Carolyn

Congradulations on the new arrival of ICE cant wait to see some pictures when he's settled. {Love-000200BF} Carolyn & Mika

Oh my what a great picture, I would want to bring all of them home:woohoo: As for your trip home, there are a lot of bird carriers on the market out there, you can check them on the net if you are thinking of buying one now. But if not a small cat carrier is perfect, clean it down real good with vinegar and water and line it with soft towels for the ride home, some have small water dishes attached. Your baby will have lots of room to move around and you can face the door so he/she will be able to see you and you can talk to it. Also most seat belts will attach around the carrier to keep it safe and not moving around during the drive. I bet you are so excited;) Carolyn & Mika

Mika loves his aloe spray, I do the same as Judy fist water then spray him down with the aloe. And yes it does make them so soft, I love it. Carolyn & Mika

I wrap almonds or raisens or any other kind of nuts in cupcake wrappers and tie them on a long cotton string. I tie it to the cage and he pulls it up rips off the wrapper to get the treat in side, I usually wrap around 10 - 12 on the string, after he has had fun with the first few he has to haul up the string to get to the others. Also I use pinecones that have been picked up and baked in the oven, he love to destroy these. Carolyn & Mika

Congradulations Erika, Caroline, Toni, you will all add a lot to this "The Very Best Grey Forum Out There":laugh: enjoy. Carolyn & Mika

Very well put Caroline, I sure agree Carolyn & Mika

Congradulation on your new baby how old is he/she and when will you be bringing him/her home? I love the name Merlin for a male and Belle for a girl, are you have having him/her sexed before you bring it home? Do you have any pics yet, we love pics here. Carolyn & Mika

My fingers are crossed for you:laugh: Carolyn & Mika

Oh Pat, what a difference you can hardly believe that is the same bird. He is soooo beautiful. You have done a wonderful job{Love-000200BF} Carolyn & Mika

Welcome Marla, Doug & George George seems to be getting along well in his new 4-ever home. Hope things are going well, if you have any questions or concerns we are just a post away;) Carolyn & Mika:laugh:

I am so excited for you & ice, cant wait to hear how the homecoming goes - Lots of luck;) Carolyn & Mika

