lovethatgrey

Wow. You have your work cut out for you. Give it some time. You'll all figure it out as a flock.

Good for you for doing your research! Before I met my african grey I knew it was a matter of WHEN and not a matter of IF. Ready or not when, I met her there was no way that I was going to let her go to be bought by someone else. You might want to stay away from pet stores just in case you "fall in love" with one of the african greys and develop african grey fever:silly: . Then you'll have to rearrange your plans.{Feel-good-00020114}

I understand what you are trying to convey Katana and I appreciate the time as well as the effort that you took to write this post. I am not an avian expert nor do I have alot of parrot experience either. What I can say is that I really love my parrots and on some level I feel very passionate about all parrots. I take being a parrot owner seriously and although those pictures may have seemed "innocent and cute" I felt they sent or illustrated the wrong message to potential parrot owners or those who are parrot owners but are not as knowledgeable. It isn't just the lack of enzymes to digest the lactose.. it is also the refined sugar found in icecream. I love ice cream too but I couldn't not risk this type of product to my parrots in fear of causing them bodily discomfort and who knows what else. With that said... along with the professional advice from my board certified and 25 years of experience avian vet I enjoy reading the threads of niche forums like this one. I know there would have been a time that I would have chuckled at pictures of parrots eating icecream and other types of junk food and believed it to be harmless as well since others were doing it too and noone on the thread opposes it or speaks out. Not everyone has the critical thinking or takes the time to scrutinize what they see or read on the internet. Dairy products like eggs are fine and a very tiny sliver of cheese is ok once in a while. Like already mentioned most things in moderation. Moderation does not mean on a daily basis or a weekly basis either. Post edited by: lovethatgrey, at: 2009/09/07 18:01<br><br>Post edited by: lovethatgrey, at: 2009/09/07 18:03

My Emma piepie turns 18 months old tomorrow. I had a chance to capture some of her antics on video this weekend. Hope you enjoy.

It's basically the same as the recipe that I posted a while ago. http://www.greyforums.net/forums/bird-food/146389-added-collards-to-bird-mash-today.html#146457 Only difference is that I added quinoa and amaranthe and reduced the amount of brown rice. I soaked, rinsed and drained the quinoa for about 20 minutes before using. The amaranthe only required rinsing and straining before cooking or adding to the rice mixture. I tend to eyeball it alot instead of using actual measurements. Today I also added cayenne pepper. Perhaps next time I will used cinnamon or turmeric. Today's texture looked alot like thick oatmeal. I think alot of parrots tend to like this type of texture in their food. I'd also like to cook millet for them one day. You all should really try to experiment and create your own mashes. It is pretty fun and it's great to know exactly what you are feeding your parrots.

Darius is such a better name for him. He looks so regal looking!{Feel-good-00020114}

Congratulations! She looks very much at home and not at all distressed. That's wonderful!{Feel-good-00020114}

I think little parrots like senegals, parrotlets, caiques, etc tend to appreciate these type of items.

Today I made mash and it seems to be the best mash that I have ever made yet. I've made bird mash 4 times including this time. I make a batch which lasts 8 weeks and I serve it 3 times a week for variety and added nutrition. Anyway.. today I added quinoa and amaranthe and am so pleased with the results. If parrots could lick the bowl clean.. well that's what both of them did today. It was such a hit that after today I feel that there is no point in changing what works. Hopefully they don't get bored with it too soon but it sure feels good when they display appreciation for the effort. Today was my first time using either of these two grains and I must admit it was a bit challenging handling the amaranthe to rinse and clean it. I ended up having to use a tea strainer. Have any of you ever used this grain before? Post edited by: lovethatgrey, at: 2009/09/06 20:53 Post edited by: lovethatgrey, at: 2009/09/06 20:55<br><br>Post edited by: lovethatgrey, at: 2009/09/07 00:55

Very interesting. Thanks to the both of you.

Judy, how much smaller are the fine pellets compared to the bigger size? I might have to consider purchasing the smaller size.

Alot of waste was going on in this household too. Emma loves her Harrison's pellets but I still chop the pieces in half for her. This seems to cut down on unintentional waste. Regarding the vegetables and fruits, I started chopping them in much smaller pieces as well.

Well it is too bad that you are going to let the way you "feel" get in the way of your parrot's health. No one is born knowing all this stuff about caring for parrots... but you would think that when you know better, then you do better. Hopefully this information will help to educate other parrot owners.

I don't use Zupreem but have read positive comments about this pellet. He seems so lucky to have such a conscientous and caring parront like you. Consider purchasing a vegetable kabob where your can skewer different fruits and vegetables on it for him. Regarding the toys... try playing with them yourself in front of him and show him that you are having an awesome time. Perhaps he needs to be encouraged a little. My parrot loves it when I sing to her.. sing softly to him. He might enjoy that too.

