Mingus

Does anyone know the answer or have any experience with this? Obviously non-stick coatings are deadly, but silicone is sort of new and different, right? I hate cooking but I want to make some birdie bread for the "kids".

I agree.

Perch, Andrew's Youtube suggestions on teaching your Grey to talk. He's also a member of grey forums. Sadly his bird was lost. But his training suggestions (and now his safey suggestions) are top-notch. Go to this website. www.youtube.com/profile?user=kskiwi I would add that this discussion panel is excellent. Not everyone will agree about everything all of the time, and that is what makes a discussion constructive. But I say, whisle to your parrot if you want your parrot to whistle.

Great, thanks for sharing your experience. I'm buying some aloe juice tomorrow!

No, definitely don't be worried. Congos usually take longer to start talking. It's normal. With my birds I just talk all of the time as we interact, name objects, play games, etc. I usually ignore whistles because it's easier for them to whistle, and they may not be motivated to speak. So pay more attention to verbal babbling than you do to the whistles. I'll bet anything she will start talking.

A recent message from this website said "greys need baths". Previously I had been told that greys hate baths, but I followed Bobbi Binker's advise and started with misting Kofi's tail and wings. OMG, he loves it! Now he wants his whole body misted every morning at shower time. It is true that adding Aloe Vera Juice to the water is safe and beneficial? Any personal experiences with this?

ACTUALLY NEVER MIND FOLKS, I WAS ABLE TO FINALLY ORDER AN ADVENTURE PACK. NOT THE MOST ECONOMICAL CARRIER, BUT SEEMS LIKE THE MOST STURDY AND VERSATILE FOR HIKES, ETC.

THANKS EVERYBODY, I ORDERED AN ADVENTURE PACK (LindaMary's suggestion). BOY IT WAS HARD TO FIND, BUT I FINALLY FOUND THE ONE PERSON IN CONTINENTAL USA WHO COULD HELP ME. IT'S ON ITS WAY. KOFI WILL BE HAPPY.

Has anyone had a good experience with a parrotopia bird carrier backpack? http://www.parrotworldusa.com/sapebaca.html I'd like an Adventure Pack (more sturdy), but they seem to all be out of stock. The parrotopia has fabric screen, which I imagine my Timneh chewing through. But I'd like to go on walks, and expose him to some sunlight. The screening seems like a good way to do that. Other carriers are either closed on top, or are not backpacks. How about a Parrodise Carrier (not a backpack, but seems sturdy) http://birdieboutique.com/pt50002.html Opinions???

I like the Avian Adventures, especially because it fits a Timneh well. Do you actually wear in on your back (looks bulky, but safer than the ones with screen mesh). I'll probably also experiment with a harness, since they are pretty cheap and the payoff could be wonderful.

Does anyone have experiences to share about backpack-carriers, stroller-carriers, harnesses, etc.? My Timneh is clipped, but partially flighted. Don't want to take stupid risks but I'd love to get him some fresh air and sunshine on a regular basis. I do short hikes frequently. Have you bought/used a carrier, harness? Do they work well? Greg (Mingus)

HAH! Oops. Thanks.

I've lived with parrots all my life, and raised some super smart ones. But Kofi, my 5-month-old Timneh has learned to step up, say hello as a greeting, say peekaboo whenever I peed around a corner, say poo poo when he does one, say tickle when he wants one or when he scratches himself, and sometimes attempts to say other things on the spot as I say them. His voice is scratchy and hoarse (still just a baby), but he is increasingly understandable. I've lived with Amazons who pick things up quickly, but this boy is amazingly quick. Have you had this same experience with your grey, or did I just get really really lucky? I'd love to hear about it.

Thanks for the reply. Zahra is a doll. Actually just 3 days ago Kofi (my baby boy) said "hello"! It's not very clear but you can tell what he is saying, and he has not stopped saying it since. Every day we discover something new. Today I put a sheet over the dining room talbe, filled it with toys, and put him down on it. At first he was nervous, but in minutes he was exploring everything. It all fascinates him. When I stepped out of sight for a moment he began with his gravelly "hello", until I came back and joined in the games.

Thanks for your words of encouragement. Mingus is the name of a famous Jazz bass player from the 40's. Turns out he was also a really big, mean dude. Not at all descriptive of my high-energy Timneh!

My male 4 month-old Timneh and I are in our 3rd week together. I have experience with parrots but not with Timnehs, and I'd rather learn from others than make mistakes with my baby. ANY ADVICE HERE? I have him eating lots of fresh food, harrison's pellets, and a fair amount of kaytee handfeeding formula (he was "weaned", but he likes this, so I offer it from a spoon a couple of times per day). His primaries are clipped, but he still tries to fly a lot (mostly to get from his cagetop to me, or from me back to the cage). I try to keep him low so he does not injure himself. Does your Timneh do this? The exercise is probably good. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THIS? So far no talking, but we play a lot, I name things for him, sing to him, etc. His baby begging is giving way to some crazy babbling at times, especially when we shower, when the dishwasher is on, or music is playing. ANY WORDS OF WISDOM FOR ME? A couple of days ago he let me scratch his head. Now he is hooked! Lastly, I've called him Mingus, but I'm not sure I really like the name. I'D GLADLY TAKE YOUR SUGGESTIONS ON A NEW NAME. Greg<br><br>Post edited by: Mingus, at: 2008/10/31 23:38