Sometimes it’s easy to get angry with people for giving up their birds. For most of us, our birds are cherished family members and many of us just couldn’t imagine ever turning them over to anyone else. But the fact is that birds are re-homed for many different reasons, and the fault doesn’t always lie with the caretakers. As wild animals, birds have lots of traits that just don’t fit in to the average family’s home and lifestyle. Learning about the reasons why birds are displaced may help us to ensure that more birds stay in their homes, and that fewer birds will be purchased impulsively. Reasons Why People Give Up Their Birds 1. Noise levels. Parrots are loud. Even the small parrots, like Budgie and Cockatiels, can be loud. That's what parrots are made to do. Whether it is the bird guardian who is at his wit's end, or the neighbors, noise levels are a major reason people give up their parrots. Most parrots do not fare well in apartment or condo settings due to noise levels, especially the very noisy birds like Conures and Cockatoos. Unfortunately, some frustrated caretakers will resort to isolating the parrot in a covered cage, closet, or basement to “control” the noise. This is horribly abusive. Isolation is never an acceptable “solution” to the noise problem. Isolation can cause further behavioral problems, including feather destruction and other neurotic behaviors. 2. Mess. Parrots are messy. They throw their food, and some species (Lories and Lorikeets) even projectile poop! Parrot guardians find themselves cleaning every day. Many parrot guardians have multiple cleaning appliances, such as vacuums, dust-busters, steam cleaners, electric brooms, special cleaning products to remove dried on food and feces, etc. It is a non-stop job that continues for the life of the bird (remember how long birds live??). 3. Expense. Parrots are expensive. With a medium sized parrot, such as an Amazon or African Grey, you can expect to pay an average of nearly $50 a month for supplies (toys, food, play stands, etc.), in addition to veterinary care (with vet costs spread throughout the year). This does not take into account the cost of the cage, which can run you $400-$1,000. Vet care can run $300 a year as long as the bird remains healthy. Depending on the cost of the bird itself, you are looking at a very costly "pet". 4. Biting. If you care for a parrot, you will get bitten. It's bound to happen eventually. Whether it's a daily occurrence, or only happens when your bird is scared (like at the vet's office), it will happen. How you handle the biting can determine whether or not it becomes habitual. If you lose your confidence, you will probably stop handling your bird and the bird will eventually lose his tameness. Birds can decide they don't like particular people. Even if your bird loves you, what if he attacks your boyfriend/girlfriend/children? Remember that the larger parrots have very powerful beaks -- people have gone to the hospital after being bitten by their parrot. Some bird caretakers have required stitches or even reconstructive surgery after a particularly bad bite, which can happen especially during hormonal times. Are you comfortable living with that possibility? Are you comfortable having an animal like this around your children? 5. Behavioral Problems. Problems such as excessive screaming, fear biting, feather destructive behaviors, body mutilation, and other neurotic behavioral problems cause people to give up their parrots. Behavioral problems can be a result of many different factors, all of which can be related to life in captivity. If you work all day, be prepared to spend a large portion of your free time caring for your bird. In the wild, parrots do not have behavioral problems. There are many "behavioral issues" that are not truly problems for the bird, but may be problems for you, such as loud noises, mess, etc. These are behaviors that would be normal for the bird in the wild. There are a few excellent parrot behavioral consultants who you can work with should your bird develop legitimate behavioral problems. 6. Allergies. Most birds give off dander and dust that can aggravate or create breathing problems. People with asthma should not keep birds that give off lots of dust like Cockatoos, African Greys, and Cockatiels. Some older people or people with respiratory problems have great difficulties with birds. While doctors may advise you to give up your bird if you develop allergies, there are some things you can try first, such as using an air filter, to try to lessen your physical effects before you need to give up your birds. 7. Having a baby. Lots of younger people get birds in their teens or twenties, and when they decide to start a family, they realize the bird doesn't fit into their life anymore, or they feel that they just can't give the bird as much attention as they should. Some birds can be dangerous around children, and birds can suffer from the lack of attention caused by a new baby in the family. The lack of attention can cause all sorts of behavioral problems for the parrot. There are things you can do, however, to help prepare your bird for the arrival of a new baby. If you can obtain a recording of baby noises (cooing, crying, singing, etc.) this might be helpful for you to play for your bird. You can also have a friend or family member bring over their baby for your bird to see. You can even try carrying around a doll for a few weeks before your baby is due. 8. Moving/Relocating. Sometimes people feel that their bird will not tolerate a long move, so they decide to re-home the bird. The fact is that birds are quite resilient and will often tolerate long car trips quite well, provided they have plenty of food and water. If you are moving into an apartment, just be sure that your landlord will allow pets, and birds especially. 