ranaz

I read this link also, it is interesting. http://www.birdchannel.com/media/bird-behavior-and-training/bird-behavior-issues/parrot-reflection-obsession.aspx.pdf :cheer: {Nature-00020095}{Nature-00020095}

Hi Guys I have read this thread some time back and I decided to research this further. I found this link that is also interesting: http://www.africangreys.com/articles/relationships/mirror.htm I have made few experiments with Kookie to now if he recognizes his own image. I have noted the following behaviours. # Initially facing a large mirror, Kookie fluffed his feathers and started head bobbing, I am not sure due to excitement or to show the guy in the mirror that he is strong and ready for fight. # closer to the mirror, Kookie tries to touch his beak to the image and make clicking noises # after that he tries licking the parrot in the mirror # then he decided to go behind the mirror to see who is there. Back and front a couple of times, then I guess he realised its himself # I showed him a peanut behind him (he saw it first in the mirror), first he neared the mirror to get it, then he turned back to the real peanut Now upon introducing a small mirror in his cage (a wooden framed one) # Kookie loved it, but since mirror size is too small, it showes only his face image,so he tried to beak it. He seems so interestedby this and could play with it for a long time. # When he is able to hold the mirror by his foot, he attacks it in a funny way, he is not really angry, I could tell by his body language, because he continued whisteling and singing, which is not the case if he fel threatened I guess he recognizes it as a toy and no a real threat The last thing I noticed, which compelled me to write theses comments was that I noticed some sexual behaviour with Kookie (5 year old) twice after I cleaned his mirror. He doesnt often dispay sexual behaviour so I thought it is due to the mirror Now, sorry this comment has gone very long, but i would like to get your comments on this to see how other greys react. Thanks guys and hope to hear your replies soon

Thanks Im checking it out right now Thanks

great news...lucky mama {Nature-00020095}

We would love to see some pix...of them both

Hopefully all will be ok ... prayers for you {Nature-00020095}{Nature-00020095}

Wow he is beautiful...shiny fearthers and all, keep updating us, I really like following up on his progress {Nature-00020095}

Thanks Hes doing great, I got the scare more than him... Glad Charlie is ok too

Found this link for Training a parrot to bring something. Qite interesting...I will start the training... Here is the link: http://www.eliteparrotsclub.com/blog/ And here is the training: 10 Steps For Performing The pick up Trick First, I'll list the steps needed to accomplish this training and then I will expand on each step. Here are the steps in a quick-view format: Step 1: Identify the object to be retrieved Step 2: Pick up the object Step 3: Speak the bridge word Step 4: Select a retrieve command Step 5: Let the parrot come and pick up the object with no treat Step 6: Repeat the bridge word Step 7: Place your hand under object Step 8: Praise and reward Step 9: Repeat until the parrot gets the idea Step 10: Move farther away In this trick, we want to introduce a new concept: the Pick up & Drop. A bridge is simply a word which is used to let the parrot know it is doing exactly what you desire. Good Bird or Good Job or whatever choice you use for a bridge word should be consistent so the parrot understands you are happy. Say the bridge word with a smile so your body language also says you are pleased. Now, let's look at each of these steps in more detail. Step 1: Identify the object to be retrieved Later, you will teach your parrot to bring anything you wish, but for initial training you must choose an object which is easy to pick up and carry for the bird and show it to the bird. Cuddle the object a bit, place it near your mouth. These actions show your parrot that the object is safe and will not bite or harm it in any way; they indicate you trust the object. Let the parrot touch the object and become familiar with it. You could also choose to use a toy you know the bird likes already if you wish but it can be more difficult to teach this trick because your bird may want to play with the object instead of bringing it to you. Step 2: Pick up the object Next, you want to get your parrot to pick up the object you wish to have retrieved. Place the object near the parrot. Place the object in the training area and place a treat next to it. Be sure your bird sees you put the treat beside the object and let the parrot go get the treat. Next time, place the treat on the other side of the object so he or she has to seek the treat. After the bird gets the idea that a treat will be associated with the object, hide the treat underneath the object and be sure your bird sees you do this. Now, let the parrot move the object to get the treat. In order to do this, the bird will have to pick the object up. Step 3: Speak the bridge word As soon as the bird moves the object to get to the treat, speak the bridge word so the bird knows it is doing well. It will catch on really fast that you are pleased and be willing to get a treat from under the object readily after a few attempts. Step 4: Select a retrieve command Choose the words you will use for the RETRIEVE command. You may want to use a long series of words instead of a single word so it will be new to your parrot. I like to use something like "Bring me the (name of object here)" because it is specific. When you say this command, you will also place your hand flat on the training area, at first very near the object, so your parrot can see where you want the object placed when it obeys your command. No matter what command you choose, be sure to use the hand signal with this trick because parrots are visual creatures by nature. Previously, there have been no hand signals but this is a more advanced trick and not based 100% on your parrot's instincts. Step 5: Let the parrot come and pick up the object with no treat: Now, place the object on the table but place no treat under the object. Say the chosen command. Your parrot will go look for the seed but find nothing. Once it picks up the object to look for the treat, immediately give it a treat. Repeat a few times, each time waiting longer to give the treat but allowing the parrot to recognize that it will get a treat if it picks up the object every time. Step 6: Repeat the bridge word Repeat your bridge word so you parrot knows it is doing well. Step 7: Place your hand under object Say the chosen command. As the bird picks up the object next time, move your hand under the object as that the object falls on your hand. Step 8: Praise and reward The very first time the object falls into your hand, say the bridge word and immediately give a nice reward and lots of praise. This lets your parrot know it has done something special. Step 9: Repeat until the parrot gets the idea Repeat Steps Five through Eight until your parrot is quite comfortable with the trick so far. Step 10: Move farther away As you practice the trick, slowly move your hand farther away from the object so that the parrot must move its head to drop the object in your hand in order to earn a reward. Then move your hand so it must take one single step to place the object in your hand. As it learns each new progression, move a little farther away until the bird must take several steps to place the object in your hand. Always remember to say the bridge word, reward and praise, praise, praise. In Closing With practice, your parrot will willingly bring an object several feet to place it in your hand. Over time, you can even ask it to bring it across the room. Be sure to keep training sessions short enough your bird doesn't get bored and become contrary. And always, always give lots of love and praise as well as treats at the end of every session so your parrot will look forward to trick training with you.

