BaxtersMom

I had a question about temp changes since it's going to be getting colder soon. I have my birds in a long front room kind of like an entry. It used to be a big long porch but it's been enclosed and it is a room now. It is connected directly to my living room and almost totally open to it with small divider for separation. It's not a closed off room with doors or anything. There are no heat ducts in this room though and in the winter time is a few degrees cooler in there, not much but enough to notice, maybe 5 to 7 farenheit degrees cooler. I was wondering if this is okay. I don't want the birds cold and then I thought they might adapt to it being a few degrees cooler in the room. My other question was drafts. I know they shouldn't be placed where there are drafts but what about the front door opening and closing and letting cold air in that way? Will that harm them or give them a cold? My windows are new and there are no drafts in this room, only when the front door would be opened going in and out. I want to be prepared before it gets cold.

You probably already do this but talk to him every day in a nice soft tone. I've only had Baxter about 2 months now and I noticed some days he just does not want to be messed with at all and wouldn't take things or step up. I learned to leave him alone more on some of those days with no pressure or even asking anything of him. He's still like that, some days he just wants to be by himself and if I force things on him, he just gets worse. My feelings of course did get hurt on some days and I would be upset and leave him more while I pouted then a day or two later with no pressure from me, he'd get and still gets curios and wants to interact with me. I know the biting is bad and painful. Baxter had me bleeding daily the first week but do not show fear! Once they know you are scared of him, I would think it would be very hard to bond. Does he know how to step up yet? I know he's older but Baxter was 12 years old when he came to live with me and he didn't know how to step up. Once he learned that it made life so much more pleasant for both of us. Once he learned that we have really made huge accomplishments. Don't give up..Keep us posted.

I'm glad this topic came up. The man I got Baxter from was using kitty litter in the bottom of the pan under the grate and that is what I have continued using. It's absorbant, clean, I scoop his mess out easily between scrubbings. I am assuming it is safe to use because I haven't heard any warnings about it and that's was he's had for about a year or two. Any thoughts or comments on kitty litter? It's pretty cheap, too. I buy tidy cat and get a huge bag for about 3 or 4 dollars.

I am having the same type of issue but I am encouraging Baxter to try and fly because he was a cage bound bird. I also have an open floor plan and if he chooses can fly from one end of the house to the other, but he's not that good at flying. He steadily goes down at an angle too. He has only taken off from the cage 3 times and I don't know if he lost his balance or what. I just heard the flapping. I am encouraging him to fly a little bit only so he can practice landings which aren't too good right now. (Incase of Emergency I want him to have a little experience flying & landing) My cat is my worry, too. My cat acts like she could care less about the birds and has never even looked at them with too much excitement but I would never trust her completely alone. When I have to leave the house I put the birds in their cages while I am out because of risks other than the cat. I work at home too so when we are all here which is most of the time, the cage doors are open,my birds are on top of their cages, my cat is out and about in the house but I try to always know what is going on or the moods that they are in. No one really seems to care about the others. I also have a dog, too about the same size as my cat :laugh: . They seem to all be living in harmony together. I just stay aware of everything but not worrying too much untill I see behavior that would cause concern from the cat, dog or other birds. Don't know if that helped but thats how I do it. I have also heard that the bird got loose and the cat or dog ate it so I always keep that in my mind too. I wasn't against clipping their wings and actually thought I would clip Baxters wings so he would not fly away. Then I heard stories that the wings were clipped on birds and they flew away the same day. I think wing clipping could be a false sense of security. I have nothing against it but I will never clip my birds wings. The only bird of mine that flies around the house is Bonkers my Conure. He usually just flies to me or my husband or lands on my husband chair. There have been several times he has left little "deposits" behind:angry: And I clean them up as quick as I see them. I can't stand cleaning up the poop. So when he does fly, I give some attention on my finger with a baby blanket on my lap or where ever he can "drop" things. After a few pets, he goes back to his cage and is usually satisfied. Since Bonkers is so friendly and likes to ride on shoulder I have a slouchy button bird "bird shirt" that I put on and he can poop his brains out on that one:woohoo: , that's what its for;)<br><br>Post edited by: BaxtersMom, at: 2008/09/05 19:13

I had a good laugh, too. Even though it could have been something serious alteast you seen the funny side of it too. I bet hubby didn't see as funny as we did:laugh:

I can just picture Elmo all upset and pacing. Poor thing but it was necessary. Atleast he didn't hold a grudge;) It's also good to know that exterminators are knowledgable on bid safety and chemicals.

