PrettyPax

Sophie is one of my favorite names of all time! Good choice for your bird. Welcome to the forum. B)

Jaco1007, my bird is also 15 months old and has followed a similar pattern. When she first started losing her chest feathers I thought it indicated a picking/plucking problem. I was pretty worried because it happened over the course of a couple weeks. Now, she is looking much better because the feathers have grown in on her chest, however she is still in the process of the same molt which has gone on for several months now. It took nearly a month before I noticed the pin feathers. Can any one tell me how long a bird's first major molt can last?

Parrot cordon bleu, anyone?

All these recipes sound quite tempting :lol: Pax has been a very naughty parrot today. I turned my back for a second and discovered her chewing on my cell phone charger. My boyfriend has already had to replace two chargers because of her! You'd think I'd be better at bird proofing my house by now.

How noisy is the room where the bird's day cage is around bed time? If it's going to be too disruptive then it's probably a good idea to have a sleep cage in a quieter room. A cranky, sleep deprived bird is not very much fun.

I was "babysitting" my friend's Amazon and I played some really twangy, Hank Williams songs with lots of yodeling, and what do you know? The bird started started bobbing her head, dancing and singing "Wah, Wah, Wah". Her owner who is a native New Yorker, was distressed when I told him his bird likes country music:P

I have a wide variety of cd's and I'm always playing music for my bird to find out what she might respond to. I've been watching youtube videos of Greys bobbing their heads, beat boxing, and "dancing" to music. There is a grey that loves the Patsy Cline song "Crazy" and another that really loves it when its owner plays "Lord of the Dance" by the Dubliners (it sings "Donce, Donce" with a New Zealand accent). Not to mention the heavy metal loving, head banging Cockatoo. What kinds of songs to your birds/Greys like?

The China Syndrome - Jack Lemmon

Hey Dereck. It's nice to see a fellow cheese head in the forum. So, you're thinking of getting a new baby? I'd recommend Pax's breeder. They're located in the Milwaukee area and their website is joviesgreys.com.

When was his last molt? That might have something to do with it. Another possibility could be dry skin. Sounds to me like a vet visit might be in order for your little guy.

You should introduce yourself and Fred in the "welcome" section of the forum.

Fred seems like a really interesting bird who has found a great home. How did the vet visit go?

WHere is the Bird Shoppe? Is it in the midwest? You see, I live in Madison, Wisconsin and we don't have any stores that specialize in exotic birds. The closest one I can think of is in Milwaukee.

In terms of re-sizing the photos to fit the site's specifications, do you have an adobe photo shop- like program? There's a tab called something like "image size" and you can adjust the dimensions that way.

Monty sounds like a lucky bird! I'd also like to learn more about the materials that go into constructing an aviary. Have you checked Amazon.com? I've seen some some "how to" books on constructing aviaries and cages.

What a cutie!! I love his big, black eyes!! Congrats on your baby.

During the day it's good to keep your Grey in the room that will be the the most stimulating. Whether it's the room with the tv or radio or with the bright colors, you want your grey to be entertained. If the grey had a choice, it would probably want to accompany you everywhere you go. Greys always want to be part of a flock. When it's time for him to go to bed you want to give Fred the quietest room possible. I bought a Pax a rather cheap, but functional "sleep cage" and I keep it in our spare study area/ computer room. I've learned that a Grey's good night sleep is very important. When she's been sleep deprived my bird acts really bitchy. Can't wait to see the pictures!

1.) Yes, babies sometimes tend to feel safer towards the bottom of the cage. I put a towel at the bottom of Pax's cage so she'd be more comfortable. 2.)If he started to eat at the end of your first 24 hours together, that's fine. You're right that he's getting used to his new home. Be worried if he doesn't eat. 3.) It's totally normal for birds to sleep on one foot. It's sleeping on two feet that usually indicates a problem. 4,) You probably don' t want to let your house get any colder than 68 degrees. My breeder said as much to me when I got Pax. Sounds like you've got a great set-up for your bird. The humidifier is definitely a good idea as Greys are prone to dry, itchy skin. G If your wife has allergies an air purifier is also a good idea. A Grey's feathers collect dust easily. Showering/misting your bird regularly will keep the dust /dander factor down. The first days of of grey ownership are pretty exciting. Let us know how everything goes.

You're right in that it's dangerous to use words like "All of the time". The occasional accident where you don't want the bird to go is inevitable. In general, how would you go about training the bird to defecate in a place of your choosing?

Excellent post , Dave. But I'm curious, are you saying that a Grey cannot be trained to defecate solely in its cage ALL of the time?

Great Pictures!! I've never seen a Jenday Conure and I think your little dude is gorgeous!! Your house definitely sounds like a zoo - that's what I aspire to have one day!

Have you tried wheat pasta or bread? Another good idea is to get some instant oatmeal (plain) and mix it with some baby food. I believe it was Judygram who recommended it. My bird is sooo picky about the temperature of her food, she really prefers everything to be heated. Also in terms of vitamins, people on the forum have suggested Red Palm Oil because it is an integral part of a Grey's diet in the wild. There have been many posts on the board written about it. You should check it out.

I agree with DanmcQ whole heartedly. As well intentioned as you and your husband are, it sounds like a Grey isn't the best fit for the two of you. Also, given your current situation, the uneasy relationship you have with Mika is not likely to get better. It's best to focus on what is best for you and for your bird, and whether yours is truly Mika's "forever" home. I'm sorry to be so pessimistic. Lastly, another thing that I've discovered is that it's impossible to simultaneously be a neat freak and be a happy African Grey owner. If you're so worried about the the droppings around the house, train your bird to wear a flight suit.

My CAG, Pax, is also in the process of molting. I was also uncertain of what to expect - I actually thought she was picking her feathers out - I was THAT worried. For several weeks Pax's chest was nothing but fuzz, and around the blades of her wings the feathers looked really frayed and ratty. Gecko_dance, one thing I've learned is spray the bird regularly with warm water and aloe juice. It really helps with the dry skin they have during the molt. I also leave her perched on the shower rod with the hot shower running (door closed) so she can soak up the humidity. I am by no means an expert on everything Grey related, however I have gleaned alot of knowledge in the last few months because Pax's molt has been pretty dramatic.

Welcome to the forum Pami, Steve and Lola:) I joined about 2 weeks ago and I've been learning a lot from the Grey Gurus. Even though I read all the literature I could find before I got my CAG, Pax, the quality of information I've received here has probably been more valuable. I've been given so much help already with day to day concerns. Keep us updated!