DavidH

Really cool photos of you and your family (including dogs and parrot, of course)! Good luck on the dander issue. Looks like you got some good advice from Dave and others.

Thanks to everyone for your observations and insights. It's all been very helpful. Our living room/dining room is roughly similar to Lisa's (not nearly as beautiful). We have two sets of glass sliding doors, but without window panes. No ceiling fans. No other huge hazards. The biggest fear would be the open doors. The neighborhood is full of hawks, owls and coyotes. And then there's the great beyond -- far from the neighborhood. But I'm definitely leaning toward what Dan and others suggested -- letting Shanti get at least some flight experience and see if things turn out healthy, happy and safe. Thanks also to everyone who's been reading the blog! I'm so thrilled that you're enjoying it. -- David

I really am undecided about clipping Shanti's flight feathers. Part of me says yes, part of me says no. Shanti is almost 8 months old and has never flown -- was clipped early by the breeder. On the one hand, I find it hard to accept preventing a bird from flight. On the other hand, I recognize the risks of flight, and am not sure flying is in Shanti's best interests in terms of safety, security and quality of life. I'm sure this has been discussed a lot here, and I don't expect anyone to come up with THE answer, but I'd like to hear some views. Thanks, David

For a readable introduction of what Greys are capable of in terms of language comprehension check out Irene Pepperburg's book "Alex and Me." This link should get you started: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=96897162

Don't worry. Mine is almost 8 months and hasn't said his first word either. He still manages to do something mindblowingly great every day though!

Shanti is very kissy-face. Likes to connect tactilely with other people (me, basically) through his beak. Loves me to pet his beak, especially late-at-night cuddling/scrinching time. Now if I could only get him to step up. I'm making progress. He's been on my hand a couple of times and will step up with one foot for a treat. Clings to the bar with the other one though.

That's wonderful, Rachel. I've had mine for 4 weeks, and it's still as awesome as the first day.

Beautiful pictures. I had no idea the CAG loomed that much larger when they're next to each other. Now I want a TAG too -- adorable!

http://When my grandma's dog passed away unexpectedly she swore she wouldn't get another dog, but when someone gave her one as a gift she was thrilled. Now they're inseparable. Funny how that goes. Same thing happened to my mother, sister and wife with their respective cats and dogs. They all say "never again" and then open their broken hearts.

Another very sad story. From what I've read here, a pet shop is not the best place to board a bird. Others can comment on the perils of doing so vs. a veterinary boarding program, a friend's house or getting a bird-sitter to come to your house. Your wife's grief is perfectly understandable, and it's great that you're supporting her. The new baby will not replace the lost bird, but will work its healing magic and bring great blessings to your flock/family

Really good article, although it was sad to read about Sampson. The sidebar on pros and cons of different systems was especially valuable. I'm bookmarking for further research. Thanks, David

Hi Dan, I've been using plain water in one bottle followed by something called "8 in 1 Bird Bath Spray" which contains Aloe, in a second bottle. One thing I worried about was shpritzing him in the eyes. It's a mist, but I wouldn't want to get it in MY eyes. What do you think? Thanks, David

Thanks for your thoughts and recommendations, Gor. Good karma to you. -- David

1. Does anyone recommend a certain kind of scale for daily weighing? If so, what's a good source for purchase in the USA? 2. Shanti likes his spray bath every morning. It's part of his routine, and he's never resisted it. I've been using a good mist dousing in water with one bottle followed by a birdy spray (from Petco) that contains Aloe Vera in a second bottle . He actually seems to like the second spray better, but that may be because it's a smaller bottle and not at all intimidating. My question is, Is a quick daily spray bathing enough? Or do parrots need more of an extended bath?

I sent for the free Avian Biotech kit, but I am so NOT doing that feather plucking on my own. I'll let the vet handle it. The instructions say if you extract the feathers "the bird may twitch slightly," but it won't be harmed. I have a feeling Shanti would more than twitch slightly. More like go through the roof, scream and have a fit; so I'll pass on that. My breeder swears with supreme confidence that Shanti is male (visual experience, he claims), but we'll see.

Ethel is gorgeous and so are the finches!

I've written on my blog about why I wanted a parrot. The short version is I love birds, I long for daytime companionship, and I'm interested in animal consciousness. The linguistic ability of Alex and other African Greys fascinated me not because of the talking per se but because it corroborated the strong suspicion that parrots (and other birds) are extremely intelligent and emotional beings. (I also wouldn't mind living with a dolphin, sperm whale, bonobo or elephant, but obviously none of them are suitable for human houses.) As others have noted, the talking now seems secondary. Shanti hasn't said a word yet (only 7 months old), but he is emoting and interacting, relating to us like crazy. He's just wonderful to be around. On some level I don't even think of him as a parrot anymore -- just another soul who has joined our family/flock.

Thanks to everyone for all the great comments and suggestions. I feel a lot better just seeing the range of options and how different people have made sound choices on diet (and everything else around here). I will definitely consult the vet. I guess I got confused because the hype on the EXACT product says it's best to use it exclusively, i.e., without any fruits, vegetables or other extras. Since I've run into no one who follows a one-item diet, it sounded a little fishy (or birdy). As to the grain mix, thanks for the recipes. I could make my own or go with the beakappetit stuff, which sounds very similar to what I got from the breeder and am using now.

1. When I got Shanti, the breeder gave me a bagful of something called "Soak Mix," which, as the name suggests, is a mixed bunch of grains (lentils, chickpeas and others) that you soak overnight and then cook like rice. Shanti loves it, but breeder said it was only available from big wholesalers. Does anyone else use something like this, and if so, under what brand name? 2. I saw something in PETCO called "Exact," a dry packaged food that claims to provide "exact nutrition in every bite" for several species of large parrot, including Greys. Supposedly 1/2 cup every day meets ALL nutritional needs and requires no supplements Made by Kaytee products. Thoughts on that? Thanks, David

That sounds reasonable. Anyone know of the equivalent in the US?

Lots of good lessons in this story. Thanks for sharing, Dan, and I'm happy Dayo came through ok!

Hi Robert, Try Art in Sherman Oaks. Phone: (818) 783-7199

I love happy endings :cheer:

Well, looks like a lot of us are in the same boat on this issue. Shanti is getting really excitable just before bedtime (overtired?). The last couple of nights he has actually flapped his wings and leaped off the cage to the ground. Since I haven't been able to teach him to step up yet, he only leave the cage when he gets up the nerve to jump. Then it's hard to get him back in. He's unimpressed by the treat bribe. I think -- as mentioned above -- closing the doors a couple of hours earlier before bedtime is a good idea. I'll try that. If I could only get him to do the "step up," I'd be able to avoid the leaps and the roaming once he's on the ground. Occasionally, I can get him to put one foot down on my hand, but still a long way from "step up."

Four new photos of Shanti here: http:// http://s407.photobucket.com/albums/pp155/DavidHoward_photo/ Nothing special. Just Shanti being Shanti. We've had him for three weeks now. Such a blessing. I'm still thrilled! Also, some new entries at Shanti's blog: http://http://congo-african-grey-parrot.blogspot.com/