Hi and welcome to the forum. I have tried to teach my grey certain words or phrases but he just picks up on the words and phrases he wants to say. I brought my grey home when he 12 years old. He didn't talk in front of me for atleast a month. Only when I would be in another room. Then one day he just talked away with me right there. He is comfortable talking in front of me but barely talks when my husband or anyone else is around. Some days he talks alot, other days he hardly makes a sound. I would never try to stop my grey from making his sounds. I have heard they talk and make noises when they are happy so I would never discourage it. My grey goes through his entire vocabulary and his noises, too. I enjoy this and never thought it was ever annoying. It thrills me that I can hear him make his sounds and say his words, It makes me feel like I am doing something right. Let him talk away because he is happy and content during those times and obviously comfortable around you. That is part of the fun of having a grey;) .

Thanks everyone. My MBS has went into remission now:) (due to financial reasons in part) Tigger is eating his breakfast now. I think he may be a little more nervous than Baxter was when he came home though and might be a bigger challenge than Baxter was. He was said to be friendly, a good talker and will step up for anyone. He came from a breeder and I think the reason he sold him was because he didn't mate. Reason I think this is because he said he sold his female not too long ago. I am a little concerned that he is not as friendly as he was said to be but time will tell that. The man did give him kisses on his beak:ohmy: and he did step up for me with a little convincing. I was able to pet him all over and he didn't seem to care at all but that was at his old house. He was pretty scared when I first brought him home. He watches my every move. Today I will know more. I think he will be fine especially after I spoil him rotten;) Breaking News: He is stepping up for my husband right now and not attempting to bite at all. :laugh: For some reason I was fearless of Baxter and must admit I am a little leary of this guy. I have to get over that fast!<br><br>Post edited by: BaxtersMom, at: 2008/09/04 16:00

I am very excited tonight!:woohoo: I just brought home a 5 year old male Eclectus. His name is Tigger as in the Tiger from Winnie the Pooh). I think he looks like a Tigger. I have a picture of him on my profile page in the photos section. I think he's beautiful. I have 3 birds now total. All with in the last 2 months. :blink: This is my limit though and feel content at stopping now. He was scared when I first brought him home. He let out a yell like a mountain lion. I thought oh no, he's wild but he seems to be settling in pretty good now. He is saying his name Tigger over and over and saying What are you doing? And some really cute noises. He has a high pitched voice compared to Baxter. When I walk past his cage he makes a loud noise. Not the growl / mountain lion noise. Just a loud noise. He comes to what ever side of the cage I am at so I don't think he is real scared of me. And he is taking treats from me. The man I got him from was giving him kisses on his beak and I was able to pet him all over. He stepped up for me real good at his previous home. I was able to pet him all over his body and he didn't flinch. I am going to give him a few days to settle in. I did real the article on Multiple Bird Syndrome before I made this decision. Yes, I have MBS:woohoo: But I think I have found my limit. (untill next time;) )<br><br>Post edited by: BaxtersMom, at: 2008/09/04 04:00

That's a great question and I'd like to know the answer to. Baxter knows how to step up very good but if he doesn't want to he just won't do it unless I get a chair and get "taller" than him. He is usually on the top of his cage when I want him to step up because that's where he spends most of his time. He doesn't fall for the treat either:blink: .

I don't know. No one answered me on that question. I thought there was an option so others could comment on blogs and I'm almost positive I chose that one. Maybe I am wrong. I guess it doesn't matter. Does anyone know if you can comment on blogs?

Hi Hrund, I posted my first one tonight and I seen yours, too! About the carrot. Congradulations. That's huge!!! I basically just introduced Baxter and told his story (again lol) I need to write a couple more "old ones" before I get started on our current adventures. I swear, living with a grey is so unpredictable. Baxter throws something new at me every day:S :woohoo:

siobha9 wrote: He's only done it once before and then again today but of course I was heading out the door today when he decided it was bath time:S

I like that idea about the bath tub. I am going to try it. Thanks for sharing it. I thought I was really being smart by purchasing a cheap plastic bird bath and putting a few inches of water in it. We tried it once. He acted like he could care less one way or the other.:whistle: He did walk around in the water and didn't seem to mind too much.But he wasn't grateful and he didn't have a bath party like I had anticipated. He just looked at me like I had another crazy idea that he had to endure. I should do it more often and he probably would eventually go for it, but the bath tubs sounds like it would work just as well. I spray mine with a bottle. He hated it at first but I kept on doing it and he tolerates it well. I can soak him to the skin and he stays on my hand now with no problems. I don't think he enjoys it but I think it feels good to him anyway. He prefers to bath in his water bowl though;) :blink:

Hi, congradulations on your new grey:) I'm sure you are thrilled. I think I read something about greys like to dig and it's not unusual. From what I read they didn't know why they do it they just do. My grey goes to the bottom of the cage and does this too from time to time. I think he is just looking for "treats" that he has dropped earlier in the day. Please tell us more about your new bundle of joy and post a few pictures when you get the time. What's his or her name? There are many qualified grey owners on here that are very willing to help so if you ever have any questions this is the place. Glad to have you.

