Raposa

ZivaDiva, did she learn to fly at all before her wings were clipped? If not, that could be the cause of her lack of coordination. I would think it would be a good idea to bird proof the areas she tends to jump in. You might also see what you can do with her cage top to make it more enticing for her, so that she likes being up there rather than wanting to jump off. On the wing clipping question, that is a seriously tough one. Jenna was fully flighted when I got her. She flew all over the house, and especially liked landing on top of a hanging lamp in the dining room and refusing to come down. She also flew right into the sliding glass door and into the living room window a couple of times. In addition to all that, there are a lot of people in and out of my house (my mom is disabled and has multiple care givers and health care providers in and out) and I would be petrified that someone would inadvertantly let her out the door. So I made a decision to clip her wings, and that was done about 8 months ago by an avian vet. She has done well with it, but I think I will let her feathers grow out again . . . I would prefer to have her fully flighted, but I am also aware of the dangers involved. There are also 5 cats in the house, none of whom pay much attention to her but if she could quickly get places where I could not supervise, it might be a bad situation . . . We'll see how it goes. I urge you to make the decision you think is best for the safety of your bird. Most people on this forum are strongly against clipping, but each situation is different and has to be judged on its own merits.

What a sweet baby you have! ~beams~

My gorgeous boy died unexpectedly a year ago at Christmas time. He was just 15. He was fine when I left for work, and dead by the time I came home. My vet did a necropsy and she said he was healthy, good feathers, organs all normal size, the only thing unusual was that his sinuses were congested. I still miss him every day. As for his screeching, these birds can be LOUD! My husband enjoyed the bird but hated the screaming, which was part of the reason I elected to go with a grey instead this time. That and the fact that I've always loved greys and never thought I would end up with one.

Malibu is gorgeous! Happy hatchday

Vacation? What is a vacation? ~scratches head in puzzlement~ I think I have heard of those . . .

Hehehehe When my Jenna first arrived she made a valiant attempt to redecorate my living room walls with oatmeal

~grins~ I have a camera bug in the house, maybe he could be persuaded!

Well heck, it looks like nobody knows the answer to this one, HeatherStrella!! I would imagine that if this behavior change is coming at the same time she exhibited a behavior change last year, there could be a connection . . . but maybe not! These birds are SO sensitive, it is hard to know what they are reacting to! Let us know how she is doing, ok?

Oh, your grey will talk ~grins~ You won't be able to STOP him! And he will say things you do NOT expect at the strangest times! Hehehe

You've gotten lots of good advice here, so I will just say HURRAY that Tim is home!!

I want to go, too!!!! But I'm in Texas

Wow, I only just saw this thread! You and Sherlock have really been through it, haven't you? I am SO glad you got her to a vet quickly!!! So have you tried Birdie Bread with her yet? How is she doing on adapting her diet?

Annmarie and Fairy, I applaud you both for doing your research and thinking things through, and making the best decision for you, AND for your birds! Annmarie, my last bird was a male eclectus, and he was fabulous. He was outgoing and friendly, he would go to anyone who asked him to. He went to concerts and festivals with me, he went to work with me . . . He was extremely well socialized from 2 months old on. You will not regret an eclectus. However, they are a LOT louder than a grey ~chuckle~ Please do stay with us and keep us updated!

I am envious of you for Cleo's cuddliness ~smiles~ Jenna adores me, I have no doubt of that, but she has never been a cuddler. Isn't it humbling to realize how much trust it takes for a semi-wild creature to relax with you like that? Sounds like Cleo will really enjoy showers, too. One thought, Jenna has always liked showers (I guess the breeder must have showered her regularly). Something I have done from the beginning is to play a towel game with her, and wrap her in a towel after her shower. That is the one time she will let me snuggle her, and that part is good for ME; the part that is good for her is that she is not afraid of towels. So, for example, when we recently went to the vet and they toweled her, it did not frighten her at all.

~throws something at Steve~ Don't think there is a difference, Jamal, between males and females when it comes to talking ability

But I wonder why she likes it so much, Emma quite obviously DOES have a brain! hehehe

It arrived yesterday, and after I struggled with putting the canvas backpack onto the cage (and, of COURSE, put it on backwards the first time) I put Jenna in it and took a walk around the yard. I wore it in front and left the top piece off so she could see me. She did just fine! Now I need to get a better perch for it, and we're ready to go. I made a toy to hang inside already So now Jenna and I get to go out and about together, and I am so delighted!!! Thanks to all of you who have been talking about the adventure pack lately, you are my inspiration!

Dan always gives good advice ~smiles~ Your new family member is a prey bird, and until enough time has gone by, almost EVERYTHING can be threatening. With time and patience, your grey will be all over your house

Yay for you and Beau!!! ~beams~ And I agree, Pepper is absolutely gorgeous

Star sounds delightful! You asked about how old they are when they start talking. Timnehs start earlier than Congos; the Congos don't usually really get going until they are about a year olf (there are exceptions, of course) and the Timnehs, about 6 months earlier I think (somebody correct me if I got that wrong) Welcome to a great forum. Why don't you post on the Welcome forum and tell us more about you and your bird?

What a beautiful, happy little bird!!!

Congratulations on your new baby, you must be fit to bust :cheer: Now step AWAY from the cage, I know it is hard, but you both need SOME sleep . . . hehehe

I just re-read this and am impressed all over again. Thanks again, Dan! Interestingly, Jenna actually became MORE cuddly and affectionate after she reached a year old. I am definitely enjoying that, although trying to be careful about not over-cuddling, as my vet says it isn't a great idea and can create behavior problems later in life. It is lots of fun to see how she grows and develops :-)

These are such delightful stories! Jenna evidently has a two-tone sound that she only uses for me, at least according to my mom who lives with us and is at home during the day while I am at work ~smiles~ If I don't respond right away Jenna starts demanding "What are you DOING??? Want a shower? You are a GIRL! You're so bird! Hi sweetheart. Are you my baby bird?" She is so funny!

Poor uncomfortable birdie. Unfortunately, this kind of thing DOES take a lot of time. Even when the behavior stops, it can take quite a while before all the feathers grow back in. I'm glad you have a vet involved. You may already be doing all this, but do you have a humidifier in the bird's room? Does he get regular misting/showers? Is he eating red palm oil with his food? Will he play with foraging toys? Have you tried any training with him? Sometimes when they have something for their busy little minds to focus on it reduces their feather destruction . . . Sorry if this is all old info/ideas