place. Seems to be a lot of new grey owners this week. My advice is to take it slowly when you bring the baby home. Keep him in his cage (door closed) so he can get used to his new home and family. Keep any pets away, but he will enjoy the company of another bird in a cage next to him. As he seems comfortable open the door for him and at his pace he will come to explore. A bird's security when relocating is a crucial time. It'll set the tone of how he adapts. Good luck and look forward to some pictures. Bruce & Mazy

Volux: Welcome from Alaska. Welcome to your new friend for life also. Since you're on day 2 I might suggest a secure slow acclimation for you and your bird. Leave the cage door closed and allow him time to adjust to his new surroundings. If you have other pets, let them meet slowly and with door closed. Since your bird is 10 he may want out as part of his regular routine. Definitely let him out but take it slow. Greys can become upset over location changes so give him the time he may need. I know it's hard not to just hold him all the time , but remember he has to get to know you and his new surroundings at the same time. Quite a lot. Good luck and let's see some pictures. Bruce & Mazy

Welcome Karen: We look forward to hearing more from you and your bird. There is so much to learn here and great people to learn from. Looking forward to some pictures. Bruce & Mazy

Angela: I don't suppose it's -20F in the other noncontagious state in the U.S. Well it is here in Alaska. I have been feeling the need for some deep heat and a few rounds of golf. Just love the story of how you got your bird. You are a timing expert. Glad to have you actively here and look forward to hearing and seeing (pictures) more. Bruce & Mazy

Welcome perfectparrots, I just love the shots of the babies. Makes me want to have another young bird. We're so glad you found us and hope to hear more from you. More pictures of the babies also. This is a great group and so very helpful. Bruce & Mazy

Welcome Brooke, glad to have you here. Is there a grey in your future? I have a grey and a cockatoo. The too is our new bird and they are finding their friendship better every day. Look forward to hearing more from you. Bruce & Mazy

icegudi, finally someone who is probably colder than we are in Alaska. (-20F this morning) I'm glad you found our family and we look forward to hearing more from you. Love the picture. Bruce & Mazy

Welcome from Alaska Khan: What an alert looking fellow. Love the pictures. Glad you decided to join our family. A wonderful and very helpful bunch. See you out there. Bruce & Mazy

wiganmarg255: Welcome to our family . Sounds like you have a sneaky one. As far as the dog and bird go you should leave swipper in the cage with door closed when the dog is in the room. It'll give them a chance to orient with each other. Then if swipper is out the dog should be in another place. It seems the dog is jealous and could see the bird as an emotional threat. I'd be careful having them both out in the same room. In time they will come to their own understanding. It requires patience and lots of time on your behalf. # weeks is a short period of time , too short to subject the bird or the dog to each other in the open. Good luck Bruce & Mazy

A winter update from Haines Alaska. I hope most of you are warmer than we are. This last month we've got over 5 feet of new snow giving us a total of over 12 feet so far this year. The last few days we've been spared any new white stuff which has allowed me to catch up on removal ( love my backhoe), but the reprieve has come with a penalty. The last couple of days it's been -27F. Much too cold to be out and about but a great time to spend with the birds and cleaning the attic. The birds love to help clean. Only they usually help the mess get bigger instead of smaller. I've learned so much since joining this group and hope I've helped others. Keep the spirit. Bruce & Mazy Bruce plowing Post edited by: MazyAK, at: 2008/01/30 03:01<br><br>Post edited by: MazyAK, at: 2008/01/30 03:03

Rickster: Sounds like a match just waiting to happen. I think this bird needs you and you him. Remember WHEN you bring him home there will be an adjustment period. Make sure your bird feels secure and take things slowly. Bruce & Mazy

Amberyn: I also feel for your lose and send my thoughts and prayers to you. I've always thought that when Mazy dies I would want another bird ASAP but then I'm not there now. I would miss my bird routine too much. Good luck and again I'm so sorry for your loss. Bruce & Mazy

vannessa: Yep, somebody is in love with your step son. Unfortunately we don't get to make these choices, the bird does. I agree with judygram and the others. Try to ignore the bad behavior and when it stops get a treat to him as soon as you can so you're rewarding the quiet behavior. The lowered body and spread wings are a sign of courting. I mknow it's hard to gets kids to spend time with the pets but try to explain to your step son how the bird has chosen him and see if he can give a little more time to him. It is hard to get a bird to change their favotie choice but it can be done, with lots of time and patience. Bruce & Mazy

Make sure there's no bad chemicals or what not fired into the ceramics or the glaze. Bruce & Mazy

Shamelessmuse: That is great news. You are making great progress, just remember not to rush things. This bird will soon completely trust you. I can feel it. Goiod luck Bruce & Mazy

Troubled Grey: You are this birds' hero, even though he hasn't realized it yet. Do exactly what Dan has said above. The keys here are the feeling of security for your bird and patience for you. Be slow and calming. A lot of time is going to be necessary here but keep faith, you will prevail. I would love to see the bird off the drugs also. Keep us posted and ask for help anytime. This is a 24 hour site and we are spread out over the entire world. Bruce & Mazy

wigbag: Yep , your bird is in love. as judygram and dan said ignore the behavior. My 13 yr. old is going through this again now. Yes I love her but it'll never work out any more than we have. My wife would get too jealous. lol Bruce & Mazy

michadka: You do have a super start for this bird for only a week. You'll have it made. Dan had some great advice, and yes ditch the glove. Stay out of his space as much as possible as he gets used to his new surroundings. Door open is great but if you notice he's uneasy close it so he can regain his security. You're doing great. There is much to read on this site which is directly applicable to your needs. See you out there. Bruce & Mazy

Rambo: Let the Alaskan tell you about cold. -27F this morning. I agree that in NC you are subject to colder temps. and risk the bird getting too cold. The heater perch won't help enough if temps. drop. I also agree about moving the bird to a more isolated area from the normal comings and goings in the household. These birds need to be included and around their flock not in a separate area. I understand you are constrained by space but try all you can to keep your bird in the social area of the home. Good luck & hope you're warmer. Bruce & Mazy

Hannah_Rae: Love the pictures. I wish I had temps. in the teens. We woke up to -27 degrees F today. All the water systems survived but had to thaw the dryer from the vent side and unfreeze the drum. Just another day in Alaska. An inside day at that. Bruce & Mazy

Bailey: I recommend a little less caffeine and sugar. But it won't take away the anticipation. Enjoy the excitement and remember these first days of your new friendship. Bruce & Mazy

Karla: I've flown with my grey and cockatoo. The kitty carrier is the thing they fit just fine under the seat and your voice will be calming for your bird through the travels. As others have said just let the airline know you have a bird and that he will be traveling in a carrier that WILL fit under the seat. Good luck Bruce & Mazy

Welcome Steph: They said it all above. You and your bird sound like you've got a great start. Bruce & Mazy

Dweamgoil: Regurgitation isn't anything to promote in your bird's behavior. How old is your bird? If it is reaching sexual maturity this may be foreplay to you. Don't encourage this or any body handling as you may end up with an egg. As far as the cyst goes, I say take it to the vet. An expert such as this can only narrow the possibilities down by observation and tests. It doesn't sound bad and actually sounds like it's going away, but better to be on the safe side. Good luck and look forward to hearing about you and your bird. We love pictures. Bruce & Mazy

Ladybug: Great to have such a compassionate person join us. You have done a wonderful thing and a happy bird will emerge. It will take time, so be patient, but it sounds like you have a good understanding how to proceed. I see the pictures and hen looks like he'll do just fine. Keep us posted and good luck Bruce & Mazy