Parrots lack the enzymes to digest lactose. Of course none of this matters because your parrot looks like he is enjoying his ice cream right? It also doesn't matter that he weighs less than 1 kg and what may seem like a bit to you is probably a generous amount to him. I just hope that people who read this thread but don't post realize and understand that icrecream is not good for any parrot. This is not my personal opionion. This is scientific fact. Regarding table food? Well that's another topic altogether. http://www.birdchannel.com/bird-diet-and-health/bird-nutrition/can-birds-have-dairy.aspx

Yes.. I do agree with the above post. Keeping your grey interested, busy and distracted is very helpful too. Try to observe what types of toys he enjoys. I would include a preening toy in his cage so he can preen that instead of himself. Is he a destroyer, or does he enjoy foraging, maybe puzzles...etc Eventually you might want to introduce shower or bathing to him as well. Please don't ever give up on offering him fresh vegetables raw or cooked. Especially the dark green and bright orange variety. Example.. sweet potato, broccoli, squash, dandelion etc. I don't use this product myself but alot of parrot owners also include red palm oil in the diet. I will probably add this in the winter months. Out of curosity.. what type of pellet do you offer him?<br><br>Post edited by: lovethatgrey, at: 2009/09/06 15:52

It is my opinion that the expensive, sophisticated and specialized lighting "purchased" by zoos, and similar type of centers have credibility, benefit and value but the ones sold to the "average" parrot owner are probably of very little value. Especially considering the prices charged for these items. I would prefer having an outdoor cage for my parrot rather than spend the money on these products. In the winter months I would just ensure to give my parrots a balanced diet as usual. There are so many natural sources of vitamin D available in foods and nuts. I knew that the lights have to be kept a certain distance away from the birds but I didn't realize that there was no warmth or heat provided. Thanks for the info. Dave - how close can heat lamps be when trying to keep baby parrots warms? Post edited by: lovethatgrey, at: 2009/09/06 05:31<br><br>Post edited by: lovethatgrey, at: 2009/09/06 05:35

Personally I feel that those lamps are just a market gimmick and a waste of hard earned money. At the very least they are ok to provide warmth and heat for the bird.<br><br>Post edited by: lovethatgrey, at: 2009/09/06 02:31

Ice cream really is NOT healthy for your parrot.<br><br>Post edited by: lovethatgrey, at: 2009/09/06 04:03

The picture certainly looks like he has been plucking. Poor little fella. You mentioned that you have children. Do you live in a calm environment or is it noisy and hectic? Where is your parrot's cage located? I recommend placing the cage in an area where your parrot has privacy yet can also observe and feel included in what's going on. This location should not be directly where there is alot of of traffic. I also would not place the cage directly in front of a window or where there is a draft either. Do take your parrot to the avian vet to have a general exam. This is very important and shouldn't be ignored.<br><br>Post edited by: lovethatgrey, at: 2009/09/06 02:22

I think that with gentle persistence, kindness, time and patience you will be able to have a good relationship with Ragga. You have more work cut out for you because you both have to start from nothing. Trust and confidence takes time to build and all of a sudden Ragga finds himself in the house of a stranger he has never met before. I've always thought it pretty interesting that people are comfortable with purchasing a pet they have never met in advance. I know that I personally could never do that. Being able to hold them and look in to their eyes is a must for me before even considering to invite them into my home/life. Give the both of you lots of time to get used to each others presence. Post edited by: lovethatgrey, at: 2009/09/05 19:06 Post edited by: lovethatgrey, at: 2009/09/05 19:07<br><br>Post edited by: lovethatgrey, at: 2009/09/05 19:08

I definitely already knew about the preening gland and its purpose. I just didn't realize that the feathers would never appear truly drenched even if the african grey was indeed very wet. Sachi my other parrot is a pionus parrot and pionus parrots do not have the preening gland or uropygial gland because of this they have special dietary needs. Post edited by: lovethatgrey, at: 2009/09/05 18:21<br><br>Post edited by: lovethatgrey, at: 2009/09/05 18:22

Congratulations on your two girlies.{Feel-good-00020114} I would think that it will just take alot of time before they are comfortable, accepting and respectful of each other's presence. Perhaps almost a year. You will just have to continue forging ahead and make sure to demonstrate to the both of them that you love them both. Personally I think it's important to still demonstrate to Echo that she is still TOP bird by serving her first, cleaning her cage first etc. She is merely acting out because it's all new to her and has never really had to share you or her toys and space before. In my case.. it took at least 7 months before I sensed that my parrots were ok with each other.<br><br>Post edited by: lovethatgrey, at: 2009/09/05 02:05

I would think that you need to be ready for the possibility that male parrot may bond in that way with one of your females but perhaps they may hate each other. It's a risk that you take and the way I see it.... you need to be prepared for the worst possible outcome but hope for the best.

I have a full time job and am quite busy myself. Before meeting my parrots I probably thought the same as you and didn't really think that I was up to the commitment. When I got my parrots I started to prioritize alot more. The more I get to know my parrots.. the more I love them and .. .. the more I tend to prioritize even more so. All I can say is that I wasn't looking for either of my parrots when I first met the each of them. It is because of how I feel about them that I am able and willing to make the necessary adjustments for them in my life.<br><br>Post edited by: lovethatgrey, at: 2009/09/05 01:50