birdhouse

I did not know that. Very sad to think about all those beautiful birds that will never be seen again.

That does make sense w/all your travels. You don't have to "set up & break camp" at every stop. Miss G has one safe haven where ever you roam. Very nice!

I don't think you're pathetic at all. Okay, maybe a little uniquely challenged. lol But I'm always glad whenever people take their fids diets seriously. Think you might like this. If Home Depot's out, then there's plenty of other vendors. Suggest you get a brush to clean the blade stems, though. Very, very, very sharp little suckers. It's something to make mash or chop super easy. Whenever the food's all chopped to bits, there's much less waste. The good stuff hides the yucky stuff so you can feed a more balanced diet w/less resistance. The mixture can be stored in the fridge for a couple of days. You can also put extra into 2-3 day portions, in the freezer. Just put a cup in the fridge the nite before to thaw for the following day. I love mine. As an added bonus you may even find things to you make for yourself I've always said our diet changes w/the fids. It's almost inevitable. http://www.greyforums.net/forums/showthread.php?194324-42-50-VERY-Well-Spent http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ninja-Master-Prep-Professional-Blender-QB1004/205824992?cm_mmc=SEM|THD|google|&mid=s|dc_mtid_8903yuu57254_pcrid_50237653182_pkw__pmt__product_205824992_slid_&gclid=CIHrz7q_zc0CFVZahgodrfUDbg Love the pics of the rest of the family! Glad you found your IRN, especially! Hope to hear more about all of them whenever you have some time. ")

Some Greys are just not the touchy feelly type. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing, since touching a fid all over is sometimes a trigger for hormonal behavior. Something to be avoided, trust me! Head & feet should be ok ...on his terms. And always at his pace. Think of it as de-sensitizing vs training. You're not dictating. You need to convince him that you can be trusted & that what you're asking is a good thing. Which means no matter how hard it is to accept, sometimes the answer to any question is, "NO!". If it takes months, that's how long it takes. If he's pushed too hard it can become "a thing" that he may never allow. So be patient. The good news is once you get started on the right track, the rest should be much easier. In theory. lol

") fixed that type-o for you Judy ") Can you imagine...? I really hope this is one of those pictures that's all about the incredibly clever camera angle. Because otherwise, unless she's like the meanest Mean Girl ever, that's a little more "life" than anyone probably deserves. http://www.just-eat.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/perfect-angle-kick-ass.jpg

Bearing in mind that I'm not a professional, haven't got pictures or lots to go on & given how I read your post... ") Sometimes when there's just a little change up it's hard to know when we're being over cautious vs vigilant. But really you can never go wrong to err on the side of caution. Talk w/your vet if you continue to feel like something's wrong. In the meantime, suggest baths 2-3 times a week for this month. Maybe w/a little 100% organic aloe juice in the sprays. Keep an eye out for any further changes. But don't obsess or be overly attentive. Also, give Toby lots & lots to shred to keep him busy w/something constructive, for want of a better way to put it. lol Hope this helps.

Yes, you got lucky. But she didn't come out of the box that way. Her parront(s) had a hand in it, too. And she has turn out to be quite the little sweetheart, hasn't she. ")

...had mad opera skills! I'm not kidding. I was clapping before it was over. Brava Poko! Brava!! [video=youtube;O7D-1RG-VRk]

"It's better to be pissed off..." http://faxo.com/dog-pee-surprise-for-sunbather-6119

