Mistyparrot

I have a similar bed time ritual with Misty that I have mentioned before. He will start to say "Bed time " to me late at night. But what he means is not that he wants to be put in his cage to sleep but he wan't me to go to bed and leave him in peace! He does let me put him in his cage but he would far prefer I let him sleep in his tree perch. As we share our living room I can't take the chance that he won't wreck it in my absence. Steve n Misty

I have been doing that with Misty for some time but he is obviously very stupid because he still hasn't learned to do the washing up!:confused: Steve n Misty

I think that Greys will learn the sounds or words that they associate with objects things events and animals including people that interest them. Those are the sounds that they will learn most readily.The trick I think is getting their interest. Dr Pepperberg uses the "Rival - Model" technique to demonstrate to the parrot how he or she might get a result that the parrot wants. The "Rival" is a person or another parrot that knows the correct words that will trigger the correct response from the teacher usually an offered object or treat. The student will then model the action of the "Rival". Constantly repeating a a word or a call including whistled tunes may work to a limited extent because Greys naturally like to repeat calls of their family and flock members as part of the social bonding process but often there is no related context. The best way if no "Rival" is available is to explain what is happening in a simple and consistent way. They will learn to associate the words you say with the object you are offering or the activities happening at that moment. They are also very responsive to emotive situations which is one of the reasons why they often pick up bad language. Remember that Greys are very observant of every thing that happens around them and every thing they see you do. Steve n Mistyparrot

OK Dan. We will see what we can arrange but you may have to wait a little while! Steve n Misty

A very happy 4th of July to all my American friends and their Grey palls. If you ask nicely I will ask Liz if she will have you all back! Steve n Misty

Thank heavens you got your Penny back. It is clear she is very much your girl. She doesn't want to be away from you but now she has the advantage that your home and the area around it are in her world map. Often when pet parrots go out they get a sudden information overload. They get confused lost and frightened when that happens. It's not that they don't want to go back but they don't know how. It was your persistence in calling her that helped her work out where to go. You can be quite sure that if she goes out again she won't get lost! I can well imagine how scared you must have been. I know I would feel the same if Misty flew off. But here is the but. Please do not clip Penny. You may seriously affect her. She is obviously very used to flying around your home. Flying is fundamental to her own self image. The clipping options are light clip so she can still fly but with less control. If she did get out she would be far more at risk and less able to look after herself. obviously dangerous. Or you could go the whole hog and clip her so she can barely fly. As a former fully flighted Grey she would find that traumatic with unpredictable consequences. She might become a plucker and she could resent you. She would be sadder I am sure. You will have to take a little more care but remember you have a parrot that wants to be with you! Don't risk that special bond. Steve n Misty

I wish you all the luck you will need. I hope you are able to resolve the problem you have and that your beautiful Grey will have a long and happy life with your loving family. Steve n Misty

There seems to be different rules for US origin and non US origin pet birds. Was your Grey born in the USA ? You need to check further with your local embassy. Steve n Misty

Why five hours? can't it be longer? I would take no chances with Misty in that situation! Steve n Misty

Yes I hear "Be good" then lots of "Peek a boo" and variations with a laugh at the end. Steve n Misty

I think not Ray. If, God forbid Greycie ever went AWOL again she would know it was a rendezvous and go there. Steve n Misty

Yes and not just with the pointy end of the beak!:mad: Steve n Misty

I am so happy for you all.:D| Steve n Misty

They contain a cyanide precursor that metabolises into cyanide but they would have to eat a lot to do any harm but I never take the chance. Cherry pits, plum and apricot and related fruits contain similar potentially poisonous compounds. Steve n Misty

He was up to no good! Steve n Misty

That a fine looking Grey. I hope you will all be very happy. I guess you could change your name to "And a Grey":) Steve n Misty

That's what happens when they bathe too much! Steve n Misty

You are having your leg pulled Suzette ! We all have times when our LGMs (Little Grey Monsters) have to be confined to barracks for their own safety and our sanity! You should hear the demanding insults that Misty throws my way is he thinks he has been unjustifiably caged for even a few minutes! Steve n Misty

Best of luck Dan. I am sure every thing will come together. I bet you have been explaining everything to Dayo so he will understand the big changes happening around him. I hope you find his right spot for him without to much trial and error. Steve n Misty

In England we have lots of cricket (when it's not raining !) and no Brown Recluse spiders! Coincidence ? Steve n Misty

Does anything eat Brown Recluse spiders? Steve n Misty

Insecticide sprays that are powerful enough to eliminate Brown Recluse spiders are dangerous to pets and humans but especially birds. A you say your house has had a problem before with these spiders they could be hiding all over. So treating one room probably won't get rid of them. If I was you I would get everybody out and away until the job is done. Use a reputable pest control expert and take no chances with babies or birds. Good luck. Steve n Misty

Hi Majd Seffarini. Welcome. Looking forward to reading about your new guy. Misty knows all his names. He has a contact call name that he whistles. He also knows Misty, Misty Parrot and Misty Pie. He calls me "Horrible Boy" when he is cross and "Cmear" . Occasionally he even calls me "Steve":D Steve n Misty

You must be so worried. I hope Sydney gets well soon. Perhaps you should seek out an avian specialist to give him the best chance. the Parrot Society UK has a comprehensive directory avian vets throughout the UK. http://www.theparrotsocietyuk.org/veterinary-advice/avian-vets Hopefully you can find one not to far from you. Steve n Misty

Those are Mistparrot's sentiments precisely! Steve n Misty