Sevi

I don't find that very play-stand-like. It's definitely more of a perch. Especially since there is no good spot to hang or attach toys. I have a home made wooden "stand", which is very similar in design to this. Food and water dish on each side of a wooden dowel perch, but I roughed the perch up with a dremel so it is textured (minus the metal mess-catcher, which would be very handy). It's basically where Edison goes just to eat breakfast. There are some great play stands and areas I've seen members make... I think some photos were in the "pictures of your bird's cage" or what-not thread... To make it more enriching right now you may be able to make a "box" out of branches which will sit on the metal catcher and make it accessible with some ladders. (wow, worst description of what is in my head, ever) You would also be able to affix toys to it. However, for the price you could probably either buy a more "playful" play stand, or just make one from scratch.

Thanks for the pics of you and Ace. Adorable!

I typed this out at work and I guess it took so long that it timed out and I had to relogin and write it again :lol: : I'm so sorry to hear about your vet troubles Sameera, but at least the feather is out. And poor Zahzu I can't believe he pulled it with her anesthetized, whether she bit him or not. A bite is not a reason to put a bird under. Is he an avian veterinarian? I just can't imagine mine doing that... Edison loathes the vet- growls like mad, and is super wriggle-y but he's got that vet grip that keeps him under control. I've had a broken blood feather pulled by him with Edison just securely grasped. I would definitely look for a different vet were I in your situation. I can't really give you advice on the water for plucking (as I, thankfully, haven't had to deal with that yet and hopefully I don't), but it does seem anti-positive-reinforcment to me. I don't think I would try it on Edison. I hope Zahzu and yourself recuperate well and take it easy. Edit: I fully agree with Acapella.<br><br>Post edited by: Sevi, at: 2008/06/27 18:56

Like Judy said, she doesn't need to be put under to remove a blood feather and since you can't stop the bleeding or reach it, removal is really the only option. If its a primary flight feather, it will be pretty painful to pull out, so its definitely best if the vet does it. Not only because they're deep and difficult to pull cleanly for the inexperienced, but also because no-one wants to be associated with that. Edison's veterinarian is about an hour and a half away, two if there's traffic. I'm very comfortable with him and that makes all the difference. I would search for a vet you like- no matter how far away they may be, it's worth it for your baby. I wish you and Zahzu good luck.<br><br>Post edited by: Sevi, at: 2008/06/27 15:53

Ahh... I have become wise to the Edison-wants-to-bite-me-despite-looking-like-he-wants-a-headrub game. It's comforting to find out he's not the only devilish mastermind. I can usually tell when he's out for blood... but sometimes I fall for it anyway... Because maybe, just maybe, he actually wants to be petted. He's such a jerk :pinch:, but I love him anyways. I have 12 years of CAG induced damage. Can I join the Parrot Bite Me club too?

Congratulations on getting Ace! Like everyone else here, I can't wait for pictures.

I have lost many precious books to Edison. I wouldn't care so much if he attacked my pulp novels or the newspapers, but expensive hardcover coffee-table books are his favourite. I'm sure many of you do this already, but if you don't then may I suggest wrapping and tissue paper? Not only does it crinkle and shred, its also pretty colours. Christmas is Edison's favourite time of the year, since the big tub of wrapping paper is out all day long. And poppy, they always look like they are eating it, but they usually spit it out. I haven't witnessed Edison actually consume paper, but there are tons of little pieces of chewed/rolled paper everywhere. Unless your girl is not eating newspaper, but only eating paper towel, in which case... you must have some really tasty paper towels :ohmy:

Hi Kebbie. My grey is finicky with water also. Sometimes he loves having a bath, but most of the time he hates it. I find mid-way through he gives up hating the spray and just starts tolerating it. Which is nice for me. I'd say, since bathing is something new to him entirely, just ease him in as slowly and gently as possible. Sometimes Edison takes a spray bath better when I spray other things with the bottle first, myself included. This is great on really hot days :laugh: You may also want to try a shower perch... and just let him sit in the shower a few times while you run the water and don't get him wet. I remember reading an article a while ago about introducing greys to water/showers that way. The slow and steady approach seems to work for most people. I have a spray bottle very similar to the one Dave has which I picked up at our local hardware store. It was, at most, $2. I'd still be hesitant to use a hairspray bottle despite any uber-cleaning. Good Luck

Welcome Tanja and Harley He's adorable.

Eclectus' are gorgeous... I considered getting one before I decided on my CAG. I'm a few days late (or can you ever be late?) but welcome!

