cdelatorrejr

What works great for me is a Dremel with the rotating sanding attachment. When I notice Bobot's nails growing sharp or lifting his feet off the ground, I sand them down. It doesn't take long at all. At this point, he/she is so accustomed to this ritual. I just lift each toe off the perch, sand it down and move to the next. This also allows me better control and I haven't hit a vein yet. Give this a try!

All, Yesterday was Bobot's first flight. At 10 1/2 weeks he lept off his playstand and flew to me as I was walking out of the room. He didn't quite land on me but in the near vicinity. I am so proud of him/her. I've read about the debate on clipping or not clipping wings. We have parakeets and cockatiels and have clipped their wings when we first brought them home since none of them were handfed. Now that they have been trained, there is no need for future clipping. As for Bobot, since he's been handfed and continues to be handfed at his age, I've opted to not clip his wings. I saw how magestic and beautiful he was in flight. In the future, I'd like to be able to bring him out with an aviator harness and allow him to fly around. I took note of someone's comment that they wished they hadn't clipped their birds wings after it got out and could only climb higher and higher in a tree since it didn't know how to fly down. I will practice good bird practicing measures in my home and teach my children to close doors or check if any bird is outside its cage prior to opening any door. Just thought I'd share!

Couldn't help myself - one more!

I'm so proud of my family and always looking for any opportunity to share, so here's another picture of Noam and Bobot.

Babies are just adorable! Many including myself just love the baby smell! In fact, I like the baby grey smell also - maybe its the formula.

What a marvellous TAG, tabbytai. How old is Dudley?

Nice playstand! I built one also and found countless design options with PVC. Nice that this material is so cheap also just in case you have start over.

Welcome Goku! Looking forward to hearing more about Archie.

I've had my grey since 6 weeks, so I think this helps out but I believe it can be achieved with older greys also. My recipe was 1/2 part introduction and 1/2 part consistency. I've cuddled my grey in the crook of my neck early on. In fact, he wasn't too sure about this sentiment initially. I continued to practice this until he was accustomed to it. All the while, monitoring his stress level or mood. Now, when I come home from the office, I let him out of his cage, pick him up and he automatically nuzzles his head which is usually followed by me making a raspy, low hum showing contentment. Now I'm working on cradling him on his back in the palms of my hand. I started with him hanging upside down and me cupping him in my hands. I hope this helps and good luck!

I like the points that danmcq pointed out and I feel they should be used as guidelines rather than the rules of engagement. I think healthy debate is good. Its from this where we are able to see the other person's point of view; so much can be learned from others! I think positive exchanges can be achieved if we understand we are all connected, have a commonality (love of greys), have respect for one another and accept there are other opinions, viewpoints and ways to exist. I know when I have a debate with a close friend or family member, the conversation usually doesn't escalate but remains an exchange of ideas or opinions if I remember the things above. Stopping or pausing to gather my thoughts before responding seems to also work for me!

My young Fid and Kid - Bobot (@6 weeks) and Noam (2 1/2 years). <br><br>Post edited by: cdelatorrejr, at: 2008/07/25 22:18

I have to agree with the most recent post - great stands everyone! I think our greys will benefit and enjoy each and every one. So anyone can benefit from the PVC playstand I created, I am attaching a link to my blog with picture and design specifications. I documented the design because at some time in the future I may need to get back to it and didn't want to have to start from scratch. http://cdelatorre-nest.blogspot.com/2008/07/new-parrot-playstand-design.html<br><br>Post edited by: cdelatorrejr, at: 2008/07/25 20:17 Parrot_Playstand.pdf

I found it reasonably priced at Home Depot. Good luck!

Lauri: I didn't want to use any epoxy since they are toxic to our feathered friends so I opted on using an adhesive tape - Gorilla tape. Its advertised as the strongest. My baby TAG, Bobot, is starting to pick at it and its holding up fine for now.

That's interesting. About 4 weeks back, I brought my baby TAG, Bobot, from Tampa, FL. to San Diego, CA. on Continental Airlines in the cabin without any problem. Maybe its a restriction from city to city.

Here's a playstand I built this weekend. I posted it on another thread also. It took me about 5 hours in total and the cost was roughly $50.00. I wanted a playstand fun enough and functional without a large footprint. I took concepts from stands I have seen and merged them together. Its constructed from a plant saucer, PVC piping, various PVC joints and natural sisal rope. My baby TAG, Bobot, is still getting used to the various perches at different heights but is showing interest.

Beautiful TAG! How old is he/she?

Looking forward to the next episode.

This was a great concern of mine before I got my TAG. I chose the TAG because of what I've read about them and a more laid back personality. From what I know now, it shouldn't matter whether TAG or CAG. I've had our baby for about 3 1/2 weeks now and he's about 9 weeks old. I introduced my kids right away but supervised. Bobot's cage, the baby TAG, is in the family room which usually is the most trafficked or busiest room in the house. On the weekends, we bring our birds out and place them on their perches most of the day. It took a little while for the baby TAG to get used to the commotion but now he just loves being with his flock. My feeling is it is 1/2 part introduction and 1/2 part consistency that will allow your grey to become accustomed to most any situation.

Great photos! You have good photographic sense. My favorite is the close-up.

Off to a great start, Boomer! I'm sure you'll find an answer to just about anything related to your feather friend here. Good luck!

Welcome and what a cute CAG. Congratulations on your new addition!

Welcome Carrie nice to have you with us! I hope you find advice here for any problems you may have. Its been my experience that this community is a wealth of information. Good luck!

Here's the playgym I created for my grey. It took approximately 6 hours. Its constructed of PVC, plant saucer and sisal rope for about $50.00 total. So far, Bobot, my TAG, is a little apprehensive about it. I hope he gets used to it and finds it fun and functional. <br><br>Post edited by: cdelatorrejr, at: 2008/07/21 06:05

Great photo and nice setup. I plan on making a play gym in the next two weeks.