I do remember you said you have a brown thumb & all. But whether you bought or grew these, I thought at least it was a good list for you (or anyone else) to have. Also, this list hasn't been vetted as bird-safe. But I'm thinking anything that isn't safe for the aviary can be planted out of reach around the yard. Help to expand the defense perimeter, so to speak. http://www.seedsnow.com/products/all-in-one-mosquito-repellent-variety-pack 1. Basil, Cinnamon Cinnamon Basil is by far one of the most popular and possibly one of the most fragrant. This basil grows easily. It's aroma's will remind you of sweet cinnamon. Great multi-purpose variety to grow in your garden that grows well in containers. Basil emits its aroma without crushing the leaves. Grow basil in your backyard to control mosquitoes. Plant basil in pots so you can move them around easily. To keep the mosquitoes away from your body, rub a handful of crushed basil leaves on your skin. 2. Basil, Lemon Beautiful and flavorful small basil leaves. Leaves have a unique lemon scent. Very easy to grow. Basil emits its aroma without crushing the leaves. Grow basil in your backyard to control mosquitoes. Plant basil in pots so you can move them around easily. To keep the mosquitoes away from your body, rub a handful of crushed basil leaves on your skin. 3. Genovese Basil Genovese Basil is a classic! It's prized for being sweet with undertones of a spicy flavor. You can't beat it's aroma. These plants grow anywhere from 18"-24" inches. Basil emits its aroma without crushing the leaves. Grow basil in your backyard to control mosquitoes. Plant basil in pots so you can move them around easily. To keep the mosquitoes away from your body, rub a handful of crushed basil leaves on your skin. 4. Catnip Catnip is also a VERY effective mosquito repellent. According to ScienceDaily.com, nepetalactone, the essential oil in catnip that gives the plant its characteristic odor, is about ten times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET — the compound used in most commercial insect repellents. Simply grow catnip near the backyard or patio of your house. 5. Lavender Lavandula angustifolia, English Lavender, is one of the most beautiful seeds you can plant in your garden. The oils from lavender flowers are used to make medicines and many other household remedies. Lavender repels mosquitoes because mosquitoes dislike the scent of the lavender plant. The lavender plant is very easy to grow! To make a chemical-free mosquito solution, just mix lavender essential oil in water and apply directly on your skin. Plant lavender in pots around seating areas on your patio, backyard and garden to control mosquitoes. 6. Lemon Balm The lemon balm plant produces beautiful lemon scented leaves. For an easy homemade repellent, crush lemon balm leaves and then rub them onto your skin. Keep the plants growing near doorways where the leaves will be readily available when you need them. 7. Lemon Grass Lemon Grass is a tropical plant that produces a thick grass that can even be used for flavoring many culinary dishes. It can also be used to make medicinal tea for the treatment of digestive issues and fever/flu-like symptoms. The long lemon grass leaves should be collected by snipping them off with scissors anywhere from mid summer on. Mosquitoes do not care for the fragrance of lemon grass. Grow these attractive "grasses" near walkways and near seating areas to deter them. 8. Herb Mix Great multi-purpose variety to grow in your garden that grows well in containers. Basil emits its aroma without crushing the leaves. Grow basil in your backyard to control mosquitoes. Plant basil in pots so you can move them around easily. To keep the mosquitoes away from your body, rub a handful of crushed basil leaves on your skin. 9. Marigold, Crackerjack Mix Crackerjack Marigold flowers are big, bright, bold, and beautiful. They are most popular for attracting beneficial pollinators such as butterflies, bees, etc. However, Marigolds are great at fighting off mosquitoes. "Potted marigolds can be positioned near entrances to your home and any common mosquito entry points, such as open windows. The smell may deter mosquitoes from going past this barrier. While marigolds can be used as border plants around the patio, we do not advise putting marigolds on the patio table since the bright blooms may attract wasps. Besides repelling mosquitoes, marigolds repel insects which prey on tomato plants, so you may want to plant a few marigolds in your tomato bed for added protection." -source: Learn.EarthEasy.com 10. Marigold, Sparky Finely cut dark green leaves. Flat leaves. Use this parsley for garnishing, and culinary decoration. Tolerates heat better than most varieties. 11. Pennyroyal "Crushed pennyroyal stems stuck in your hat and pockets really will repel gnats and mosquitoes. Dog owners often see their dogs rolling in pennyroyal patches, and dog instincts can usually be trusted." -source "MotherEarthNews.com" 12. Rosemary Excellent flavor and extremely fragrant. Perfect to use fresh or dried. Can also be used to flavor many culinary varieties such as meats, soups, and sauces. And even used for treating headaches and known to improve circulation. Perfect for containers. "A simple repellent spray is made by adding 1 cup dried rosemary to a quart of water, boiling it in a pot for 20 to 30 minutes. Pour a quart of cool water into another container (that holds at least half a gallon), then strain the rosemary water into the container. Pour small amounts of the blend into squirt bottles to apply directly to skin and outdoor pets. Store the unused portions in the refrigerator; discard it when it no longer smells strongly of rosemary." - source: HomeGuides.SFGate.com 13. Sage Burn a little sage over coals to repel mosquitoes! Works great. 14. Tansy Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) is a perennial, herbaceous flowering plant of the aster family, native to temperate Europe and Asia. Tansy is a strong herb, beautiful & yet suitable for growing around doorways to act as an mosquito deterrent. 15. Wormwood Wormwood can make a lovely, unique border and the strong odor does a good job of keeping mosquitoes at bay. Note: Do not rub on skin.

"Acronym Definition T-Fal [not an acronym] (originally TEFAL, a portmanteau of Teflon and Aluminum)" https://www.google.com/search?q=T-Fal+cookware&oq=T-Fal+cookware&aqs=chrome..69i57.12468j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#q=what+does+T-Fal+mean I'm not sure, but I think it depends on which line. Like I don't think the pans w/the ceramic surface coat have Teflon. But again, that's my best guess. I just decided a long time ago to stick w/stainless & be done w/it. Much too much effort otherwise. lol