beautiful and very touching. God Bless u Dave

Lovely pictures...Great harness news...but how do you paste many pictures in the same message, tried that but it didnt work???? {Emotions-000200C1}

LOL this thrd is funny...and I like the playing dumb part, it almost always works...but carefull.. {Nature-00020095}{Nature-00020095}

So Sorry for your loss, just saw the ideo and it put me in tears

Wow I just saw his thread and Im so excited myself...4 eggs, OMG, I hope they all hatch and u get 4 healhy babies. Pleasekeep us posted..or better give us the link to the webcm link... {Nature-00020095}{Nature-00020095}

You ar right Judy, Kookie was not disturbed by the rattle it self, he was happy wih the noise it makes everytime he moves his beak, he actually tried to preen himself with it on... but I was afraid it migt brake off the tip of his beak or even worse injure his tongue or if he swallows the small rattle inside... As you said greys always manage to make a mess and thats why we lovethem more. Thanks {Nature-00020095}{Nature-00020095}<br><br>Post edited by: ranaz, at: 2009/09/18 18:01

How sweet, and she will get more acrobatic with time. Mine is more of a monkey the way he hangs upside down by one leg and swings and sings ...unbelievably cute {Nature-00020095}{Nature-00020095}

Here is a picture of the plastic rattle ball which caused the trouble:

Hi Guys Just wanna share with you an incident that happened today. Kookie broke into his plastic rattle ball and somehow got to the metal ball inside that makes the rattling noise. In no time he stuck his upper beak into it and couldnt get it off. The more I tried to remove it, the deeper his beak went in (the small tip of his beak) and I was afraid to break it. Finally I had to towel him which he hates. Dad got bitten twice while trying to help me and Kookie was in panick state now, trying to restle away from the towel. I was really scared I might break his neck or his beak while trying to remove it. Finally I got a pen wth a thin tip and was able somehow to get it off. That was scary, and Kookie was disturbed that he sat silently on his tree refusing to talk or to eat. Now, an hour later, Sweet Kookie is on his tree like nothing ever happened, talking and dancing and asking for head scratches. His beak has a little scratch mark but hes back to his usual fun state. Take care guys with such rattle balls as our greys always find ways to get themselves in trouble...sweet creatures...

the racoon looks naughty<br><br>Post edited by: ranaz, at: 2009/09/17 22:39

funny looking cage, thanks for sharing {Nature-00020095}

Thank you all for your comments. Kookie has lots of character and he is always busy...dont we all feel so proud of our greys... {Nature-00020095}{Nature-00020095}

{Nature-00020095}I guess this is worthwhile all the waiting as your grey will be more ready and healthier, its good that you can visit regularly Post some pics of him if you can {Nature-00020095}{Nature-00020095}

Welcome back and awaiting the pictures {Nature-00020095}{Nature-00020095}

congratulations...hes in love ...its obvious {Nature-00020095}{Nature-00020095}

Ooops, thank God greys arent so visous when they are hormonal...well take care and hope this doesnt last long {Nature-00020095}{Nature-00020095}