Mel

So maybe I'll decide AFTER I am sure the command is understood. He is responding to step up because I know he is eager for attention. However I'm not confident yet that he understands he'll have to step up even if he doesn't care to because of knowing it's time to go to the cage or something. He is not exactly responding to step down yet as he loves to be held. I think when I feel comfortable with that then I'll consider to shoulder perch or not. I'm thinking for now I better wait. Thanks for your comments in helping me to consider this option. I'm curious as to what were the circumstances that required stitches. Is it displaced agression from fear or being startled? Thanks.<br><br>Post edited by: Mel, at: 2008/07/16 20:37

I read the post of perching on shoulder which is my concern. I know everyone agrees it is personal choice. I like the idea of being able to use my hands while allowing him to roam with me on my shoulder. I am wondering if I would be starting a bad habit. Mainly how strong are their beaks? Can they take off a chunk of ear? We had a Macaw that previously was allowed to shoulder perch so she would go straight for the shoulder. She is a bird with wonderful personality but as someone said it seems Macaws can displace agression from fear as mine did only on two occasions that I got bit both times on the face yet she ADORES me. After learning Macaws are indeed able to take a chunk of ear I began training her to remain on my forarm. It took awhile but by straightening my arm at my side with a flexed wrist she learned I meant business. So at least she knew when I didn't want her on my shoulder and began to submit. I did still allow her on my shoulder at times still but we had an understanding. But since I am starting with a young CAG Iam trying to decide wether to allow it. I wonder if this bird can also learn to submit on command as he already is making attempts to get on my shoulder succeeding once. I am also keeping in mind that I am allowing a physical relationship with my 7 yr old and wonder if that would be an issue for them. Are CAG's less likely to displace fear like Macaws? How strong is a CAG's beak? Thanks, Mel.

I'm having fun being creative! If you happen to live in Houston we could have a toy making club rather than a quilter's club! I need to get my husbands electric saw out. The hand saw is for the birds! (Dry humor!):lol: I'm going to make a larger table top gym and hang toys too. What a spoiled bird this will be. <br><br>Post edited by: Mel, at: 2008/07/16 07:24

Thank you, will do or rather don't!

Thanks for the link!!!

Thanks for the advice. I'm wondering how safe he is flying around the house after banging into the window. I'm sure the ceiling fan needs to be off while he's out. Any other precautions I'm not thinking of?

Which veggies and fruits are necessary for balance? The caretaker at the pet store said veggies were most important and that fruits were more of a treat. At 12 weeks do I want to introduce veggies mostly and later fruits to assure him testing his taste buds on veggies? Thanks.

and hit a window! Yikes. I read controversy on clipping or not and at least waiting until he learned to fly before beginning to clip. Geez, I'm not sure to clip or not. Other birds we've had were gotten at older ages and were already used to being clipped. Advice on clipping young birds please. Thanks, Mel

I only use the perch when my cockatiel and Macaw wanted to be uncooperative as well. Usually with the Macaw it's when she gets on top of the cage feeling superior I suppose. My cockatiel is not so hands on friendly in the first place but lovable with talking. The perch beats getting bit by a Macaw beak when they are moody. Otherwise I have no social or loving problems with her. She cuddles and prefers me over everyone else. Hesitancy getting a Macaw to step up on your arm or perch when in an uncooperative mood just adds to lack of cooperation. In the case of our new family member the CAG he didn't know how to step up. My pressing up to him forced him to step. Certainly in no way to injure him. Showing hesitancy or fear seems to form a pattern in their reaction. I use the perch on the Macaw and Cockatiel to show them I insist they cooperate. Perhaps it's a matter of individual birds. I hope it works out.<br><br>Post edited by: Mel, at: 2008/07/16 00:22

Well okay, what are the tales? Do tell. I won't be getting ours DNA tested just yet and I'm curious. I have a CAG. Thanks.

Sorry about your loss. I'm new here and haven't read on it yet. I imagine your experience of good and bad can help others. I never had a CAG and certainly never a bird that I formula fed. I know I'm here for the guidance of others. I've only had our bird for a couple of weeks and I'd be devestated to lose him. May God bless your heart.

Well this was the last professional shot. I'm usually the one behind the camera. I'll have to get someone to take one of me with T-Bird.

I give it with a syringe per the pet store. I do suspect he is taking too much. The pet store hires a lady to take care of their pets. She seems pretty knowledgeable, way more than the owner in my opinion. We were told the bird would let us know when it's had enough but I suspect his intake is too much. I give him appx. 35 ml formula and he's taking 2 or 3 in water. His crop seems really full to me. Perhaps I should limit him on the water intake as I am keeping a bowl of water in access. Thanks.