Hi Satchel~! And welcome. There are some recent and informative threads about handling your parrot and other pets. Check them out I need to stop by the welcome room more often Hope you enjoy the forums=, it's a great place with great people.<br><br>Post edited by: Sevi, at: 2008/06/13 17:27

Hi Amberly, I'll echo what others have said: No secret tip but there's a ton of great information here. Biggest piece of advice for starting out- if you're getting a baby, make sure you're comfortable with the breeder. Enjoy the forums!

Oh you could name him Edison if you want. I was just saying it's a masculine name. It's a compliment for me if you do .

My guy is named Edison... I took the chance he was a guy and lucked out... haha... Though he was not named after Maxwell, but Thomas. Desmond sounds masculine to me too. Jude is cute. Funny that was not the first beatles name to come mind.<br><br>Post edited by: Sevi, at: 2008/06/13 00:23

Beatles name: Eleanor, but definitely not unisex. Although you could always do Rigby... Rigby could be unisex. Hurry up and name your baby Pchela!

Hi Brent, I just recently (as in Tuesday) moved my 12 year old grey out of the same house he's been in since he was a baby. I was worried because the house he used to be in was very vibrant- with a Quaker and Dog who make tons of noise and people come and go all day long. My apartment, on the otherhand, is empty for 7 hours a day while my boyfriend and I are at work. So far things have been going surprisingly well, but I'm still nervous when I leave the house. I set up a webcam so I can check in on him from work once in a while and leave the radio on because he loves his music. If you have access to a computer with internet at work and have a webcam at home I highly suggest you give this a try. There is also a free service called Orb (http://www.orb.com), which allows you to stream the camera remotely. It has set my mind at ease immensely. Even though I feel like such a voyeur. Is Jack moving in the same cage? I think this has helped Edison adjust easier since it has given him a base from which to watch any other changes and observe his new environment which is comfortable. Edison is still weary of a few things, especially the new speaker system , but so far each day he has been relaxing more and more. I don't think he slept well the first night, since he ended up sleeping most of the day yesterday. This morning he was as bright and chipper, and seemingly fearless, as he usually is. As far as I can tell from what I've read here on the forum, every grey takes a move differently. And since this is my first move and we're only 2 days in I don't think I can give you a ton of advice but maybe some reassurance. Also, if Jack is used to anywhere between 3-10 hours of attention a day, I would assume on days when he only gets 3-4 hours it would be okay. Since he is used to fluctuations already. Good luck! It's hard not to be anxious, but Jack will come around even if he's out of sorts for he first little while.

That is adorable! Bella is very very cute.

Welcome Nerissa and Coco. I'm looking forward to photos

Hi Nerissa. I had the worst panic attack when I first read this... Since tomorrow, I'm moving Edison to the new apartment. Thankfully, his new cage won't arrive for a month or so, so he's being moved in the old cage. I'm sure he'll come around, like Dave said. And that's exactly what I keep telling myself, but I do share in your anxiety.

This thread should help you with getting some good literature: http://www.greyforums.net/forums/training/21728-favorite-grey-books.html#47289 You can also do a search for "books," there are tons of nice suggestions in the results. You also may want to check out the "Bird Food" section on this forum. It is full of useful information and can help answer a lot of questions. If you're concerned about what diet would be best and are not sure about the information in these forums (I find it very reliable and commensurate with published literature, as everyone here cares deeply for their birds) I would also recommend talking to an Avian vet.

Happy Birthday Charlie! Will he get cake :lol: [pretend there's a snappy birthday graphic here]

Haha! Same here. Edison is very vocal, but it's always what he wants to say. No matter how much I want him to say something specific, and how often I use it, if it doesn't interest him he just won't care. Like your Gandalf he won't say food or any name of any food and I make sure to say them all the time. Any sort of food is greeted with an "Oooooh..." or sometimes a "yum" which is what I always used to say when I'd give him a treat. Also, every CAG starts talking at a different time and some will just favour sounds over "speech". It's really hard to pin down an exact time frame.

Oh Congratulations! He's adorable. I remember when mine was the young, so cute! I think they're all sorta scruffy when they're younger since they're coming into their own. Like Tari said, give the shop a call. They should be able to remind you about his age, and probably give you the hatch date, if you're interested, since they deal with the breeder.

Hmmm.... I'll vote again for Greeley... and runner up for me would actually be Blanford. Primarily because I have never, ever heard Blanford B)

I would suggest breeder one, primarily because it seems like you feel more comfortable with her. After all, she is someone you will need to deal with fairly frequently. I hand-fed my grey with my breeder until I was comfortable, however, I also had experience weaning my mother's Quaker. That she will keep the bird longer if you don't feel comfortable seems to be a big plus. But good luck with whomever you choose! I'm sure you will love your grey no matter what.