gecko_dance

Is there no more information that anyone can provide about this? I'm still a little worried about Gregory, forum spat notwithstanding, and any new knowledge or related experiences would be a great comfort. Can anyone link me to more information on the bottom-beaks-don't-flake issue?

I was trying to be lighthearted about my correction, not critical of your response. I really don't think the sarcastic tone is warranted. At any rate, I thought I had explained the coloration on the beak when I had said, "Please ignore the red coloration. It is not blood." If there was any confusion, I accept responsibility for not being more clear. At the risk of angering you further, would you mind providing a reference for the information you stated (lower beaks don't shed)? As you can imagine, after seeing the state of Gregory's beak this morning, I've been reading up on beak shedding, and this is the first I've heard that the lower beak doesn't flake. I found a picture (link below) of another grey who seems to have a shedding beak as well. What is the issue at work here if it isn't beak growth? http://www.mrparrots.com/birds/africangrey/africangrey1.jpg

It doesn't look raw. There is no infection. Once again for those in the cheap seats: please ignore the red coloration. It is blueberry juice and has nothing at all to do with the post.

This falls somewhere in the realm of "I know this is probably nothing to worry about, but just in case..." Mostly, I just need my new-parent jitters soothed, but it never hurts to ask. Gregory the timneh's beak (around 3 y/o, owned for 4 months) has always had some flaking on his beak, but this morning, it went into what my gf and I would consider excessive. On the left-hand side of his lower beak, about 3/4 of the material has its top two "layers" missing. I'm attempting to attach a picture, but this forum has rejected my pics several times in the past. Please ignore the red coloration. It is not blood; Gregory enjoyed a breakfast of blueberries this morning. Is this natural beak shedding or indicative of something greater? Hope all who share my time zone are enjoying the weather. Cheers... Mike (and Gregory)

Wonderful, thank you. It's strange that information n molting isn't as available as the info on diet, housing, behavior, since it's such a big part of their lives. I appreciate the help.

It's very possible that this has been covered, but a quick search at work didn't turn up the info I was looking for. Gregory the TAG, approximately 2 1/2, has been fussing with his chest feathers a lot in the past few days. We've seen him pulling out small grey feathers along with the usual drift of fluffy down from his nightly preen. Last night, the area around the door where he usually perches to preen had about 10-15 small grey feathers littered about at the end of the night. So far, we don't see any exposed skin and aren't sure whether to be worried or not. He still has a good appetite and is still his normal chirpy self, but just seems to be paying too much attention to his chest. We can't find a lot of information about molting greys and aren't sure what to expect when that takes place. Is it a yearly occurrence, like a cat shed? Do they pluck out the old to make room for the new or do the old feathers fall out on their own? Does this have nothing to do with molting and is a symptom of something else, dry skin or boredom? Any info would be appreciated. Many thanks. Mike

Gregory the timneh used to try everything when we first adopted him, but in the ensuing months, he has settled on apples and green beans almost exclusively. Occasionally, he will have a nibble of peas, carrots, or peppers, but no more than a nibble. Apples and beans, though, he will eat until full to bursting. Most of the literature/common knowledge advises providing a wide array of veggies lest the bird become bored but fail to mention any other drawbacks to a limited diet, and in the meantime, he's still going absolutely bonkers for apples and beans. Besides boredom, has anyone heard of any health risks to eating the same veggies every day? (he's on a pellet diet too, of course).<br><br>Post edited by: gecko_dance, at: 2009/01/09 04:13

We just adopted Gregory, our TAG, who is believed to be about 2 or 2 and a half years old (his former owner passed away, so we are not exactly sure when he was born). Gregory doesn't talk, but he makes what we call duck sounds. It seems that in most people's experience, their grays start talking around 5-6 months. Is Gregory beyond the talking age? It's ok with us if he doesnt speak.. we're just curious -Christine and Michael

We just took our first family photo tonight!!! From left-- Gregory, Christine, Michael

Hi all, You may have already been introduced to Gregory, our handsome little TAG, through some of our recent posts. We wanted to take a moment to show appreciation and support for the avian refuge where we adopted our loving Gregory. In our search to adopt a Grey, we were lucky enough to come across UNDER MY WING AVIAN REFUGE in NJ. Their mission, in short, is to intake rescued birds that need a permanent home, as well as find suitable parents for the adoptable birds. During the adoption process we saw the extreme love and devotion that Paula, the founder, and her crew give to these birds in need. We wanted to write this post for two reasons: 1) If you know anyone in the NY/NJ/CT area that is looking to adopt a bird, especially a bird in need, this is a fantastic place. Paula and her team will give you TONS of info and support. (Note: Gregory’s adorable sister Lucy is adoptable!!) 2) If you want to help a great bird refuge, please consider donating to this organization. We accompanied Paula to a vet visit for Gregory and a few other birds and saw first hand how caring for all these birds can REALLY add up. You can donate here: http://www.undermywingavianrefuge.net/programs.html'>http://www.undermywingavianrefuge.net/programs.html and find more info here: http://www.undermywingavianrefuge.net (FYI- Their site works best in explorer) Thanks for reading, Michael and Christine Post edited by: gecko_dance, at: 2008/12/03 04:08 Post edited by: gecko_dance, at: 2008/12/03 04:20<br><br>Post edited by: gecko_dance, at: 2008/12/03 04:21

