Gryphon

Hot. So hot. I have poop on my sock right now. Does that count?

Oh I am glad this came up! Gryphon's previous owner used the spray bottle as a deterrent for unwanted behaviors. I'm planning on gradually reintroducing it. He's been with us for three weeks and seems pretty comfortable, so I thought we might start this weekend. I'll definitely go slow and use a treat afterward. Thanks for posting this!!!

Good tip about not rushing over. I try to let him walk part of the way back to me, but in a panic I could just see myself scaring him even more! I'm glad Tyco is fine after her "adventure" Gryph is doing great this morning, chattering and eating his salad.

He seems just fine. Though he's up past his bedtime. Plus the vet called and his psittacosis and gram stain were both negative. Thanks! You guys are great.

Thank you thank you so much. He's definitely eating. He's also doing one-leg and grinding a bit. Whew! Thanks again!

Gryphon flew from his cage and landed pretty rough before dinner tonight and he has been extremely quiet since. I can't tell if he is spooked or injured. I felt his keel and it feels fine and there is no visual evidence of injury. Normally (or at least the last two weeks I've observed him) he's active at this time. Now he's just sitting quietly, not moving much or playing with toys. He did eat grapes with gusto, but he's not whistling when we leave the room or any of the usual shenanigans. Anything I should look for? If he has an internal injury would it be apparent? He's eating another grape right now, so maybe something scared him? Thanks in advance for the advice.

That set up is awesome. We're thinking of adding one in the living room where cosmetics are more of a concern and this gives me great ideas! Also like those ceiling protectors. I'm sending this link to my husband right now.

Poop Off is a miracle. I use it on the floor and other surfaces.

Oxyfresh! It seems expensive, but you dilute it in water. Good stuff!

I recommend them warm! Sometimes I eat them instead of dinner. Stephanie

I can definitely be a bad influence when it comes to buying bird toys:evil: Just remember, it is only his college fund!:lol:

Oven roasted chic peas are becoming a popular favorite around here. Gryphon was really into them today. Though not quite the motivator a dorito is... 1 can chic peas olive oil spices (I use garlic powder and cayenne pepper) Preheat oven to 350-370 depending on oven. Drain chic peas and dump in baking pan. Add 1-2 TBSP olive oil and stir, spreading chic peas across bottom of pan. Dust with spices. Cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Gryph likes 'em dry and extra crunchy, so maybe a bit longer. My oven is electric and I cook them at 370 for an hour. When I make these for bird and humans, I salt mine after they're done and leave his unsalted. They also keep pretty well in a ziplock. I've kept them for 24 hours. I give him a couple for motivation or just because. And, yes, I eat the rest! :whistle: Ok. Hope your birdies will like these as well! Stephanie

Aw, she's gorgeous! Stephanie

I should also say that I could have used a net even in my apartment (where only free space was my ceiling)! Stephanie

Oops! Photo:

It's the get-a-grip net by Starbird (my favorite!). I got the medium-long: http://parrotisland.mainsecureserver.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=118&products_id=548 It was pricey but worth it! We do have a bird room. We bought our first house this summer and it was the sun room that sold me. After living for 15 years in a tiny apartment, I had visions of a parrot paradise. :lol: Here's the view from the living room chair today. I wheeled his cage out where he could see me, but he's spent literally all day on the net! :cheer: Stephanie

One more!

And this!

We cleaned our cage and rearranged with all new toys. Then I mopped the floor while Gryphon climbed around on his net. It has been a really good day! Hope you are all enjoying the same.

pictures...pictures...PICTURES!:woohoo: Stephanie

We are currently working to be rid of junk food. I'm finding that consistency is key. Gryphon gets his veggie/fruit salad every morning and bean mix at dinner. We make a big deal out of meal time and all eat together. At first all he ate was grapes and sometimes an apple piece, but gradually I have noticed him eating the fresh corn and even squash. I think having it in front of him every day for two weeks is helping him learn to try new stuff. Green beans are a consistent "no thanks" :lol: My vet assistant suggesting swapping out the occasional dorito piece with honey nut cheerios. Gryph seems to prefer very strong flavors. He doesn't even acknowledge nuts as consumable so we are looking for positive reinforcement treats! I'll let you know if it works. Stephanie

Thank you! I agree: he is a handsome little dude AND loves his toys. :cheer: Stephanie

Yeah, the spoilage is extreme. He got a play basket too and then we needed things to put in the basket and so on. He's dipping into his college fund, for sure. :laugh: He's been extra playful and snuggly since we came home, which I take as a good sign that he's not traumatized! Stephanie

Hi guys! Tomorrow will make 2 weeks we've had our new 18 mo TAG, Gryphon. An anniversary! I took him to the vet this morning and things went very well. He was nervous, but not panicked; chewed his shredder toy the whole way there; stepped right up on the scale. We had blood drawn for basic tests (he's never had any screening) and a gram stain, a physical exam, his leg band cut off and a microchip implanted. He was very good (and calm) throughout. Then we shopped! Here's a picture with one of his new toys, the eco foraging box. The toys you see around him are also new. And we bought a play basket. :lol: So relieved it is over. Stephanie

My bird room is a little bit cooler than the living room, so I bought one of those radiant heat panels that you hang on the wall behind the cage. I'm wondering if anyone else uses these in the winter? I'm considering a humidifier as well. I know they make some that are safer than they used to be regarding mold and bacteria. Just wondering how you guys "winterize" your babies? Any special needs for greys? Stephanie