9. Landlord Problems. If your bird is loud, and you live in an apartment, you may have to deal with noise complaints from neighbors. Hopefully you received something in writing before you moved in that pets were acceptable, and most specifically birds. After all, there’s a big difference between keeping a cat, and keeping a Moluccan Cockatoo in an apartment! You may also wish to make contact with your neighbors when you move in to let them know that you have a bird (maybe even invite them over to meet your bird), and let them know when your bird normally vocalizes. Give them your phone number so that they can call you if the noise is too loud for them. Keeping the lines of communication open can help diffuse any issues your neighbors may have with your bird. 10. Partner/Spouse Issues. Many times single people bond with their bird too much, and when the single person marries or moves in with their mate, the bird can become quite aggressive toward the rival. This is one of the leading causes of parrot displacement. Sometimes you just end up with a partner who doesn’t like your bird very much. In these cases, it’s usually not a really legitimate reason to give up a bird. As long as the primary caretaker can care for the bird without the help of the spouse, things should work out ok. You may wish to have your partner spend quality time with your bird to help foster a better relationship. Have your partner, and only your partner, feed your bird some special treats. This can often be a great way to change your bird’s mind about your partner! 11. Time Constraints. Birds are a lot of work, and they often require much more time than a cat or even a dog. When you first adopted your bird, you may have had plenty of time to care for her, but now you’ve gotten a new job, gotten married, had a child, are caring for an elderly parent, etc, and you’ve realized that your bird is being neglected. If you find yourself feeling guilty because your bird spends much more time in her cage than she used to, you have a few options. If you’re willing to do the work, you can consider adopting another bird. That might sound like more work, and it surely will be, but if the two birds bond, they will be able to provide each other with the constant companionship that they crave and need. You can also consider hiring a pet sitter, neighbor, or family member to spend regular time with your bird when you’re not home. 12. Too Many Birds. It happens to the best of us. We adopt our first bird and are so enamored that we somehow end up with a whole household full of birds. It might be fun at first, but after a while you might find yourself overwhelmed and tired of all the cleaning and the noise. You need to know your limits, and not exceed them by making impulse purchases and adoptions. It’s great to take in rescued birds, but not if the bird’s care is compromised by the number of birds already needing your care. Know your limits. 13. Child No Longer Taking Responsibility for Their Bird. Lots of parents think that smaller birds like Cockatiels make good pets for children, not realizing how long these birds can actually live, If a 10-year old child gets a Cockatiel, when that child is ready to go to college who is going to care for the bird, who could still have a good 10 years left of her life? What should parents do when young children simply grow tired of caring for their bird? Children need to be taught responsibility, and should not be offered the easy way out when taking care of their bird. Discuss with your child what can be done to improve the situation and work on an agreement and standard of care that you feel will be more acceptable. But, as the adult of the household, you should still be prepared to care for, and pay for (vet care, toys, food, etc.) the bird. 14. Moving to an Assisted Living Facility. Lots of people adopt young birds after their kids leave the nest, but this can pose a real problem when the caretaker finds himself or herself with the reality of moving into an assisted living situation. Adults should consider adopting older birds, so that this isn’t so much of an issue. They should also work out a plan while they are still healthy and independent regarding who will care for their bird when they can no longer do so. Older adults can also look into retirement communities that allow pets. 15. Illness or Death. Unfortunately, most people don’t think about what will happen to their birds when they die, or if they should become too ill to properly care for their bird. Using a living will, you can easily designate someone to care for your bird after you pass on, or should you lose your ability to provide proper care to your bird. You should work out the details while you are still healthy, though. You may want your bird to go to an avian sanctuary, an adoption facility, or to a friend or family member. Be sure to discuss all of your plans with your family so that they are aware of your wishes. Carolyn & Mika:)

