birdhouse

I don't think so. You both live w/a flock, if you'll excuse me, of misfits. They're in some ways similar in mentality at least. They're living a much more natural dynamic. Daily flock life is crazy, fluid, dramatic. I think the problems come w/being an only child. They get all up in their own head because there is no one else who can actually relate, set a different example or diffuse the moments that get blown out of proportion sometimes. If there was a flock of Greys in the wild who were all like so many of ours, they wouldn't last the week. I think Chezron posted how she felt sorry about the fids not having a mate & all that implies. To me, it's the day to day stuff w/their flockmates that I would think some are missing out on much more.

Wanted to share this little "Awwwww!" moment w/the group. http://www.grindtv.com/outdoor/nature/post/first-steps-of-baby-elephant-is-touching-scene/

I know it's all about personal taste. But I think these are stunning. http://blog.flickr.net/en/2015/03/27/daughter-channels-grief-into-stunning-wonderland-photos/

Because Zazu was forced to actually touch TheScaryNewThing, it could take a long time. If it was *just* hung in my guy's cage, I'd give it 6 mos because Phenix is really tough. I'd actually need to give that perch to Kura under those same circumstances. It really all depends on how well adjusted Zazu normally is. Then it depends on if he's got some kind of specific insanity where it comes to this particular ScaryNewThing. Something about the smell, color, it's snake-like charm...?? You never know. Some days it's pretty much all trail & error. Sometimes, you've just got to accept that the answer is "Absolutely no *^%$! way!!!" & move on, too. Sorry, I wish I had a better answer.

Hi & welcome to GF Ladydove1966. Short version - yes it's probably something to stick in the closet for now. If you want some exercise for Zazu, use natural branches &/or various sized perches. Greys aren't known to be accepting of new things. Even the comparably few who are can get freaked about specific things, though. They all really need to be allowed to adjust in their own time. Even if that means they never do. You did good right up to the point where you put him on the perch, though. Next time, he'll probably do better if you wait him out.

My best guess is that it's because they're over stimulated. Good or bad. Excited &/or scared. I always imagine I can see little branches of electricity around them whenever they do it. lol They also just do it to "settle" their feathers after they preen. So, it's something I take in context.

I don't know who's had a problem w/your wanting a sleep cage. A number of forum members have them for their fids. I get that you don't want your fid to escape. But w/a few exceptions, travel cages aren't generally heavy duty. People don't want to be lugging the weight around. They're also longer & lower proportioned than a normal cage, unlike the cages you've linked. They look like they might be a little tall to fit thru the back door of the car. I have a pretty good sized folding cage, but I'm afraid of the spring hooks w/my grey. He stays in the medium sized King's travel cages. I can carry it, but it isn't light. They also have a bigger (heavier) version. http://www.kingscages.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductID=ATM2029 http://www.ebay.com/itm/KINGS-CAGES-LARGE-ALUMINIUM-PARROT-TRAVEL-CARRIERS-CAGE-2029-bird-cages-/321681803228?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4ae5bac7dc They're awesome, but expensive. If you look on Craig's List, Ebay & such, you might be able to get a substantial savings on a used one, though. Mine were used, but you'd never know it to look at them. For they most part, they seem like they'll last a very long time, especially because they're aluminum. One of my King's carriers was a present. ") The other cost $100 on Ebay. Well worth it to me because it's the only carrier I've felt like I could totally trust my problem child, escape artist Phenix in.

I think that might have had something to do w/it. Greys learn by example. Google "ALEX studies" if you haven't already. But I think it's also fair to point out that no matter whatever example the conures were setting, the parronts were a big part. Toby would be sitting, shaking in a corner, otherwise. And no one would have thought anything of it btw. It would actually be more normal than not. A week in grey time is no time at all. Like I said before, Toby is doing really well. Good job so far!!

Nope, there is nothing wrong w/the toys that are in his cage right now. But he doesn't apparently believe that, yet. It's another part of the unfamiliar place he found himself in & he's still trying to wrap his head around it. If you change anything, you've "changed something". He's doing okay w/the way things are. Very ok since he went on safari such a short time after moving in. And that boing (spiral) is one of the scariest toys/perches for them, but one of the funnest once they get over it. It's probably a good thing that it was part of the new environment to begin with. jmho I'd leave it now.

I'm sorry you lost Tarkus.

^^^ Very true. But in a perfect world, I always hope it would be a consequence of handing them foot toys thru the bars to begin with. What can I say? Color me eternally optimistic. ( :cool: <---rose colored glasses ) Even though these guys are naturally hardwired w/curiosity, fear usually trumps it (as well it should in the wild). So those big ole scary things you've got hung in his personal space right now are another part of the reason for him to be sitting ver-ry still. These e-books are super for toy & foraging ideas. *BUT* I would really suggest waiting until he's comfortably vocalizing & moving around the new digs before you do anything big. Right now, though, there are some good little ideas. There are also component parts that you can start him off on. Whenever it's time, start making larger creations from familiar pieces. Then, like Acappella said, let him help. Toy making is an activity in itself. It's a good way to make TheNewThing less scary. It can also be a bonding activity. All good, right? Forgot to add the links! https://featheredangels.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/theparrotenrichmentactivitybookversion1-0.pdf https://featheredangels.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/theparrotenrichmentactivitybookversion2-0.pdf https://www.facebook.com/parrotenrichment/photos_stream

...while poor Kura laid eggs w/o having any of the fun to go w/them. She's also been egg bound twice. So, you guys are ve-e-r-y lucky.

