Matthew

Tucker has recently taken a liking to my roommate, but my roommate would rather not have anything to do with Tucker. As soon as Tucker sees him in the morning or when he gets home from work he raises his wings slightly and flaps them a little. He also calls out with high pitched noises which get progressively louder and can last for hours. Needless to say, my roommate is not thrilled by this behavior and neither is anyone living on my block. It's usually the worst when I'm not home, so I feel like I have very little control over it. It seems to me like it's a hormonal thing and he's chosen my roommate as his mate. Tucker is about 3 years old, and I've heard they can be very hormonal during this time. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to deal with this? Also, does anyone know if sleep cycle is related to hormonal issues? Right now he gets 8-10 hours of sleep, but usually closer to 8. I was wondering if maybe giving him a sleep cage and putting him to bed earlier might snap him out of this.

So, you don't feel that the cleaners evaporating into the air the bird is breathing is a concern at all?? Really?? I've read horror stories about things as seemingly harmless as Febreze killing birds. I've decided to just spot clean it for now and wait for spring to move the couch to the back porch to have it cleaned, leaving it there until it's completely dry. I don't want Tucker or myself breathing in those fumes.

I got a quote from a company called Chem-dry. They claim everything they use is non-toxic, but I'd feel better if I knew someone else had used them and had no problems. I live in a small apartment, so I really can't move the birds to another room.

The material is 65% rayon and that's all I know about it right now. I'm mostly concerned about what's safe for birds. I'm worried the chemicals used in professional cleaning could be harmful.

Does anyone know of a safe upholstery cleaner? We went away on vacation and the person watching our place spilled what looks like coffee all over our new couch. Any ideas on how to get out or at least lighten the stain? Thanks!

Suzzique wrote: That's so funny. Tucker does the same thing. He'll mimic a noise or bird he heard outside, but louder. I always have to remind my fiends that a cute little whistled tune isn't as fun at full volume.

I'm going to be gone for a week later this fall and have started getting everything ready for the birds. What all do you guys do to get your birds ready for your absence. Any overly obsessive thing you insist on doing, such as calling home more than once a day? I'll get all of their meals ready and portioned out. I also always get a new special toy they can shred while I'm gone. Those bird pinatas work really well. Tucker also has a chain with beads and a role of cash register tape he can pull out and shred. I also have someone stay at my place. Stopping in for a little bit to feed them and play just isn't enough.

I found this quick explanation of flower essences. http://birdloversonly.blogspot.com/2007/10/bach-flower-remedies.html They really are amazing. Every bird owner should at least have one of the Rescue formulas around. I only use very small amounts on the birds. I'll spray one mist a couple feet above them. I really want to learn more about using diluted mixes in their water. I'm leaving for a week long trip soon, and thought maybe they would help Tucker with his separation anxiety. He tends to sit in the corner of his cage and look all sad the whole time I'm gone. Poor little guy.

I bet natural baby wipes would work great for cleaning around bird cages. I've never used them myself, but 7th Generation makes baby wipes that shouldn't have anything bad in them. Might just have to pick up a pack.

I've been trying to discourage Tucker from climbing down his cage too. Every now and again, he just has to run down and attack toes. He'll also try to get the remote if it ends up on the floor. I have yet to come up with a good way to discourage this. Let me know if anything works for anyone.

I like this stuff. http://cleanwelltoday.com/index.html?detectflash=false I prefer to only use natural products around my birds. It's so much easier just not to use any of the conventional stuff than trying to figure out what's safe and what's not.

I'd assume he hasn't fledged yet either. You should really read into this. I know with greys it's very important they are allowed to learn to fly. It builds confidence.

I really think it's best to feed asparagus raw. Mine likes the top part the most. I'd never microwave any vegetables, you're just ruining them, boiling too. If you must cook, steaming would be better. Just don't cook it too long.

As hard as it is, ignoring him is best. I also whisper to Tucker when he's being too loud and tell him, "Tucker, shh calm down buddy." Now when he gets worked up, all I have to do is say Tucker and he starts whispering the rest. They are such smart birds, you just have to make sure you're training them to do what you want, not reinforcing the negatives. Giving him attention or being loud when he does something wrong just makes the whole thing fun and he'll want to do it more. Hope it all works out.

That's a tough one. I hope he's eating something. How was he weaned? Do you ever give him a warm meal? Also, be sure to keep your own emotions in check when dealing with this. Greys are amazing at reading peoples energy.