I've tried to google but there seems to be several reasons for regurgitating. I know regurgitating food can be an honor of love. Can it have the same meaning with water? Our bird is appx 12 weeks. Does regurgitating out of love start this young? It seems to be the water he is doing this with. I give him water AFTER his formula. He seems to take 2 to 3 times as much water than food. Is this too much water? Do they over gorge themselves, maybe even with intent to share? Everything else seems healthy as possible. Thanks, Mel

I decided to cover the chain with PVC also. These are some items I used the beads for. I used pipe cleaners. I wasn't sure if yall thought using them were completely out or just that they needed to be strung up. Would he likely get his head caught in the gerbil tunnel? I thought I would use it to put veggies in. Thanks.

I did it! I seemed to have lost the cage with perch. I'll try that one again. I am wondering about perch size and safety of items in cage. Thanks. <br><br>Post edited by: Mel, at: 2008/07/14 20:08

I am using photobucket so I hope I got it this time. I am wondering what yall think of the safety of these toys and ittem as to which can remain in the cage without supervision. Also is the cement perch too big? I am looking for a smaller one for variety. I suppose he'll outgrow this table top but I am working on supplies to build a bigger one. Thanks for checking. If this doesn't work I'll try another pic attachment later. IMG]http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r90/Malancha/CAGEWITHPERCH.jpg[/img]

Hehe, yall are funny!

I ususally start off with smooth talk so he's not startled or anxious about my approach then I offer scratches. Yesterday he was so into the scratches he stepped up on his own for better interaction. He's finally perching and actually climbed up his gym ladder to perch. Today he's stepping up with more confidence. The first week at age 11 weeks it was awkward as I had to force my hand upward against him to step up. I think he just wasn't sure how to since prior he was always scooped up. How old is yours? Maybe balance and perching is still new? When using a stick with my cockatiel or Macaw I move in quickly as not to give much choice on backing up.

Does she hold Bella? How old is Bella? My daughter is 7 and a mild mannered child. I am hoping they can build a relationship of trust for handling. Brandi has held T-Bird several times. T-Bird is 12 weeks old and has been with us for appx 10 days. Well today I went upstairs while my daughter was holding him. She hollared for me because she got bit. She says she was going to pet the bird when she got bit. I'm thinking she was moving over cautiously (slow) and the bird was anxious as to her move. I guess I better keep monitoring at all times. My daughter is scared now. I really hope it works out. Why do you say Greys aren't good with kids? Is it because of children who are rambunctious or simply because of a child's size. I'm hoping it works out. Thanks.

I have dyed blocks with coolaid. What is vegetable dye?Here are some pics of coconut huts a lady does for sugar gliders. I have some drilled coconuts I'd like to try. www.acupofsugar.net I have been drilling shells, dice and making swings of PVC and chain. I can't wait to put together more toys. I want to be able to just reach in a basket and pull out something new for him weekly.<br><br>Post edited by: Mel, at: 2008/07/14 10:31 COCO_PEEPS.doc COCO_PEEPS.doc

Well my husband has decided it is T-Bird for "the bird"?! Go figure! My husband is strange but T-Bird it is. B)

I knew a bird once that only spoke the word hello. He never said it in front of anyone only when out of the room. It was almost as though he was calling out and when you entered he had no reason to say anything. Strange.

Just a side note: I have heard that some parrots do not like change. That perhaps moving furniture or their cage may upset them. When my macaw screamed while in the cage I would cover her up. Sometimes she was more demanding for attention then time allowed. She would always say nite-nite but I kept telling her time out. I definitely never attended her with food or anything during screams.

I must be lucky or just starting young enough. Our baby seems to love it all. I give head and neck scratches and pet along the wings. When I'm sitting I put him on my chest and he cuddles by my chest and neck. He is still awkward at stepping up but we are working on it. I allow him to be close to me chest for security when he is perched on my hand for balance. I do wonder though...do you just flip them over in your hand for a belly rub. It might be awkward for both of us but I'd love to try. Any advice how to go about that? I didn't realize back rubs could produce sexual frustrations in older birds. Though my macaw does act purely pleasured when cuddled at my neck for back rubs. What are signs of sexual frustrations? I was actually warned not to allow my macaw to tear up paper because it mimicked nesting/sexual behavior. Thanks.