When Phenix roars, he sounds so much like a small boy who is pretending to be a lion. Then he laughs w/delight. Since he isn't often totally unguarded or lighthearted, my heart thumps every single time.

That first pic gave me a very big smile. Ready for some more anytime!!

"Never even thought to question your mental state for bringing Toby home" said one wingnut to the other. lol We also refer to ourselves as grey-o-holics around here. Let's just say you're among like minded people. I don't see how long he's been home or how long he was with the other people or how many previous homes...? But the behaviors are most likely fear based (assuming you already checked & he's healthy). That will take him as long as it takes to get over. It doesn't matter if he came from the worst place ever, uprooting a grey really rocks their world. Everything new rocks some fids. Some things that might help for the moment - don't stare. It's rude. lol For a prey animal, it's scary. Especially since Toby's not used to getting any attention, he's probably pretty sure you're contemplating how he'll taste for dinner. - maybe limit his exposure. His cage could be more flush to the wall or he *might* like it partially covered w/something he can shred w/o getting tangled up. He might also hate being covered. You'd have to watch to determine his particular preference, here. He might or might not consider the window exposure, as well. * - include him. Treat him like any one else in the room. Glance his way occasionally. Talk or whistle to him from a bit of a distance or across the room. Singing, no matter how good or bad, is usually well received. Quiet activities near by, reading, computer work, knitting, whatever, are ways to get him used to your undemanding presence & help him relax around you. - several times a day try handing him things like food & foot toys. Set up a spare cup because he may not take them initially. After a minute or two, just leave them & walk away. He may fling them. Just let it roll off your back & eventually, he should start to be more receptive. By then he will have become more used to you, to contact w/your hands, as well as exposure to some different foods & toys. - never, ever take it personally ...until he wants to be your friend. ") It's fair to say most grey birds live by the code, "I don't know you, so I don't like you!" THE only cure is time. But if you read thru the forums, especially "Rescue Bird Haven" you'll find out how worthwhile even the smallest victory is. ...and your new flock of wingnuts all get it. So we'll be here for anything you want to share. Welcome to Grey Forums, Izzy. * it would be surprising if he didn't consider that shelf & those pictures a greyt source of fun once he's on the move. just sayin

Thanks. I could spend hours watching these clips. This was Blue Hors Matinee who was one of my favs. She always looked so happy to show.

^^^ I'm jealous. I have always wanted an owl since I was 5 yo & met one at the Trailside Museum in the Blue Hills! I don't know how long that campaign went on, but it was years. My grandfather raised show fowl. I didn't see the difference & couldn't understand why he wouldn't get one for me. lol

No. Nothing of the sort although I will admit that I'm real grateful you cared enough to ask. Given some of the response, I don't really know what I was thinking about starting this thread. In hindsight I think in future, my spare time might be better spent practicing things I could actually hope to accomplish. Like nailing jello to a tree or something like that. Let's keep it real, Dee. You don't actually have a thing to worry about. Honestly, we only tolerate you so we can keep tabs on Miss G. We lover her.

Ehugs I'm so sorry you lost your sweet, sweet girl.

We all write differently. We all read differently. We all spell differently. Then there's the typing! It's just not even a little realistic to think that we can all communicate the same. Let alone first time every time. As far as whatever else happens where ever else...? I can't for the love of me think why anyone would compare Grey Forums membership w/that type of crowd. No brag. Just fact. The greater percentage of bird owners are simply a breed apart. Their somewhat amazing ability to empathize & their out-freakin-standing devotion to some little pile of grey feathers &/or any of their multi-colored cousins is what sets them apart. So then why I wonder, is it too much to ask for them to show their fellow human beings even the slightest bit of that same empathy & just a small amount of good old fashion courtesy, consideration or respect? It costs so little & can be worth so much. I'll say it again. I just don't get it.

On the whole, Grey Forums represents itself as being kind of like one big dysfunctional family. Here to support each other w/the fids' well being coming before anything else. The only way this or any other source of information can remain valuable or relevant is if it continues to attract "users". All the good advice & "wisdom", all the good intentions, time & effort are worthless otherwise. It would (or should) go w/o saying that can't be accomplished by being offensive. It is very offensive to most people to be disrespected. It is disrespectful to tell people what they feel is invalid. Is it so damned hard to say "sorry" when posts aren't well received & simply rephrase in a different tone of voice? Because for every one poster who actually says they're offended & moving on, there's probably more, possibly a bunch more, who will simply leave w/o a word. Either way, their birds cannot benefit when they're gone. “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” ― Dalai Lama XIV

I dream that one day, I'll have a bird who will do that. The difference is, in my case, it won't ever be anything more than a dream. sigh

"What happens in Vegas..." ? As far as I'm concerned "What happens during mating season ... same thing. Hormonal behavior is temporary insanity. Most of the time, it will pass. I just take the attitude that we have to survive it w/o doing any permanent damage. Simple, right...? hahahahahahahahahahahaha

Ever heard the expression 'crazy happy'...? It's a good thing. ") From what you described, it sounds like someone's just blowing off steam.

Awww, look at that face. The name seems to suit. He looks like the type who's always ready to get into some sort of mischief. But then aren't they all!?! ")