I really appreciate all the great info, everyone. Like I said, we definitely have first-time-parent nerves, and I think we might be trying a little too hard to go "by the book." Most of the literature out there warns of sleep-deprived birds going stress-crazy and plucking themselves to pieces, but most of the real-world scenarios seem to point to what you all have been saying -- that they'll sleep when they're sleepy if they're able. I think we'll be able to relax a little bit now and enjoy a few more hours together with him in the evenings.

Thanks for all the feedback, everyone. We'll make a few rearrangements to make sure he stays warm.

As Gregory settles in, Christine and I begin to develop typical first-time-parent jitters. The two that arose today have to do with his bedtime. Part une -- The consensus about grey bedtimes is that they are up and down with the sun and keeping them up much past sunset can cause stress. Since we both work full-time, that means Gregory would be hitting the hay (hitting the perch?) about an hour before we get home from work. Will giving him out-of-cage time after we get home be a good idea anyway? Part deux -- We live in a typical NYC apartment in that it's heated through steam pipes that we do not control. Sometimes, it gets colder than we like, and overnight, it gets downright frigid. We thought covering the cage with an electric blanket on low would keep away the considerable chill. Does anyone know of any dangers involved with using an electric blanket around greys (aside from keeping the cord away from them of course)? Are there any dangers from fumes from a new blanket? So many neuroses, so little time. Gregory says hi. Michael n' Christine<br><br>Post edited by: gecko_dance, at: 2008/12/01 03:06

And another of him enjoying a post-move Nutri-berry.

A pic of Gregory fresh out of the carrier.

Super-mega-ultra update! In a surprise move by the woman that runs the sanctuary in which she said "The faster we can get him settled, the better, and you two obviously love him, so..." added to the fact that Gregory's sister was apparently chewing on the sweet little guy, we took Gregory home today. He's exhausted from a day of blood tests, antibiotics, and a move across state lines, but he's home at last and settling in. We've already discovered that he really, REALLY likes carrots.

Mega super update -- the visit went well and we got the thumb's up from the board member. Now we wait for a final vote, wait for a vet visit, and Gregory is on his way home.

Any areas in particular that we should be paying attention to? We've covered -- cords, candles, the death trap that is the kitchen, house plants.

The process to adopt Gregory, our TAG-to-be, takes another step forward this Wednesday, when a rep from the agency will come to inspect whether or not our apartment is parrot-safe. Wish us luck...

Behold, the glory of Gregory! This is Christine, my girlfriend, and Gregory bonding during our first visit. No worries, we've considered the fact that a shelter bird might be a little less...forgiving, shall we say, than a baby bird, but this is still a very young animal, about two years, brought to the shelter almost immediately after weaning due to the death of his owner. Other than contact with the very excellent workers at the shelter, he would have had very few opportunities to pick up bad behaviors. We're now considering this cage for young Gregory... http://www.queencitypets.com/9003223.asp EDIT: And thank you for the excellent cage suggestion. We're now in a debate between added height with a dome top or less height but with play top.<br><br>Post edited by: gecko_dance, at: 2008/11/23 03:28

Excellent, I'll take a few click-throughs. Thanks... Post edited by: gecko_dance, at: 2008/11/23 01:58<br><br>Post edited by: gecko_dance, at: 2008/11/23 02:07

After your comment, I went back to take a look at the dimensions, and I realized I'd been looking at the "overall dimensions" listing and not the "actual cage" dimensions. You're right, that is too small. Thanks for the heads-up.

Hello, all. I've been lurking in the articles for some time now, and thought I should introduce myself. I'm Michael, and my girlfriend Christine and I are currently in the process of adopting of TAG from an avian rescue center. We've passed the initial application, bonded well with our (hopefully) bird during a visit, and the home visit is next. As such, it's definitely time to start thinking about housing for the little guy. I wanted to ask everyone's opinion on this cage I found. The low price compared to its large size gives me pause that there may be something amiss, and I would love some feedback before I order, on the cage, manufacturer and/or web site. http://www.bird.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=502903+WHT Many thanks,all, who contribute to such a wonderful site... Michael