Mistyparrot

Gus looks a real sweetie. It's amazing what a little love and kindness can do for parrots other creatures and even humans! Steve n Misty

Misty always preferes to eat out side of his cage but then he does spend most of his time out of it. (His cage that is!) Steve n Misty

I think it all depends on the bird. It would certainly be wise to discourage shouldering until you know Gus's temperament. A few years ago there were specific occasions when Misty bit my ear. I had been preparing food and he got fed up trying to get my attention. This resulted in instant cage time for him. He very quickly learned two things. One was that ear biting or any biting for that matter resulted in instant cage time. Only for a few minutes but he got the message. The other was that he only has to nudge my ear to get my instant attention! :eek: These days I have every confidence that my ears are safe and I can trust Misty on my shoulder. It may make a difference that Misty is my only bird and we are very good friends and know each other well. Steve n Misty

What a great story! Now you will have an extra reason to celebrate Thanks Giving. Welcome Gus. It will be interesting to hear how your flock accommodates him. Steve n Misty

How do you do Leo.Nice to meet you:) Steve n Misty

I do my fair share of beak kissing with Misty and I am sure it helps to bond us but I think you need to take care in the way you approach Isaac because if you catch him in an off mood you will get a bit lip! The way I do it is to approach with a "Kiss kiss" and wait for him to offer his beak to me which he does by raising his head a little. If I don't get that response from experience I don't push my luck! Don't forget that to Isaac you head is the size of a large thing and if his mood is off he will get defensive! Just my 2pence. I love the way Isaac says "Rwow" in response. Steve n Misty

I suffer from COPD but I have never had a problem with Misty's dander. Just in case I asked my doctor to do some antibody and alergy tests and he found no problem. My COPD was from years of smoking cigarettes but having Misty around helped me stop some years ago. Dander could be a problem for some people but you will know very quickly if it is. Steve n Misty

Ask Dave007 for advice Steve n Misty

Do you get "Fly Bongo fly" When he takes off? I still get "Fly Misty" even after seven years from teaching Misty the rudiments:D Steve n Misty

I love this story. It never gets old. If it has one moral though it is that if you are going to choose a Grey or any parrot for that matter as a companion you absolutely need infinite patience! Happy Thanks Giving to my friends across the water and I hope your turkeys forgive you! Steve n Misty

I think that is a Mandarin. Steve n Misty

Fixed now:) S n M

Getting ready for Halloween:eek: Steve n Misty

Anyone have Grey named Quasimodo? Steve n Misty

The wonderful thing about Tobie is that he really does understand how important Franks blood checks are! I think you should call him Doctor Tobie Steve n Misty

Good luck and keep safe to everyone at risk from Sandy. My thoughts are with you all. Steve n Misty

I don't think any reputable breeder would sell fertile eggs. Steve n Misty

Thanks for clarifying. You seem to be reacting in the appropriate way. With my Grey Misty if he bites in an inappropriate way which might break skin my reaction is to instantly return him to his cage with a firm "No biting!" it is not often that I have to do this and he seems to learn from this. He is only caged for a few minutes but as he preferes to be out rather than in he seems to get the point. He would say "Be good boy no biting.. Can I come out?" and I would let him out. He understands the difference between being caged for "bad" behaviour and being put in because I have to do some work or go out. His reaction is quite different. His biggest sin used to be nipping ear lobes but he has learned not to do this any more. It would happen when he was on my shoulder and he wanted to get my attention. Now he just tickles my lobe and it does get my attention! I think you need to try something similar. I get the idea that you know that punishing parrots is counterproductive but temporarily rejecting him from your company will make the point. Steve n Misty

Oh well in that case find him a good book! Steve n Misty

Is Maverick's stand an interesting place for him to be on? Misty's play stand has many fruit wood climbing branches, Sisal climbing ropes and bells and bongs etc. Steven Misty

A big mistake that many people make with new Greys is to try and impose themselves on him. Most will soon learn to step up but they are very conscious that they are at a potential disadvantage and wont welcome attempts at petting. If they move away from you or beak you when you try don't push it! As he gets to trust and like you he will find a way to invite you. Most will tolerate gentle beak rubs quite easily and will quickly come to request gentle neck rubs. Grey pairs will preen each other on the back of their necks. This is the one part that they cannot reach with their own beaks. When Misty first invited me to preen him he would bow his head and say "You're alright" and he was very consistant with that. I would say "Tickle Tickle" so he also uses that as an invite. If I try to preen uninvited he will move away. Your Grey will find his own way to invite. Avoid petting any other part of their bodies. Some may come to tolerate it but it could be misinterpreted as a sexual overture from you. It will take while for him to accept you both and the more you force yourselves yourselves on him the longer it will take. Learn to read and understand him and where possible accede to his wishes. It is important for him to feel he has some control of his situation. Talk to him and explain in simple terms what is going on as you would with a small child. You will be delighted at what he will pick up. If you can whistle to him as well. Greys love this and will help you bond. Finally don't be tempted to clip him. Flying is natural for them and makes for a healthier and more confident parrot. Despite what many people believe a clipped bird is not a safer bird but you must be vigilant with doors, widows and ceiling fans and of course hot stoves! Steve n Misty

Welcome to the group Bendinglass. I am not able to give meaningful advice on your question as I have no experience of 40 year old Greys that not been handled as you say but there are members here who could but I am sure they would need to know as much history as possible such as was it an ex breeder and what do you know of her previous keepers and have you had it checked by an avian vet? That said all of us here love to hear of older and possibly difficult Greys being given a loving and understanding home. At 40 she may be one of the oldest here. Please tell us her name and if you can please post pictures. We also have an introduction room for new members Steve n Misty

I think you have had a very scary time with Zak but from what you say he is not yet showing any symptoms. Follow your vets dietary advice and keep a close eye on him but I know I don't need to tell you that. We are all hoping for the best for you and Zak. Steve n Misty

Actually he likes peanuts but preferes cashews . At the moment he is still redecorating my apartment so he may not be available for a while. Steve n Misty