I am thinking about getting another bird but wanted some advice before making the plunge. I did read the post of MBS (Multiple Bird Syndrome and gave it more thought. I think one more bird would be my limit. I have a CAG and a Nanday conure now but have had each less than 2 months. With that said, I found a 4 year old male Eclectus that is just gorgeous and I was wondering if I should get him. I have made arrangements to go see him, probably tomorrow. After talking with the guy I found out he had a female that he sold because they did not mate and now he is offering the male. It turns out he is a breeder. He says the Eclectus is very sweet, he talks, no bad habits and is tame and loves people. I am really anxious to see him but wondered if there was any problems with rehoming a bird that was tried as a breeder? Are there hidden things I may not be aware of or something I haven't thought of? Both my birds now have come to me as adults and I really can't say I have any problems with an older bird at all. I am concerned about Baxters reaction though. Will he be mad at me if I get another bird. Will it set him back with all the progress we have made. Also Baxter is a male and so is the Eclectus. I know they have to be housed separately but I was still wondering if they would be aggressive with each other because they are both males? I thought I should ask here before I did something I might regret later. Any advice, pros and cons would be appreciated. I do have time for another bird and could give it the attention it needs. Thanks in advance. there is a picture of him on my profile page. His name is Tigger Post edited by: BaxtersMom, at: 2008/09/02 02:57 Post edited by: BaxtersMom, at: 2008/09/02 02:58<br><br>Post edited by: BaxtersMom, at: 2008/09/02 03:42

I am so glad I read this forum. I have been thinking of getting another bird of some sort other than Baxter my CAG. A few weeks ago my neighbor brought over a lost conure and I took him so now I have 2 birds. But I am still left with the urge to get another bird so I can see how easy it is to find yourself with too many birds. I read the post and thought it over real good. I do need to know my limits. I think I can get one more but it has to be the right one. Thanks for the post. It gave me a lot to think about.

HI and welcome to the forum. I guess Greyson was thanking you for that new cage:)and all the love hes been getting this last month. I adopted a 12 year old neglected CAG about 6 weeks ago. He was cage bound and not handled so I love to hear it when another bird gets saved and know they will be loved. I have found it very rewarding. Keep up the good work. It sounds like progress is already being made. Look forward to hearing more.

I am saving it for the blogs I will be writing:woohoo:

Thanks Judy, I will keep this one short (for once){Feel-good-000200B9}

Hi and welcome. I bet you are so excited. Looking forward to hearing all about her homecoming!

Thanks everyone for the encourageing words. I think we are doing very good in a short amount of time but I must confess I have been neglecting everything esle. I have been so involved in Baxter especially the first month. Shame on me for that too. I have to get caught up again on so much.:laugh: I had to laugh at what Suzzique said...that Baxter was giving me sucker punches.:laugh: That's exactly what he was doing. How dare he??? His head was down but it was tilted too. I guess he is turning into a real comedian now too. :ohmy: Thanks for the answers on the snuggly lovely dovey question. Being snuggly is something I can take or leave really. I would like him to show a little more affection in time but no rush on it. Plus, Bonkers the conure gives enough love all day long so I will not be lacking at all. It's kind of a relief that he probably won't be that snuggly. As for Baxter riding on the shoulder I'm glad he will learn that eventually. We have so much going on it seems and new stuff happens everyday so it's no biggie. I just can't believe the difference when Bonkers is on me I can do anything and he stays on. I can practically do jumping jacks and can't shake him. With Baxter I make a slight movement and he's like "Whoaaa" And Carolyn...she said she was going to be in my area in a few weeks and might stop by if all goes well. I told Baxter that and he said he can't wait to meet her. He is sooooo excited about it. :woohoo: We are looking forward to it so much. We hope you can make it because not only does Baxter want to meet you, I do too and so does Bonkers! I love Hrunds stories of Nokvii, too. It reminds me so much of bringing Baxter home so keep the posts coming! I love reading yours, too. I didn't know me and Baxter were inspriration (I'm honored) and I will be glad to share all our stories, accomplishments and set backs, too. When I first joined I wrote a few blogs but then thought they were silly so I took them down. I think now I am going to start blogging again and everyone can keep track of our ups & downs. I know it helps me when I read other peoples stories so perhaps I can help others, too. I don't know if anyone noticed but I love to write;) ...Can you tell? :laugh: So blogging would be great for me to do and keep track of Baxters accomplishments and share my concerns. And if anyone sees any red flags or have comments or suggestions please feel free to send me a PM or email. I appreciate all you guys.

