JennyJ

Thanks Sandra and Dan for the words of encouragement. Steven took the first few photos of Smokey this morning before leaving for work - I'll ask if he can post them when he returns this evening. I'm learning better the parameters of what Smokey feels is comfortable for her with regards to my interaction with her at this time. From what I've gathered, it's not unusual for these birds to bond intensely and exclusively with one member of the family. Particularly with her history of rehoming and lack of varied human contact. At this time, she'll allow me to fill her bowl with food/water and give her treats. She will bite if I attempt to remove her from her cage with the 'step-up' command. There seems to be some conflicting advice on where to proceed from here. I watched a video on Youtube, where the handler simply allowed herself to be bit several dozen times before the bird finally acquiesced to the step up command. Watching this did help alleviate some fear in that it's not so much the bite itself (although she can pack a wallop), but the notion that an animal would feel threatened enough to bite me that was unsettling. I plan on introducing Smokey to target training (clicker/treat) sometime soon. This would appear to be the method that is generally accepted to help eliminate/reduce biting and can be done in the confines on her cage if necessary. Thanks again for the support - :cheer:

Morning, Thank you all for the warm welcome and the advice! Smokey arrived yesterday afternoon to our home. She apparently knows the 'step-up' command, mimics easily and appeared to thoroughly enjoy spending time outside of her cage. I was expecting her to behave much more reticently. When we put her in the cage for the night, she kept lifting one foot, close to the cage door, in what we interpreted to be an invitation to spend more time outside of the cage. She's seem content to travel up my husband arm, perch herself on his shoulder and nibble on his ear. She mimics his laugh. She is absolutely head over heels with my husband. She lowers her head and seems to enjoy being petted. The only temperament we saw, was when we attempted to place a sheet over her cage (which we were instructed she was accustomed to at night), she puffed herself up, leaned forward and bit the cage. We opted to leave the sheet off.We learned that she has always lived in Florida, outside, caged in an outdoor enclosure and was brought inside only when the weather turned cold. The cage she arrived in we thought would be satisfactory - it's rusted, so we'll be replacing it within the next few days. We attempted to introduce her to a sampling of fresh fruits and kale, most of which was quickly 'vetoed' to my floor. :> She's a delight. I'm anxious to learn her 'language' and help provide a better quality of life. My guess is, she's been living a pretty isolated existence for a long time. Thanks again for the help. I'm sure the information provided here will be a 'lifeline' for us for some time to come. Post edited by: JennyJ, at: 2007/12/30 12:11<br><br>Post edited by: JennyJ, at: 2007/12/30 12:15

Hello all, My husband (Steven) and I are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Smokey(CAG, approximately 15 years old), whose scheduled to join our home this Saturday. Smokey has been living with my husband's grandparents for the last 4 or 5 years. Over the course of the last year, Steven has become increasingly concerned that the conditions the bird has been living under, are less than ideal. (She spends the bulk of her time caged and alone in a screened-in enclosure.) From what I can gather, her diet has consisted of primarily seed and fruit + egg shells. I've only seen her on rare occasions, however, she does seem quite taken with my hubby. I've been researching the subject of AGs over the last week and frankly, am a bit freaked out at this point. I have zero experience with birds. We own 3 cats. I understand that Smokey will require a great deal of attention and patience, particularly during the transition of trying to adapt to a new home. I'm concerned about her diet. I was considering trying to introduce her to pellets with the addition of veggies + the fruit she's accustomed to. We purchased a bird 'gym', plan on introducing her to some new toys and have scheduled an appointment with a local vet for an exam next week. Any suggestions as to what we might consider to make this process easier for her? Are there any hard and fast rules as to bathing, dietary supplements, etc? Any words of wisdom are much appreciated - Thanks! Jenny<br><br>Post edited by: JennyJ, at: 2007/12/26 16:00