:confused: You say that like it's a bad thing...? All a matter of perspective, I guess! Sorry, may have gotten a little side tracked there. Meanwhile back on topic - this is all very interesting coming from such a different environment. We have a huge mosquito problem, too. It's only partly true that moving air makes the mosquitoes stay away. The rest of that sentence is, "...when they can find food elsewhere." All bets are off when they get hungry enough. Some bug zappers are disgusting, but helpful. And my neighbors who have less trees use citronella dust around their yards. I've been told it's safe, but I haven't actually done the homework since it's not going to do me any good. We also have Bat Boxes. Bats are our friends!! They eat something like their weight in mosquitoes each night. Mosquito repellent plants everywhere helps. But it's about parts per million. Scent concentration vs air volume. The bigger, the better. The more, the better. My big potted Citronella plants can follow me around when I weed. A couple of 3 foot plants is normally enough to let us hang out on the deck... unless my sister's here. For some reason, they'll even brave citronella for her blood. They just swarm around her & it's scary ridiculous! Anyway, it's a combination of things. But when all else fails, it's time to bring out the netting. I've had an EZ up screened tent forever. Love that thing. And even places like Walmart sell camping netting for cheap. So it's travelling cage protection, dropped over a PVC frame. Wondering if you guys could do something clever w/screen door mesh? The dark mesh could help a little w/shade, too.

Under the circumstances, it may be an inevitable part of the process to question what you should have done differently. But the odds really are good that your fid came to you w/a fatal health issue. Unfortunately, it's normal for them to hide their symptoms so well that one day we look & they're just gone. More often than not, we don't even get to say good bye. You saw signs that are normally impossible to catch because you were so in tune w/Spy & so in love. Once you realize that, it will help, I think. It would maybe be a good idea to let the breeder know, if you haven't already. That's not to say they did anything wrong. But 'just in case' it might eventually prove helpful for them to know. It's crazy how once they've grabbed your heart strings, they're every one of them unique & irreplaceable, isn't it? And no matter how long we have together, it's never enough. But you guys went from such sweet joy to so much sorrow, in a matter of weeks. Of course it's going to take time. And maybe even then, it might be some other beautiful fid who finds their way into your heart vs another Grey. No matter. You're still a welcome part of the GF family. So it would be great if you stayed an active member on whatever terms you like. Through happy times & sad times, too.

I've been wondering when essential oils got the bad rap around here. I've made essential oils & don't see anything harmful if they're from nontoxic plant species & in a safe carrier base. Unless of course a particular fid has a particular problem w/a particular scent for some reason. I also started making my own deodorant in the past year because I wasn't able to find one I liked w/o aluminum. I always scent it w/a couple of drops of oil. So far, no one has keeled over. So, I'm taking it as a hopeful sign. ")

I think most of that is excellent advise! Although I do agree w/Penny that window signs are a mixed blessing. Also, I'd maybe suggest practice w/the pillow cases beforehand so no one breaks a blood feather in the middle of an emergency! And what about maybe replacing the elastics w/covered hair bands or those small bungee cords? Remove the hooks & knot them. Think the covered material would last a lot longer than simple elastics.

lol Nope, I don't care how you dress 'em up. I always make vanilla wafer crusts for my cheesecakes. Never graham crackers! I might eat one S'mores a year. But only because I'm a chocoholic who enjoys toasting marshmallows. It's not the WoW factor. It's the taste. Graham crackers always taste slightly stale to me. And they kind of remind me of the smell whenever you dump a bag of certain types of feed sort of, kind of. Graham crackers are just not my thing.

I think I prefer to have an on going discussion where people can contribute because it promotes conversation. The thread's information keeps resurfacing as new people re-discover it & refreshes or improves itself as they contribute new information. The topics keep current vs someone having to police them so the don't become outdated (where applicable). I just appreciate learning what people contribute to these threads or simply getting the occassional reminder. jmho

We may not know what to say. But many of us have had fids who flew over the Rainbow Bridge. If it helps at all to know, people all around the world will grieve with you when they read this. I'm so very sorry. RIP Spy you are loved and you will be missed.

So very glad to hear this. Please give Spy a big cuddle from me!

That boy gives good face! There's something sweet & adorable about his posture in the second pic, too. ... more please!!! lol

First time in 27 yrs I might actually have gotten my very own whole, un-nibbled upon treat & it has to be something I don't even like. Figures. Thanks bunches Dave.

I think we can all relate to how you're feeling right now. It's going to be a long couple of hours. But at least you're just waiting for the vet to open. So much "easier" than waiting for the weekend.

Gotta love that sound of silence. That's when you know you got it right for sure.

Sounding better all the time! Just for future reference, oatmeal is good food. It can also help to clear some crop blockages sometimes. Cinnamon is natural medicine for some crop issues, too. And there aren't very many fids who don't love it. Then, like I said before, most fids like to be fed some mushy food off a spoon, just any time. So, if she'll take some more oatmeal after it cools even, that's fine, too.

The thing about birds is you can't guess w/this kind of stuff. So don't try. Just love on Spy & hang in. And maybe make some oatmeal?