Baxter is doing really good. I have another question now. I know it might be kind of early but Baxter is not a snuggly or lovey dovey type bird and i was just wondering if other peoples greys are loving and snuggly to them? Since Baxter hasn't really had any handling I wonder if he ever will be loving like that or if it's not a grey trait at all? The conure we just got is a super duper love bug. He wants to be on either one of us all day long, under our chins or hanging on our collars. Huge difference from him and Baxter. Will Baxter ever be as friendly or clingy as Bonkers our conure? Not sure I would want him to be that loving but I would like a little snuggling with him every now and then:) Also, I have been putting Baxter on my shoulder every now and then. He can sit on my shoulder just fine but he can not keep his balance if I was to get up or walk like he can if he's on my fingers. Will he learn to balance better?

danmcq wrote: truly blossoming in this fun and loving environment. Just wait until he lets his hair down and you see the real Baxter. :-) I can't wait untill Baxter lets his hair down so I can see the real him!!! I wish I could see a year in the future to see how we are doing and what our lives are like then.

I've had Baxter about 6 weeks now. Time has just flown by. I love him so much and he just warms my heart so much:kiss: As many of you know Baxter is 12 years old, was cage bound and wasn't handled when I brought him home. I think he had a pretty depressing life up to this point. I first want to thank everyone who has helped me and given their advice so I could know what to do with him and take care of him properly. Couldn't have done it without you guys! And I want to share all the progress we have made together. He first learned to step up and he caught on to that pretty easily. In the beginning I could only touch his head and a little on his neck. The first big step was him putting his head down for me to scratch it and that was probably the first week but once he realized he was being petted it seemed like he would jerk up real fast and stop everything. I can now pet him all over his body, his wings, his tail and a few nights ago he even let me rub his belly real good. That was a biggie for him because he used to panick at first when I would touch his belly. He's still not too sure about it. He didn't know how to play with toys and with everyones guidance we have play time almost every night. He used to just go around or side step his toys and now he is grabbing them and tossing them. Mostly the bells and chains. Since he is starting to enjoy them I have been putting small toys on the top of his cage. He used to ignore them but little by little he is going to them and playing a little bit. I bought him a cheap little toy the other day that you can either put favorite treats on or small woodend toys. It's like a shishkabob thing. I put small wooden toys on it and he played with that thing all by himself for about 2 hours straight yesterday. I was worried that he would only play with toys with me around but he is past that now, too. He loves the simple leather straps and ropes. I tie knots in them and he works hard on getting them out:) . I have noticed when we play with toys he gets all excited. Then he puts his head down for a quick rub, then out of the blue he just tries to bite me. It's like he has all these different emotions on whether he wants to play, be loved or be mean and they all hit at once. But overall, the toys scenaro is going good. Little by little. He is learning to fly now. I take him down from his cage a few times a day and let him just flap his wings. He enjoys it and I have been encouraging it. He hangs onto my finger for dear life and I aim him towards the couch for a soft landing. Thats how it started. He wasn't confident enough to let go of my finger and I thought that was cute because it showed he needs me and he depends on me. Now, there has been several occassions where he just flies off and back towards his cage. He can't go very far and he's not graceful yet but he is getting better every day and I am so proud of him. The other night I had him on my lap and the phone rang. I got up, he was on my arm at that time but he took off flying towards his cage. He went all the way and landed on the side of it. He grabbed it with his beak, then his feet, then while the phone was still ringing, he released his beak from the cage and said "Hello" That was a great moment:) for us. I mess with him in the afternoons and evenings most because that is when he is more open to doing new things. In the mornings he really doesn't want to be messed with and will only tolerate me at those times so I let him be. He's not a morning bird. He is talking more and more. Learning new words. He doesn't make as many sound effects anymore:( and I miss them. He says my dogs name all the time. My dog totally ignores him:whistle: He talks with me around usually in the afternoons and evenings. That seems to be his happiest times. He rarely talks in front of my husband and I wish he would because I want to share all Baxters moments with him but right now it is pretty much just with me. He's is coming along so good. He's not the most tame tame bird and it still seems like he is edgy about things but I think he is happier than he has ever been. He might be leary of things but he's always willing to try what ever I have in store for him. That's all for now. Thanks for listening to me.