Mika is sitting on my computer and would like to no if he could come over for a visit after looking at your great pictures, think he is a little jealous.:laugh: Great setup you have for your very lucky birds.:woohoo: Carolyn & Mika{Holidays-000200A8}

With Christmas and the holiday season fast approaching, and the busy lives that we live I thought I would post soom early Holiday Hazard tips. - During the festive season when there are so many more interesting things to tempt the curiosity of our feathered friends we need to be aware of items that are of potential danger. PLANTS - Christmas trees are usually firs and pines. There have been no reports of toxicity from ingestion of firs.Pines are not usually considered toxic to avian species, however there is a risk of physical trauma from the sharp pine needles. Artificial trees do contain a lot of metal that has not been treated and therefore could be toxic if chewed on. Also the material that make the individual branches is not color safe so therefore should be considered toxic if injested. Also you may find pet warnings on the boxs but no mention is made of birds - so in my mind if it is harmful to our fur friend, I would consider it harmful to our feather friends. Mistletoe berries are toxic and should at all times be kept out of the reach of birds. Holly berries can cause gastrointestinal (GI) irritation. Poinsettia, although not considered a highly toxic plant, can exude a milky sap which can cause (GI) irritation as well as marked eye irriation. DECORATIONS - Angel hair and tinsel are made of plastic and plastic by products. The metallic colouring of tinsel is nontoxic, but there is concern for possible airway or GI tract obstruction if injested. Snow spray particles are also plastic and non toxic. The propellant of the aerosol sprays may be freon so these products should not be sprayed around birds. Christmas tree bubbling lights contain methylene chloride which is a very toxic solvent and which can cause marked irrition to eyes and mucous membranes. Christmas light wires are very soft an easy for a bird to chew through in a matter of secords, watch your electrical wires on all lights. Christmas tree flocking is usually made from wax or plastic and not expected to cause toxicity. Fireplace colors and yule logs contain salts of heavy metals such as lead, copper, barium and selenium. Chewing on these logs could cause heavy metal poisoning. FOOD - Avoid allowing your birds to share your alcoholic beverages, coffee, chocolate and salted foods (nuts, potatoe chips etc.) Have some unsalted nuts available as treats for your birds. Give only human grade roasted, unsalted peanuts (risk of aflatoxin poisoning from raw peanuts.) FUMES - Birds are very susceptible to the toxic effects of fumes. Cigarette smoke can cause respiratory tract irritation and allergic skin disorders in birds as well as potential nicotine poisoning. Cigarette butts are highly toxic if ingested. Marihuana smoke can cause a marked sedation in birds. Avoid all room oderizers and air fresheners. Boil up the herb bags instead of using commercial products. OTHER - Coloured metallic gift wrap may contain toxic substances, the main danger, however is possible GI tract obstruction. Provide your birds with their own gift packages wrapped in a plain paper to open. Silica gel packages are often found in boxes containing new shoes, electronics and camera equipment. The crystals of silica gel are non toxic but GI tract obstruction is a remote possibility if the package was injested by a bird. With most other holiday decorations you most just use common sence on where you plan to hang it or place it. One other note - PINECONES Pinecones make excellent toys for birds. Birds love to demolish them. itprovides good exercize for there very busy beaks and may provide a diversion for feather-pluckers. When collecting pinecones, ensure that they are not old, damp, mouldy or are growing moss. Ideally one should collect pinecones as soon as possible after they have fallen to the ground and before they have become wet from rain or snow. This is not always possible. Pinecones are also a favorite hiding spot for little beasties such as spiders and earwigs. It is not possible to "sterilize" pinecones but heating in an oven will kill moulds and the little critters and make themj safe for the birds to chew on. Pinecones can be heated in an oven for about 20 minutes at 225 degrees F.,then turn off the oven. The pinecones are left in the oven for approximately 2 hours to dry out. It is important not to exceed 225 degrees otherwise the pinecones will scorch and possibly catch fire. The seeds inside the cones are a special treat and are safe for the birds to eat. Just a few handy tips for a very safe holiday season. Carolyn & Mika

ahhh thanks guys Carolyn

Congradulations and welcome, sit back and enjoy reading all the threads here. Lots of good advice and if you don't see it posted just ask.:laugh: Carolyn & Mika

Mika saw the vet at 2 months old, and a complete wellness check including all blood tests at 6 months. My vet likes to see them again at 1 year and then only once a year from then on, unless there are any reasons why you feel you need them. Carolyn & Mika

Welcome gourdlady & George. You have come to the right place for help and information, there are a lot of members here with older birds that have been re-homed and are now in there forever home. If you have any questions please feel free to ask. We love to see pictures when you have a chance;) Carolyn & Mika

I have tried to search out information on Hawthorn berries, but decided to ask an expert- my vet, he said they they are fine to be fed to the birds after soaking them for about 4 hours and then drian and feed. BUT the trees that are found in towns and cities may have been at soom time sprayed with chemicals, and you should not chance that the ones you are considerating have not been sprayed with this chemical. Only wild grown berries should be considered for feeding. Hope this helps;) Carolyn & Mika

Welcome congogrey, sit back and read away. If you have any questions, you now have a family ready and willing to help you with anything you need. We all love pictures here hope to see soom soon. Carolyn & Mika

Not a birthday cake She, it will be a "HAPPY HATCHDAY" cake:laugh: {Characters-0002005C} Carolyn & Mika P.S. We sent our RSVP we will be attending

Nims, see all you had to do was ask and we will be there for you;) Hope all the best to you and Ice in his new forever home.:laugh: Carolyn & Mika

Mika is just turned 7 months old and is 454g. He is wearing a medium avaitor harness, snd has been since 5 months. We have never tried the flight suits so I am not sure of the sizeing. Good luck Carolyn & Mika

Welcome Sophiesmom, congradulations on your new arrival. Its so much fun with a new baby. Everything you could need for information is here, if you can't find it just ask;) were all here for you and Sophie. Carolyn & Mika

Mika loves his Oatmeal but has baby pablum every morning for breakfast :laugh: Got to start the day with a nice warm Breakfast lol Carolyn & Mika