Mistyparrot

I have found that Misty prefers not to have his cage fully covered. He will persistently tell me when he thinks it is bed time "It's bed time!"…"It's bedtime NOW" …. "It's bedtime NOW OK??" But I think that is because he wants me to go and leave him in peace. Once in his sleep cage he tells me "Bedtime baby" and signs off with a squeak. Steve n Misty

I am pretty sure from my experience with dogs that they are incapable of telling lies! I am not so sure about Greys though! Steve n Misty

Misty has part of his sleep cage covered. That is where he sleeps at night or the odd day time nap. I think it is more relaxing for him as he has no need to keep his 360 degree alert switched on. Steve n Misty

Does the dog regard itself as a member of your family? Dogs often have strong instincts for both attacking small animals but they will also instinctively protect any family member. Can the dog not be trusted under supervision? Do you really think Sophie would be that resentful? Are there no safe ways to compromise? Of course you have to put Sophie's safety first but is your sons dog such a risk? ( My "?" key is wearing out!) Of course you never want jealous animals in each others faces but maybe dog and parrot can come to an accommodation. I think you have more than enough smarts to come to a solution that will work out well. Steve n Misty

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mistyparrot/11032722126/ For some reason Iam having a nightmare uploading pics. Ihave done it loads of times before but nothing works GRRR. Anyway the link should get you to Misty Scritch. Steve n Misty

I just have to say this. This is the best forum for Grey parrots there is. Is it because there is something about Greys that helps make the people who live with them , as opposed to people who just keep them as pets, have a special understanding of the nature of animal intelligence? Just wondering, Steve n Misty.

JeffNOK. How much do you think your training as an English teacher to foreign students has helped Gracie's remarkable grasp of contextual English? You cannot get much more of a foreign student than a parrot! Steve n Misty

I think all the advice the others have given is spot on. I would be inclined to part cover her cage as I think that might make her a little more secure. Misty seems to prefer this if I have to leave him more than a few hours. when I return he is often snoozing under the covered part. Also don't forget to talk to her and explain where you are going and what is happening and when you are coming back. This is important because she won't understand all you are saying to her but the next time she will have a better idea what is happening. As for webcams many people have spare mobiles due to updates. They can often be pressed into service to make excellent wifi webcams . There are lots of free or very cheap apps for all platforms that will do this. Steve n Misty

Welcome PhillyT. Thank you so much for bringing your concerns here. Wow ! What an extraordinary situation. There is something amiss here. I suspect your breeder has enemies but I would not touch any breeder who sells birds so young. I am very suspicious of any breeder who thinks he knows better than Grey parents how to raise baby Greys. Sometimes circumstances dictate that humans need to intervene but genetically Greys have millions of years learning how to do it properly. Humans do it because of the mistaken belief (In my opinion) that the best way to acclimatise a baby Grey to living with humans is to cut their link with other Greys so they grow up accepting living with humans is "normal". This is nonsense. They are parrots and to be the best Grey parrot they can be they need to be brought up by other Grey parrots. They can still be accepting of human company and at the right age, preferably between one and two or even older they can easily bond with a human companion. They are very intelligent and very curious creatures and in the right circumstances humans can be very attractive to them. They are capable of recognising intelligence in other creatures and they love to be in social and family situations. Genetically they are programmed to leave the family nest after the first year, so bringing up a baby Grey may well result in the young Grey preferring a companion other than the human fosterer. Human parents risk bringing up confused and unstable Greys. A final thing . Grey parents never never will clip a baby Grey wings nor should any human. Grey parrots are flying birds and they need their wings. Their bodies are evolved over millions and millions of years to make them perfect flying animals. To take that away from them is just cruel and could well lead to a weak, confused and frustrated Grey. Try to find a breeder that allows the Grey parents to participate in the upbringing and who is prepared to keep the young Greys for at least six months. Better still find a Grey to re-home. It may bring some special challenges but it can be so worth while. I wish you good luck in your search PhillyT. Any Grey will be lucky to have you as a companion. Steve n Misty.

Thank you BailysPapa. Now I understand why my living room looks like a jungle! Steve n Misty

Just be grateful she is not asking you to read "Fifty Shades..":D Steve n Misty

If Scarlett is anything like Misty she will be only too keen on helping you do your work. For anything involving the use of keyboards, paper, concentration, small components I am sure you will find her assistance invaluable.:rolleyes: In fact if you are able to hold on to your sanity after a while you may have to resort to temporary incarceration (Scarlett not you). At this point you will begin to suffer guilt pangs as you are subjected to insults alternating with heartrending pleading. I can only wish you luck in finding Scarlett a preferential distraction. As you might guess I am relating to you from personal experience and if it is any comfort Misty and I are still the best of friends after nearly ten years together. Steve n Misty

All of my T shirts have ragged necks and shoulders and many of my shirts have lost buttons. Steve n Misty

Hello Shane. Has Scarlett been clipped or trimmed? Even a light trim can seriously affect their manoeuvrability. Steve n Misty

It was a very emotional experience watching that film. Steve n Misty

I have been honoured many times:D Steve n Misty

The thing is Greys do not like pooping in their cages any more than you would in your home except the toilet. I expect Jacko had been ready to burst when you let him out. With Misty the first thing I do with him when he comes out in the morning is take him to the bathroom. I have a curtain rail over the bath. Once on there it's bombs away and then a quick flush. He has perches around our room and the floor below is prepared to catch his poops. As a rule this arrangement works fine but if he is on my shoulder or knee for any length of time I am always on the alert for the crouch down and put him on a suitable perch or take him to the bathroom. Any time I need to go he comes with me.

Why do you think she may be older? It is very hard to tell just by appearance. Steve n Misty

I found with Misty the best way to introduce foods is to let him see me eat them. If I eat it he wants it. Greys like social eating so we always start our main meals together.Remember whatever they eat is fine for you too although the reverse is not always true. It is the same with toys . If I find it interesting and play with it then usually Misty does as well. With Greys the rule "What is yours is mine" normally applies. Steve n Misty

I am waiting for when she says "Quack off!":D Steve n Misty

Great news Shane. Your life will never be the same again! Steve n Misty

I have had Misty chipped twice because unusually the first one failed or came out. The first time the vet had his nurse assist to reduce the likelihood of Misty resenting me for the insult. In fact there was no hint of trauma and Misty showed no sign of resentment against of the humans involved. Likewise for the second chipping with a different vet. No problem at all. If you feel unduly worried about it your anxiety may transfer you your parrot. There is nothing to worry about. It is quick simple and painless with no sign of discomfort. Steve n Misty

I hope The Jets won! You wouldn't want a disappointed parrot! Steve n Misty

I shall definitely be watching this with Misty on my knee. Steve n Misty